Canon PowerShot S1 IS

Read our Editor's Summary of this product below. Includes summary of consumer reviews and online reviews about this well known camera brand's zoom specialist. Also includes features and specification list. Written June 2006.

The Big Picture

The Canon PowerShot S1 IS is sold on its main feature - a fantastic 10x optical zoom lens and image stabilizer which is ideal for very detailed work. Canon have one of the best reputations in the market for lens quality and the PowerShot S1 IS is no exception. Its multiple element lens is designed to ensure super sharp images, even at wide-angle and long range close up. It has also developed a reputation for a very quiet zoom function. All this makes it an ideal choice for wildlife and sports photography as well as other professional standard photo projects. Its 3.2 Megapixels may disappoint some but this is perfectly adequate for standard prints and web publishing.

Main Specifications

• Size - 111 x 78.0 x 66.1 mm
• Weight - 370 g

Super Movie Mode

The PowerShot S1 IS enhanced Movie Mode along with its super zoom lens means you can record accomplished high quality movies. Filming up to 30 frames per second the PowerShot S1 IS movie mode includes automatic exposure, focus and white balance. With up to 1GB of movie memory an hour's filming is no problem.

Features At A Glance

• 10x optical zoom (approximately 32x combined)
• Optical Image Stabilizer
• Ultrasonic Motor
• Extra-long Movie Mode with enhanced VGA resolution and superb sound
• Canon DIGIC processor with iSAPS
• 1.7 frames per second continuous shooting mode
• 60-second sound memos for still images
• 3-Megapixel CCD for images up to 2048 x 1536
• PictBridge and Canon Direct Print compatible - no PC required
• 12 shooting modes - Manual to Auto plus one custom setting. Portrait, Landscape, Night scene included
• ISO sensitivity: 50, 100, 200, 400 or AUTO
• Built-in flash with Auto, Fill, Red-eye and Slow-sync
• Powered by four AA type batteries
• Close focus to 3.9 inches
• 1.5-inch color LCD flips forward and rotates
• Program AE, Shutter-priority, Aperture-priority, full Manual
• Shutter speeds: 15 secs - 1/2000 sec in Manual

Review Centre Reviews

Reviewers at Review Centre have noted good build quality, excellent zoom, superb movie mode and capacity, professional feel and look, value for money and quality images as some of the advantages of this model. Its full range of manual options make this camera popular with those who like a challenge. In a couple of reviews a slow focus and a difficulty focusing in low light have been highlighted as well as poor colour definition on a couple of occasions. But the majority of Review Centre reviewers have been pleased to recommend this Canon product as a great camera, with a superb array of functions and especially good value for its price.

Conclusion

The size and features of this camera positions it somewhere near the digital SLR cameras for professionals or advanced amateurs. It's not a pocket camera and is for someone who wants to get to grips with a wide range of features. Many feel its price in the current market makes it a bargain when you consider the high standard features on offer.