S3is or s5is which to choose

This thread caught my attention, as I am a die-hard fan of the S-Series Powershot cameras. I loved, really loved The S3 I had. I used the intravolometer frequently, and also used the HDK Firmware hack on it to tweak other options a bit.
After I sold it and got an S5, I was kicking myself. The S5 is very nice with the larger screen, face detection and a hotshoe, but all images were much noisier at all ISO's, even the lowest ISO showed significant noise whereas the S3 had little if any noise at the same ISO. Also I fully took advantage of the video capabilities, which I dearly miss.
Bottom line, If you want/need a large screen and a hotshoe, get the S5. If you don't need those things get the S3.

I swear as soon as I can afford it, I'm going to get another S3...or S5

Jon wrote in post #5667962
Actually, the S1 has a 1/2.7" sensor. The other 4 have 1/2.5. Equally important, the different pixel counts mean they all have different pixel densities, which can mean differences in noise levels.

I think this may explain why I'm not totally impressed with the S5 Canon gave me after my S1 died with the CCD problem, Thanks. The mega pixel race has reached a saturation point for the small sensor, me thinks?

I recently bought an S5, impressed with the pics on auto mode and video. I haven't noticed the "noise" on low ISO but then I haven't had much experience with "ultra-zoom" DSLR-like cameras. It's probably the best of this type for $300 or less

Another quick question to all of you who have used the S3 and S5. How bad is the shutter delay. I once had a Fuji FinPix 602 that cost quite a bit of cash. The problem, I like to shoot sports. Now timing is everything with this type of shooting. the shutter delay was so bad I had difficulty getting the shots I wanted. What is the delay time on these cameras?

thanks
Rich

I don't really know what length is the delay, but to counter that, I was prefocusing my shot by pressing down the shutter half way then taking the pic at the right time, it was tha better way I found to do it, without this method, it has to focus then take the pic and the car or action was long gone...

The shutter delay can be a pain in the arse if you have to hit it unexpectedly. Otherwise, you should be able to calculate and predict when you need to hit it and compensate by pressing it earlier than you need to...but it feels like an eternity when it really matters...especially compared to a DSLR...

I have the S3 and is, by far, the best camera I've ever owned. I have yet to cross into the dSLR stages because I'm just not that advanced yet.

Go with the S3. Then upgrade to S6 when it comes out... thats what I'm doin!

Wild Country wrote in post #5683536
I have the S3 and is, by far, the best camera I've ever owned. I have yet to cross into the dSLR stages because I'm just not that advanced yet.

Go with the S3. Then upgrade to S6 when it comes out... thats what I'm doin!

S5 IS > S3 IS

Either or camera is good, honestly.

Wild Country wrote in post #5683536
I have the S3 and is, by far, the best camera I've ever owned. I have yet to cross into the dSLR stages because I'm just not that advanced yet.

Go with the S3. Then upgrade to S6 when it comes out... thats what I'm doin!

Sounds like a great plan, but I'm starting to have my doubts about there ever being an S6! For this to happen and be a worthwhile upgrade to keep interest in the camera going in a positive direction there would have to be a new sensor in the ""S6" to get rid of some of the noise above ISO 100. I know, a lot of people think iso 200 and higher is great, well I've looked at hundreds of pictures and say it is not! I don't mean a larger sensor such as seen in the G9 either, if you check out its pictures you will not find much of an improvement if any (I don't see any).

Then there is the multitude of DSLR cameras that are coming down in price at a fairly good pace.
The gap from a P&S (like S5 IS or a S6(maybe)) and a good to excellent DSLR is narrowing all the time. This gap must be maintained by Canon in there business model are things start falling apart and Canon is well known for controlling there business model very well in all areas of consumer goods!

So whats going to happen, well in my opinion so far you have an S5 IS camera with a hot shoe which it should have had all the time and basically thats about it, won't even talk about trade offs that the s3 had and S5 doesn't.
It has been a wonderful camera to a lot of people that has made Canon a boat load of money, if they drop it in my mind they will be nuts, if they try to increase pixel count and provide it in a rainbow of colors and other such frivolous items as an upgrade they will cut there throats on the S series .
So, "what to do", first off ask "yourself" what would it take for me (means you) to plunk down $500 at the very least for a new S series camera.
Again in my opinion an all new sensor and processor would again shove it to the front, possibly recovering the S3 positives and getting rid of some negatives would be a big plus.
With out this type upgrade it's just a "hang on" type situation for the S series that savvy buyers are going to see right through, and everyone else shortly thereafter!

You can bet your "donkey" that other companies like Panasonic, Sony, Fuji,possibly, etc, know Canons position ($$$) in the market place with the S series camera and are contemplating technology advances to there models to steal some if not all of Canons thunder. It's just the name of the game!
Changeling

Changeling wrote in post #5684376
Sounds like a great plan, but I'm starting to have my doubts about there ever being an S6! For this to happen and be a worthwhile upgrade to keep interest in the camera going in a positive direction there would have to be a new sensor in the ""S6" to get rid of some of the noise above ISO 100. I know, a lot of people think iso 200 and higher is great, well I've looked at hundreds of pictures and say it is not! I don't mean a larger sensor such as seen in the G9 either, if you check out its pictures you will not find much of an improvement if any (I don't see any).

Then there is the multitude of DSLR cameras that are coming down in price at a fairly good pace.
The gap from a P&S (like S5 IS or a S6(maybe)) and a good to excellent DSLR is narrowing all the time. This gap must be maintained by Canon in there business model are things start falling apart and Canon is well known for controlling there business model very well in all areas of consumer goods!

So whats going to happen, well in my opinion so far you have an S5 IS camera with a hot shoe which it should have had all the time and basically thats about it, won't even talk about trade offs that the s3 had and S5 doesn't.
It has been a wonderful camera to a lot of people that has made Canon a boat load of money, if they drop it in my mind they will be nuts, if they try to increase pixel count and provide it in a rainbow of colors and other such frivolous items as an upgrade they will cut there throats on the S series .
So, "what to do", first off ask "yourself" what would it take for me (means you) to plunk down $500 at the very least for a new S series camera.
Again in my opinion an all new sensor and processor would again shove it to the front, possibly recovering the S3 positives and getting rid of some negatives would be a big plus.
With out this type upgrade it's just a "hang on" type situation for the S series that savvy buyers are going to see right through, and everyone else shortly thereafter!

You can bet your "donkey" that other companies like Panasonic, Sony, Fuji,possibly, etc, know Canons position ($$$) in the market place with the S series camera and are contemplating technology advances to there models to steal some if not all of Canons thunder. It's just the name of the game!
Changeling

What's so bad about the S5 IS?

I personally think they will put the S6 IS out..sometime very soon. It will probably retail at like 500 dollars though, most people will wait until the price drops then pick one up, and others will run straight to the store and get one no matter what.

SimpleGirl208, some people think there are a few small variances in the S5 that were not present in the S3, I just go on what the majority of owners say, because I don't have either (S3 or S5).
The things I said were what people said about S3/S5 , not from personal experience. If you read about the S3/S5 on this website you will find reflections on these variances.

Changeling wrote in post #5684988
SimpleGirl208, some people think there are a few small variances in the S5 that were not present in the S3, I just go on what the majority of owners say, because I don't have either (S3 or S5).
The things I said were what people said about S3/S5 , not from personal experience. If you read about the S3/S5 on this website you will find reflections on these variances.

I gotcha. I have a S5 IS.

SimpleGirl2008 wrote in post #5684395
What's so bad about the S5 IS?

I personally think they will put the S6 IS out..sometime very soon. It will probably retail at like 500 dollars though, most people will wait until the price drops then pick one up, and others will run straight to the store and get one no matter what.

If your gonna pay that much $$$ for a p&s---get an slr and learn it.....I love my S3.....and I push it to its limits allot. Do I get disappointed--certainly - Do I want an SLR--OH YEAH! but I don't have the $$$ for it.
The hotshoe is a high point I wish my S3 had but if the images are crap.....what good is it? I have accomplished things with this camera that some professional photogs have said can't be done--I am proud of that and I feel it can't always be about the equipment --- the operator is a huge factor and the real question here is....what are you hoping to do with it?
It's not tiny so it can't just be stuck in a pocket or purse ready to whip out.
It is however capable of producing some incredible photography in my opinion, if you are willing to work at it--my husband swears he's going to attach the weed eater to it so while I am out looking for things to shoot--I can trim the 4 acres we reside upon.
Now ...all that said.... here is an example of something(one) I shot today---this was shot with the "supermacro" feature of my S3 and cropped......also had a circular polarizer on...it was by my pool....realllly bright!

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SimpleGirl2008 wrote in post #5684395
What's so bad about the S5 IS?

I personally think they will put the S6 IS out..sometime very soon. It will probably retail at like 500 dollars though, most people will wait until the price drops then pick one up, and others will run straight to the store and get one no matter what.

I just bought an S5 for less than $300, I didn't want to wait for the future unknown and pricier S6

bobj1 wrote in post #5687940
I just bought an S5 for less than $300, I didn't want to wait for the future unknown and pricier S6

That's cool. I seriously doubt the S6 will be more than $500 dollars, though I could be wrong. I bought the S5 IS...nevering having had a S series by Canon. I didn't even know their was a S6 coming out so i didn't think twice about picking up my S5 IS...I paid 304 bucks for mine.