Canon Powershot S5 IS Review

The Canon Powershot S5 IS integrates state-of-the-art features which increases the overall quality of images. The Optical Image Stabilizer (OIS) provides high-definition solid images coupled with high performance optics that makes this unit the best tool for various photographers.

The design of the Canon Powershot S5 IS was carefully thought out. The various buttons are accessible by the thumb and forefinger alone. A 4-direction navigational panel provides easy access to the various features of the S5. While the various buttons like ISO, Function, Display, Set and Menu are conveniently spaced to avoid mistakes. The mode dial at the upper end of the camera provides easy access to various modes offered and can be easily turned with the thumb. The design also integrates a hot shoe for an external flash if needed.

The DIGIC III image processor provides image stability, and the integrated Face Detection Technology ensures enhanced focus, detail, and color of your shots. Red-eye correction system also makes this a very valuable tool in eliminating red-eye problems, especially in low-lighted conditions. The Face Detection system can detect a total of nine faces in an area and provides proper focus and balance to accommodate a higher detail in picture quality. The ISO setting of up to 1600 provide more vivid pictures in different lighting environment. This greatly increases the overall quality of the shots itself.

This Canon Powershot S5 IS model supports a 2.5-inch vari-angle LCD with 207k pixels which provides high-quality views of your subjects in different environments. You can also change the various settings for the LCD to accommodate either a low light or bright scenario during your shots. The LCD screen also helps for easy navigation of the various features in the Powershot S5 IS.

Canon Powershot S5 IS incorporates a 12x zoom with Ultrasonic Motor (USM) and UD lens, and 8.0 mega pixel CCD that compliments the DIGIC III and the Face Detection system. And the auto configuration of the ISO settings can provide a stable output and reduces blur. Also the “Face Detection” Auto-Focus/Auto-Exposure can be used while recording movies – focus and exposure automatically adjusts on moving subjects to avoid blurs and accommodate the slight or fast movements of your recording.

This unit provide excellent quality movie recording and the audio input is much improved. The design of the Canon Powershot S5 IS contains a dedicated button for instant switch from still photography to movie recordings. 64-levels of stereo sounds for audio and movie files adds to the total quality of the footage, and a wind noise filter to maintain quality audio coverage in any outdoor environment.

Images sizes offered by the Canon Powershot S5 IS varies from 640 x 480 up to 3264 x 2448, while movie shots can be captured with 640 x 480 (at 30/15 fps) and 320 x 240 (at 60/30/15 fps)

Creative shooting is now possible with the various modes and features offered by the S5 IS. 22 shooting modes which ranges from automatic to manual can be accessed giving you a free reign in changing shutter speed and aperture priority. A new My Category features bundles these modes for the user’s convenience, saving combo setting for various scenes providing the convenience of switching modes in any environment. Other modes with this unit include Portrait, Landscape, Sports, Night Scene (for low lighted environment), Super Macro and Special Scene.

Aside from the Scene Modes, White balance provides adjusted quality for different lighted environment such as Auto, Daylight, Tungsten, Cloudy, Fluorescent, Flash and Custom for manual adjustments.

Transfer files from your Canon Powershot S5 IS can be achieved with its USB 2.0 compatible feature. You easily jack it to your PC or Laptop and enjoy high speed transfer. Also, an easy print feature is incorporated into the camera for instant printing. Memory is no longer a problem with the S5, aside from the 32MB card included in the package; you can also choose to upgrade your memory capability with its SD/SDHC/MMC compatible card slot guaranteeing more shots.

A summary of S5 IS features:

• 8.0 megapixels
• Optical zoom 12 X
• CCD Sensor
• JPEG Image output format
• 2.5" vari-angle LCD screen size
• Movie recording speed: 30/15 fps & 60/30/15 fps
• MMC, SDHC and SD card Compatible
• External Flash capable
• Face Detection System
• 22 shooting modes
• USB output

Pros: The versatile features, easy navigation, well-thought out design, advanced image quality features make the Canon Powershot S5 IS the best digital camera yet.

Cons: With the Canon Powershot S5 IS, no disadvantage has been found as of yet making this the best camera in the market today.

Overall: One of the best digital camera every released. The Canon Powershot S5 IS provides best quality in a variety of situation. And with the various features included, this is a powerful versatile camera for any photographers out there.

Attached Images

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