• 1/2.5 inch 24.7mm2
  • 6.0 megapixels
  • 36.00mm - 432.00mm (35mm eq.)
  • 1/2.5 inch 24.7mm2
  • 8.0 megapixels
  • 36.00mm - 432.00mm (35mm eq.)

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Differences

Canon S3 IS advantages over Canon S5 IS

  • Bigger pixels
    ~ 2.05 vs 1.76 microns
    Better low-light and dynamic range (all else equal)
  • Longer stills battery life
    More info 550 vs 450 shots
    Capture more photos
  • Lighter weight
    410g vs 574g
    Lighter weight
  • Faster JPEG shooting
    2.3 fps vs 1.5 fps
    Faster JPEG shooting (burst mode)

Canon S5 IS advantages over Canon S3 IS

  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
    Yes vs No
    Reduces the effects of camera shake at slower shutter speeds
  • Fast startup
    ~1.30 vs 1.7 sec
    Faster startup lets you catch the moment
  • More dots on screen
    207k vs 115k dots
    Can mean greater resolution or a brighter screen
  • Hot shoe
    Hot shoe vs None
    Off-camera flashes open new possibilities
  • More pixels
    8.0 vs 6.0 megapixels
    Higher resolution photos
  • Shoots 60p video
    Yes vs No
    A faster framerate can give you more editing options
  • Bigger JPEG buffer
    Unlimited vs 999 shots
    Take more JPEG shots before waiting (burst mode)
  • Higher extended ISO
    1600 vs 400 ISO
    Higher extended ISO can give more low-light flexibility

Similarities

Common Strengths

  • Eye-level viewfinder
    Both provide
    You'll be able to frame photos even when the sun is out
  • Tiltable Screen
    Both provide
    Tilt the screen for shooting flexbility
  • Internal flash
    Both provide
    Useful in a pinch for fill flash
  • Manual focus
    Both provide
    AF is for the weak. Real photographers focus manually.

Common Weaknesses

  • Focus peaking
    Neither provide
    Your camera will highlight what's in focus
  • Touchscreen
    Neither provide
    Interact with your camera just like your smartphone
  • In-camera panoramas
    Neither provide
    Stitches multiple shots into a panoramic photo
  • RAW file ability
    Neither provide
    Gives you more flexibility to develop your photos later
  • Built-in Wi-Fi
    Neither provide
    Share your photos wirelessly
  • NFC
    Neither provide
    Simplifies pairing your camera with supported phones
  • Built-in Bluetooth
    Neither provide
    Always-on wireless connectivity
  • Built-in GPS
    Neither provide
    Geotag your photos
  • On-sensor phase detect
    Neither provide
    Usually improves live view and video AF performance
  • Integrated ND filter
    Neither provide
    Shoot in daylight with a large aperture or slow shutter
  • External Mic Jack
    Neither provide
    Improved sound fidelity when shooting video
  • HDMI out
    Neither provide
    Use HDMI output to monitor or review video
  • Headphone jack
    Neither provide
    Monitor audio recording while you shoot video
  • Bulb shutter
    Neither provide
    Hold the shutter open manually for long exposures
  • Slow-motion videos
    Neither provide
    Shoot slow-motion videos

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Review Excerpt

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