why doesn't S50 get all the credits it deserves

I don't know Stevieboroboy is, but would agree that it was not the most informative post in this thread. ;)

By the way- I took a look at your whole S400 gallery just now. There are some very nice shots there. I really do think the quality of the S400 is extremely good. Obviously, your picture-taking abilities come into play here as well. =)

Regards,
Brian
Thanks... I meant it.
I shall no apologise for my recent comment to Stevieboroboy who
goads me so. I'm sure you would agree that his latest post has
earned my guile.

Who is he and why is he so aggresively dense?

Regards,

--
Marco Nero.
http://www.pbase.com/nero_design
--
Brian
Gallery: http://mywebpages.comcast.net/spiritmist/My%20Web%20Gallery/index.htm
 
The small size of the S50 took some time to get used to
and I can't understand the term "brick like" as it feels really
light to me. I think the S400 is more suited to the smaller more
delicate hands of a lady than a grown man.
First off, allow me to introduce myself. My name is Rena Nero, I am Marco Nero's wife and a photographer. This lady traditionally uses a large Canon SLR with pro external flash and a variety of lenses and works in a large camera store. The S400 is one of our largest sellers, mostly to men, and is ideal for anyone wanting a versitile, compact, high quality digital camera. Alas, the S50 doesn't do quite as well but usaully goes to women wanting the simplicity of an easy to use dial. Guess that makes the S50 the 'girly' camera
When you use auto mode then you are leaving it into the lap of the gods. > Hoping for a good shot.
Hope doesn't even come into it. The S400 is such a good camera that every shot you take, whether automatic or not, comes out crisp and clear with color like you usually get from a SLR with a polarizing filter
It is wrong to put the S400 in the same category of the S50 or even
G series it is more likely to be pitted against the early easyshare
Kodak line (all be it far better quality)
You obviously have never used a Kodak digital or you wouldn't say that. Even the Kodak reps themselves admit that its digital camera series is designed for the technologically illiterate who want the ease of a compact film camera. Point, shoot, share. Thats it. And the quality of the photos match. Okay for emailing and printing to 6x4, not for anyone working in a proffesional capacity. The S400 is already one of the most highly used cameras in the photo and film industries.
If you want to explore the
science of photography and the possibilities it holds buy the S50.
If you truly wanted to learn anything, especially about photography and all its possibilities, you'd fork out the cash for either an SLR or the amazing new Digital SLRS. The manual modes on the S50 are great for giving you a feel of control but to truly control your own shots, you need an SLR.
I hope this helps
Only if you've recently had a lobotomy.

Cheers All,
Rena Nero
http://www.pbase.com/nero_design
 
Hi All,

I'm considering purchasing an "S" or "G" series camera and I know (from past experience) there are a few mundane considerations that influence how I use a camera.

(1) About lens cap on the "G" series:

Is the lens cap on the "G" camera loosely fitted such that it falls off more than one would want or expect? (This has been a complaint elsewhere on these boards.)

Can the lens extend while the cap is still attached to the lens - without the lens crashing into the cap? (i.e., How is the cap attached?)

Can one attach a filter directly to the lens (to protect the lens from the elements) - without using an adapter that permanently increases the depth of the camera by a few inches (as I had to do with my Oly)?

I ask because past experience with an Oly "C" series camera caused me to permanently attach a long lens adapter (to which a filter and lens cap was attached) that changed the shape of the camera. The camera became so large that I stopped carrying it around. Oly screwed up badly (and continues to do so); if one turns on the camera forgetting to remove to cap, the lens crashes into the cap and the gears can get damaged. These idiots decided to fixm the problem on the C-5050 by programming the camera to emit beeps and retract when it crashes into the lens cap. What jerks. (Other makers found a way to attach the cap to the inside threads of the lens tube so the lens can fully extend with the cap in place.)

(2) About dust. Many complain that certain model cameras are more prone to dust getting into the camera than others. Do either of these models suffer from this more than is acceptable from ordinary use (meaning not using it in dust storms)?

For example - elsewhere on these boards there is mention that the LCD on the "A" series is prone to dust entering the camera but the LCD on the S400 isn't. It would bother me if that happened because it would make me more cautious than I want to be with ordinary use.

(The lens cap topic is a far more important consideration.)

Thank you,

Paul
 
The small size of the S50 took some time to get used to
and I can't understand the term "brick like" as it feels really
light to me. I think the S400 is more suited to the smaller more
delicate hands of a lady than a grown man.
First off, allow me to introduce myself. My name is Rena Nero, I
am Marco Nero's wife and a photographer. This lady traditionally
uses a large Canon SLR with pro external flash and a variety of
lenses and works in a large camera store. The S400 is one of our
largest sellers, mostly to men, and is ideal for anyone wanting a
versitile, compact, high quality digital camera. Alas, the S50
doesn't do quite as well but usaully goes to women wanting the
simplicity of an easy to use dial. Guess that makes the S50 the
'girly' camera
When you use auto mode then you are leaving it into the lap of the gods. > Hoping for a good shot.
Hope doesn't even come into it. The S400 is such a good camera
that every shot you take, whether automatic or not, comes out crisp
and clear with color like you usually get from a SLR with a
polarizing filter
It is wrong to put the S400 in the same category of the S50 or even
G series it is more likely to be pitted against the early easyshare
Kodak line (all be it far better quality)
You obviously have never used a Kodak digital or you wouldn't say
that. Even the Kodak reps themselves admit that its digital camera
series is designed for the technologically illiterate who want the
ease of a compact film camera. Point, shoot, share. Thats it. And
the quality of the photos match. Okay for emailing and printing to
6x4, not for anyone working in a proffesional capacity. The S400
is already one of the most highly used cameras in the photo and
film industries.
If you want to explore the
science of photography and the possibilities it holds buy the S50.
If you truly wanted to learn anything, especially about photography
and all its possibilities, you'd fork out the cash for either an
SLR or the amazing new Digital SLRS. The manual modes on the S50
are great for giving you a feel of control but to truly control
your own shots, you need an SLR.
I hope this helps
Only if you've recently had a lobotomy.

Cheers All,
Rena Nero
http://www.pbase.com/nero_design
Children please settle down!
 
Hi Peter,

For now, let me just respond to this part of your post, as it is
late. The lack of manual controls limits creative picture taking,
there is no doubt about it. As for "contriving situations where
[you] can't get the shot with [your] S400," I will do that. The
quickest example to come to mind is any situation where you want to
creatively limit your depth of field. Without aperture priority,
perhaps the most important of the three factors affecting depth of
field is unavailable to you. Isolated subjects against blurred
backgrounds will not easily be achieved (if acheived at all) on an
S400. In fact, due to the small sensor sizes on consumer digital
cameras, it's hard enough to get this effect even when you do have
aperture priority. If I'm wrong about the S400 in this regard,
please show me examples.
The examples you post are no different than what Marco posted so the examples make no point. I will make the point that the Lens System and Sensor size is essentially the same on both cameras with the exception of the Aperture of which the S400 has only 2 settings. The s400 tends to spend most of its time at wide open aperture and thus most limited DOF, or most background blur. The wide open aperture is the same on both cameras. So the S400 can achieve any background blur the Sxx can.
Another situation that comes to mind is macro shots. I use close
up lenses with my S30 to do macrophotography. This requires manual
focusing, and aperture control to get the desired depth of field
Huh, I used to own a Nikon 950 which was the Macro king, auto focus worked better than manual focus. I don't buy that manual focus is required. Manual focus usually has a few coarse steps. How do you tell when it is in focus? I owned an S30 for a couple of days and thought the manual focus was a joke, you certainly can't tell from the LCD.
(depth of field is almost non-existant at really high
magnifications, and therfore you want to shoot at at wide-open
apertures). So even if you used additional lenses on an S400, I
doubt you would be able to take these shots: (these are full-frame,
I assume you have this backwards by accident. For max DOF you want to be stopped down, not wide open. This is the one case where S400 would have more difficulty. High magnification macros with add on lenses would provide less DOF. If this is what you want to do, then the Sxx cameras are better. But out of the box the S400 has better macro capabilities.
There are other situations that come to mind as well. For example,
you can control the width of star-trails and firework trails by
adjusting aperture. That is not possible on an S400. And fewer
Adjusting aperture does what to star trails exactly?? You need to vary the shutter speed to affect these things. The S400 has a good range of shutter speeds in the range for taking fireworks (1-15seconds).
shutter speed choices would limit your picture-taking in low light
conditions regardless... I could go on, but I think this is enough.
Uh name the conditions. Fireworks are no problem, so what is?
So... I think that not having aperture priority is really the
biggest limitation, probably followed by no manual focusing as a
close second. To directly answer the actual question you asked in
your post "Have you ever taken this shot", yes, I believe I have.
If I am wrong, please post some pics and show me.
Well actually you are just plain wrong about the Limited DOF or max background blur achievable on the S400, wrong about the fireworks.

And I don't have add on lenses (they will be available) to test the high-mag macros and the effect of aperture. Care to take the same shot at both extemes of Aperture to show the difference.

In general the effects of controlling the limited aperture range on these tiny lens systems is all but irrellevant anyway. Its only 4.9 to 8 on tele. Not enough to make a noticable difference.

Peter
 
Just got back from lunch to find i'm being attacked! First off I didn't want to cause any grief with the ladies by saying the S400 was more suited to them but I still think it is. Think about it why would Canon make it the same shape as a credit card if it wasn't to try to appeal to women? My wifes eyes lit up when I showed it to her in a mag and she said "Looks just like a credit card!" Nuff said.

Contrary to what people have said I have never bashed the S400. The samples I have seen look great and I said in an earlier post that the camera was excellent. All I am saying is that the extras on the S50 make it a better camera all round. I know this argument can never be won as we are biased to our own cameras but chill out S400 owners.

By the way yes I have just sold a Kodak DX3900 so I know what they are like. I find it hard to believe though that the Kodak reps slag off their own cameras to anybody who asks. I'm sure Kodak would like the names of the reps who do.

To sum up then and finish this thread:

The S50 wins hands down.
In second place goes to the great S400

OK everbody happy now!

Steve
The small size of the S50 took some time to get used to
and I can't understand the term "brick like" as it feels really
light to me. I think the S400 is more suited to the smaller more
delicate hands of a lady than a grown man.
First off, allow me to introduce myself. My name is Rena Nero, I
am Marco Nero's wife and a photographer. This lady traditionally
uses a large Canon SLR with pro external flash and a variety of
lenses and works in a large camera store. The S400 is one of our
largest sellers, mostly to men, and is ideal for anyone wanting a
versitile, compact, high quality digital camera. Alas, the S50
doesn't do quite as well but usaully goes to women wanting the
simplicity of an easy to use dial. Guess that makes the S50 the
'girly' camera
When you use auto mode then you are leaving it into the lap of the gods. > Hoping for a good shot.
Hope doesn't even come into it. The S400 is such a good camera
that every shot you take, whether automatic or not, comes out crisp
and clear with color like you usually get from a SLR with a
polarizing filter
It is wrong to put the S400 in the same category of the S50 or even
G series it is more likely to be pitted against the early easyshare
Kodak line (all be it far better quality)
You obviously have never used a Kodak digital or you wouldn't say
that. Even the Kodak reps themselves admit that its digital camera
series is designed for the technologically illiterate who want the
ease of a compact film camera. Point, shoot, share. Thats it. And
the quality of the photos match. Okay for emailing and printing to
6x4, not for anyone working in a proffesional capacity. The S400
is already one of the most highly used cameras in the photo and
film industries.
If you want to explore the
science of photography and the possibilities it holds buy the S50.
If you truly wanted to learn anything, especially about photography
and all its possibilities, you'd fork out the cash for either an
SLR or the amazing new Digital SLRS. The manual modes on the S50
are great for giving you a feel of control but to truly control
your own shots, you need an SLR.
I hope this helps
Only if you've recently had a lobotomy.

Cheers All,
Rena Nero
http://www.pbase.com/nero_design
 
I've got a Canon D60, so I'm used to the manual control, and wonderful pictures especially with my "L" lenses.

I chose an S50 as my compact camera, because it has the controls that I use and need to take a picture. If I'm trying to take a picture of something like lightning, or fireworks, or certain night scenes, there would be no comparison to the S400 because I simply wouldn't get the shot with the S400.

That doesn't make the S400 an inferior camera. It just has a different purpose. It's not just a man's camera or a women's camera. It's a good little point and shoot.

If Canon had this argument and had to decide which was a better camera, they would have introduced just one model. They obviously determined that the two cameras met somewhat different needs, and they decided to sell them both!

It's just a matter of choosing the right tool for your needs.
 
Stevieboroboy wrote:
Great photos. Now that's more like it! See even animals and bad
people love the S50. That's the clincher!
All the best Marco and your missus
Stevieboroboy
Thanks Stevieboroboy. All the best to you too. If my s400 gives me grief, I'll actually look into getting an s50. If my wife gives me grief, I'll just have to live with it. Take care, Dude.

(Here's one last pic I didn't get around to posting earlier.)



Cheers!
--
Marco Nero.
http://www.pbase.com/nero_design
 
because it's a pocket camera with limits. s30 was the same thing. same complaints by a certain individual which shall remain nameless. the g cameras can adapt to a flash, filters, etc easily. so it will get more coverage then a pocket camera.

---Mike Savad
A 5 Megapixel camera, with excellent lens (except at telephoto
aparture is slow), which is very handy because of its relatively
small size, etc.

It's not even reviewed by dpreview.com .(I mean a complete review.
There are bits and pieces everywhere, but not a full review). They
have S45, but resolution values are not even comparable, although
S45 is probably one of the best cameras in the 4MP classification.
S50 has a

Horizontal LPH 1425 1650
Vertical LPH 1300 1600
5° Diagonal LPH # + 1000 resolution. One of the best in compact 5
MP cameras (Values are found in another camera's comparison figures
in dpreview.com.

And the camera is very competitively priced. (compared to some
other Canon cameras too)

I own Fuji S2 Pro, and my second camera is the S50, because of its
size. I gave away my Minolta Dimage 7 (another 5 MP camera) and
Pentax Optio 4XX (a 4 MP camera, not comparable in picture quality
with any other cameras that I own) for Canon S50. It's an excellent
second camera for me.

Despite these, people are more interested in S400, G3, S45, G5 etc.
Why is this? Is Canon not so much interested in this model?
--
http://www.pbase.com/savad/
http://www.photosig.com/go/users/view?id=9050
http://www.artsig.com/go/users/view?id=52
 
Maybe this is redundant but I must disagree on the S50 being a good choice for everyone. I understand what it can do and it's probably a great camera. I tried them both at the store for a long time. I myself also own an fuji s2 and just placed my order for the s400. For me, the s50 is too big compared to the s400. I even wanted something smaller than s400. I want something that fits in my pocket or belt comfortably or able to hang off my keychain, can take a good beating, and good p&s under rough conditions read sand and dirt (i also bought waterproof case for it). The s400 barely fits the bill. Yes the s50 is handy with all the manual controls and stuff but under my circumstances the s400 just work for me. (I debated this for a looong time and i figure I already have a pro camera .. If i want manual control and good image quality.. I'll just use the big bulky thing with some decent lens). The quality of s400 is acceptable to me at 8.5x11 printout fullbleed so I dont have to go higher and I save the weight.
to each his own i suppose.
A 5 Megapixel camera, with excellent lens (except at telephoto
aparture is slow), which is very handy because of its relatively
small size, etc.

It's not even reviewed by dpreview.com .(I mean a complete review.
There are bits and pieces everywhere, but not a full review). They
have S45, but resolution values are not even comparable, although
S45 is probably one of the best cameras in the 4MP classification.
S50 has a

Horizontal LPH 1425 1650
Vertical LPH 1300 1600
5° Diagonal LPH # + 1000 resolution. One of the best in compact 5
MP cameras (Values are found in another camera's comparison figures
in dpreview.com.

And the camera is very competitively priced. (compared to some
other Canon cameras too)

I own Fuji S2 Pro, and my second camera is the S50, because of its
size. I gave away my Minolta Dimage 7 (another 5 MP camera) and
Pentax Optio 4XX (a 4 MP camera, not comparable in picture quality
with any other cameras that I own) for Canon S50. It's an excellent
second camera for me.

Despite these, people are more interested in S400, G3, S45, G5 etc.
Why is this? Is Canon not so much interested in this model?
 
Phil probably hasn't reviewd teh S50 because it is identical to the S45 except for an extra megapixel, which is not very significant. He may be expecting and waiting for the next and hopefully improved model before dedicating the time to review it.
A 5 Megapixel camera, with excellent lens (except at telephoto
aparture is slow), which is very handy because of its relatively
small size, etc.

It's not even reviewed by dpreview.com .(I mean a complete review.
There are bits and pieces everywhere, but not a full review). They
have S45, but resolution values are not even comparable, although
S45 is probably one of the best cameras in the 4MP classification.
S50 has a

Horizontal LPH 1425 1650
Vertical LPH 1300 1600
5° Diagonal LPH # + 1000 resolution. One of the best in compact 5
MP cameras (Values are found in another camera's comparison figures
in dpreview.com.

And the camera is very competitively priced. (compared to some
other Canon cameras too)

I own Fuji S2 Pro, and my second camera is the S50, because of its
size. I gave away my Minolta Dimage 7 (another 5 MP camera) and
Pentax Optio 4XX (a 4 MP camera, not comparable in picture quality
with any other cameras that I own) for Canon S50. It's an excellent
second camera for me.

Despite these, people are more interested in S400, G3, S45, G5 etc.
Why is this? Is Canon not so much interested in this model?
 
Despite these, people are more interested in S400, G3, S45, G5 etc.
Why is this?
The S50 is a black S45 with one extra megapixel.

The S400 was not just a minor upgrade to a previous model. It's a 4mp model, replacing a 2mp model, and it has a new body with a new material (and perhaps other changes.)

The G3 is one of the best all around cameras in its class. It not only had more than its predecessor, but a redesigned body and numerous other enhancements and changes as well.

The G5 is just a black G3 with n extra megapixel. It is no more noteworthy than the S50, and I'd be a little surprised if Phil went out of his way to review it. More than likely, a truly new model will be out later this year and that one will likely get reviewed.
 
S400 and S45 are not comparable since these are 4 MP. It makes aLOT
of difference in picture resolution.
The S400 is not comparable because it's just a simple point and shoot pocket camera that offers no creative control whatsoever. It was reviewed becuase it was a more significant upgrade to its predecessor.

The S45 is not oinly comparable - it's virtually IDENTICAL to the S50.

And no, 1 extra megapixel does not make a lot of difference in picture resolution. On a screen at normal size, or in prints up to 8X10, you will NOT notiec a difference in resolution. In fact, what you are more likely to notice is an increase in susceptibility to chromatic aberration and noise.

The extra megapixel is moderately useful for much larger prints and to give you a little more freedom to crop, but that's it. It ain't front page news.

No review made for G5, and I
wonder what the resolution figures will show. We will see that in a
short time I think.

for your information, resolutions of S400 and G3 are given
below:(+S50 again, for comparison)

Canon PowerShot S400 Horizontal LPH 1250 1400
Vertical LPH 1200 1400
5° Diagonal LPH # 1000 n/a
Canon PowerShot G3 Horizontal LPH 1250 1400
Vertical LPH 1200 1400
5° Diagonal LPH # 1000 n/a

Canon PowerShot S50 Horizontal LPH 1425 1650
Vertical LPH 1300 1600
5° Diagonal LPH # + 1000 n/a

Pricewise S50 is in the same range.

Of course people have different preferences, that's why hundreds of
models are on the market. One wonders though how for example a
Pentax 4XX sells while these are on the market.. (so bad you can't
beleive before seeing the pictures)

As you see, I'm not after a model's popularity, but trying to
understand how promotions, advertisements etc affect the market. By
the way, you can't question me as well for what I'm posting.

seyhun
Despite these, people are more interested in S400, G3, S45, G5 etc.
Why is this? Is Canon not so much interested in this model?
What does Canon have to do with what people buy?

The S400 is a smaller camera that has very close image quality and
a lens that is just as good. Many people prefer the smaller size.
Myself included.

The G3, and G5 have much better lens, flip out LCD, built in ND
filters, Bayonet lens attachement system, better flash, flash
hotshoe, and remote control to name a few. It is a much more
capable camera. Some prefer the greater capability.

The S45 is the same camera with a few less pixels and a lower
price. Some prefer the lower price and don't need the extra pixels.

Simply adding a small amount of additional pixels is unlikely to
generate a lot of hype.

And AFAIK the S50 review is in the works.

Did you want a camera or the winner of a popularity contest?

Peter
 
Despite these, people are more interested in S400, G3, S45, G5 etc.
Why is this?
The S50 is a black S45 with one extra megapixel.

The S400 was not just a minor upgrade to a previous model. It's a
4mp model, replacing a 2mp model, and it has a new body with a new
material (and perhaps other changes.)

The G3 is one of the best all around cameras in its class. It not
only had more than its predecessor, but a redesigned body and
numerous other enhancements and changes as well.

The G5 is just a black G3 with n extra megapixel. It is no more
noteworthy than the S50, and I'd be a little surprised if Phil went
out of his way to review it. More than likely, a truly new model
will be out later this year and that one will likely get reviewed.

and in phils review of the s45 he said that it is more portable and robust design than the g3 with almost the same features..he said that the s45 is essencially a shrunk down g3. So i guress the s50 is a shrunk down g5
 
f2 and f2.8 doesn't matter, I am not
professional and have no intention to pretend to be one.
Youmay decide that a slower lens is an acceptable tradeoff, but don't say that only a pro can make use of it. A faster lens lets you take pictures with less light and gives you extended flash range as well.

I can go to an indoor hockey game and capture some usable shots with an f2 lens while an f2.8 lens would have to remain in your pocket.
 
IMO, You'd have to agree that S50 and G5 were only afterthoughts by
canon,
I agree that they aren't noteworthy, byt rest assured they weren't just afterthoughts. These interim models are carefully planned to boost sales half way through the year without having to actually double your development cycle.

The G5 will grab some attention and sales just long enough to keep some money flowing at Canon before they release a truly new model later in the year.
 
Where, exactly, did you read that Sony and Canon have plans to use
this sensor this year? That is not what it says on this site.
Also- if they're cramming 8MP into a sensor of that size, they
better have made real progress on the noise reduction front...
Not to mention improving their optics, and controlling chromatic aberrations.
 
I think the S400 is more suited to the smaller more
delicate hands of a lady than a grown man.
So, you're saying the s400 is for girls? That's EXACTLY what you
are stating since I have already pointed out that my-large handed
friend uses an older Digital Elph without concern. I, on the other
hand, could mention that the s50 (being larger than the s400) is
better suited to a ladies handbag. (but of course, I won't). And
you see yourself as a "grown man" after that comment? Oh, no......!
Another truth is that I must try at least 3 manual modes while I go
out with my camera and I couldn't do without them.
Sounding a little co-dependant here, aren't we? What's this
"Truth" thing? And why can't you take a good shot without all the
fancy modes. Doesn't a poor artist blame his tools anymore?
When you use auto mode then you are leaving it into the lap of the gods.
Hoping for a good shot.
Uh, I never use Auto. I always switch to manual so I can determine
my own ISO and white balance etc. I also make it a point to keep my
things out of the laps of gods.
It is wrong to put the S400 in the same category of the S50 or even
G series it is more likely to be pitted against the early easyshare
Kodak line (all be it far better quality)
That's a bald faced lie. So much so that it shows you don't even
know how abysmally poor the Kodaks are in comparison to Canon's
compacts. Even Kodak's own rep told a gathering of sales staff
(including myself) that "Our cameras were cr@p and were designed
to make it easy for people who already had a cr@p point-and-shoot
35mm and wanted to go digital"
So there you have it, if you aren't bothered about learning about
being photographer buy the S400.
Clearly, you are too arrogant to deserve the humble s50. You also
state clearly that "photographers" wouldn't use the s400. Funny,
because nearly every Pro-photographer I spoke to last month with a
D60 or a D1s was actually carrying an s400 for a carry-everywhere
backup camera. As I mentioned in another post here a while back,
a single s400 shot earned me a year's pay in May. Funny that.
Perhaps I pray to the god-of -autoexposure you mentioned earlier.
Dude, he paid off big time!
If you want to explore the
science of photography and the possibilities it holds buy the S50.
If photography were a science, you'd be arguing the merits of a Box
Brownie over a 1Ds
I hope this helps
Oh, it does... heh, heh. Makes things very clear to myself and
many s400 owners how much you loath them . I reinstate my Gump
comment from earlier. All other apologies are rescinded.

Cheers all! Entertaining, eh?
--
Marco Nero.
http://www.pbase.com/nero_design
 

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