Feedback please - S3 IS

[Liz]

I had the opportunity to try out an S3 IS camera yesterday. Since I'm considering the S5 IS I thought I'd check it out. Nothing special here - but just trying out camera in auto - I figured if it would do okay - images would improve when I can control the settings. Flower is soft due to movement from the wind.

I had purchased the G7 but am returning it for 2 reasons. I have a slight camera shake problem and the G7 is too small for me to work with. The other reason is the focal length - the S3 and S5 goes to over 400mm - the G7 to 210.

Please note that these were all shot in auto - I didn't have a manual and could not figure out how to set ISO - and other settings.

I'd appreciate your input











Liz

[EOSThree]

Those photographs look fine Liz. I guess the real question is: Do they satisfy you?
I have an S2 in my bag and I have been generally satisfied with the camera. It does tend to struggle in high contrast scenes, the shadows show a lot of noise. High ISOs, forget about it, the photos get really noisy above 400. The built in flash is kind of weak, but the S5 does have the hot shoe, and that will solve that issue. The lens is impressive, quite a range, decently sharp.
I replaced a G2 with the S2 and I still miss the G some, but the S2 is growing on me.

[readingr]

Liz

They make me wonder why I went for the 5D then I remember the lenses.
As EOS said - its not the quality of the photos that it takes its more to do with - will the camera fit your needs and are you happy with it.

From the photos submitted the quality looks fine.

Roger

[Old Timer]

For total auto I think you would have to be pleased with the quality here. Once you learn the ins and outs I'm sure that you will see a big difference. As Roger said the big question here does the camera meet you needs? Is it light enough for you to carry for extended periods of time, does the zoom range allow you to do the kind of street photography that you love? Just make sure that the camera you settle on will meet or exceed you major concerns.

[Liz]

For total auto I think you would have to be pleased with the quality here. Once you learn the ins and outs I'm sure that you will see a big difference. As Roger said the big question here does the camera meet you needs? Is it light enough for you to carry for extended periods of time, does the zoom range allow you to do the kind of street photography that you love? Just make sure that the camera you settle on will meet or exceed you major concerns.

Larry,

Pros:
**The camera is light enough - perfect actually even for extended periods of time.
**Zoom range is awesome - it's over 400mm
**Reasonably sharp at long end - I will mostly use it for longer focal lengths.

Cons
**IQ isn't exactly what I would like - this is the only "con"

Image quality - this is the most important aspect for me personally. My DSLR's have spoiled me and I end up looking at my images through the eyes of the "L" lenses! I have to bite the bullet - and admit I'm not going to find a p&s match for the DSLR

With all of that, I have my XTi and 50mm/f1.4 combo which I love. I will use the P&S for most everything else. I would hope to find a wide angle for my DSLR at some point that doesn't weigh me down. So, basically the P&S will be used for longer focal lengths.

Thanks for your help/input.

Liz

[Liz]

Liz

They make me wonder why I went for the 5D then I remember the lenses.
As EOS said - its not the quality of the photos that it takes its more to do with - will the camera fit your needs and are you happy with it.

From the photos submitted the quality looks fine.

Roger

Other than the IQ not being exactly what I'm used to, it fits all the other needs. I will be happy if I can get a little better image trying other settings - once I figure it out.

Liz

[Liz]

Those photographs look fine Liz. I guess the real question is: Do they satisfy you?
I have an S2 in my bag and I have been generally satisfied with the camera. It does tend to struggle in high contrast scenes, the shadows show a lot of noise. High ISOs, forget about it, the photos get really noisy above 400. The built in flash is kind of weak, but the S5 does have the hot shoe, and that will solve that issue. The lens is impressive, quite a range, decently sharp.
I replaced a G2 with the S2 and I still miss the G some, but the S2 is growing on me.

It's hard to say if I like the IQ straight out a camera with the only option being "auto" mode simply because I can't seem to figure out how to use the ISO even though it has it's own button (nothing happens when pressed and it's not included on the menu)
I will be happy if I can pop the colors a bit and change a few other settings.

Thanks for your input - btw the G7 is awesome. It's just too light weight for me - this "outweighs" (excuse the pun) the IS function for me since I have a slight camera shake problem. I can't easily get a sharp image. There is no grip to hold onto either.

Liz

[Liz]

After much research, reading and trying out the S3 - I finally stopped procrastinating and ordered the S5 IS. I think this is about the best camera that will come the closest to meeting my needs. It's a bit heavier than the S3 which is good as it will give me more stability along with the IS. It's light compared to the DSLR with a heavy lens, but it's heavy enough for what I need.

I've seen some really nice shots from this camera - so I know what it is capable of. This helps because I know if I don't get those "nice shots" that it's NOT the camera.

Thanks for all the input and advice.

Liz