Canon’s popular Powershot S-Series line got yet another upgrade this year, hot on the heels of last year’s S3 IS release.  The newest S5 IS has all the features of the S3 IS, including the 12X optical zoom, but they’ve increased the megapixels from 6.0 to 8.0, enlarged the viewscreen, included the new DIGIC III image processor and added a hot shoe adaptor for an external flash. 

Canon just continues to improve on this great camera series.  Positive features include a substantial SLR-type body that is still light-weight and easy to handle, a large, clear LCD screen, accessible and intuitive controls and great battery management. 

The S5 is about 4 ounces heavier than the S3 (which I own and love!) but that still keeps it within the range of easy handling.  In fact, the extra weight might be a bonus for those of us who prefer a little weight to help steady a shot.

 

Here’s a change I didn’t expect to give two figs about - the function buttons on the back panel feel “like buddah” to push.  It’s a sensual experience.

There’s another change that I’m undecided about but probably won’t care for in the long run.  The SD card slot has been moved into the battery compartment.  Since battery compartment doors aren’t the easiest to open and close and I typically read the card out of the camera (significantly more often than I change the batteries) then that means I’ll have to struggle each time I need to upload pics.  It’s no longer the one-handed operation of the S3 IS days. 

The good outweighs the so-so, though, and I’m oh so tempted to upgrade only one year after my last high-end digital camera purchase.

 

“What’s holding you back?” you say… Well, I’m holding out for a Canon Digital Rebel that uses SD cards. 

 

You see, I want certain things from my next camera and I don’t want to settle.  Here they are, in order of importance:

  • Canon brand
  • Very high optical zoom (10x or better)
  • Uses high-speed SD media cards
  • Shoots in RAW format and RAW/JPG
  • SLR or SLR body style (for comfort)

So, for now, I lust after this fabulous camera and pray that the engineers/designers at Canon, Inc. will hear my pleas.