Canon PowerShot S5 IS Point & Shoot Camera
The Canon PowerShot S5 IS is a 8MP 1/2.5 inch compact camera — with 480p video. Check GearFocus for current availability, with buyer protection on every purchase.
Canon PowerShot S5 IS Point & Shoot Camera
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$329.95$30 price drop
$299.95
Camera Overview — Canon PowerShot S5 IS
Key Features — Canon PowerShot S5 IS
8MP 1/2.5-Inch Sensor: Captures stills at up to 3264x2448 pixels, suitable for standard prints and everyday photography.
Optical Image Stabilization: Lens-based OIS reduces camera shake during handheld shooting, particularly useful in lower light or at longer focal lengths.
Vari-Angle 2.5" LCD: Articulating screen lets you shoot from high, low, or awkward angles without contorting your body.
Electronic Viewfinder: Built-in EVF provides an eye-level shooting option independent of the rear LCD.
Hot Shoe Flash Support: Standard ISO hot shoe accepts external Canon Speedlite units for more powerful or controlled lighting beyond the built-in pop-up flash.
AA Battery Powered: Runs on four standard AA batteries, making it easy to find replacements virtually anywhere.
Camera Specifications — Canon PowerShot S5 IS
| Spec | Detail |
|---|---|
| Use Cases | Travel |
| Type | Point and Shoot |
| Sensor | 1/2.5 inch |
| Resolution | 8MP |
| Processor | DIGIC III |
| ISO Range | 80 – 1600 |
| AF System | Contrast Detection, Face Detection AF |
| AF Points | 9 points |
| Max Photo Resolution | 3264x2448 |
| Burst Rate | 1.5 fps |
| Max Video Resolution | 480p |
| Max Frame Rate | 30fps |
Description — Canon PowerShot S5 IS
The Canon PowerShot S5 IS is a point-and-shoot camera centered on an 8MP, 1/2.5-inch sensor and powered by the DIGIC III image processor. Still images are captured at up to 3264x2448 pixels, with an ISO range spanning 80 to 1600. The camera's Optical Image Stabilization (OIS) helps minimize blur during handheld use.
Focusing is handled by a Contrast Detection and Face Detection AF system operating across 9 focus points. Framing options include both an Electronic EVF and a 2.5-inch Vari-Angle LCD with 207,000 dots, which articulates for creative angles. The flash setup covers both a built-in pop-up flash and a standard ISO hot shoe for external Canon Speedlites.
Video recording supports up to 480p at 30fps in 8-bit color. The 4x AA battery system delivers approximately 450 shots per set, and the camera saves to SD and SDHC cards. A 2.5mm microphone jack is included.
The plastic body weighs 574g and measures 117 x 80 x 77.7 mm, with no weather sealing.
Pros — Canon PowerShot S5 IS
- ✓Optical Image Stabilization (OIS) built in for steadier handheld shots
- ✓Versatile 2.5-inch Vari-Angle LCD (207,000 dots) allows flexible framing from multiple angles
- ✓Hot shoe accepts external Canon Speedlite flash units beyond the built-in pop-up flash
Cons — Canon PowerShot S5 IS
- ✗Video maxes out at 480p resolution — well below modern HD standards
- ✗No weather sealing, making the camera vulnerable in wet or dusty conditions
- ✗No Wi-Fi or Bluetooth connectivity for wireless image transfer
Reviews — Canon PowerShot S5 IS
Videos — Canon PowerShot S5 IS
Canon PowerShot S5 IS review — Gordon Laing