Any comments on the new PS S5 IS

[etrig]

Hi,
Looking for a new camera to replace my A530 which has become ill.
I was looking at the Power Shot S5 IS. WOW! seems like this camera has some very nice features you find on the higher end cameras. I really like the 12x optical zoom level,and the ability to put different lenses on it.I'm a little leery of it being a new camera though.
If anyone has some comments I'd appreciate hearing them.

thanks,
Eric

[mwfanelli2]

Read the technical review for the S5:

http://www.dpreview.com/reviews/canons5is/

I looked at the S5 as well as the Panasonic FZ8. There are both pretty much the same quality but I bought the FZ8 because it was cheaper and had some features I liked that the S5 did not have.

http://www.dpreview.com/reviews/panasonicfz8/

[Liz]

I tried the S5 and was debating between the S5 and G7 and ended up with the G9 after all that. However, I did purchase an S3 IS used which is very similar to the S5 except for the larger LCD and hot shoe on S5. So I got the best of both so to speak.

At any rate, back to the S5. It's a great camera IMO. I got sharp results handheld at the longest zoom 432. This amazed me - the IS works very well. Also, I was surprised how fast the S5 is compared to other p&s cameras, even faster than the G9. The price on the S5 has dropped from $500 to $350 in most places in the past month. I would recommend this camera if you're interested in a long zoom. It also has the swivel screen and many more nice features.

Liz

Hi,
Looking for a new camera to replace my A530 which has become ill.
I was looking at the Power Shot S5 IS. WOW! seems like this camera has some very nice features you find on the higher end cameras. I really like the 12x optical zoom level,and the ability to put different lenses on it.I'm a little leery of it being a new camera though.
If anyone has some comments I'd appreciate hearing them.

thanks,
Eric

[etrig]

Thanks for the links Michael.

Liz,
Yeah I thought that was a pretty good price when looking the other day..I'm definitely looking for more Zoom.Sounds like I would like the speed of the S5 too. Good to hear you get sharp results at the longest zoom. That's something the A530 was seriously lacking along with the lack of aperture choices and a few other things.

Thanks for commenting,
Eric

[Liz]

Let us know what you decide.......or come back and ask more questions. :thumbsup:

Liz

Thanks for the links Michael.

Liz,
Yeah I thought that was a pretty good price when looking the other day..I'm definitely looking for more Zoom.Sounds like I would like the speed of the S5 too. Good to hear you get sharp results at the longest zoom. That's something the A530 was seriously lacking along with the lack of aperture choices and a few other things.

Thanks for commenting,
Eric

[jgredline]

Liz
thank you for the quick review,,I trust reviews from posters and users much more than the review sites...,I too have been considering another point and shoot to replace my Fuji s9100 point and shoot but do not want to downgrade as the fuji is very good...I had not realized they dropped down to 350.00 bucks...

[chas berlin]

Liz,
Pls tell me why you went w/ the G9?
I was considering the 850IS and now the G9, but also wondering about the S5.
G9 has more features, though the S5 looks better, is also manual, and has a much better grip. Only seen a review w/ pic of S5 in hand, so I'm not sure about it's size, and feel.
For digi I've only had an Olympus FE190 (used slightly and didn't care for). Nice and small, but image quality was lacking. I'm a film SLR guy, but wanting to get away from film and the wieght/size of SLR's.
Are they're any other digi cams you'd suggest I look at? Hoping to get just one that I will stick w/ for some time.
Your thoughts are appreciated,
Charles

[Liz]

Charles,

There are so many new p&s cameras out there I had a difficult time choosing. My main camera is the XTi, but due to back/neck problems I had to give up the heavier lenses. I decided to go for a p&s to compliment my XTi - and "sort of" replace the longer zoom lenses. I finally narrowed it down to the S5 and G7 and tried both. I decided to return the G7 and get the S5 due to the price drop so I returned the G7. In the meantime, I really missed the portability and the "feel" of the G7. At the same time, the G9 arrived on the scene. After a bit of research I decided I wanted the G9 and am very happy I made that decision. I really really like this camera.

Image quality is the bottom line for me; and although the S5 has excellent IQ, I found the G9 (and G7) images to be cleaner/brighter/crisper. The G9 also gave me better results right out of the camera with no post processing or very little. With the S5 I found I had to do more post processing. One thing to note - surprisingly the S5 will give you sharp results even at the longest zoom 432mm, even better than some zoom lenses on the XTi. The LCD on the S5 is flexable - you can move it to 180 degree angle. However, I much prefer the 3" LCD on the G9 - it's very readable and bright - you can see this screen from almost any angle - and can actually see it in bright sunlight. The LCD alone is worth getting this camera IMO (along with the other features of course).

They are both excellent cameras. I thought the G9 might be too small for me to get a sharp image as I have a slight camera shake problem. I was surprised that there is no cs effect at all unless I move; although the grip isn't as pronounced as the S5, it does have a better grip than the G7 - and I haven't found this to be a problem. If possible, I would suggest going to an electronic or camera store and checking both out - see which one feels the best. I honestly thought I would prefer the S5, but found the G9 to be "just right" in many ways including size and portability. Here are links to the G9 and S5 from B&H - check out the specifications and features and compare. Also I'm including a link to a few of the first photos I shot with the G9. No post processing - straight out of camera.

I'm no expert, so I hope my comments and experience helps.

BTW, the going price for the G9 is $499 - however, Circuit City is offering a 10% discount for AA members which brings it down to $450 plus tax. Normancamera.com is a reputable dealer that has both in stock - no tax unless you live in Michigan.

Link to photos (mine from G9
Jersey Shore - new G9 camera

Photos (not mine) from S5
http://www.pbase.com/photofreak777/national_zoo

G9
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/produc...al_Camera.html

S5
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/produc...S_Digital.html

Liz

Liz,
Pls tell me why you went w/ the G9?
I was considering the 850IS and now the G9, but also wondering about the S5.
G9 has more features, though the S5 looks better, is also manual, and has a much better grip. Only seen a review w/ pic of S5 in hand, so I'm not sure about it's size, and feel.
For digi I've only had an Olympus FE190 (used slightly and didn't care for). Nice and small, but image quality was lacking. I'm a film SLR guy, but wanting to get away from film and the wieght/size of SLR's.
Are they're any other digi cams you'd suggest I look at? Hoping to get just one that I will stick w/ for some time.
Your thoughts are appreciated,
Charles

[jgredline]

Liz
So basically, you gave up the super zoom for a little better image quality?

[Liz]

Liz
So basically, you gave up the super zoom for a little better image quality?

Yes, the IQ was one BIG reason. I love the clean, crisp images I get right out of the camera without any post processing (for the most part). Other reasons include the incredible 3" LCD screen - the only one I've used that you can see details in bright sunlight. Also, the menu, buttons, etc. are easier to manipulate, the automatic lens closing, the built-in ND which helps immensely when shooting in bright sunlight - I get blue skies on very bright days. One of the biggest reasons is the way it "feels" and the portability. I never enjoyed using a p&s like I do this one.

I did find a like-new used S3 including the Lensmate adaptor for a very low price which covers the long zoom. However, I almost never use it.

Liz

[chas berlin]

Liz,
Thx for the info and links, it is REALLY appreciated..
Your pics are really nice. As I said in the other thread, I'm impressed.
Like you, I look for a crisp, sharp neg (pic in this case). The pics from the S5 were nice, and I'm not knocking them, but they didn't have that crisp punch I look for in a shot. From what you just showed me the G9 is definitely better for IQ. The color is reminiscent of Velvia. Nice saturation and punch. I'm literally amazed these are right out of the camera. Which leads to another of my concerns...I don't know Photoshop, or anything else, and I'm concerned that a lot of time will be required in post production. Someone else told me to be prepared to learn it.
Is Noise Reduction software something that comes w/ the G9? I keep reading about this. They say anything over 200, or maybe 400 ISA, will require this.
Now, the G9 I looked at the other day had issues w/ WB. Sometimes Auto worked, sometimes evaluative, etc. Tried two different G9's and they were both the same. Even ran a print to check the accuracy of the LCD and the print showed the screen was accurate (unfortunately the color was not). Skin tones a bit red, and a green shirt could not be accurately rendered. Reds were generally off. A red flower was dark pink, no matter what WB I used. Very inconsistent. Have you found any of this?
I'm curious, the shot of the green truck, was there any other setting that would have yielded a better shot? (The blown out background.) I ask out of ignorance. Again, I know nothing of digi.
Do you know anything about the FZ8 (Pannasonic)? Someone just suggested it over the G9.
Also, I assume you can not put a uv filter on the G9? Would that be asking for too much?
I'm so spoiled by my SLR's. Just open the bag and out pops filters, filters, and more filters.
Oh, but as you've pointed out, they can be cumbersome, now can't they?
Shoot, they take the BEST shots though, but dang am I tired of carting those lenses around!
You said Circuit City offered a discount... what is AA?
I assume not alcoholics anonymous! (Ha ha.)
And in another post you mentioned NA. What is that?
If it's narcotics anonymous, I'll start wondering about you!
Chas

[mwfanelli2]

Liz,
Thx for the info and links, it is REALLY appreciated..
Your pics are really nice. As I said in the other thread, I'm impressed.
Like you, I look for a crisp, sharp neg (pic in this case). The pics from the S5 were nice, and I'm not knocking them, but they didn't have that crisp punch I look for in a shot. From what you just showed me the G9 is definitely better for IQ. The color is reminiscent of Velvia. Nice saturation and punch. I'm literally amazed these are right out of the camera. Which leads to another of my concerns...I don't know Photoshop, or anything else, and I'm concerned that a lot of time will be required in post production. Someone else told me to be prepared to learn it.
Is Noise Reduction software something that comes w/ the G9? I keep reading about this. They say anything over 200, or maybe 400 ISA, will require this.
Now, the G9 I looked at the other day had issues w/ WB. Sometimes Auto worked, sometimes evaluative, etc. Tried two different G9's and they were both the same. Even ran a print to check the accuracy of the LCD and the print showed the screen was accurate (unfortunately the color was not). Skin tones a bit red, and a green shirt could not be accurately rendered. Reds were generally off. A red flower was dark pink, no matter what WB I used. Very inconsistent. Have you found any of this?
I'm curious, the shot of the green truck, was there any other setting that would have yielded a better shot? (The blown out background.) I ask out of ignorance. Again, I know nothing of digi.
Do you know anything about the FZ8 (Pannasonic)? Someone just suggested it over the G9.
Also, I assume you can not put a uv filter on the G9? Would that be asking for too much?
I'm so spoiled by my SLR's. Just open the bag and out pops filters, filters, and more filters.
Oh, but as you've pointed out, they can be cumbersome, now can't they?
Shoot, they take the BEST shots though, but dang am I tired of carting those lenses around!
You said Circuit City offered a discount... what is AA?
I assume not alcoholics anonymous! (Ha ha.)
And in another post you mentioned NA. What is that?
If it's narcotics anonymous, I'll start wondering about you!
Chas

There is a Panasonic FZ8 review right here on this site. What I forgot to add is a really cool feature: you can set the display to show vertical and hozizontal lines to help you level the camera accurately. The camera cost me, new on Amazon, $253. Look at the dpreview site I mentioned in the first reply.

http://www.photographyreview.com/cat...6_5648crx.aspx

[Liz]

Thanks for the nice comments. I'm not an expert here; however, I'll try to answer your questions from my (limited) experience. The only photo that I did any pp for is the one with the woman on the bench. I gave it a small bit of "contrast." Other than that, all the images were straight out of camera. The G9 is perfect for me because I don't have a lot of time for photography and like to spend it all out shooting. I find that for the most part I don't have to post process - like in the above images. However, I have Photoshop Elements2 and do make some use of it, especially with my XTi. For the G9 I never spend more than a minute or two just tweaking a few things - contrast, brighter, sharp. Whatever. However the G9 has a lot of features and manual settings including 2 custom settings which means, find the best settings for you (aperture/shutter/whater) and save it. With the G9, in-camera (auto) settings are better than any camera I've used.

Noise reduction - there is some noise reduction in-camera, but from what I've read, it's less than the G7 - and less than other p&s cameras. You can get noise reduction software if you inclined to do so, but so far I haven't wanted or needed it. For me the G9 hasn't needed it for the ISO200 - the 400 is a bit noisy, but not as bad as a lot of others I've seen.

RED - from what I've read, different brands have different color issues. Some have blue, some magenta, etc. Canon's color issue happen to be red. Personally I've never had a problem with my images. However, I believe if someone is pixel peeping, they would find the red a problem - as they would blue/magenta, etc. on other cameras. As I said, I'm not the expert here - I know I can get good results right out of camera - and I don't print beyond 8x10 which is fine. WB - I leave it on auto all the time. No problems for me personally. SKIN TONES - yes, it is possible to get slightly reddish skin tones. However, there is a setting on the camera that fixes this quickly (sorry, I don't recall which one).

FILTERS: you can use filters on the G9 but you need an adaptor. Check out Lensmate.com for adaptors for Canon cameras. You can then use any filter you wish. The lens is 58mm I believe. ND - Neutral Density filter - the G9 comes with this filter built in which you can turn on or off. I turn it on when I'm shooting on bright sunny days - I get a nice blue sky with this - I had it on with the shots you viewed. It filters the light - how much light gets into the camera.

Circuit City - I meant to say "AAA" membership. Sorry about the AA. They are offering a 10% discount for AAA membership. I believe it is still available.

Let me just say that I found it very challenging to choose a p&s to "replace" my heavier lenses. It took me weeks - even a couple of months - to decide on a P&S as I was always comparing the images to my XTi. It doesn't work. P&S cameras are very limited. There is no perfect one. Some get better results at higher ISO - but the IQ isn't as good, and so on. I am a Canon person - and with all the glitches - I love the Canon color (red is easy to fix for the most part as there are so many setting options). The p&s lenses are very small compared to the ones used with a dslr. You will not get results like you will with a DSLR. However, I have come close with the G9. Obviously my comments are subjective. After much research and trying out 4 different cameras, I found the G9 to be the best of the bunch for me personally.

I don't know anything about the FZ8 - however, just to confuse you more the new FZ18 is a nice camera from what I've read. However, comparing the images, the G9 IMO is brighter/crisper and cleaner.

Liz

Hope this helps.

[etrig]

Let us know what you decide.......or come back and ask more questions. :thumbsup:

Liz

Liz,
You and that G9 take some awesome pictures! Thanks for posting those links.
I have decided to go with the S5.

Thanks for everyones input,
Eric

[chas berlin]

Liz,
From looking at reviews (I haven't seen and held the S5 or FZ8) it seems the G9 has a sharper pic, which is really important to me, especially since digi cams, don't have the resolution and clarity of an SLR (which is what I'm used to). Trying to find something to take the place of an SLR is proving difficult.
Someone else suggested a Roleh 30 & 31(sp?).
Any commments?
I'm considering shelving the whole thing until before Christmas, thinking I'll have more time, and possibly prices will drop a bit by then. Couldn't verify AAA discount. Circuit City (online) lists the price at $475.
Thx,
Chas

[Liz]

Liz,
From looking at reviews (I haven't seen and held the S5 or FZ8) it seems the G9 has a sharper pic, which is really important to me, especially since digi cams, don't have the resolution and clarity of an SLR (which is what I'm used to). Trying to find something to take the place of an SLR is proving difficult.
Someone else suggested a Roleh 30 & 31(sp?).
Any commments?
I'm considering shelving the whole thing until before Christmas, thinking I'll have more time, and possibly prices will drop a bit by then. Couldn't verify AAA discount. Circuit City (online) lists the price at $475.
Thx,
Chas

Amazon is selling the G9 for $467, free shipping (and don't think they charge tax....not sure)

http://www.amazon.com/Canon-PowerSho...1515850&sr=8-1

Newegg $459 plus tax & I think they charge shipping
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16830120219

Also someone said Dell (order by phone only) will beat Amazon's price - and they usually have coupons. Online it lists for $499. You have to call (no online specials) - the person got it for about $450 free shipping.....however, I don't know about that. You'd have to call.

I don't know anything about Dell......just repeating another person's experience.

I also can't comment on the other camera(s) as I only have experience with the S5 and G9

Good luck.
Liz

[jgredline]

Also someone said Dell (order by phone only) will beat Amazon's price - and they usually have coupons. Online it lists for $499. You have to call (no online specials) - the person got it for about $450 free shipping.....however, I don't know about that. You'd have to call.

I don't know anything about Dell.....

I can tell you that I have purchased 4 computers and 2 cameras and printers from Dell and they have been very good to deal with and they do meet or beat other folks prices..My experiences have been good with them..

[chas berlin]

Thx, both of you, for the info. $450 might get me off the fence.
IG, I like your tag line.

[Liz]

Thx, both of you, for the info. $450 might get me off the fence.
IG, I like your tag line.

I don't think you will be disappointed. Once you use the G9, you'll see what I mean. :thumbsup:

Advice: just don't try comparing it with the dslr.....that's the biggest mistake people make. However, having said that, the IQ is excellent

Liz

[jgredline]

I don't think you will be disappointed. Once you use the G9, you'll see what I mean. :thumbsup:

Advice: just don't try comparing it with the dslr.....that's the biggest mistake people make. However, having said that, the IQ is excellent

Liz

YES..I make this mistake all the time...I have a few DSLR's and I am constantly looking to replace my Fuji fine pix s9100 because I am constantly comparing them....The fuji takes some great pics, but it is not an slr...I have decided to buy the G9...

[chas berlin]

I have decided to buy the G9...

I'm shocked JG!!!
I thought you wanted super zoom over IQ?












Just kidding bro.
From what I've seen (testing the G9) along w/ all I've read about it, you'll likely be quite happy.
And I'll be close behind you.

Chas

[Liz]

YES..I make this mistake all the time...I have a few DSLR's and I am constantly looking to replace my Fuji fine pix s9100 because I am constantly comparing them....The fuji takes some great pics, but it is not an slr...I have decided to buy the G9...

Congratulations! I do believe that you will be very happy with it. Don't forget as a DSLR owner you need some time to get used to a p&s......try to be objective without comparing the results, and remember the G9 is still a p&s - but among the best out there..

Enjoy! Keep us updated.

Liz

[chas berlin]

Liz,
What type of adapter (for filters) are you using on the G9?
And would you post a pic of the camera w/ the adapter on it?
I'm wondering if the adapter must be removed before shutting down (so the lens can retract).
What's been your experience using it? Cumbersome, time consuming?
Thx,
Chas

[Liz]

Liz,
What type of adapter (for filters) are you using on the G9?
And would you post a pic of the camera w/ the adapter on it?
I'm wondering if the adapter must be removed before shutting down (so the lens can retract).
What's been your experience using it? Cumbersome, time consuming?
Thx,
Chas

I don't have the G9 adaptor yet, but have researched it. Here is a website that includes all the information & pictures of the adaptor for the G7 and G9. I do have the Lensmate adaptor for the S3 - and it is very nice, not too big, easy on-off and not cumbersome. Lensmate has a good reputation. I believe they also sell the macro attachments. Some people use the adaptor as a hood and/or protection for the lens. There is also a Canon adaptor, but from what I understand it doesn't fit quite as well. BTW, the adaptor does not have to be removed in order to shut it down.

Link:
http://www.lensmateonline.com/newsite/G7.html

Liz

[chas berlin]

After more time in a shop playing w/ the G9 I'm now more confused than ever. Unfortunately the fellow behind the counter didn't know much about the camera, so it was frustrating.
Then when comparing pics from the G9 and 850 IS online, I find very little difference between the two. The 850 IS doesn't have the controls and features of the G9, but it's the pic that matters to me.
I also looked at the FZ8, which I also saw in use at a concert this wkend, but it seems a bit bulky.
Bottom line...Still looking!
And still listening to suggestions.