Canon PowerShot S5 IS

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http://reviews.cnet.co.uk/digitalcameras/0,39030233,49293295,00.htm

Reviewed 10 October 2007

Reviewed by Gavin Stoker

At around £230 the Canon PowerShot S5 IS ('IS' signifying optical image stabilisation) has positioned itself as either a direct alternative to a budget dSLR or a back up camera for someone who already owns a higher end device.

So why should you buy it instead of the Nikon D40, Pentax K100D Super or Canon's own 400D?

Strengths
With the four AAs that power it inserted into the base of the hand grip that also features an SD slot, the S5 IS feels sturdy in the palm -- the all-black livery disguising the slightly plastic feel.

While just slightly smaller than a budget dSLR, it's obviously borrowed its styling from one. The S5 IS controls, including an icon-led mode dial up top and main shutter button positioned on the forward slope of the hand grip, is reminiscent of the 400D. Although the batteries add weight, it does have an advantage over a dSLR with an impressive 36-432mm lens reach, while still maintaining compact dimensions. Kitting yourself out with a similar optic for your dSLR would not only add bulk but also significant cost.

The S5 IS isn't just about taking stills either. Its video mode usefully has its own record button and two microphones positioned either side of the lens barrel deliver stereo sound. Plus, unlike many compacts, the optical zoom isn't disabled when you turn the dial to movie capture mode.

Thanks to the ultrasonic motor, the zoom action is quick and smooth, so your clips will be free of irritating jerks and you'll also be able to quickly frame your composition, whether utilising the large and clear electronic viewfinder (EVF) or the flip-and-twist vari-angle LCD screen at the rear. When not in use, the screen can be turned face-in to the body.

Being a Canon, the S5 IS delivers warm, colour-rich images straight out of the box. Most controls fall readily under finger and thumb, there's no noticeable shutter delay and maximum resolution JPEGs are committed to SD card in a second. Instances of camera shake at maximum telephoto proved rare.

Weaknesses
It's when you come to turn the camera on that you notice the first chink in the S5 IS' armour -- namely the fact that the unit is activated with an awkward twist of a dial that sits behind the shutter release button.

Turn this to the left for capture mode -- at which point the zoom lens slides forth from its housing to its maximum wide angle setting in just over a second -- or to the right for image playback. The off button rests in the centre of the dial, but the set up doesn't gel and comes across as unnecessarily fiddly.

Though pixel fringing is evident between areas of high contrast, the main problem with the S5 IS proves to be image noise -- visible at ISO 400 and progressively worse the higher up the ISO range you move. At ISO 1,600 it's as if you're viewing the shot through a frosted window.

Conclusion
The S5 IS is decently priced at around £230. The main advantage of it is that you get a huge zoom within a reasonably compact body that, at a push, you can shoot single-handedly. Not only that, but the vari-angle LCD proves useful for those otherwise tricky low or high angle shots, while the ability to use the zoom in video capture mode another plus.

Edited by Jason Jenkins
Additional editing by Jon Squire