Canon Powershot S5 IS Review

Top Controls: On the left is the Flash mode button which is the Audio Memo button in playback. On the right is the Shutter Release with the zoom lens control ring around it. Below it is the Drive mode button (Single, Continuous, Self-timer). The Mode Dial has positions for AUTO (point-n-shoot mode), Program AE, Tv (shutter speed-priority), Av (aperture-priority), Manual, Custom (user-configurable with your own settings), Movie, Stitch Assist, Scene, Sports, Night Portrait, Landscape, Portrait. And the combination Power / Record/ Playback dial. You can also see the flash hot shoe.

Back Controls: On the left of the EVF you can see the "S"hortcut button can be set to quickly change frequently used settings and also acts as the Print/Share button in playback mode. The 4-way selector is used for changing settings, navigating menus and selecting images in playback mode. Pressing up will adjust exposure compensation. In A/S/M modes it sets shutter speed and aperture values. The SET button accepts menu selections and in record mode it lets you move the AF focus point. The MENU button calls up and dismisses the menu system.

The Movie mode shutter button (chrome with a red dot), the FUNCtion button gives you access to an on-screen menu for changing ISO speed, White Balance, Image Effects, Flash Compensation, Exposure and Focus Bracketing, Image Size and Quality. The FUNCtion button also serves as the Delete button in playback. The ISO button allows you to quicly change the sensitivity in record mode, and also serves as the rotate option during playback. The DISPLAY button selects the EVF or LCD and controls the amount of info displayed on the screen.

On the front of the camera located above the lens are two microphones that record stereo audio to be included with your movies.

I/O ports are located on the right hand side, the 7.4v DC INput jack for the optional AC adapter. Next is the USB 2.0 Hi-Speed data port and the A/V Output, video is selectable for NTSC or PAL, the audio is stereo.

The S5 stores images and movies on SD, SDHC or MMC memory cards. Canon includes a 32MB card but you'll be better served with at least a 1GB sized card and a high-speed 1GB or 2GB SD card if you plan on recording a lot of high quality VGA-sized movies.

Powered is supplied by four standard AA type batteries, Canon supplies alkalines but we recommend high-capacity NiMH rechargeble AA batteries. Rechargeable batteries save you money and can be reused hundreds of times.

Canon estimates that the approx. battery life with alkalines is 170 shots and a total of 12 hours of playback time. Using NiMH batteries you can expect approx. 450 shots or 15 hours of playback time. (LCD screen on. The above figures comply with CIPA testing standards and apply when fully-charged batteries are used.)

Storage Capacity (approx.)