The S60 provides almost the same level of creative capability (advanced features, outstanding image quality, and lots of user input) as Canon’s superb G4, but it’s smaller, lighter, cheaper, and easier to use. It’s a worthy successor to the very popular S50 and features several genuinely useful improvements.

What’s New

The most impressive difference between the S50 and its successor is the S60’s newly designed 3.6X wide-angle (28mm equivalent) optical zoom lens. There is also an updated user interface, improved macro performance, the S60 can use auxiliary telephoto/wide-angle/macro lenses (the S50, S45, S40, and S30 couldn’t), there’s a new more powerful battery (with about 25% more capacity than the S50’s lithium-ion battery), and the S60’s MSRP is $100 less than the S50’s list price.

Nifty Features

FUNC button

Canon’s engineers designed the S60’s improved user interface so that most shooting functions are accessed with external controls. When users need to resort to the menu system the FUNC button provides an abbreviated menu overlay for quick access to the most often adjusted exposure settings. I don’t understand why Canon didn’t include the S1’s inspired new Shortcut button. I’ve always liked Canon’s FUNC button, but the Shortcut button takes this concept one step further by providing instant and direct access to specific (user chosen) exposure parameters that require frequent adjustment.

DIGIC Image Processor

Canon’s DIGIC Processor (Digital Imaging Integrated Circuit) improves auto focusing accuracy and processing speed while utilizing complex algorithms to produce images that are optimized for detailed resolution, excellent contrast, low noise, and accurate color. The DiGiC processor also reduces power consumption by approximately fifteen per cent, noticeably improving battery life.

iSAPS

The S60 utilizes Canon’s proprietary Intelligent Scene Analysis based on Photographic Space (iSAPS) technology to produce exceptional exposures in all scene modes. The camera matches the scene in front of the camera to an on board database of known scene types and then compares that information with data provided by the S60’s DIGIC processor (contrast, lighting, color, and focusing distance) to determine correct exposure.

RAW Settings Post Exposure

Ever shoot a JPEG image and suddenly notice that the captured file had a couple of obvious shortcomings? S60 users can record an image as a JPEG file, review the image, and decide Post Exposure that the image provides lots of room for manipulation and repair and opt to save the image as a RAW file. This is a great option for serious photographers, especially those who spend a lot of time manipulating/repairing images in PhotoShop.

NUTS & BOLTS

Viewfinder/LCD

The S60 features a fairly standard real image optical viewfinder that covers about 85 per cent of the image area. The viewfinder zooms with the lens, but provides no parallax correction lines (making close-up and macro shooting a bit more difficult) and there’s no diopter correction for eyeglasses wearers.

The S60's 1.8" LCD screen is bright, sharp, and fluid. The default display provides all the data most users are likely to need (battery status is shown only when power is running low) and the LCD’s brightness can be adjusted.

Lens

The S60 sports the first new zoom since the “S” series debuted, an f 2.8-f5.3/28-100 (35mm equivalent) moderate wide angle to portrait telephoto length zoom. The new zoom utilizes Canon’s advanced Ultra high refractive index aspheric lens element molding process to create a very compact lens with lower levels of optical distortion than was previously possible. Barrel distortion is a bit higher than average at the wide-angle end of the zoom range, but that’s nicely balanced by the almost total absence of pincushion distortion at the telephoto end of the range. Chromatic aberration (purple fringing) is a bit higher than average, especially visible in high contrast color transition areas at the widest setting and maximum aperture. Optical performance at the telephoto setting is consistently excellent.

Auto Focus

In all automatic exposure modes the S60 defaults to a nine focus point AiAF (Advanced intelligent Auto Focus) system that covers a much larger part of the image area making it possible for the camera to quickly select and lock focus on the primary subject, even when it is not centered in the viewfinder.

In aperture priority, shutter priority, and manual modes, the S60 provides Flexizone AF, which permits users to select a single focusing point and manually shift that AF point around in the frame for maximum creative control. When Spot metering is enabled, the metering spot can be set for the center of the frame or linked to the active Flexizone AF point, allowing the photographer to meter on the “spot” location that coincides with the most important element of the composition and link the camera’s AF system to that same spot.

In manual exposure modes the S60 provides a manual focus option with a reference scale (displayed on the LCD) for focusing accuracy. The S60 enlarges the center of the LCD frame 2X in manual focus mode, so users can make sure focus is sharp, but it would have been nice if Canon had provided the option for even greater (say 4X) magnification.

Macro performance has been substantially improved over the S50, minimum-focusing distance with the S60 is 1.6 inches with very high central resolution (although corners are slightly soft). The S60's flash doesn’t choke down very well for the macro area and overexposed images will be a constant problem. One simple and effective solution is to tape a cut to size piece of white paper towel over the flash during macro shooting. Flash exposure can be adjusted up to -2 EV (in one-third-step increments) or flash out put can be reduced from full power to 1/3 or 2/3 power, for those who prefer a less primitive alternative.

The S60 features AF Bracketing (first seen on the G3) that allows the S60 to capture three exposures in rapid succession; one focused slightly in front of the subject, one at the camera chosen AF focus distance, and one focused slightly behind the subject. This greatly increases the likelihood of capturing at least one exposure with precise focusing in rapidly unfolding action situations (the flash can’t be used when focus bracketing is enabled)

Flash

The S60’s built-in multi mode (Auto, Redeye reduction, Slow-sync --1st and 2nd curtain, Fill and Off) flash does a pretty good job, considering its tiny size. Flash exposure can be adjusted from +2/-2 EV (in 1/3 EV increments). The S60’s Flexible Flash Option allows users to manually select flash output levels of 1/3 power, 2/3 power, or full power which is an especially nice feature for balancing ambient light with flash lighting.

Users can also select first or second curtain sync effect (the S60 like most digital cameras has a combined iris/shutter rather than a focal place shutter---so there are no actual shutter curtains) allowing the camera to mimic SLR flash timing (firing the flash immediately after the shutter opens ---first curtain synch--or immediately before the second shutter curtain closes---second curtain sync). Second curtain synch is great for showing a sense of motion (blurred areas of runners, race cars, bicycles---for instance--- are behind the subject).

The S60’s Focus Assist feature automatically projects a beam of patterned light that helps the AF system to get a lock on subjects in low light. When red-eye reduction is enabled the Focus Assist beam remains lit (as long as you half-press the shutter button) which will reduce the size of the subject’s pupils in low light portraits. In Manual flash mode the S60's on board flash fires only a single burst of light (there's no pre-flash), so standard slave triggers will synchronize properly with the opening of the S60's shutter, making it possible (but cumbersome) to use external flash units. Canon claims the S60’s on board flash has a maximum reach of 14 feet. Based on my limited tests, 10-11 feet seems a more accurate number.

File Formats/Memory Media

The S60 captures images at 3 JPEG compression levels and Canon’s RAW format and then records those image files to CompactFlash (Type I or II) memory cards and high capacity Microdrives.

Connectivity

A/V out (for connection to NTSC and PAL televisions) USB out (for connection to computers) and DC in (for connection to an AC/DC adaptor)

Power

The S60 draws its power from a single rechargeable NB-2LH lithium battery. An optional AC adapter is available from Canon. Battery life is actually pretty good for a compact camera, but not good enough to preclude buying a back-up battery. My friend and I used the S60 pretty hard over the course of two weekends (full time LCD use, occasional flash use, and regular image review). Battery performance was consistent; the NB-2LH is good for 2.5 to 3.0 hours of heavy use.

EXPOSURE

The S60 provides a full slate of exposure options (Program AE with Shift, Aperture Priority, Shutter Priority, Manual exposure mode, and Scene modes (Portrait, Landscape, Night Scene, Fast Shutter Speed, Slow Shutter Speed, Portrait, Night Scene, and Landscape) with all exposure parameters optimized for simplified shooting in a variety of specific exposure situations (called Image Zones by Canon). The S60's PhotoEffects Mode (in-camera image adjustment) is accessed via the FUNC button—users can select from six pre-exposure image adjustment options: Vivid color, Neutral color, Low Sharpening, Sepia, Black-and-White, and Custom mode.

The S60’s Auto Exposure Bracketing (AEB) feature allows users to automatically capture a series of 3 images, each at a slightly different exposure setting. Users can manually set the exposure variables from +2/-2 EV in 1/3 EV increments. The camera captures all 3 exposures with one press of the Shutter button, which virtually guarantees at least one “right on the money” exposure in tricky lighting or with subjects that are noticeably darker or lighter than their surroundings. The S60’s flash can’t be used with the AEB feature. Exposure compensation can be adjusted from +2/-2 EV in 1/3 EV increments.

The S60’s Movie Mode can record short video clips (with audio) at 640 x 480 @ 10 fps (for up to 30 seconds at the highest resolution and lower resolution clips for up to 3 minutes). The zoom cannot be used during video capture. If video clips are important, the S60 is not your best choice---check out Canon’s amazing S1-IS for much better movie options.

Metering

The S60 provides three user selected metering modes (Evaluative, Center-Weighted Average, and Spot). When Spot metering is enabled, the metering spot can be set for the center of the frame or linked to the active Flexizone AF point, allowing the photographer to meter on the “spot” location that coincides with the most important element of the composition and link the camera’s AF system to that same spot. This feature offers a high level of individual creative input.

White Balance

In the auto white balance mode the S60 splits the image area into segments and then evaluates each segment for more accurate color balance even in tricky lighting. Users can select the Custom White Balance mode and then point the camera at a white wall or ceiling or a 3x5 white index card and store the reading. The custom white balance mode can store two different (custom 1 & custom 2) lighting situations, making switching between indoor and outdoor shooting environments simple and highly accurate. The S60 also provides several pre-set white balance modes (Auto, Daylight, Cloudy, Tungsten, Fluorescent, Fluorescent H, Flash, and Underwater)designed to cover most standard shooting situations.

Sensitivity

The S60 provides a fairly standard selection of sensitivity settings, including Auto, 50, 100, 200, and 400 ISO (35mm equivalent)

CONTROLS, DESIGN, ENGINEERING, & ERGONOMICS

The S60 is an attractive and well-designed compact general use digital camera. The camera’s controls are logically placed and quickly become intuitive and the all-metal body is comfortable to hold and use, even for extended periods. The S60 is durably built and should be tough enough to go just about anywhere (excluding hostile climates and combat zones) and do a good job when it gets there.

Technical Specifications

Resolution: 5.3 Megapixels (2592 x 1944)
LCD: 1.8-inch TFT Color LCD
Viewfinder: Real-image Optical (zooms with lens)
Lens: f 2.8-f5.3/28-100 (35mm equivalent) all glass zoom optical zoom
Exposure Modes: Auto, program, shutter priority, aperture priority, manual, and Custom, Programmed Image Control Zone (Portrait, Landscape, Night Scene, Fast Shutter, Slow Shutter, Stitch assist and Movie).
Flash: Built-in multi mode-- Flash Exposure Compensation +/-2 EV (in 1/3 stop increments) and manual flash output (1/3, 2/3, or full power) adjustment
Metering: Evaluative, Center Weighted Averaging, or Spot
White Balance: TTL Auto and Daylight, Cloudy, Tungsten, Fluorescent, Fluorescent Hi, Flash, underwater, and Custom 1 & 2)
Auto Focus: TTL FlexiZone AF or 9 point AiAF
Exposure Compensation: Yes ( +/- 2EV in 1/3 stop increments)
Auto Exposure Bracketing (AEB): Yes
Shutter Speeds: 1/2,000th of a second to 15 seconds
Sensitivity: TTL Auto, 50, 100, 200, and 400 ISO (35mm equivalent)
File Formats: JPEG and RAW
Image Storage Media: CompactFlash Type I or II
Connectivity: USB and A/V out
Noise Reduction: Yes
Power: NB-2LH

Price (MSRP) $499.00-----Street Price Range $499.00--$419.00

Included

NB-2hL Lithium-Ion battery, CB-2LT battery charger, 32 MB CF card, Wrist strap, USB & AV cables, Software CD-ROM, User’s Manual and software manual

Optional

WP-DC300 Underwater Housing, AC Adapter Kit ACK700, Car Battery Charger CBC-NB2, Soft leather Case PSC30, and SP-PS900 soft case

In the Field/Handling & Operation

My friend (who sells new and used digital and film photography equipment) was finally able to get his hands on a brand new Canon Powershot S60 so we got together on a beautiful afternoon to play with it, oops, I mean assess its performance. Our first test was a check for color accuracy. Over the past couple of years my friend and I have developed a fairly simple color test that works very well and allows us to compare results from one digital camera to another. We use a large cardboard box lined with white photographic background paper (after removing the front panel of the box), basically a homemade macro stage. We first auto white balance the camera using the white background and then set up and shoot a selection of brightly colored (red, blue, green, and yellow) plastic children’s beach toys with the tripod mounted camera. The S60’s color accuracy is excellent, although both of us thought the reds were just a tiny bit “hot” and the greens just a little dull---overall, color was fairly neutral ---- bright, vibrant, and well saturated, but not overly so.

After we finished with our color tests we headed for the Crescent Hill Old Fashioned Fourth of July Celebration at the Peterson-Dumesnil House (the 1868 house is on the National Register of Historic Structures) at 301 S. Peterson Ave. This is the last of Louisville’s traditional neighborhood 4th of July celebrations. For more than a century and a half the 4th of July was a very important day in the city of Louisville. Each neighborhood’s various political clubs used the day to get out the local voters, introduce candidates, and encourage new party members with cold beer, free food, fire ’n’ brimstone political speeches, and fireworks.

It was very hot (low 90’s) with lots of humidity. The crowds of happy fest goers were perfect for camera testing. Street style images and environmental portraits were the order of the day, with feisty kids, classic cars, and a rock’n’roll band thrown in for good measure.

For our next outing with the S60 we made a trip to Cave Hill Cemetery to shoot a pink Sandstone Moorish style mausoleum that both my friend and I really like. Cave Hill is Louisville’s unofficial arboretum and the old cemetery is filled with rare plants, trees, and bushes (in addition to thousands of 19th century grave markers, fancy mausoleums, a rustic groundskeepers cottage, a Civil War section, hundreds of ducks, geese, and swans---so there is always something to photograph.

The old Moorish style mausoleum was just beautiful against a cloud filled blue sky. After we finished with the mausoleum we shot some pictures of the ever present families feeding the ducks, geese, and swans at the old burial ground’s small lake.

PERFORMANCE

Timing/Shutter Lag

The S60 is a very quick camera, but not perceptibly faster than the S50 (except for the boot up cycle, which is noticeably faster). Auto focus, shot to shot times, and write to card times are all virtually identical to those of the S50. Shutter lag times are a bit quicker than average and with pre-focus (press the shutter release halfway) the S60’s response time is essentially real time. RAW format write to card times are much quicker than average.

Image Quality

Image quality is always the number one consideration when assessing camera performance; everything else is tied for second place. The S60 consistently delivers, image quality that is well above average. We printed two 5X7 enlargements (with an Epson Stylus Photo 2200 on Epson photo paper) of our pink sandstone mausoleum. One shot at ISO 50 and one shot at ISO 100. ISO 50 is definitely the S60’s sweet spot. Both enlargements were as sharp as a tack when viewed with a Mamiya 4X loupe (designed for checking out medium format prints) the pink sandstone and Moorish arches of the old mausoleum against the cobalt blue sky filled with puffy white clouds was picture postcard perfect. Noise levels begin to rise a bit at ISO 100 (but not objectionably so). Noise is a bit off-putting at ISO 200, but still acceptable and noise at the ISO 400 setting is unacceptably high.

The little bit of extra grab room at the 28mm setting is something of a mixed blessing. We were able to use the wider zoom to better compose some of our shots, but barrel distortion (straight lines bow out from the center) was noticeable in a few of our images from the mausoleum – the lens also displays some very minor softness in the corners, especially at f2.8 --- use the extra width for landscapes or crowding a couple of extra folks in your group shots – the S60 probably isn’t the best choice for architectural studies.

A Few Concerns

Image noise levels (especially at ISO 400) seem to be slightly higher than those of the S50 and the S60’s movie mode is pretty pedestrian (especially when compared to Canon’s nifty new S1). The built-in flash is positioned too close to the lens so red-eye is a persistent problem. Battery life is decent (and somewhat improved over the S50) but not exceptional. The optical viewfinder only shows 85 per cent of the image frame.

Who is this Camera best suited for?

Serious photographers who want a high level of individual control, casual photographers, hikers/bikers/backpackers, travelers, and street/environmental portrait shooters

Conclusion

Canon’s first “S” series camera (the S30) was supposed to combine the simplicity and ease of use of the ultra compact digital elf family with the creative photography options and advanced imaging features of the “G” family. The new S60 may be the ultimate realization of that concept, an almost perfect general-use compact digital camera.

Links

For definitive advice on How to Choose a Digital Camera please see my review:

http://www.epinions.com/elec-review-2E46-17B174E2-39A418E3-prod1

For information about comparable/competitive five megapixel Digital Cameras you may find the reviews below helpful:

Canon Digital Cameras

Canon Powershot S500
http://www.epinions.com/content_135678955140

Minolta Digital Cameras

Minolta Dimage A1
http://www.epinions.com/content_132907372164

Nikon Digital Cameras

Nikon Coolpix 5700
http://www.epinions.com/content_70131814020
Olympus Digital Cameras

Olympus Camedia C5060
http://www.epinions.com/content_125810871940

















Recommended: Yes

Amount Paid (US$): 499.00
This Camera is a Good Choice if You Want Something... Flexible Enough for Enthusiasts