Canon PowerShot S5 IS review

What you need to know

Reviewed by: Gavin Stoker

Reviewed on: 10 October 2007

Tags: Canon, Canon PowerShot S5 IS, image stabilisation, movie capture, viewfinder

We like:

Fast in operation; menus simple to navigate; great video controls and stereo sound; sharp colourful images even at maximum telephoto; sturdy build with comfortably rounded hand grip; zoom range which is also accessible in video mode

We don't like:

Non-rechargeable AA batteries supplied; no raw capture; plastic feel body; image noise immediately visible upwards of ISO 400

You might also need:

Speedlite flashgun; lens hood; wide, tele or close-up converter lenses

CNET UK judgement:

Like any superzoom, the S5 IS boasts an impressive focal range within compact dimensions -- the theory being that it won't matter that you can't swap lenses, this will be all you'll ever need. For those who don't need the bells and whistles of a dSLR, the video mode with stereo sound, plus vari-angle LCD, are a real boon

Full review:

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. Continue Reading...