Yesterday, my generous and loving wife purchased the Canon S5 IS for me.  I’ve been lusting this camera since I knew of it’s existence months ago.  Folks, this is one solid camera, with an almost SLR-like feel to it.  Before I go on here, I want to state for the record that I do own an SLR camera, specifically the Canon Digital Rebel XT.  I love that camera, but man, the lenses I want for that thing cost way more than the camera itself, and I cannot justify the expense.  This is where the S5 IS comes in.  Here’s a brief list of the major features:

- 8 megapixel image sensor, increased from the 6 megapixel S3 IS

- DIGIC III processor for more accurate shots, better noise reduction, faster start up time, and faster overall camera operation.  Speaking of start up time, this camera starts up and is ready for a shot in one second.  Doesn’t get much quicker than that on a camera in this class.

- Increased video recording time from 1 gig to 4 gig, which now allows for an over 30 minute video capture on the highest quality setting.  Pretty slick.

- 12x optical zoom with USM and UD

- IS optical image stabilizer

- New flash hotshoe which allows use of select Canon Ex Speedlight flashes

- ISO 80-1600

- Full array of automatic and manual controls

- Makes use of newer HC SD cards (we got the Sandisk SDHC Ultra II 4 Gb)

- Large 2.5 LCD swivel monitor

- Battery life of approximately 450 shots on a set of NiMH batteries

 

I understand that a lot of people are a bit upset over the slightly decreased battery life over the S3 IS.  I see this move as a positive step, considering the new features of the S5 IS will use a bit more battery power.  Besides, 450 shots is a lot of photography, and it doesn’t take much to have a spare set of fully charged NiMH batteries in a camera bag, like I always have when I used my older S1 IS.

Image quality is near SLR quality.  I am totally impressed with this camera, and it’s ability to compose a shot using the automatic settings are top notch.  I even more impressed with the plethora of manual settings, too.  I prefer to shoot using the manual setting of my SLR, so it’s only natural I prefer to use this on my new S5 IS.  Noise at higher ISO settings is a drawback to his camera, but that’s pretty much to be expected in a camera of this class.  Besides, I can clean up the noise fairly well using Photoshop or Paint Shop Photo Pro XI.

The bottom line, a very solid upgrade from the S3 IS, and definitely a huge upgrade from my older S1 IS model.

I will have a more detailed review of this camera once I capture a few hundred shots to put it through it’s paces. 

Until then, peace out, folks.