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The Canon PowerShot S5 IS is an Electronic Viewfinder (EVF) camera with an optically stabilized 12x zoom with an equivalent 36-432mm lens. The 8-megapixel digital camera is powered by the Digic III engine and incorporates face detection technologies and a 2.5 inch LCD that is articulated for composing photos at challenging angles. The S5 IS also feature on-the-fly movie capture via a dedicated button, regardless of still shooting mode. Face Detection AF and autoexposure are among the movie mode offerings. Additionally, still frames during video recording are captured at full 8-megapixel resolution, and the S5 IS is "Windows Vista Ready" without any additional downloads or upgrades.
Hands On: The Canon PowerShot S5 IS feels good in the hand, whether shooting with the EVF or using the LCD viewfinder. For long-reach photography, we strongly recommend using the EVF and a two-handed grip to ensure stability, even with Optical Image Stabilization activated. We were able to achieve acceptably sharp images at full telephoto just over three full stops below the reciprocal focal length when shooting in this style -- 1/50 second on a 435mm lens. The EVF and LCD redraw quickly, and keep up with all but the speediest panning. Optical Image Stabilization keeps the scene crisp, if a little swimmy, when there's camera movement on either screen. The swiveling LCD helps frame challenging angles for those of us who aren't contortionists.
Image Quality: At ISO 80, image quality is Extremely High, bordering on Excellent, but it goes downhill pretty quickly, as resolution drops and noise increases as the ISOs climb. Noise is Low (1.9) at ISO 80, Moderate at ISO 100 (2.4) and 200 (2.5), but High/Unacceptable at ISO 400 (3.2), 800 (4.1) and 1600 (6.3). Resolution is Excellent at ISO 80 (1725), Extremely High at ISO 800 (1590), and High at ISO 1600 (1315). Color Accuracy is Extremely High with an Average Delta E of 8.2 at ISO 80, with Auto White Balance. The 12x zoom shows visible barrel distortion at 36mm (.44%), but distortion is well contained at both 216mm (Imperceptible Pincushion: .00%) and 432mm (Imperceptible Pincushion: .03%) In short, we're not pleased at all with the noise and resolution performance of this camera at ISO 400 and up. ISOs 100 and 200 are usable, but a camera of this class and at this price should produce better quality images at low ISOs. Our advice: never use the Canon PowerShot S5 IS above ISO 200 unless it is absolutely necessary. Use the lower ISOs, preferably ISO 80, and hope that the two to three stop gain in Image Stabilization will keep the image sharp, and keep the camera in its lower, higher-image-quality ISO range whenever possible.
Bottom Line: This is a great-looking EVF that is solidly built, fun to use, and has unique stereo recording for video capture. Dedicated buttons for image quality adjustments are a great touch, as is the articulated LCD screen. Optical Image stabilization allows for sharp shots even when the lighting isn't perfect, and overall the ergonomics and design of this camera are top-shelf. Unfortunately, image quality at ISO 400 and up isn't up to snuff, and it is a shame that such a well-designed camera from a major player suffers where it matters most.
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| Slowest Shutter Speed |
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15 |
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| Fastest Shutter Speed |
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3200 |
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| Screen Size |
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2.5 in |
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| Screen Resolution |
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207,000 |
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| Screen Type |
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LCD |
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| Maximum ISO |
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1600 |
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| Widest Focal Length |
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36 mm |
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| Longest Focal Length |
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432 mm |
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| Maximum Aperture |
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f/2.7 |
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| Zoom |
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12 |
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| Video Resolution |
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Up to 640x480 |
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| Video Frames per second |
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30 |
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| Battery |
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Rechargeable AA-size NiMH Battery (x4) |
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| Battery Life |
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Approx. 170 shots |
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| Width |
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4.6 in |
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| Height |
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3.15 in |
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| Depth |
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3.06 in |
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| Weight |
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15.9 oz |
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| Release Date |
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July 2007 |
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July 2007
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May 2007
The two 8-megapixel digicams both feature face detection and Optical Image Stabilization. |
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April 2008
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April 2008
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February 2008
Panasonic's newest top-of-the-line 10x zoomer may be their best yet. |
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February 2008
The 9.1-megapixel EVF camera offers an optically stabilized 15x zoom, advanced controls, and a tilt-out 3-inch LCD. |
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User Reviews
Here's how our visitors have reviewed this camera.
RATINGS |
AVERAGE RATINGS |
Overall quality |
9
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Ease of use |
8
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Fit and finish |
9
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Click-to-click speed |
8.5
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Display quality |
10
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Flash quality |
9
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Image quality |
9
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Overall value |
9
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RATING SCALE: 1 = WORST 10 = BEST |
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