- Average user rating: 3.5 stars out of 50 reviews Back to product review
- My rating: 0 stars
Full user review
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25 out of 27 people found this review helpful
4.5 stars
"Best Super Zoom Available"
Pros: Performance. Plentiful and intuitive controls. Image quality
Cons: Battery door design takes some getting used to. Needs separate SD compartment
Summary: I'm appalled at the bashing this camera is taking across the net by expert reviewers and consumers alike. If I were a paranoid, I'd suspect that a conspiracy exists to drive down the price of this splendid piece of photographic wizardry.
Yes, there are minor issues inherent with sensor size and zoom lens range. If you're planning to make poster sized prints, by all means get a different camera. But if you are planning most of the time to make average sized prints (8 X 10, for instance) and do the majority of your image viewing on your computer, this one is perfect.
At the moment, there isn't a camera of this class that offers better range of controls, imaging or performance. I've shot with the camera in all of its modes, and I'm very, very pleased with the quality of the images. Performance is top-notch across the board. Controls are broad and very intuitive. You can pluck your new camera out of the box and begin snapping very good pictures and movies without a glance at the instruction manual--although you'll want to to make fullest advantage of the amazing things this tool has to offer.
I'm an advanced amateur photographer, and I'm a perfectionist. If I can be more than satisfied with the S5 IS--and I am!--it's beyond my comprehension that anyone else could be disappointed with their purchase. For me it impressively bridges the gap between my EOS 30D and the tiny compact point-and-shoot in my bag.
If you want flawless, noise-free images, you shouldn't even be considering a camera in this class. You will be satisfied with nothing less than a digital SLR. But if you're looking for point-and-shoot ease with plentiful controls and ample zoom range with image stabilization, look no further. The Powershot S5 IS is THE camera.
- 5 replies to this review
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A digital camera mentioned earlier was the ZD8612. Walmart sells that one, but when you go to the Kodak website they call the same camera a Z8612. Same exact camera. Very good reviews there. Cnet reviews have only 2 one was good and one was by someone that may not have understood digital camera settings. I personally will be purchasing this one in the next day or two. Its one sale at Walmart for $129. the date of this post is 1/16/09. Hope this helps.
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I just saw the Kodak Easyshare ZD8612 - 12x Optical Zoom - Digital Camera
8.1 megapixel resolution Delivers detailed pictures that can be enlarged up to 16'' x 20''
12x Schneider-Kreuznach Variogon optical zoom lens with optical image stabilization and 5x digital zoom Allow you to bring your subjects much closer for better composition and crisper results. So wouldn't this one be comparable to the Canon? The price is much less, well at least for the season. I was hoping to find a review from cnet, but it wasn't listed at all. Not trying to say this Canon isn't a good camera, just thought I found one with similiar features that might be a less expensive purchase with the same 12x digital zoom. -
Desertratchel is right... I was so disappointed to read the comments made by some on the stunning website dpreview.com, before the camera was even on the market! This fine digital camera has been an absolute joy to me despite the few minor shortcomings in comparison to an SLR.
However, I have pics taken in supermacro mode (with tripod) which were printed in A1 and A0, to the amazement of the kodak outlet and the friends who were recipients of these as gifts.
The Canon Powershot S5 is awesome.
My other camera, Nikon D70 has taken a back seat in general terms since purchasing this beauty
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Forget about the so called "expert review". This camera is awesome. By the way, the camera cap is DESIGNED to pop-out easily so that it won't hurt the zoom lens when the user accidentally turn on the camera! If you call it a design flaw, then you are the flaw of nature!
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I think this is a darn near perfect camera. It has all the advantages of my old Powershot Pro 1, with VGA video, with less lag time. I don't find the critics of this camera persuasive.
Where to buy
Canon PowerShot S5 IS:
$299.95 - $815.44
| store | price | in stock? | rating |
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Amazon.com Marketplace
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$815.44 | Yes |
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$299.95 | Yes |
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