Canon PowerShot S1 IS

Award: DIWA Silver Awards!

Review summary: The PowerShot S1 IS features a bright 10x Mega zoom lens with optical stabilizer, which adds extraordinary value to this compact 3 Megapixel camera. Besides, the camera offers many of the same features and functions found in more advanced Canon models ...

Review summary: 3megapixels, a large zoom and loaded with features.

Pros: 10x zoom ; range of features

Cons: Only 3megapixels ; chromatic aberration issues

Verdict: With a host of features and a 10x zoom, 3megapixels should be enough for most amateur photographers.

Award: Recommended!

Review summary: Announced in February 2004, the PowerShot S1 IS is the long overdue successor to Canon's last 10x Zoom Image Stabilized compact, the (the PowerShot Pro90 IS). It is not only much smaller and lighter, but a lot less expensive - (hardly surprising given ...

Pros: Very small, handles really well, Packed with features, Image stabilization works really well (and can be used in movie mode), Very quiet, Fast and responsive, Stunning movie mode with high quality sound, Impressive continuous (burst) shooting, Good ...

Cons: Some focus errors - especially at the telephoto end of the zoom, Slow AF at longer focal lengths, can struggle in low light, No AF illuminator, Noisy above ISO200, No rechargeable batteries, Small screen, viewfinder difficult to see in very bright or ...

Verdict: Despite one or two minor annoyances - specifically the focus performance at the long end of the zoom and the rather puny screen - the Canon S1 IS is a camera it is hard not to like.

Verdict: Aside from that, the S1 IS is a pleasure to operate. A dial on top of the unit lets you select the shooting mode from among six scene-assist modes or one of your own custom settings. Alternatively, you can use the full manual modes, including aperture ...

Review summary: Most point-and-shoot digital cameras are designed for general snapshots, not for more detailed work or faraway action. But with a 10x optical zoom, the Canon PowerShot S1 IS aims to get up close and personal with your subjects.

Verdict: There are other cameras in the same price range that deliver slightly better image quality, though they won't give you a big image-stabilized lens, so when shopping for a camera in this range, you'll need to expect to trade off a little image quality ...