Canon PowerShot S5 IS

Opinion: My Powershot S5-IS has travelled over 50,000km and it has not disappointed me... ever. A camera suitable for all purposes, it's a bit old now, but it is certainly the best point-and-shoot capable mid-size camera I have ever had. If you want something that is pretty cheap now, takes BEAUTIFUL pictures and shoots pretty decent 640 video, this is your camera, no doubt. I wouldn't compare it to any other camera. It's durable, has a magnificent giant screen and the preferences are easy to navigate, as on all Canon cameras.

Opinion: i do really enjoy using this camera, and i know its old. ive had it for about 2 years now (bought it new but it was a really really left over) i did a ton of research before upgrading from my coolpix, and for the money i had available to spend, this was my best choice. it is a good and capable camera, but i feel like the abailities far underweigh the size and weight of the camera. im still not happy with the low light abailty... however once you tweek the flash the right way, it is less unappealing... but never the less, i still feel like this camera could have been much better had a slightly larger sensor been used. i dunno. im not unhappy with it by any means, but my next upgrade will deff be to a dslr.

Opinion: I've had this camera for two years now & it's finally time to write a review on it. Although there are 2 generations following this model, this camera is a good value for the price. I purchased it because I didn't want to carry too many lenses but yet have the super-zoom capability.

Areas where the camera did well were:

- Great zoom (10X optical)
- Good physical size considering the 10x optical zoom lens.
- Great movie mode. The movie pretty much continues shooting unti I run out of memory.
- Great use of AA batteries. This was one I wanted in a camera.

Opinion: Very nice camera. It is small and has a good amount of features for a novice
photographer like me. The display flap that can also be used as your viewfinder is very
handy when you make photo's of ceilings etc.

Opinion: S5 IS is an excellent trawel companion and a capable tool for documentary photography.

Opinion: This is a great camera I have been very pleased with it, just realize it is not a DSLR. It has a smaller sensor and will have issues with noise over 200 ISO, just like most other digital cameras. If you work within the capabilities of the camera you will be very happy with the results. If you want better low light shots or higher ISO shots buy a DSLR for $500 more.

Opinion: This is a GREAT little travel or just plain when you don't want to haul around the EOS 30D size camera and lenses. The great optics coupled with the EIS enabled me to get pics from the Dallas Cowboys games from the upper deck to the opposite side of the field that were actually sharp. The swing out viewfinder is great for those "holding the camera about your head" shots. The flash is nice, but the fact that I can use the flash from my pro canon (430ex and 550ex) is an incredible "manufacturer loyalty" bonus. I've seen complaints about the ease with which the lens cover falls off, but they ignore the obvious....how many times do you forget to take the lens cover off when you turn the camera on? For me, that's LOTS! I'm glad it just pops off without putting any strain on the lens mechanics. It'll pay off in the long run.

Opinion: I am playing dSLR for 3 yrs, I bought this to use for cases I don't want to carry heavy equips. The IS with micro motor makes it zoom and focus fast. I also love the 12x zoom. I took it to shoot animals in a zoo, and got stunning results. Without comparing to similar products I should point out following not-so-perfect facts:
(1)As what I also say, best camera only standout when conditions are not ideal. When I take this camera to shoot in room. The noise compared to my 40D is not acceptable at ISO800. This camera is almost useless at ISO800. At ISO400 only good enough for newspaper. But below ISO 400, the picture, especally video are great.
(2)Another problem is relative. The operations are through menu, which feels no good for catching moment. But maybe compared to other consumer level cameral, it is the way it should be.
(3)ALSO it sucks is its DC input-- non standard plug.
I hate non-standard. I have to buy everything for each electronics?! My house is already filled with cellphone chargers.
(4) the viewfinder is too small to be useful. why does the camera need a small LCD viewfinder which is very hard to use? maybe its 10x zoom does not allow a optical viewfinder, which saves whole lots of energy, but the LCD resolution is disappointing on this camera.
(5) No raw format support.

Opinion: The VR is weak. The focus is disappointing. It doesn't shoot as well in low light as the sony dsch series. The camera is very limited in taking shots on the go. If you have alot of time and patience, it's just ok. Too many out of focus and poorly lit shots. In the simplest of shots, it takes a good pic. However, I would not buy the camera again.