The Canon PowerShot S1 IS is a beginner
to serious amateur photographer's dream camera.
Unlike some of its competitors who provide some
of the most attractive features, the Canon S1
comes with all the features a beginner
needs to learn and grow in photography.
Consider for yourself:
3.2 effective megapixels resolution for prints
up to 8x10 in.
Total exposure flexibility with Program AE,
Shutter Priority, Aperture Priority, and full
Manual modes. Plus Scene Modes (Canon's "Image
Zone") for auto exposure setting in some
of the most common picture-taking situations.
Plus exposure compensation.
All the light metering options: Evaluative,
Center-Weighted Average, Spot.
Fast max. aperture: F2.8 in wide-angle and
F3.1 in telephoto.
Shutter speed range from a long 15 sec. that
allows real night shots to a sports action freezing
1/2,000 sec.
Custom White Balance for precise colour rendition.
1.5 in. LCD monitor that swivels and rotates
(extremely valuable for macro shots).
10x optical zoom to bring the action close
and open up a new world of image possibilities
(previously available only with the use of a
SLR and by purchasing expensive lenses). Throw
in Image Stabilization as an added bonus to
reduce camera shake at long focal lengths.
And more...
We do not claim that the Canon S1 has the best
of everything (that's why we list it under the
"Beginner" category), but it still gives
very good image quality and low noise at ISO 50.
Though it lacks an AF-Assist Illuminator and usually
that can make low-light focusing challenging,
but our tests show that it does pretty well in
low-light. One major area that Canon engineers
should improve on is to provide a better AF at
the long telephoto range and in low-light. I find
that using Continuous AF helps. The Canon S1 provides
a rich feature set that should satisfy beginner
amateur photographers, except for the most picky
ones.
Where most of its competitors provide only the
camera, the Canon S1 comes with optional wide
and tele converter lenses (a lens adapter is also
needed), and a waterproof case that allows you
to shoot underwater up to 40 m (130 ft.).
The Canon PowerShot S1 IS will bring a
sparkle in the eyes of whoever receives this as
a gift -- and it can be put to use immediately
since it comes with a 32MB CF card and 4 AA Alkaline
batteries. Battery charger and rechargeable batteries
optional.
