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Rating: - Solid, versatile camera, but don't confuse it with a DSLR
The Canon PowerShot Pro S5 IS is a solid camera, but do not confuse it with a real DSLR like its big brothers in the Canon line or competitors such as the Nikon D60, D80 or D300.

The S5, despite it's mini-DSLR style, is still a point 'n shoot camera, albeit one that is of very high build quality and loaded with features.

Major shortcomings first: images are noisier than in some competitors down to ISO 100. This is, frankly, unexpected at this price and in this brand. Start-up and shot-to-shot recycling times are still on the slightly slow side. Expect to miss a lot of critical moments as you would with any other point 'n shooter. The camera is a bit on the heavy side, though this is consistent with the build quality (I think) and the use of AA batteries. On the whole, not a long list and nothing serious.

On the plus side, there several features I consider outstanding and unique. The video quality (with stereo microphones) is nothing less than astounding. A friend of mine has been making videos for YouTube of music club performances, handheld with harsh club lighting and they are surprisingly good. I have been very impressed with the videos I've made under a variety of conditions. I suspect many people like having a video capability in their still camera. I know I do and appreciate that I don't have to carry a separate device. The zoom range is terrific, the Image Stabilization (IS) works while in video mode, which is very welcome and very important and you can zoom while in video mode. All in all, if you appreciate having a video capability, a good reason to buy the camera.

The Canon LCD display can be set in many positions, with its unique hinging system. You can hold the camera overhead or ground level. You can flip it over for use as a monitor when doing photos or videos of yourself. (A particularly handy gadget to use when you're on vacation or otherwise want to include yourself in images is the Quik Pod Pro-Plus Extendable Handheld Tripod (18-inch) with Accessory Kit - for Canon Powershot, Casio, Epson, Fuji Finepix, HP, Kodak Easyshare, Minolta, Nikon Coolpix, Olympus Stylus, Panasonic, Pentax Optio & Sony Cybershot Digital Point & Shoot Cameras.) There is also an optical viewfinder. I find this combination in many Canon cameras an unbeatable feature.

There is, unusually for a camera of this class, a hotshoe for external flashes. Adding an external flash will provide tremendous improvement to the range and versatility of your camera in almost all photographic situations. Ever wonder why the pros always use and external flash? It's because it helps them turn out better photos. Even a low power external flash will work wonders and the S5 is one of the few cameras in this range to permit you to use one.

The S5 uses AA batteries. Many will argue that this is an old-fashioned approach. Not me. On too many occasions (one is actually one too many), I have had run out of juice with lithium ion battery powered cameras. Nothing is more frustrating then a camera that is without power. AA batteries are available worldwide, are relatively inexpensive and relatively lightweight. Again, I consider the use of AA batteries in the S5 to be an advantage and a reason to buy the camera. A set will last for 150 -200 shots.

In terms of general features, image quality is excellent, with ISO available up to 1600. Noise starts at ISO 100 and becomes progressively worse at higher ISOs. This is normal for this kind of camera.

Color rendition is excellent. I haven't yet notice any purple fringing which is relatively common in cameras of this kind.

There are more than 20 pre-set shooting parameters, more frankly than you will ever be likely to use or even remember. There is - bless Canon - full manual control available. This is a real camera!

The controls are well laid out and, even with my large hands, I had no difficulty manipulating any of the controls. Menus are intelligently done and easy to navigate. There is a separate button for video which is a nice, but necessary, touch.

Focus at all ranges is pretty quick, though I have encountered some occasional hunting.

Lens range is typical for a 12x. Be nicer if the bottom end were the equivalent of a 28mm, not 35mm.

There is competition in this price and feature range. Panasonic offers the Lumix FZ18 which offers an 18x zoom with a 28mm equivalent bottom range. It is worth considering, but lacks the Canon swivel display and video zoom capabilities.

Overall the Canon S5 is an undeniably fine camera for its price range. It is absolutely not a DSLR and anyone wanting the feel of a traditional 35mm SLR and the ability to grab instant pictures should seriously consider spending far more and buying a DSLR. Within its limitations, however, the Canon S5, in my opinion, sits at the top of its class and should be seriously considered.

Jerry

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Rating: - Pleased Canon Owner
This (Canon Powershot S5IS) is my first Canon still photo camera (I own a Canon video camera) and was pleasantly surprised with ease of operation and pleased with the results. Out of the box, with minimal instruction, I was taking decent photos. As my knowledge of the camera increased, the quality of my photos increased as well. (I guess it really pays to read the instruction book.) I was pleased with the quality of photos taken as well as the number of features available. While I may never use each and every one with great skill and proficiency, as my knowledge increases so does the daring to try more. I had only recently had point and shoot digital cameras so while I could not quite afford a DSLR, this Canon Powershot S5IS is easily the next step down from a DSLR but it does not step down on quality. Overall, aside from certain learning mistakes (operator error), photos were crisp, clean and detailed. FYI: The image stabilization is excellent. If your budget is in-between a pocket point-and-shoot and a DSLR but you need high quality photos, this is worth the money! Also, insider note: If you buy this camera from Amazon, shop the prices in the wee hours of the morning. For some reason their prices are cheaper in the wee hours of the night (1:30am-4:30am)than during daylight hours. Go figure

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Rating: - Love this camera
I just purchased this camera last week and love it. I am not an amature photographer, just a regular mom that loves to take pictures of the kids. The camera was so easy to work out of the box. The pictures are great even in specific settings. The Auto mode works great also. I have a Canon Powershot A520 that I upgraded from to this camera. I loved using my A520 but it didn't have any zoom capabilities and would blur a good bit of the time when it wasn't in the Auto mode. The S5 is a little bulky, but not to the point that you can't use it. Overall a very good camera for someone that loves to take good pictures without the big price tag of the more professional cameras.

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Rating: - The Apotheosis of the Point-and-Shoot
This camera is an exceptional value at the current price. The other reviews and technical data will make it clear what an impressive set of features this camera possesses. I wanted a camera that used AA's, had a high zoom and powerful macro, and offered a top-of-its-class movie mode. The Canon S5 gives me all of these. It also has full manual control and a multitude of settings, and you would do well to learn how to use them. Auto mode generally does "okay" but you can always get a better picture by tailoring the settings to the situation.

It is important to understand that a "bridge" or "mid-range" camera is not necessarily "mid-way" between a $100 point-and-shoot and a dSLR in picture quality. The S5 is more like a point-and-shoot model which has been enclosed in a dSLR body. What you're getting is not a low-end dSLR, so much as a high-end point & shoot. Nevertheless, the S5 can take some amazing pictures. Like every Canon I've used, the S5 has excellent color and exposure and does well at preserving fine detail. Check out the Canon S5 page at flickr for samples of the beautiful images skilled photographers have gotten from this camera. Although it may only have a point-and-shoot heart, the controls permit you to coax some incredible details and effects.

However, the limited sensor size of the S5 (compared with a true dSLR) does mean high image noise at relatively low ISO, as most reviewers have noted. Canon has opted not to include aggressive noise reduction in this model. Thankfully, Neat Image does a perfect job 90% of the time cleaning up noise from anything you want to view or print at larger than postcard size.

I've seen pictures from three similar cameras owned by my colleagues at work): the Sony DSC H9, Fuji S100 (which actually is priced considerably higher than the S5), plus one more the name of which escapes me. All three were good cameras and had their virtues, but overall I preferred the color of the S5 and the class-leading movie mode.

I also wish the S5 had a true wide-angle, but it is possible to buy a lens that goes to 28mm (35 mm equivalent). Image stabilization on the S5 has satisfied me and made it possible to shoot decent telephoto without a tripod. The f-stop range is enough to enable decent blurring of the background for close-ups, which is something you usually can't do with lower-priced P&S's.

I also like that control over several features (ISO, flash, focus, etc) has been moved to the body. I may not like where some of the buttons ended up, but the body does not feel cluttered and it's nice not to have to go hunting for the control in a menu.

The electronic viewfinder has gotten some criticism for its low resolution, but I wanted a viewfinder and I'm glad the S5 has one. It's convenient to have it for when ambient lighting washes out the LCD. It also enables you to compose your pictures with the camera held against your face for additional stabilization. I assume it consumes less power than the LCD, too, making it an attractive option if you're trying to husband battery power.

I don't really watch the digital camera market closely, but I expect within a year we're going to see mid-range models step up to larger sensors which truly will bring them closer to dSLR's in their picture quality. If you can wait for the next generation of cameras, it might be worth it to save your money till then. But if you need to have something now (I did!) the S5 is a great value and you should enjoy learning to get the most out of it.

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Rating: - Great camera for the money and then some
This camera is a tough one to knock in any way. Right out of the box it is a pleasure to use. The photos are sharp if taken properly. Now for those who have knocked the fact that the lens cap comes off easily. First of all that is to protect the zoom mechanism. This can be eliminated by purchasing a LA-DC58E Conversion Lens Adapter for the camera. Not only does it allow a better hold on the camera for zooming it also lets you put on a haze or UV filter to protect your lens. A secure 58mm lens cap would then be used to protect the filter and lens. Not much of a big deal for such a fine camera. You would have to pay a great deal more and probably not ever use all the extras that a SLR might have over this camera. Great deal for the money!