Whenever a new digital camera comes out, it’s invariably compared to it’s predecessor. For many owners of the S2 and S3, the Canon S5 offers only minor improvements. Even the larger, 2 1/2″ LCD and hot shoe, won’t woo them to upgrade.

For those who know the benefits of using an external flash, a hot shoe is a welcome addition. But why Canon didn’t improve the Electronic Viewfinder is beyond me.

The Canon S5 uses the Digic III processor, which some feel does not produce as good photos as Digic II, particularly with the increase in the number of megapixels with no increase in sensor size.

Canon S1 users and first-time buyers will no doubt be more content with the S5 than some owners of S2 and S3. There are a few cosmetic changes but the main new features are:

• 8.0-megapixel CCD
• Dedicated hot shoe
• ISO 1600
• DIGIC III Processor - Canon says it has improved Face Detection Technology and red-eye correction. Note: face detection also adjusts exposure for faces with and without using the flash.

Other S5 facts:

• the burst mode of the S5 is slower than its predecessor, 1.5 frames per second while the S3 is 2.2 fps.
• no longer has the 15 frames per second for VGA movie clip option
• no intervalometer