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Customer Reviews for PowerShot S1 IS
PowerShot S1 IS
Average Customer Rating:
(20 Reviews) 20
Rating Snapshot (20 reviews)
5 stars
12
4 stars
3
3 stars
3
2 stars
1
1 star
1
15 out of 20(75%)reviewers would recommend this product to a friend.
Customer Reviews for PowerShot S1 IS
Review 1 for PowerShot S1 IS
Nickname: Hyde
Quality pictures
Overall Rating
Features
5
out of
5
Performance
5
out of
5
Price/Value
5
out of
5
Quality
5
out of
5
Satisfaction
5
out of
5
Date:February 8, 2011
First of all Canon has excellent customer service. They fixed an issue with the ccd that just showed up a couple of months ago, for NO CHARGE ! This camera is well out of warranty and canon fixed it for free. Owned this for at least 4 years now.
This camera takes awesome pictures. Lots of settings for every situation.
4 of 4 people found this review helpful.
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Review 2 for PowerShot S1 IS
Nickname: Dave
Location: Edina, MN
Used this product for: more than 1 year
Expertise Level: Advanced Amateur
Product replacement: Yes
One of My Favorite Cameras
Overall Rating
Features
5
out of
5
Performance
5
out of
5
Price/Value
5
out of
5
Quality
5
out of
5
Satisfaction
5
out of
5
Date:February 15, 2010
Pros: good battery life, Good Low-Light Performance, Nice features/settings, excellent image quality, durable, Bright LCD, Lightweight/Portable, Simple controls/menu, easy to use, excellent video
This camera set the bar for the Canon point and shoot super zooms. My camera performed flawlessly for 5 years. Recently, similiar to the previous review, the image in the view finders was distorted. Canon customer service is unquestionably the best in the industry. They walked me through a series of simple tests that indicated the view finders were fine, the camera sensor had gone bad. As it turns out, there was a manufacturer's problem with this sensor. Canon replaced the sensor in my camera at no charge. Wow! The warranty was four years out of date and Canon did this for me! Canon has proved to be reliable and supportive of its customers. Getting back to my trusty S1, it is like new ready for many more years of service. I also own the S2 and S3 PowerShots.
21 of 22 people found this review helpful.
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Review 3 for PowerShot S1 IS
Nickname: PowerShot fan
Location: Rocky Mountains
Used this product for: more than 1 year
Expertise Level: Hobbyist/Enthusiast
Product replacement: Yes
Good camera, great Canon support
Overall Rating
Features
3
out of
5
Performance
4
out of
5
Price/Value
3
out of
5
Quality
4
out of
5
Satisfaction
5
out of
5
Date:February 15, 2010
Pros: Nice features/settings, excellent image quality, durable
Cons: Heavy/Bulky, small lcd display
I have enjoyed this camera for more than five years. I love the image quality and zoom features. Wish the startup and refresh rate were faster, though...
Like a previous reviewer, I also began having problems with my S1. Note, "some" problems may be associated with third-party chip bonding process relating to the CCD (Image sensor). Most camera makers (including Canon) have responded to such issues via their customer support web sites.
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Review 4 for PowerShot S1 IS
Nickname: Anonymous
Overall Rating
Date:January 17, 2010
Cons: Dim LCD
I have owned my camera for 5 years and considered it a great camera until about 6 months ago and my view finder and LCD monitor showed a distortion of light and would not take pictures at the price I gave I thought I would have a long use of this camera. I can replace the camera cheaper than I can have it repaired.
11 of 14 people found this review helpful.
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Review 5 for PowerShot S1 IS
Nickname: codesusa
Location: Sparks, NV
Used this product for: more than 1 year
Expertise Level: Casual User
Product replacement: Yes
Best 3.2 Megapixel Camera
Overall Rating
Features
4
out of
5
Performance
5
out of
5
Price/Value
4
out of
5
Quality
5
out of
5
Satisfaction
5
out of
5
Date:December 10, 2009
Pros: Nice features/settings, excellent image quality, durable, easy to use, so-so low-light performance
Cons: Dim LCD, Short battery life
I don't normally write reviews for products, but, the S1 IS is definately worth commenting on. I upgraded from my A50 with this camera 3 years ago to because of the 10x zoom and higher megapixels. I have had no problems and the picture and video quality are excellent as usual.
Printed 8x10 pictures are much better than from my newer 7.1 MP camera (not a Canon), even when shooting in auto mode. The video quality of my newer camera doesn't even compare to the video quality of the S1 IS and the zoom is usable in video mode. The video is in AVI format which can play on many DVD players without converting.
The controls are complicated at first, but, easier to use than other manual control cameras I have seen. The LCD screen is small and not as bright as some of the newer cameras, but, I prefer using the view finder anyway.
This is my third Canon digital camera and they are all still working great. My first was the A20 and then the A50. When I buy another digital camera, it will definately be a Canon because of the picture and video quality, physical quality of the camera and great customer support. I am thinking about buying an S2 IS or S3 IS if I can find a new one somewhere. If not I will probably buy the new SX20 IS.
3 of 4 people found this review helpful.
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Review 6 for PowerShot S1 IS
Nickname: AL M
Location: Chicago
Used this product for: more than 1 year
Expertise Level: Advanced Amateur
Product replacement: No
Great pics, powerful flash
Overall Rating
Features
5
out of
5
Performance
4
out of
5
Price/Value
4
out of
5
Quality
4
out of
5
Satisfaction
4
out of
5
Date:December 3, 2009
Pros: Nice features/settings, excellent image quality, Lightweight/Portable
Cons: Poor Low-Light Performance, Short battery life, small lcd
I owned this camera for 4 years, it takes great pics, and has nice features. The powerfull flash has made it an excellent choice for underwater photography, so I bought its Canon housing and made it mainly my diving/vacation camera. Suddenly, when I was in the Bahams last week, the images it took became extremely blurry and purplish , almost completely useless. I was very disappointed that I didn't even bother going on a dive (I always do in the tropics). After trying to reset it, even attempting to re-install its firmware, I came across another review that experienced the same problem. So, I contacted canon this morning and they stated there is a service advisory on this problem (due to a faulty part), that it would be fixed for free. They will be sending me a shiping lable to return for repairs. Looks like I would be using this camera for many years to come.
4 of 4 people found this review helpful.
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Review 7 for PowerShot S1 IS
Nickname: Colly
Location: Brookdale CA
Used this product for: more than 1 year
Expertise Level: Advanced Amateur
Product replacement: No
Overall Rating
Features
4
out of
5
Performance
3
out of
5
Price/Value
4
out of
5
Quality
4
out of
5
Satisfaction
3
out of
5
Date:October 19, 2009
Pros: easy to use, Simple controls/menu, Nice features/settings, Bright LCD, excellent image quality, Good Low-Light Performance
After owning this camera for two years and enjoying excellent pictures, it has suddenly developed a problem. In Auto focus mode it takes one or two pictures and then the image becomes blurred, develops runs and turns a light mauve color. I have reset the camera, and tried various options but no solution has been found. It has not been dropped or been in heat or cold or water or any of the obvious possibilities. Does anyone have a suggestion?
5 of 5 people found this review helpful.
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Review 8 for PowerShot S1 IS
Nickname: Big G
Location: Virginia Beach, Virginia
Used this product for: more than 1 year
Expertise Level: Hobbyist/Enthusiast
Product replacement: Yes
Very Good Camera, my first quality digital.
Overall Rating
Features
5
out of
5
Performance
4
out of
5
Price/Value
5
out of
5
Quality
5
out of
5
Satisfaction
5
out of
5
Date:August 10, 2009
Pros: easy to use, Simple controls/menu, Nice features/settings, Bright LCD, excellent image quality, Lightweight/Portable, good battery life, durable, exceptional factory service
Cons: have to get used to low light enviroments, slow return to ready for next shot
I've owned a few 210 and 35mm film cameras and a couple other very inexpensive digital cameras. I am continually delighted with this camera and its overall quality and performance over the years.
I have not been very good at low light photos but do understand what is happening with the IS and can compensate to my abilities with it. That is about the worst that I can report. And has a short lag between photos.
By all respects this camera is "Outstanding". Takes great shots and with very high quality even for its age.
Not to long ago, I had discovered that the CCD had died. I was not sure if I could get her repaired for less then some I had seen for sale used on e-bay. So I purchased a used one off of e-bay. Not to long after, I had found that the CCD could be replaced at no charge though Canon since it had a recall notice on it. I called it in, was sent all the shipping label and instructions and sent it in for evaluation and repair.
My camera came back repaired and returned to factory specifications.
Now I have two of these impressive cameras.
Needless to say "I will be returning" to Canon for my next Camera upgrade.
Thank you Canon :)
Big G
Big G
4 of 4 people found this review helpful.
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Review 9 for PowerShot S1 IS
Nickname: BeBob
Location: Isanti, Mn
Used this product for: more than 1 year
Expertise Level: Hobbyist/Enthusiast
Great Camera - No Regrets
Overall Rating
Features
5
out of
5
Performance
4
out of
5
Price/Value
5
out of
5
Quality
5
out of
5
Satisfaction
5
out of
5
Date:July 29, 2009
Pros: easy to use, Simple controls/menu, Nice features/settings, Bright LCD, excellent image quality, Lightweight/Portable, durable
Cons: Poor Low-Light Performance
Friends with more expensive cameras want copies of my event pictures because my camera takes much better pictures. The camera had a problem , after several years and a lot of pictures taken, and Canon fixed it and had it back to me, at no charge, in a week. And they paid the postage. They are a great company to deal with. I didn't have much luck with the rechargeable batteries (they didn't hold a charge), but, the Energizer Ultimate Batteries last fairly long.
1 of 1 people found this review helpful.
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Review 10 for PowerShot S1 IS
Nickname: Windsongs
Location: Niagara Falls
Used this product for: more than 1 year
Expertise Level: Advanced Amateur
Product replacement: No
Incredible Mid-size camera
Overall Rating
Features
4
out of
5
Performance
5
out of
5
Price/Value
5
out of
5
Quality
5
out of
5
Satisfaction
4
out of
5
Date:June 18, 2009
Pros: easy to use, Nice features/settings, Bright LCD, excellent image quality, durable
Cons: Short battery life
I bought this camera to have a few more settings than a smaller point and shoot model. The S1 IS pictures have certainly received raves from people who view them, who are using higher end SLR digital models.
My purchase has never been regretted other than the battery life being extremely poor. Once I sorted out battery usage and saving power things are better.
Compact camera, great pictures and easy to use make me wonder if I would ever buy a different camera in the future. The only reason would be to move up to a larger Canon model.
1 of 1 people found this review helpful.
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Review 11 for PowerShot S1 IS
Nickname: Judge
Location: Schuylerville, New York
Used this product for: 1 to 3 months
Expertise Level: Hobbyist/Enthusiast
Product replacement: Yes
Getting back to Photography
Overall Rating
Features
4
out of
5
Performance
5
out of
5
Price/Value
5
out of
5
Quality
5
out of
5
Satisfaction
5
out of
5
Date:May 14, 2009
Pros: easy to use, Bright LCD, excellent image quality, Lightweight/Portable, durable
Cons: Complicated controls/menu
I was a roll film SLR user and purchased a point and shot digital. I was frustrated every time I used the camera. I recently purchased a PowerShot and I feel that I am back to doing photography again!
The camera preforms above my expectations and I do not have to carry a camera bag with a light meter and gray card, rolls of film, an extra camera body to change from B&W to color, or the extra lenses. I have everything I need in one camera.
The camera preforms above my expectations and I do not have to carry a camera bag with a light meter and gray card, rolls of film, an extra camera body to change from B&W to color, or the extra lenses. I have everything I need in one camera.
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Review 12 for PowerShot S1 IS
Nickname: Anonymous
Location: Corinth, TX
Used this product for: more than 1 year
Expertise Level: Hobbyist/Enthusiast
Product replacement: Yes
Very good choice
Overall Rating
Features
5
out of
5
Performance
5
out of
5
Price/Value
4
out of
5
Quality
5
out of
5
Satisfaction
4
out of
5
Date:February 19, 2009
Pros: Simple controls/menu, Nice features/settings, excellent image quality, good battery life
Cons: Dim LCD, Heavy/Bulky
My husband bought this camera for me for Christmas in 2004. This was my first digital camera. I loved it right away. You can do so many things with it, I haven't exhausted the possibilities yet, still learning. The pictures come out great and if they don't - it's n o t the camera's fault.
We did have a problem with it once during our vacation in New Mexico (very bad timing). The LCD screen had stripes going over the whole screen and that's how the pictures came out, too. The problem was, that some kind of chip got too hot and caused that problem. We finished up our vacation with a cheap disposable camera. The pictures came out accordingly!.
On our return I contacted Canon. They send me a pre- paid envelope to send the whole camera in, fixed the problem in a very fast manner and returned it to me without cost. I haven't had any problems with it since than.
On our return I contacted Canon. They send me a pre- paid envelope to send the whole camera in, fixed the problem in a very fast manner and returned it to me without cost. I haven't had any problems with it since than.
I like the feature about the LCD screen. It folds out and can be rotated. So when you take pictures using the self-timer or wireless remote (wireless remote sold seperately) you can make sure everything is on it. Now I'm on pictures too. Because of it's folding feature, the screen is protected during transportation and storage.
One thing I don't like very much is, that it's hard to see the image on the screen at bright sun light. That's when I use the view finder.
One thing I don't like very much is, that it's hard to see the image on the screen at bright sun light. That's when I use the view finder.
I can't say, that the battery life is extreme long or short. It's fine with me. I usually use the higher mAh rechargeable batteries (like 2650 mAh). I have more than 1 set of batteries ready. On longer trips I make sure I have my car charger with me, so I can charge while driving. I never run out of charged batteries.
With our initial purchase of the camera we also bought a compact photo printer.(See review). I usually carry that with me too, when we visit friends. I can print photos for them to keep right away. My 87 year old mother-in-law doesn't use a computer. So she is always very delighted to get pictures right away.
One down side - a little big, but that's because of some features you get with it (additional lenses etc). We like to go mountain biking and don't like to take that camera because of it's size. So we bought a smaller one, another Canon, of course.(See review).
8 of 9 people found this review helpful.
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Review 13 for PowerShot S1 IS
Nickname: Chicksmom
Location: Georgia
Used this product for: more than 1 year
Expertise Level: Advanced Amateur
Product replacement: Yes
Very Pleased
Overall Rating
Features
5
out of
5
Performance
5
out of
5
Price/Value
5
out of
5
Quality
4
out of
5
Satisfaction
5
out of
5
Date:January 3, 2009
Pros: easy to use, Nice features/settings, excellent image quality, durable
Cons: Poor Low-Light Performance, difficult to adjust to lighting
This camera has served myself and my husband well for over 3 years. Outdoor/Indoor pictures are fantastic quality, the various effects and settings enhance your photo quality. Some indoor pictures are a little more difficult to get the settings just right, but once you get use to it, it's very easy. Only problem is with indoor places such as Aquariums, my daughter $100 camera takes better photos, but we may not be doing settings right.
Durability of the camera is fantastic as it was dropped and no problems. Excellent camera and we are very pleased.
Durability of the camera is fantastic as it was dropped and no problems. Excellent camera and we are very pleased.
2 of 3 people found this review helpful.
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Review 14 for PowerShot S1 IS
Nickname: tfm
Location: Baltimore MD
Used this product for: more than 1 year
Expertise Level: Advanced Amateur
Product replacement: Yes
good while it worked but didnt last
Overall Rating
Date:December 13, 2008
Pros: Nice features/settings, Bright LCD, excellent image quality
Cons: Short battery life
I stored the camera for about a month in good condition and when i needed it again it wouldnt take any good pictures. video mode not affected but pictures have a lot of white lines across them. Excellent pictures while it lasted though a battery eater
4 of 6 people found this review helpful.
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Review 15 for PowerShot S1 IS
Nickname: Karl_T10
Location: West Des Moines, IA
Used this product for: more than 1 year
Expertise Level: Advanced Amateur
Product replacement: No
Never regretted it
Overall Rating
Features
5
out of
5
Performance
5
out of
5
Price/Value
5
out of
5
Quality
5
out of
5
Satisfaction
5
out of
5
Date:December 5, 2008
Pros: easy to use, Simple controls/menu, Nice features/settings, Bright LCD, excellent image quality, Good Low-Light Performance, Lightweight/Portable, good battery life, durable, quality construction and feel to all pieces
I have had my S1 IS for just under 4 years now and I can't name a single thing I've ever regretted about it. I purchased mine after glowing review from a co-worker and online.
The quality of the camera and the photos are excellent. The features are perfect. The user menus are extremely easy to use. And with the axillary close-up lens kit I have been able to take some incredibly detailed photos, including a couple that won a local photo contest.
And the one issue that has ever arisen is being handled by Canon in a manner I have never seen. A couple of weeks ago my display went fuzzy, as did the pictures. Just today I took it to a local shop's 'Canon Days' and as soon as Canon's reps saw my display they said 'Service notice. Call the number and they'll take care of you'. I just hung-up the phone and Canon is in fact taking care of me- a pre-paid shipping envelope is on it's way to me and my camera will be fixed for free. (a supplier had a bad batch of chip sets) I am a pessimist on issues such as this and I can't tell you how much Canon is going above and beyond my expectations. And after telling my best friend of tonight's experience, he is almost certainly buying the new SX model.
4 of 4 people found this review helpful.
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Review 16 for PowerShot S1 IS
Nickname: Tess
Dissapointed
Overall Rating
Features
4
out of
5
Performance
1
out of
5
Price/Value
3
out of
5
Quality
4
out of
5
Satisfaction
1
out of
5
Date:December 3, 2008
Pros: easy to use, Simple controls/menu, Nice features/settings, excellent image quality
Cons: Short battery life
I really like this camara; with the single exception of horrible battery life. I use the rechargable NiMH and get anywhere from 5-50 shots on fully charged batteries depending on what I shoot. This has proven incredibly dissapointing.
2 of 2 people found this review helpful.
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Review 17 for PowerShot S1 IS
Nickname: Eliot
Location: Marquette, MI
Used this product for: more than 1 year
Expertise Level: Advanced Amateur
Product replacement: Yes
Excellent, Long-Lasting Camera
Overall Rating
Features
5
out of
5
Performance
4
out of
5
Price/Value
4
out of
5
Quality
5
out of
5
Satisfaction
5
out of
5
Date:December 2, 2008
Pros: easy to use, Simple controls/menu, Nice features/settings, excellent image quality, Lightweight/Portable, durable
Cons: Poor Low-Light Performance, Short battery life
I have had this camera for nearly five years, and I still get a lot of use out of it. Although it consumes batteries quickly -- even the Canon rechargables -- it is a great camera that meets all my photography needs.
The multiple settings are very handy, and the image quality is wonderful. The camera itself is small enough to toss in my camera bag and go, and I don't have to carry along any extra equipment either.
It is sturdy and long lasting, and continues to perform despite being subjected to subzero temperatures and several falls on the trail.
When I need a new camera -- which probably won't be for another five years, because this one is so good -- I will certainly buy a Canon camera.
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Review 18 for PowerShot S1 IS
Nickname: Flash
Location: Tallahassee FL
Used this product for: more than 1 year
Expertise Level: Advanced Amateur
Product replacement: Yes
Worst choice ever
Overall Rating
Features
2
out of
5
Performance
1
out of
5
Price/Value
1
out of
5
Quality
1
out of
5
Satisfaction
1
out of
5
Date:December 2, 2008
Cons: Complicated controls/menu, Dim LCD, Short battery life, Flimsy Construction
Camera was bought for underwater work. Expensive housing purchased. Used batteries extremely fast. Only lithiums would last any time at all. After about two years use, the camera stopped providing anything but scatter in picture taking mode. It just doesn't work at all.Very disappointing as I've been told that it would cost more to fix it that to buy a new one.
1 of 2 people found this review helpful.
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Review 19 for PowerShot S1 IS
Nickname: anon
Location: Boston MA
Used this product for: more than 1 year
Expertise Level: Casual User
Product replacement: Yes
Mine is not very good
Overall Rating
Features
3
out of
5
Performance
2
out of
5
Price/Value
2
out of
5
Quality
2
out of
5
Satisfaction
2
out of
5
Date:November 20, 2008
Cons: Poor image quality, Poor Low-Light Performance, Short battery life
Batteries always run down in just a few days even when not used. Every time I want to take a picture the batteries are dead.
3 of 5 people found this review helpful.
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Review 20 for PowerShot S1 IS
Nickname: Becky
Location: Pittsburgh, PA
Used this product for: more than 1 year
Expertise Level: Hobbyist/Enthusiast
Product replacement: Yes
Best Camera Owned
Overall Rating
Features
5
out of
5
Performance
5
out of
5
Price/Value
4
out of
5
Quality
5
out of
5
Satisfaction
5
out of
5
Date:November 19, 2008
Pros: easy to use, Nice features/settings, excellent image quality, durable
Cons: Heavy or bulky, small lcd screen
I have to say this camera is wonderful! I have owned it for 4 years, and it is still going strong. I am only on the second set of rechargeable batteries (4AA) for it. It is a bulkier camera than most of my friends have, but I chose it because it can be so versatile. I can just point and shoot if I want, or I can use some of the more advanced settings to do different exposures, different effects, etc. The picture quality is exceptional. It is not complicated to use. I will say, if you do read the instruction manual, so you understand how it focuses, you will have an easier time. There can be a delay between the shutter being pressed and the click of "exposure", if there is movement of the camera in between. Once I read the manual though, I understood what it was doing, and now we get along great! The digital zoom is only 3.2 mega pixels, which some people think is bad. But that is because the actual optical zoom is 10x, which means you can zoom the lens physically a lot, so you don't need the extra mega pixels. I use this camera for our family Christmas picture, which I take myself, using the timer. I have taken it around the world and back again. I love it!
8 of 8 people found this review helpful.
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