Canon Powershot S5 IS - Better than Ever

Canon's popular line of image-stabilized superzoom cameras is constantly evolving into a more advanced and efficient camera with each new model. The Canon Powershot S5 IS is no exception and boasts more advanced features then ever before. Canon PowerShot S5 IS is similar to its predecessor, the 6-megapixel PowerShot S3 IS in that they both possess an image-stabilized 12x optical zoom lens with a focal range of 36-432mm (35mm equivalent), an SLR-like design, an articulated LCD, and a versatile feature set that mixes a full range of manual exposure controls (Aperture Priority, Shutter Priority, and Manual) with easy-to-use Auto, Program, and Scene modes. The canon Powershot S5 IS measures 4.6 x 3.15 x 3.06 inches (117.0 x 80.0 x 77.7mm) and weighing 1.25 pounds (574g) with battery and card. The Canon S5 IS operates more like a digital SLR than the average digital camera with many external controls creating an SLR feel. It is an affordable substitute for a DSLR and accommodates snap shooters who want the power of a telephoto lens without the learning curve and expense of a digital SLR. The S5 has many attributes which have been upgraded from its predecessor the S3, to deliver the quality you can only expect from a Canon digital camera.
The Canon S5 IS is slightly larger and heavier than the S3 which is partially due to S5 IS's new 2.5-inch LCD where the resolution of the LCD has also been upgraded from 115,000 to 207,000 pixels which increases the LCD's usability especially in bright light and when using the manual focus. One of the nicest features on the PowerShot S5 is its flip-out, rotating LCD display. The screen rotates a total of 270 degrees and when rotating still maintains the subject in an upright position. In addition, the new Speedlite flash units are specifically designed to capture motion and ideal for sports photography. One of the apparent physical changes is the spring lens cap in place of the S-3's clip on design.

In addition, the Canon S5 now has the ability to correct red-eye in Playback, and has two new Continuous Shooting options: Continuous Autofocus and Live View. The Continuous Autofocus and live allows you to use a single, manually set focus point when shooting in Continuous mode. This is where the S3 excels, in fact, the S5 does not even possess High Speed Continuous Shooting and its continuous shooting speed is much less than its predecessor, the S3. You win some, you lose some. Although you lack some of the continuous mode that was present in the S3, it is well made-up for in increased recording time of up to 4GB of movie clips which is 4 times the length of the S3. A new LP (Long Play) option increases recording length in movie mode. One of the big features on the S5 is its movie mode with the MovieEdit task which lets you edit videos, complete with transitions, effects, text overlays, and more. One of the most important features is the ability to downsize the videos, which makes them easier to share with friends via e-mail or your website

Canon S5 IS's processor has been updated to DIGIC III and now offers Face Detection Autofocus and Auto exposure for a more defined and accurate capture of group and single portraits. Maximum ISO has increased to 1,600 and ISO Shift has been added for convenience purposes to quickly adjust light sensitivity if you need a faster shutter speed.

The function essentially is a menu of most frequently changed settings which is found to be extremely helpful and easy navigable. This function saves you from having to refer S5's more extensive menu. The S5 delivers according to CIPA standard, about 450 shots per charge which adds to the list of added conveniences to the S5. Another attractive feature is the RemoteCapture Task which lets you control the S5 over the USB connection enabling you to save photos directly to your computer instead of a memory card where you can control the camera's features as well. A separate program called PhotoStitch can put together separate photos to create a panoramic photo with just the right amount of overlap. Between the lens and the flash are the PowerShot S5's stereo microphones making the Canon S5's playback much more enjoyable when listening in stereo sound.

Whether you are point and shoot type of person or camera enthusiast, the Canon S5 has something for everyone. If you are an automatic shooter you'll enjoy the larger selection of automatic and scene modes while enthusiasts can appreciate the full manual controls and the ability to control the camera through a computer. Everyone will enjoy the camera's excellent movie mode, which lets you record up to 30 minutes of continuous VGA-quality video with stereo sound. Another feature to get excited about is the new redeye reduction tool in playback mode which is new is the S5 model. The S5 is definitely a big step up from its predecessor the S3 with new and improved advanced features and a plethora of functions to choose from, this is one hot item!

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