• 1/2.5 inch 24.7mm2
  • 8.0 megapixels
  • 36.00mm - 432.00mm (35mm eq.)
  • 1/2.3 inch 28.1mm2
  • 10.0 megapixels
  • 28.00mm - 560.00mm (35mm eq.)

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Differences

Canon S5 IS advantages over Canon SX10 IS

  • Fast startup
    ~1.30 vs 2.4 sec
    Faster startup lets you catch the moment
  • Manual focus
    Yes vs No
    AF is for the weak. Real photographers focus manually.
  • Less shutter lag
    0.40 vs 0.60 sec
    Focus and take a photo quickly (wide angle)
  • Shoots 60p video
    Yes vs No
    A faster framerate can give you more editing options

Canon SX10 IS advantages over Canon S5 IS

  • Less expensive
    $400 vs $500 (MSRP)
    Save money for lenses or accessories
  • Larger sensor
    1/2.3 inch vs 1/2.5 inch
    More sensor area. Bigger is (generally) better.
  • More telephoto lens reach
    560 mm vs 432 mm
    Capture objects farther away
  • Longer stills battery life
    More info 600 vs 450 shots
    Capture more photos
  • More pixels
    10.0 vs 8.0 megapixels
    Higher resolution photos
  • Wider angle lens
    28 mm vs 36 mm
    Capture more of the scene
  • Higher extended ISO
    3200 vs 1600 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
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
    Both provide
    Reduces the effects of camera shake at slower shutter speeds
  • Tiltable Screen
    Both provide
    Tilt the screen for shooting flexbility
  • Internal flash
    Both provide
    Useful in a pinch for fill flash
  • Hot shoe
    Both provide
    Off-camera flashes open new possibilities

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

The Competition

Compared to Nikon P90

Canon S5 IS
Nikon P90
  • $500
  • 1/2.5 inch
  • Bigger pixels
  • Fast startup
  • $400
  • 1/2.33 inch
  • Less expensive
  • Larger sensor
Canon SX10 IS
Nikon P90
  • $400
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Longer stills battery life
  • Hot shoe
  • $400
  • 1/2.33 inch
  • Lighter weight
  • More pixels

Compared to Sony DSC-HX1

Canon S5 IS
Sony DSC-HX1
  • $500
  • 1/2.5 inch
  • Fast startup
  • Hot shoe
  • $499
  • 1/2.4 inch
  • More telephoto lens reach
  • HDMI out
Canon SX10 IS
Sony DSC-HX1
  • $400
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Less expensive
  • Longer stills battery life
  • $499
  • 1/2.4 inch
  • Manual focus
  • HDMI out

Compared to Canon SX1 IS

Canon S5 IS
Canon SX1 IS
  • $500
  • 1/2.5 inch
  • Less expensive
  • Fast startup
  • $600
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Larger sensor
  • RAW file ability
Canon SX10 IS
Canon SX1 IS
  • $400
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Less expensive
  • Longer stills battery life
  • $600
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • RAW file ability
  • HDMI out

Compared to Canon SX20 IS

Canon S5 IS
Canon SX20 IS
  • $500
  • 1/2.5 inch
  • Fast startup
  • Manual focus
  • $400
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Less expensive
  • Larger sensor
Canon SX10 IS
Canon SX20 IS
  • $400
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Faster JPEG shooting
  • $400
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • HDMI out
  • More pixels

Compared to Panasonic DMC-FZ100

Canon S5 IS
Panasonic DMC-FZ100
  • $500
  • 1/2.5 inch
  • Bigger pixels
  • Fast startup
  • $500
  • 1/2.33 inch
  • Larger sensor
  • RAW file ability
Canon SX10 IS
Panasonic DMC-FZ100
  • $400
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Less expensive
  • Bigger pixels
  • $500
  • 1/2.33 inch
  • RAW file ability
  • Fast startup
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