Disappointing S5 IS Results

[webwbr]

OK, long time lurker, first time poster!

I just bought an S5 last weekend -- my primary driver was the quality of videio this camera takes. I KNOW... this is a camera, not a camcorder, but since I take so little video I liked the idea of "two birds, one stone" and was willing to live with less video quality if I could have both needs met by one device.

That said, I'm not exactly excited about the phot quality of this camera, and that shocks me due to the glowing reviews by so many -- maybe I'm the problem.

By current point and shoot is a very old Sony 3.2 mega-pixel Cybershot (DSC-P72). In nearly every shot, the Sony looks better, here is an example:

Sony DSC-P27 (3.2 mega-pixel)
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2181/2108150613_b003b83b68_b.jpg

Canon S5 IS
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2290/2108927736_1472259613_b.jpg

Is it me, or am I totally wacked? If i cannot come up with a good reason, the wife will make me return this. We're not photogs, and really just need a point and shoot -- maybe this camera is too much for me and my wife. While I was willing to give up video quality, I still need photo quality as this is a camera first, camcorder second. Know what I mean?

Thanks in advance for any help/advice.

[bascom]

The S5 photo looks brighter. Was the flash on for both photos? Otherwise, I don't see much difference. The S5 looks as good as the P72 to me.

I think the P72 has a bigger sensor so I would expect a bit more detail. But I don't even see that.

[griptape]

Look at the window behind the tree. In the Sony picture, it's not blown out (over-exposed to the point of becoming a big white nothing), but the rest of the scene is under exposed. Now you have the opposite in the Canon picture, the window is blown out, the tree is slightly over exposed, and the rest of the scene is properly exposed. Read the section of your manual that deals with metering modes.

[webwbr]

Yup, both had flash... guess I thought I get a better image with a newer camera.

Thanks for your comments though... maybe I expected too much. Guess I can get equally good pictures from a much less expensive camera.

For what it's worth, the movie mode is great.





The S5 photo looks brighter. Was the flash on for both photos? Otherwise, I don't see much difference. The S5 looks as good as the P72 to me.

I think the P72 has a bigger sensor so I would expect a bit more detail. But I don't even see that.

[JTL]

That Sony shot is under exposed. The S5 shot appears to be more correctly exposed, but is slightly over exposed. Maybe you've been looking at underexposed shots for so long that you're use to them. But, if that's the look you like, set the S5 to P Mode and then set the S5's exposure compensation to -1/3 to -2/3. Do a few test shots to see which gives the result you're looking for. You'll find the info on how to do this on page 83 of your user guide.

You can also adjust the flash compensation to lower the output of your flash (once again, switch to P Mode first). Read about this on page 94 of your user guide.

[webwbr]

Thank you all for the great responses... I'm much appreciative.

Yeah, I might just be used to over-exposed images! Never thought of that.

I don't think I or my wife care to "tinker" with metering modes, flash compensation, etc. -- so I may have to go for a more "idiot proof" camera.

I need a camera the wife and I can turn on, aim and push a button. Bummer, I got such a great deal on S5 (less than $300) and know it's capable of great things -- but only in the hands of a great user and that I'm not.

Best regards,
:o

[David Metsky]

Guess I can get equally good pictures from a much less expensive camera.
As others have said, the Sony shot is only better if you are concentrating on the blinds. If you look at the couch and the bookshelf the Canon shot is clearly better exposed. It's a judgment call if one shot is better then the other. It's mainly a result of the defaults chosen by the camera makers.

I bet with a little work you will be able to get shot with the S5 that is properly exposed for the entire frame. I'm not familiar with the Sony, so I don't know if you'll be able to do the same.

[JTL]

I don't think I or my wife care to "tinker" with metering modes, flash compensation, etc. -- so I may have to go for a more "idiot proof" camera.

I need a camera the wife and I can turn on, aim and push a button. Bummer, I got such a great deal on S5 (less than $300) and know it's capable of great things -- but only in the hands of a great user and that I'm not.

Best regards,
:oEasy solution. Do the setups that I suggested, leave it in P Mode and set the ISO to Auto. She'll pick it up, turn it on and shoot. Nothing hard about that! She will not have to touch settings again if she doesn't want to. That, of course, would be a shame because it is one of the most complete/comprehensive cameras out there...but...it can easily be used as a "set and forget" camera, yet have all the control waiting if the photography bug ever really bites either one of you. One look at that S3/S5 thread in this forum ought to inspire you! :)

[bascom]

Bummer, I got such a great deal on S5 (less than $300) and know it's capable of great things
Where did you get it for < $300? I would only return if you think you can find a better one for that price. Do you have any in mind? Fuji F40? Canon A720?

[webwbr]

OK... I'll give it one lat try oner the next two days.... I'm setting it to P' and ISO to AUTO and have adjusted the flash, but still find that each setting requires an adjustment ... in other words I'm not finding that "set it and forget it" setting level yet.

Also, didn't these both seems "grainy" to all of you? Each file is like 1 MG bigger on the Canon, but seem just a grainy as the Sony.

I got it a Circuit City on a price match from Office Depot they had it for $80 off, then with CC 110% price match guarantee it came to $300... tax took it higher of course, have to pay the governor.

Thanks again all...

[JTL]

OK... I'll give it one lat try oner the next two days.... I'm setting it to P' and ISO to AUTO and have adjusted the flash, but still find that each setting requires an adjustment ... in other words I'm not finding that "set it and forget it" setting level yet.After you made changes via the FUNC settings, did you remember to press the SET button to save them?

[SpecialK]

Thank you all for the great responses... I'm much appreciative.

Yeah, I might just be used to over-exposed images! Never thought of that.

I don't think I or my wife care to "tinker" with metering modes, flash compensation, etc. -- so I may have to go for a more "idiot proof" camera.

I need a camera the wife and I can turn on, aim and push a button. Bummer, I got such a great deal on S5 (less than $300) and know it's capable of great things -- but only in the hands of a great user and that I'm not.

Best regards,
:o

It's really not hard to tinker. Plus, you have instant review to check your results and make immediate adjustments. I'd stick wiith it and give it a little time. I think flash shots are the hardest type to get great results from, regardless of camera.