Canon Powershot S5 IS

Ranked #5,949 in Computers & Electronics, #114,240 overall

Why is the Canon Powershot S5 IS so Popular?

Canon's Powershot line of devices has been well received and reviewed for quite some time. The Canon Powershot S5 IS is a newer version that brings some increased photographic skills for both still photography and videography.

The camera is a bit more complex than many of it's point and shoot cousins but most amateurs agree that it is still easy to use and a great buy even if they don't use all of the functions available. Certainly the outstanding quality of the images it produces are evidence enough of why this camera is so popular with consumers and reviewers.

Use the expandable Table of Contents below to help you find things quickly on this page.

Canon PowerShot S5 IS

Canon PowerShot Pro Series S5 IS 8.0MP Digital Camera with 12x Optical Image Stabilized Zoom

Amazon Price: $514.00 (as of 05/30/2012)Buy Now

The Canon Powershot S5 IS has enviable traits such as optical image stabilization, face detection technology, and in-camera red-eye correction. It possesses 8.0 megapixel CCD sensor to assure superior image quality.

The Canon S5 IS is more than a still camera as it switches to movie mode allowing users to capture video with the push of a single button.

The Canon PowerShot S5 IS fits firmly into the hand with it's rubberized grip cover making shooting and filming a breeze. It offers fast shutter-speed capabilities - up to 1/3200 sec. for those shooting action scenes and provides an accessory Hot-Shoe that accommodates a variety of Canon EX-series Speedlite flashes to assure users get the optimal lighting conditions. An optional 1.5x teleconverter, a .75x wide converter, and a close-up lens are available for those with specialized photographic needs.

Some of the Technical Specifications

Click on the pictured S5 IS above for more details

Here are some of the basic Canon Powershot S5 IS specifications:

  • Resolution: 8.0 Megapixel

  • Sensor: 1/2.5" type CCD
  • Image Resolution:
    1600 x 1200
    2048 x 1536
    640 x 480
    2592 x 1944
    3264 x 2448
    3264 x 1832

  • Movie Resolution:
    320 x 240
    640 x 480

  • Memory Included: 32MB Secure Digital Card

  • Storage Media: Secure Digital

  • Compressed Format: JPEG/EXIF v 2.22

  • Movie File Format: AVI (Image: Motion JPEG; Audio: WAVE (Stereo))

  • Optical Zoom: 12x

  • Digital Zoom: 4X

  • Focus Mode: TTL autofocus

  • Focusing Range: Normal: 1.6 ft./50cm-infinity (WIDE), 3.0 ft./90cm-infinity (TELE), Macro: 3.9 in.-1.6 ft./10-50cm (W), Super Macro: 0-3.9 in./0-10cm (W)

  • Optical Viewfinder: Electronic Viewfinder

  • LCD Monitor: 2.5-inch TFT

  • Some Important Terminology for First Time Shoppers

    When looking at the various features of the Canon Powershot S5 IS, a few definitions for some of the terms are in order for beginners.

  • CMOS Sensor:
    As most people know, the number of megapixels helps to determine the resolution of a digital camera and thus the quality of the images it produces. The other factor is the sensor: either CCD or CMOS chip. The greater the size and number of such chips the better the image quality.

  • Optical Stabilization:
    Image stabilization is critical in avoiding camera shake (especially important in closer shots) and camera movement when filming. Optical stabilization is far superior to digital or "electronic" stabilization in its effectiveness and ability to maintain image quality.

  • Face detection technology:
    A camera with Face Detection will readily identify the faces in a scene and focus on them assuring that the subject in a picture is always in focus versus some other intervening object. The Canon S5 IS provides this focusing assist as well as "Face Detection AE" which measures the brightness of the faces and sets the exposure in the shot accordingly.

  • Optical Zoom:
    Zoom obviously allows users to shoot closer photos or film without physically moving closer to the subject. However, shoppers need to understand that digital zoom merely crops off portions of a picture and expands remaining portions of the image electronically which can decrease image quality, particularly with larger prints. Optical Zoom however, increases lens length and maintains image quality and is thus a preferred zoom method.

  • Canon Powershot S5 IS Accessories

    More Accessories are Lower on This Page

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    Canon PowerShot S5 IS Short Course

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    Canon Powershot Digital Field Guide

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    Video Reviews of the Canon S5 IS

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    Watch the Canon S5 IS in Action

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    The Canon S5 IS in Action on Flickr

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    Used Canon S5 IS

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    Canon Powershot S5 IS Accessories

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    Camera Bags for the Canon S5 IS

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    What Did You Think of the Canon Powershot S5 IS?

    If you didn't find what you needed on this page, be sure to visit our full service home electronics store.

    • Barkely Mar 22, 2008 @ 11:17 am | delete
      I have a Cannon Powershot A540. I love it because it's small enough to fit in my pocket, it's simple and it takes great shots for a point and shoot,LOL.
    • Margaret_Schaut Mar 20, 2008 @ 10:38 am | delete
      An excellent shopping page for cameras! I LOVE the glossary- it is extremely helpful for shoppers who may want some important facts like that!
    • Lightstruck Mar 15, 2008 @ 5:07 pm | delete
      I actually just bought a new camera that I am not satisfied with, and no, it wasn't a Canon..lol. Thank you for putting together such solid content on the Canon camera options. A very informative piece! Thanks!
    Introduction photo credit: ian muttoo

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    mulberry

    The Canon Powershot S5 IS is a fabulous digital camera! Learn about it and shop for it here. more »

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