Upgrade to S5 from S2?

[dordale]

Hi all--

I've been lurking here awhile, and finally decided to register. This is a great forum with a lot of knowledgeable folks! I've learned a lot while lurking!

Now I have a question. I currently own a Canon S2 and I'm considering upgrading to the Canon S5. The main reasons I'm considering it is the larger LCD, and the broader ISO range. The face recognition and higher megapixel would be nice as well.

My question is...in your opinions, is the upgrade worth the extra money? I also thought about upgrading to a D-SLR, but don't think I'd like the added bulk to carry around.

I appreciate all your thoughts!

Thanks--
dordale :)

[jonalta]

hello Dordale. Welcome to the group.
I owned an S2 before, then an S3. But later moved on to get the Canon G9 instead of the S5. My main points are basically these:
1. smaller body (more portable than S5) but very well built
2. much bigger LCD (perhaps more resolution than S5)
3. RAW capability (I thought I need to practice before getting a dSLR)
4. ND filter option (this turned out to be very handy in some situations)
5. very useful buttons and dials (for quick settings changing)
6. Marine case (I love doing some underwater shots as well so...)

What I miss about the S3 or S5:
1. rotating LCD (very useful in awkward positions)
2. 12x zoom (even the G9's 6X plus a 2X adapter cannot match S3's 12x quality)
3. AA batteries (very convenient, i never run out of juice with my S3 before)

Of course, you alone will have the final say. Consider your priorities and your subjects. If you really need that 12X zoom, then S5 it is. Otherwise, and if you have some extra bucks, I would highly recommend the canon G9 instead. It is a much better transition before going dSLR IMO.

[David Metsky]

3. RAW capability (I thought I need to practice before getting a dSLR)
You can use the CHDK hack and get RAW on your S5. It works like a charm.

4. ND filter option (this turned out to be very handy in some situations)
I have the Lensmate extension tube and can put filters on my S3.

[Rock Lobster]

I have a Canon S3 the reason I havent upgraded to an S5 yet is reduced battery life due to the higher resolution screen, but I still remain undecided, the one main reason I would upgrade to the S5 is for the hot shoe on the S5.
I have yet to discover if Canon fitted the S5 with a cable release, if they have, that would probably sway me to upgrade, and if they have modified the front lens arrangment to allow for direct fitting of filters without a lens housing extension, I almost certainly will upgrade.

[belljam]

Hi all--

I've been lurking here awhile, and finally decided to register. This is a great forum with a lot of knowledgeable folks! I've learned a lot while lurking!

Now I have a question. I currently own a Canon S2 and I'm considering upgrading to the Canon S5. The main reasons I'm considering it is the larger LCD, and the broader ISO range. The face recognition and higher megapixel would be nice as well.

My question is...in your opinions, is the upgrade worth the extra money? I also thought about upgrading to a D-SLR, but don't think I'd like the added bulk to carry around.

I appreciate all your thoughts!

Thanks--
dordale :)

The S5's main advantages are the bigger LCD screen, brighter EVF and hot-shoe. The broader ISO range of the S5 is more of a gimmick...results are poor at ISO 1600. The extra-megapixels are nice but I'm happier with my 6mp S3 frankly.

As the S5 prices are quite reasonable now, it's not a bad time to pick one up. However the S6 (if it ever gets released) should be out by Feb/09 at the latest.

Frankly, unless you are planning on using the hot-shoe, IMHO, I don't think it's worth it to go from an S2 to S5. If it was me, I either wait on the new S6 or reconsider a smaller DSLR. :)

Just my .02. Good luck with your decision.

[belljam]

I have yet to discover if Canon fitted the S5 with a cable release, if they have, that would probably sway me to upgrade, and if they have modified the front lens arrangment to allow for direct fitting of filters without a lens housing extension, I almost certainly will upgrade.

Hi there.

No, the S5 was not fitted with a cable release adapter (I wish it had a nice remote though! :))

No again to the front lens arrangement accepting direct fitted filters. You still need an adapter tube attached to the S5 to use fiters, add-on lenses, etc.

[JTL]

Ah, but there is a remote control hack for it...you have to build it yourself, though...

Learn about it here...

http://forums.dpreview.com/forums/readflat.asp?forum=1010&thread=25170969

[belljam]

Ah, but there is a remote control hack for it...you have to build it yourself, though...

Learn about it here...

http://forums.dpreview.com/forums/readflat.asp?forum=1010&thread=25170969

LOL! Yes, I've read that one before (forgot all about it too :))

It's a bit too fussy for this simple Canuck though ;)

I use the hack but really only for the battery meter, the odd use of zebra here and there and a couple other things but nothing too much. I've been meaning to check out the f11 setting and some of the increased shutter speed capabilities but haven't done so yet.

However it's good info to have as if you're so inclinced it would be a neat feature to have! Thanks JTL! :)

[JTL]

LOL! Yes, I've read that one before (forgot all about it too :))

It's a bit too fussy for this simple Canuck though ;)

I use the hack but really only for the battery meter, the odd use of zebra here and there and a couple other things but nothing too much. I've been meaning to check out the f11 setting and some of the increased shutter speed capabilities but haven't done so yet.

However it's good info to have as if you're so inclinced it would be a neat feature to have! Thanks JTL! :)I really like using the hack to shoot at ISO 50 in RAW...almost rivals a DSLR in IQ...

[belljam]

Now how did I miss the ISO 50 feature?!? Wow, do you really notice a difference when compared to the original base of 80? I'm having a difficult time getting my head around how you they managed to accomplish this. Cool!

FWIW, I found THIS (http://flickr.com/photos/rogersmith/2683564784/) on the Flckr site about the remote shutter release - instructions complete with pics! The guy did a nice job.

[JTL]

Now how did I miss the ISO 50 feature?!? Wow, do you really notice a difference when compared to the original base of 80? Heck, yeah (or is that Hack, yeah :D)! Here's a sample from my S3 shot RAW at ISO 50...check it out:

http://JTL.smugmug.com/photos/284025228_S9TXx-L.jpg

The hack actually allows you to set any ISO, but some just don't look good...

FWIW, I found THIS (http://flickr.com/photos/rogersmith/2683564784/) on the Flckr site about the remote shutter release - instructions complete with pics! The guy did a nice job.Thanks for that new remote control link, I think it's a lot more straight forward than the other one...

[Bluenoser23]

The S5's main advantages are the bigger LCD screen, brighter EVF and hot-shoe. The broader ISO range of the S5 is more of a gimmick...results are poor at ISO 1600. The extra-megapixels are nice but I'm happier with my 6mp S3 frankly.

As the S5 prices are quite reasonable now, it's not a bad time to pick one up. However the S6 (if it ever gets released) should be out by Feb/09 at the latest.

Frankly, unless you are planning on using the hot-shoe, IMHO, I don't think it's worth it to go from an S2 to S5. If it was me, I either wait on the new S6 or reconsider a smaller DSLR. :)

Just my .02. Good luck with your decision.


I'd go S2 to the S5 then to the Rebel XT.

[ooverdrive]

Check out the hot-shoe feature on S5.... add a 430ex and this still can be used on a canon Dslr in future.