Features:

• 8.0-megapixel CCD captures enough detail for photo-quality 16 x 22-inch prints
• Ultra-powerful 12x optical zoom; up to ISO 1600 for steady shooting in any lighting conditions
• High-resolution 2.5-inch vari-angle LCD for easy shooting at any angle
• DIGIC III Image Processor with improved Face Detection Technology and red-eye correction for sharper images
• Print/Share Button for easy direct printing and downloading

Editor Reviews:

Product Description:
The ultra-powerful 12x optical zoom on the PowerShot S5 IS means you'll get the shot you want with no compromise, yet that's only the beginning of what makes this camera so exciting. The S5 IS is loaded with many of Canon's latest advanced technologies including the DIGIC III Image Processor, so both still images and movies are rendered with fine detail and luminous clarity. And now ambitious photographers have even greater creative latitude thanks to an included hot shoe adapter that allows you to attach Canon Speedlite EX Series external flashes.PowerShot S5 IS is compact and portable, with streamlined controls and a sure, steady grip. And you'll want to take it everywhere, because inside is a level of photographic power that's truly impressive. 8.0 megapixels ensure deeply detailed images - giving you complete freedom to enlarge an image or any section of an image and crop to your exact specifications. The 12x optical zoom brings this compact digital camera into the realm of serious photography. It has the power to take you right up onto the stage and into the end zone for the shot you really want. Zooming is fast and silent thanks to the ultrasonic motor drive.

Rating : - Canon S5 IS - good but not a point and shoot
Canon PowerShot Pro Series S5 IS 8.0MP Digital Camera with 12x Optical Image Stabilized Zoom
I bought a refurbished Canon Powershot S5 IS to save some $'s. I replaced a 3 yr old S2 IS. It developed some blurring on the left of the image in the last few months (other than that reliable as heck) and at over $150 for Canon to repair, it was time to upgrade. The S5 is basically just an upgrade from the earlier Powershot S2 and S3. Same lens, just more pixels and some additional features and functionality.
I understand the problems with the camera series; low light focussing is difficult; chromatic abberations to the extremes of the image with high contrast edges; grainy shots above ISO 200, appalling lens cap concept. However, I fixed the lens cap issue by buying a lens adaptor and fitting a standard 52mm UV filter. I can use the usual snap on lens cap with no problem. I also have protected the lens surface this way. It makes for a bulkier camera, (2" added to lens length) but I'd rather protect it than worry about carrying it. Having the same lens, I have been able to fit my adaptor to the S5. The movie function is invaluable. With this camera, I can take high quality photos and movies - very versatile! The Image Stabilization is great and works even in movie mode, eliminating the dreaded shaking at high zoom significantly. The flip-out and rotate LCD screen is good for those over-the-head shots in crowds. The traditional viewfinder, which I use most of the time, is also useful to stabilize the camera against your face and compose the shot in more detail, especially in bright sunshine. If you're an "older" photographer, you can understand the usefulness of the viewfinder.
This camera is not a pocket camera and neither is it a point and shoot. The functionality of this camera is amazing (the operations manual is 200 pages long!) and the image quality is very good. It also uses 4 AA batteries; very useful if you need more power from the local store!
If you know alot about photography, aperture settings, shutter settings, focussing fields, etc, but you don't want to carry a bulky digital SLR around, [I have a bag for the S5 that hangs around my belt with a velcro loop] and you want movie capability, then this is the camera for you. It really is a compact version of an SLR, but with movie capability.
If you know little about photography, and don't want to learn, then maybe you need a simpler camera.
Yes, the S5 IS has some image quality issues, but you won't notice in 95% of your photos. The other 5% can be dealt with with software most of the time!