Whats everyone's opinion on the Canon S5 IS ?

[jdb0822]

Pros/cons, etc. Was considering either the S3 or the S5. Looking for great zoom, macro, and the ability to photograph fireworks without it looking like garbage

 

[Tuffcookie]

I just got mine Saturday. I'm still playing around with it! I previously had the S2 so, although they are alot alike, there are a few things I have to read up on and practice.
I love the fact that I can take a longer video with the S5. I went to the Cleveland Zoo Monday and used the Aquarium setting. Although the pictures turned out okay they were too grainy for my liking.
I went from 5 to 8 MP, so I'm hoping to see an improvement in the picture quality.

TC

 

[Pea-n-Me]

Although the pictures turned out okay they were too grainy for my liking.
I went from 5 to 8 MP, so I'm hoping to see an improvement in the picture quality.

I've read that you might in fact see more noise with the S5 (as opposed to the S3) because of the higher megapixel count on a relatively small sized sensor. Manufacturers play up more megapixels as = better pictures but it's not necessarily the case unless you have a huge sensor like that found in an SLR camera. Hopefully others will chime in for further explanation, or you can search old threads here on the PB.

Have you tried running your pictures through noiseware reduction software (sorry, don't have link)? What about using the lowest ISO setting possible? I find I hit the ISO button on the back accidentally sometimes, or I forget to lower it back down in the daytime after taking night shots the night before (I think it stays how you left it).

 

[Tuffcookie]

Well, I usually try to shoot with a low ISO but I decided to go with the "Aquarium" setting Monday. I'll have to go back and see what the ISO setting is for that. I really don't like to go above 400 but I guess if I want to get a picture under low light conditions it's good to be able to do that.

TC