How well does the Canon S5 IS work in low light/portrait situations?

Question

I'm looking to upgrade my digital camera, but I'm not quite ready to make the investment in a DSLR. Out of the cameras I've seen the Canon S5 IS seems like an affordable alternative that will provide me the freedom I'd like. My consistent problem with digital cameras has been that I tend to photograph in low light/high-activity situations, (concerts, plays, late night shenanigans) and I'm always left with obscene digital grain, and unrecognizable blur. Does the Canon S5 IS have the ability to photograph well in these conditions?

Answer 1

The IS will definitely help you with the blur (as long as they are coming from your hand shaking because of the slow exposure), but I highly doubt that the digital noise will disappear with the S5 IS. The S5 IS use a 1/2.5" sensor which is pretty common in other pocket camera, and it's one of the reason why you see digital noise in low light situation.

Like other said, save up and get a DSLR. The XT is an excellent start for this, or if you want to get into the second hand market, the Digital Rebel/300D is just the camera for you.

Answer 2

I've got the S5 and I love it. I used to own a Nikon D100 dSLR and I hardly miss it.

I'm guessing that you can't use a flash at most of these low light shooting situations. If you can, the 430EX is about $230 and works great with the S5.

The S5 does a great job at capturing pictures (and the best video from a P&S) in well lit conditions. For low light situations I use the big external flash.

It sounds like you have to bite the bullet and get a dslr. Here are a few reviews of the S5 if you haven't already read them.

http://www.dcresource.com/reviews/canon/powershot_s5-review/
http://www.paulstravelpictures.com/Canon-S5-IS-Digital-Camera-Review/index.html
http://www.luminous-landscape.com/reviews/cameras/Powershot%20S5.shtml

Good luck. You could always get a cheaper used dSLR on eBay with a fast prime lens.

Answer 3

Quite honestly, I think you're throwing your money away. Essentially, you know you need a digital SLR, but instead, you're going for a near SLR camera at a near SLR price, and then you'll subsequently STILL need to get a digital SLR.

If you like Canon cameras, look for a Canon Rebel XT, which can still be found new with a lens for $494 here:
http://www.buydig.com/shop/product.aspx?omid=122&utm_id=17&ref=pricegrabber&utm_source=PriceGrabber&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=CNDRXT1855B&sku=CNDRXT1855B

Or you could pay $350 for an S5 from B&H, discover that it still doesn't work as well in low light, but is just about as big and bulky as an SLR and then spend another $500.

So...you could pay effectively $850 or you could just bite the bullet and get what you need/want for $500.

So, my recommendation: Get a digital SLR and move forward.

Here's a test of the S5 IS. Bottom line: in low light/high ISO situations....it's a noisy beast.
http://www.dpreview.com/reviews/canons5is/

Answer 4

Invest in a DSLR. With its bigger sensor "digital noise" is less of a problem. Of course, everyone in here suggests Canon or Nikon and I agree they are fine cameras. My suggestion is to take a look at the Pentax K100D or K100D Super. Why? Because they have the Image Stabilization (IS) in the camera body*. Instead of paying for IS every time you buy a lens you already have it. Plus, since every Pentax K-mount lens ever made will mount to the K100D, they will benefit from IS (although you'll have to manually focus them).

Shooting under the conditions you describe will definitely require a fast lens (50mm f1.4 or 85mm f1.4 or f1.8 from Pentax) and a high ISO - at least 1600 but 3200 might be needed. Use the camera's Noise Reduction Circuitry to help control the "noise" and accept the fact that unless you use flash your pictures aren't going to be noise free.

If you have trouble finding a fast Pentax brand lens, there are adapters so you can use Minolta MC/MD lenses on the K100D. Not the best solution but workable. Minolta made a 50mm f1.4 and 85mm f1.7.

* IMO, having to pay for IS every time you buy a lens is like having to buy new tires every time you buy gas for your car. But that's just my opinion and opinions are like noses - everyone has one LOL!

Answer 5

i don't own one, but I understand that a monopod will help you prevent some camera shake when you are at those concerts or plays. since the shutter is open longer, you need to keep the camera steady. Using a tripod would be best. You'll notice the difference immediately.

Answer 6

no it doesn't
your only choice is a SLR