Will Lower Image Size Improve Pic Quality on s5?

[andycincy]

I have pretty much made the decision to purchase the s5, based on my recent experiences with the SD750 (blurry shots because no image stabilization) and the TZ3 (washed out color and aggressive noise reduction software fuzzing out details). I know the s5, like most non-dslr's out there today, still suffers to some degree from mega pixel overdose and the nr software will fuzz out the detail to some degree.

My trusty old Canon S400 (4 MP) takes sharp photo's I am satisfied with at the large setting of 2272 x 1704 pixels. The max pixel setting on the s5 is 3264 x 2448 (JPEG super-fine). Would reducing the image setting to 2592 x 1944 JPEG Super-Fine help? All the pro reviews I am reading say that trying to cram more pixels onto the same size sensors is what is killing image quality, so reducing the image size would seem to make sense - but I would like the opinion of someone that knows what they are doing please!

I have been very satisfied with the image quality of photos taken with the s400, but would like a camera with better zoom, faster shutter time, and the ability to customize as I learn how to go beyond point and shoot. The s5, combined with the hot shoe to enable me to get a speedlight flash, seems to fit that bill while still being able to function as a PS for my wife.

Your thoughts on the image size question would be very much appreciated, thank you!

[webwbr]

Sorry to thread hijack, but I would love an answer to this too...

I am sitting here right now with an S5 and debating about returning it today for something else and all my shots seems grainy and over exposed versus an old beat up 3.8 mega pixel Sony!

I tried reducing resolution and didn't seem to see a change, and I did a bunch of other tweaks folks on this formum recommended -- so far, no improvement (for my eye).

For what it's worth, I'm now trying to decide between the A Series (720, 710, 570) or the SD Series (880, 850, 870). Leaning towards the A series and the 570 as these higher mega pixel cameras just don't seem to cut it for my untrained eye (and I'm just an layman point and shoot person).


:(

[andycincy]

Unfortunately the answer would be no, straight from the editor of another review site: http://forum.digitalcamerareview.com/showthread.php?t=4793.

I share your frustration! The problem with the A series that makes it a deal killer for me is the slow flash recharge times I keep reading about. And, I really do want the ability to have a bit of a better zoom with my 5 year old boy getting into more sports over the next few years. A DSLR is just out of the question - too big, expensive, and complicated. I may take the time to play with it and learn how to take decent shots, but it will never work for my wife.

All of the other super zooms in the same class (sony, panasonic, fuji, and olympus) seem to have the same or worse issues with smudgy pictures because of too many pixels and not enough sensor, andthis problem also extends to all of the compacts.

I think it is ridiculous that my old s400 takes better pictures than seemingly all non-dslr cameras alive today. That being said, I need to upgrade, and I have seen lots of good shots from s3 and s5 cameras posted by regular people. So, I have hope with the right settings I will be able to do that too. Another big selling point to me for the s5 is the ability to plug in the extra flash, for better indoor lighting and faster recharge times to be able to take more pictures.

Dude, you are really making me nervous though. I have already blown about $70 on shipping and restocking fees to return the sd750 and the DMC-TZ3. If I get anyone else like you chiming in with bad news I may just not do anything, and hope that somebody comes out with some new tech! :confused: Let me know what you end up doing, and if you are happier with the replacement (if you choose one). Just reply to this post as it will email me, thanks, and good luck!

[webwbr]

Ha! You and I are indeed in the same boat! I can't handle slow flash rates due to fast moving kids and simply need to upgrade from our first digial camera we purchased about 5 years ago.

Don't be nervous... you and I both have one of the best camera's cameras going and every site/review/etc. says so. I'm sure of it. I think I might need to raise my game (just a bit) to make this camera be all it can be. But the hard part is my wife will need to as well and she is not interested in doing anything beyond turning it on, aiming and pushing the trigger.

I'm convinced it is about what I'm "used to seeing"... my old Sony tends to under expose (so for the last 5 years I've been looking at darker images) and the Canon seems to slightly over expose, so it it looks more washed out and grainy.

I've had some success with adjustments, but now I'm stuck on focus:

If I'm physically close to an object (say 18-24 inches away) I cannot zoom and keep focus. For example, my 3 month old son was sucking his thumb in his crib for the first time. I went to take a shot (again 18-24 inches away) and all went well. Then I went to zoom in to get a real tight frame (only part of face) and the camera could not make focus happen.

So I feel like I'm getting there but focus is eluding me. As I indicated in my other post I wanted a digital camera that could also take good video and this one does! So I've got another few days to make a final decision before I' own it forever (Circuit City 14 day policy).

Feel free to e-mail me at "peccator at gmail period com" if you want to compare notes.

[andycincy]

Thanks for the tip, and I just may follow you up on the offer of swapping tips after I have actually purchased it. I will definitely be purchasing this book, which was just published this month and is geared to getting great photos from the powershot series, including the s5:

http://www.wiley.com/WileyCDA/WileyTitle/productCd-0470174617,descCd-tableOfContents.html

You can get it from Amazon for $13 - seems like a good investment to me. Happy holidays!

[webwbr]

Thanks for the tip on the book, I may get that, and see if I can find a setting that seems to be a "one size fits all" so my wife can use this camera too!

Here to us getting some great shots with an S5 this holiday,

Best Regards,

[bascom]

The problem with the A series that makes it a deal killer for me is the slow flash recharge times I keep reading about. And, I really do want the ability to have a bit of a better zoom with my 5 year old boy getting into more sports over the next few years. A DSLR is just out of the question - too big, expensive, and complicated. I may take the time to play with it and learn how to take decent shots, but it will never work for my wife.

All of the other super zooms in the same class (sony, panasonic, fuji, and olympus) seem to have the same or worse issues with smudgy pictures because of too many pixels and not enough sensor, andthis problem also extends to all of the compacts.

I think ones that use use 4 AA batts have fast flash recharge times: Canon A6XX and S series, Fuji S6000. The S6000 has a large sensor and high ISO for better photos.