Opinions on the Canon PowerShot S1 IS

McNutter · 16 Mar 2006 at 23:27

Evening all.

I'm looking for a digital camera and saw this for £135 delivered. The spec seems good but to be honest I know he-haw about cameras.

Spec:
3.2 Megapixel CCD
10x Optical zoom with Image Stabilisation
Ultra Sonic Motor for fast and quiet zooming
Full manual features including shutter and aperture priority
32Mb Compact Flash card

Does anyone have an opinion on this camera or recommend another one for £130ish?

Any input would be appreciated.

KIMMETT · 17 Mar 2006 at 07:44

The Fuji S5500 seems to go down well with people (myself included, see sig), and can be had for around £150.

It has an extra megapixel over the canon, but lacks the IS (image stabilisation).

I can't think of any other similar cameras for the same price, I'm sure that panasonic do one in that price bracket...

Kimmett

McNutter · 17 Mar 2006 at 08:28

Thanks for reply Kimmett. The cheapest I've found a new Fuji S5500 for is £200, £65 more than the S1. It has one extra megapixel (as you said) and half the memory. I'm not sure that's worth the extra money.

The Canon PowerShot A530 is around the same price as the S1. It's newer and double the resolution of the S1 but apart from that looks like an inferior model.

You don't get much camera for £130 these days.

Mr109 · 17 Mar 2006 at 09:09

Hi,

There's a review here: http://www.dpreview.com/reviews/canons1is/

Seems to get a mixed response.

Al

nolimit · 17 Mar 2006 at 10:53

If you have more then 1 camera in your mind and can't decide which to get, my advice is always go to your local camera shop and try the camera, then you will know which camera to get regardless of £30-50 difference.

Joe T · 17 Mar 2006 at 18:21

Not a bad camera for the price. 3mp is only just enough though.

The S1 is an old design, and has been superceded twice now, hence its low price and Megapixel count.

MichaelG · 17 Mar 2006 at 18:34

I looked at getting an S1. Was put off by the digital viewfinder. I found it a bit grainy, but thats just me.

ShakenNstirred · 17 Mar 2006 at 18:50

for the price, its not a bad cam.
cant see you getting anything better for £130(not with 10x and IS)

YooEntSinMeROYT · 18 Mar 2006 at 02:53

McNutter said:
Thanks for reply Kimmett. The cheapest I've found a new Fuji S5500 for is £200, £65 more than the S1. It has one extra megapixel (as you said) and half the memory. I'm not sure that's worth the extra money.

The Canon PowerShot A530 is around the same price as the S1. It's newer and double the resolution of the S1 but apart from that looks like an inferior model.

You don't get much camera for £130 these days.

The S1 has served me quite well. Cost me 300 odd quid when it 1st came out though. The 10x zoom is good.

I'm after getting a 350D or D50 next though.

DizMatt · 20 Mar 2006 at 00:09

looked at the S1 IS when I was shopping for my lumix fz20
really nice camera from all accounts
older now obviously but if you want to get into photography with a good zoom lens and IS, at that price, there is not much else than can touch it I think

McNutter · 20 Mar 2006 at 23:35

Thanks for the input. I've purchased the S1, along with a 512Mb compact flash card. It was a close call between the S1 and the Fuji S5500. There was nothing similar in that price range available. I'll let you know how I get on with it.

Thanks.