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Canon Powershot S1 IS review
Published: October 25, 2004
I had done a lot of research to come to decide on this particular model. There is so much competition out there in this SLR-like 3.2MP category and reviews are always mixed according to the individual reviewers preferences. I had a strict set of criteria that had to be met and the features I was after limited the choice.
- Had to produce VERY high quality images
- Needed long optical zoom with potential for added lenses
- Without a tripod, image stability was a must
- Resolution shouldn't be less than 2048 pixels wide max
- A tiltable flip-out LCD screen for taking 'arms in air' shots
- Feature rich and mug proof as I go from photographic idiot to semi-pro
- Solid feel, weight and construction
- Had to look amazingly cool
On every count it succeeded, and surpassed. This is one amazing piece of kit. BUT and it's an enormous BUT, battery life is unbelievable. I had played around with it for a little while and all seemed well. Confident enough, I decided to take it to a day trip to Berkshire with me and see what it was like. Remember, I bought this camera to capture my holiday to Monza to see the Formula 1 so it needs to be perfect.
I tend to use the LCD screen because it's a lovely clear image compared to the view finder. However batteries last only a couple of hours. Yes, £4.99 worth of long life AA batteries last 2 hours. I went through 4 sets. Think of all that beer and pizza I could have had with that much money!
The very first thing I done was to get online and order a recharger and some batteries for it. No way am I gonna spend a fortune on batteries like that every day I needed some shots.
I pulled the memory card out and plugged it into the computer to check out my first attempt at photography. WOW. I was stunned. The picture clarity was perfect, the images were super fine, huge in size and were way beyond my belief. The Canon had certainly redeemed itself. The thought of batteries faded as I was watching a slideshow of the 200 odd images I took on my grand 21" Sony GDM-F520 monitor.
A little digging around the internet and a few phone calls revealed the "didn't you know cameras eat batteries?". I kind of assumed they would to a point but not at this rate. Be warned. Don't just look at a cameras price when buying, you need to add things like extra memory card, a protective case and wheelbarrow loads of expensive batteries.
I am currently so busy at work right now that I haven't got time to organise the images but I'll add a gallery to the tn38 network and publish some shots. No laughing though, I am no photographer, or am I artistic, but I'm having a go and willing to learn.
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