Canon Powershot S60 5MP Digital Camera with 3.6x Optical Zoom
By: Canon Average Rating: 4.5 Total Reviews: 29
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 On: 2008-04-19
Canon PowerShot S60
This is one powerful camera for a really good price. It takes incredible pictures. I often crop out just a small piece of a photo and enlarge it and it still looks great. This camera is compact and easy to use. A nice little feature is a look through view window for bright days when the screen is hard to see. Ive only used the video a couple of times, but that is a nice feature, too. Ive had no trouble downloading the photos onto about a dozen different computers. Ive had it for a couple of years and it still works as good as new.
One thing that drove me crazy in the beginning was the lense didnt always pop out when I opened the front cover. After some time I finally noticed that the strap can get in the way and prevent it from opening. Once I noticed what was causing the problem, I could easily move the strap and it always opens.
 On: 2006-02-19
This was my first digital camera and was selected primarily for its wide angle lens which I find more usefull. The lens quality could be better, but seems to be available only in a more expensive SLR. No manual included with the ARCSOFT PHOTO STUDIO software. You can download this free from the web site (http://www.arcsoft.com/support/downloads).
On: 2006-01-04
Even though Im not a professional photographer, working in the film industry has made photography a very serious hobby of mine. I originally bought the Canon S50, which I was very happy with. However a defective part led me to send my camera back to Canon, who replaced it with the S60 over a year ago. This is a wonderful camera for people who are serious about photography but not yet ready to purchase a digital SLR. It takes great images with a very respectable mega pixel rate. What I love about this camera is you have the option of manually controlling every aspect of your shot when it really counts (shutter speed, focus, F-stop, etc.), or if your at a party, set it to auto and it becomes a point-and-shoot, easy enough for even your most inebriated friend to take snapshots. The best of both worlds! A good, near professional quality, camera at a good price.
On: 2005-12-28
I got this for Christmas last year... and its so easy to use and the resloution is amazing! Strongly recommend to anyone with kids... captures their every great expression and even every blade of thier hair in fantastic detail!
On: 2005-10-27
I previously owned a Canon S-30, a 3-megapixel, which performed adequately for four years. Therefore, I was pretty much sold on the S-60 after reading Consumers Reports and the ratings of this and other similar quality cameras on Amazon. After only a relatively short ownership period, I have found that the camera works as advertised. Some advantages over the previous design include the higher meapixel resolution, a larger LCD screen, greatly improved menu controls, and a noticeable speed difference as to when the camera is ready for the next shot.
Although I bought a 512 MB compact flash card with the camera, I was also able continue using a CF card from the old camera, its battery, and charger. A distinct advantage as these items run $30+/- each.
One critical note, however, was that I was never able to connect the camera directly to my computer to download the images (A Dell Dimension 8250 running XP SP2). Each time I connected the USB wire, my computer would not recognize the "device." After several emails to the Canon support staff, we tried everything from re-installing the software supplied with the camera to using troubleshooting from "InstallShield." No success!
My solution to the problem, since I was determined to keep the camera, was to purchase a USB 2.0 Hi-speed Reader (SanDisk SDDR-88-A15 8-in-1 no longer available on Amazon). It installed without problem, and I am able to download images by removing the CF card from the camera. A minor inconvenience.
On: 2005-10-24
Great Camera! Also own S70, like it so much we bought the S50 as a second camera.
Best built in wide angle zoom currently available, nice selection of control Manual thru Program, good battery life.
 On: 2005-10-20
I have recived todya my camera S60 CANON POWER, I havent use it already but, when I made my buying order, it says "Free memory with purchase" but I havent receive it.
I buyed the camera on octubre 5, where AMAZON says in "recommendated for you" that the camera s6o came with a Memory card of 256 Mb, but I havent received.
I have chech my order (103-3082162-22003868 today and is still says "free memory wuith purchaase".
Its horrible to feel you have been stolen.
On: 2005-10-10
I find it very easy to use. The Zoom is super.
It is really a power!!!
On: 2005-10-08
I bought the Canon S60 as a backup to my Nikon D70 Digital SLR. Specifically, I needed a point-and-shoot on a European trip on which I wouldnt be able to lug my lenses and SLR bag around.
The S60 proved a more than worthy backup. The full set of manual controls (including features that many other manual point-and shoots dont have like 2nd curtain flash and auto exposure bracketing) along with the wonderful image quality made this a great buy. There are a few design and function annoyances (the silly sliding lens door, proprietary rechargable battery rather than AA batteries, and difficulty in achieving intended effects with large apertures in aperture priority mode) but overall this is a great little camera that produces great images. I also was interested in the Canon A610, but it was not released in time for my trip.
On: 2005-09-20
For a complete beginner this camera seems to do all I need easily and not too complicated. It is automatic but as I learn I can use its more advanced features.
On: 2005-09-07
It is quite a bit bigger than the s400 I used earlier. But the wide angle lens, extra zoom and manual controls make it worth the extra size. Slight barrel distortion is visible in some photographs. The flash is quite powerful. Quick, reliable delivery and competetive price from amazon.com.
On: 2005-09-05
Pros:
1. Almost all manual controls available. Takes some time to learn how to use many of them. But once you know, it is wonderful
2. RAW image availability. So that you can make changes to the photos later while you are learning
3. Good battery life. Good response time. Good flash
Cons
1. Image quality could be slightly better. But that might have been my fault too. I saw better images from the Sony T series and even a Fuji camera which my friend had.
On: 2005-09-02
This camara is very easy to use. I didnt have to read the manual. Its a little too heavy for my purse but it take great photos. I love the wide angle lense which makes my job easier. I no longer have to piece photos together in photoshop. It will do it automatically, when you take the photos. Great camara. Very professional quality and excellent resolution. The battery last longer than other camaras. Everyone is always asking me to recommend a great camara-this is the one for me.
On: 2005-08-22
I always believe that canon makes the best digital camera. No issues at all. Works as expected. Amazon delivery arrives in 3 days for the 3 - 5 days shipment. I am very happy with Amazons service.
On: 2005-08-03
This is a great little camera. I have found it easy to use, but the flash is to strong for the camera. If you stand off at a distance and zoom-in the flash works better that way. If you stand to close it over exposes the picture leaving bright light spots.
I think it is a good buy for the money though. Ive taken some nice pictures with it.
On: 2005-07-07
I bought this one to replace a Powershot S40 that was stolen after a break-in. It works well and is a good compromise between point-and-shoot and a pro-style camera.
It looks nice and takes good pictures.
On: 2005-01-20
I do not understand how anyone can criticize the quality of the photos from the Canon S60.
I just returned from Hawaii, where I shot over 250 photos, ranging from the beautiful scenery to the Hawaiian people to the hotels in which I was staying. Out of the over 250 shots I took, I may have blown 3 and those were my fault (mostly poor composition). Every shot was superbly sharp, perfectly exposed, even if flash was used, and perfectly in focus. The only criticism that I would make and that is the reason that I am considering a digital SLR, is that it is very difficult to frame each photo perfectly using the eye level viewfinder.
On the other hand, if I use the LCD, it is much more difficult to hold the camera steady, particularly in marginal light situations. Of course, this is not the fault of the specific camera, but occurs with all non SLR point and shoots. I have used
and owned many digitals and, in my opinion, the Canon S60 is the best!
On: 2004-10-12
I have had it for 6 months now. I bought it to replace my A70, which took a beating during my 3 months vacation.
Pro:
Wide angle rules. Fast startup and shut down. Good quality in/our-door. AF assist light helps during poor light condition. Good battery. Panoramic/photo stitching is cool. Good software bundle. Good quality and reliable (from my prior experience).
Con:
No image stablization. Which would be very helpful at night shoots w/o tripod, max zoom, or any other conditions. Can not force flash at the "AUTO" mode.
Thats about it.
On: 2004-09-23
This is my first digital camera. I delayed purchasing one until performance for value seemed to be just right. This camera does an outstanding job for a very fair price. Simple to use but still lots of added features if you wish. Beautiful photos are easy to take. And the small size makes it easy to carry along wherever you go. Only criticism is the shudder door easily opens whenever I try to slide the camera into the custom-fit carry case.
On: 2004-09-03
A complete review of the camera is found at another camera review site which it seems Mr. Burke has visited to get some of his comments.
All I can say is have the camera and love it so far. Also have a G5 at work, S200 for portability. The S60 is my camera that melds portability and flexibility together. And most importantly for those who are familiar and long time Canon users. No E18 errors at all
On: 2004-08-15
What we have here is quite simply a compact G5. Forget the swivel LCD screen - for me not at all useful, the only thing missing of any consequence from the G5 in my opinion is the flash shoe, otherwise you basically have a G5 in a much smaller more functional package.
The pictures are quite simply fantastic! Only minimal purple fringing and only noticeable to the most discerning (read nit-picking).
The camera still suffers from the digital point and shoot shutter lag which for the most part plagues all point and shoots. It is certainly no worse than the G5.
One clear advantage over the previous S50 is its smaller size. The camera still has the sliding lens cover which some object to but I find no problem whatsoever.
The only dilemma facing the prospective buyer is whether to purchase this camera or the significantly smaller S500. The S60 being a more capable complete camera than the S60. My advice: If this is your only digital camera, buy the S60. If you have a digital SLR then buy the S500 for true portability. The good news is that whatever decision you make you should be very pleased because both are great cameras.
If you havent taken the digital plunge, then take it from one who resisted much too long. Go out and buy a digital camera TODAY!! It will reawaken you interest in photography. IMO, digital photography is the current killer app for PCs right behind the internet. Good luck.
On: 2004-08-14
What we have here is quite simply a compact G5. Forget the swivel LCD screen - for me not at all useful, the only thing missing of any consequence from the G5 in my opinion is the flash shoe, otherwise you basically have a G5 in a much smaller more functional package.
The pictures are quite simply fantastic! Only minimal purple fringing and only noticeable to the most discerning (read nit-picking).
The camera still suffers from the digital point and shoot shutter lag which for the most part plagues all point and shoots. It is certainly no worse than the G5.
One clear advantage over the previous S50 is its smaller size. The camera still has the sliding lens cover which some object to but I find no problem whatsoever.
The only dilemma facing the prospective buyer is whether to purchase this camera or the significantly smaller S500. The S60 being a more capable complete camera than the S60. My advice: If this is your only digital camera, buy the S60. If you have a digital SLR then buy the S500 for true portability. The good news is that whatever decision you make you should be very pleased because both are great cameras.
If you havent taken the digital plunge, then take it from one who resisted much too long. Go out and buy a digital camera TODAY!! It will reawaken you interest in photography. IMO, digital photography is the current killer app for PCs right behind the internet. Good luck.
On: 2004-07-21
The canon s60 feature & performance wise, falls somewhere between a point-and-shoot and a pro-sumer level 5MP digital camera. I had originally planned on getting a G5, but the G5s unwielding size and weight (although a great performer) made me consider the newly released s60. I was looking for a portable pro-sumer, 5MP digital camera, that was no bigger than our Canon SureShot 35mm film camera. The s60 (and the ultra compact s400) both have the same CCD imager as the G5, but I chose the s60s 28mm wide angle lens, extra feature set, and longer battery life over the p500s.
From my experience, taking pictures indoors with a flash seems to be the biggest hurdle for any digital camera to overcome, and the s60, while not perfect, is one of the best indoor cameras of its size I have tried. Indoors, in a moderately lit room, the s60 in AUTO mode takes true color, well exposed images within 10 feet of the subject(s). I have found that using "P" mode with the flash exposure compensation set up to + 1/3 or +2/3 works best if you are in a poorly lit room and you also wish to see the background.
While it is true that there is some barrel distortion at full wide 28mm mode, it is not enough of a problem detract from its overall rating. All compact and ultra compact cameras I have tried have had some barrel distortion at wide field and chromatic aberation on bright objects. As far as one persons comment about the images being blurry because of inferior lens quality, I would have to disagree. The images I have taken are very smooth and have vibrant, true colors. The s60 does apply a sort or internal anti-aliasing to smooth out the images. Most of the professional portraiture cameras (like the Kodak pro cameras) do this either in software or by hardware, as most people do not wish to see every facial pore on their subject. You can chose to "sharpen" internally on the s60, or just use one pass of Sharpen in Photoshop to sharpen the images even more to suit your taste.
I also had the opportuntity to compare the G5 and s60 side-by-side, by taking photos of the same subjects both indoors and out. I could not see any noticeable difference between the two, image quality-wise. I have taken over 200 images within the last 5 days with my s60 and have been very pleased with both its image quality and ease of use.
by: Anonymous On: 2004-07-20
I originally had an S50 until it was stolen, so after much new research I replaced it with the S60. The focusing is much improved over my original S50. Although friends who also had the same camera never seemed to have focusing problems. The navigation buttons on the back of the camera have been improved. It is definately lighter than the S50, which is a bonus for those carrying the camera hiking or climbing. And, its start up time is good if you need to capture a picture really quick. So far it has handled all sorts of lighting conditions very well, and the color definition has been excellent with very little (if any) purple tinting. This is a very feature rich camera, if you like gadgets. However, it is also easy to use when set to fully automatic. The photo software it comes with is much improved, and is an acceptable choice if you dont have the money to buy something like Photoshop. I like the rugged, solid feel of the camera overall.What I dont like about it is the slidable lens cover. I keep bumping it when it is open because of the way I like to hold the camera. The cover extends almost to the right hand side of the camera. If you bump it during picture taking, it shuts down the camera and you dont get your picture. This has happened to me maybe a half a dozen times. I have to consciously force myself to hold the camera as to not disturb the cover when it is open. Maybe in the future canon can move it back from the edge a bit, or reduce the sensitivity of the mechanism that shuts the camera down. Last, this camera isnt design for use in the shirt pocket. If you are looking for a pocket camera this one is a bit big.
by: Anonymous On: 2004-07-02
I was looking for a digital camera that has many features as SLR does, yet want it small enough that its convinient for me to carry it anywhere to do a lot of photographs. I got S60 and so far Im satisfied with it.
The camera produced sharp images and good color balance. And the camera gets ready fast enough to shoot after we turn it on.
Though I took many pictures with it and reviewed the images many times, I found out that the battery is long-lasting.
I also like the software that puts the picture in folders titled by the date automatically. So I can choose not to print date on the pictures.
However, sometimes its quite hard to slide open your camera when your hand is sweaty. And also almost every single time I take the camera out of my pocket, I slide open the battery door. Yet, they are not a big deal to me.
On: 2004-06-20
If youre a digital SLR user with some old IBM Microdrives and high-capacity thick CF cards this is a good point-and-shoot camera. Most of the smaller P&S cameras today take the newer smaller xD cards so you end up having to manage an inventory of different kinds of storage devices. The S60 can share memory cards with full-size digital SLRs.How does the camera work? Like any other point-and-shoot at around the same price, more or less. It is more responsive than older cameras but still takes a second or two to turn on or wake up, long enough to lose the moment. The menus and controls will be intuitive for anyone who has used Canon digital cameras before. The 28mm equivalent perspective lens is a nice feature. Youll get better pictures with a Digital Rebel or Nikon D70 if only because those cameras have better viewfinders and controls large enough to operate by feel. But you cant fit one of those digital SLRs in your pocket...
by: Anonymous On: 2004-06-13
This is the first small digital camera that gives me most of the options, and picture quality of my SLR film cameras. And it fits in a pocket. The wide angle pictures (28mm equivalent to 35mm) are awesome. Edge to edge sharpness is superb and contrast is VERY good. The tiny ends of the corners (NOT the edges of the frame), only at wide angle, look a little soft, but not noticeable in "normal" photos. The person who says he has un-sharp edges in wide angle images either has a defective camera or has a beef to grind. The edges are absolutely no problem at 28mm. I sent out some wide angle images to have eight 5x7 prints, and two 8x10s made into prints. When I got them back I inspected the corners carefully only to find the corners were as sharp as a tack. Turns out the frame corners are trimmed to fit regular size paper, duh! Ergonomics are great. Controls are much improved over the previous S-series cameras. Focus is fast, my S60 takes about .60 of a second to confirm focus. If there is any shutter lag, I cant tell. The new lens finds focus in low light much more consistently than the S500. I have tried shooting all day, with some flash, and a lot of image reviews on the LCD, and I havent run down the new high capacity battery yet. The manual options are extensive, intuitive, and very useful for achieving serious high quality prints. The ability to review an image almost instantly by pressing one button, and instantly returning to shooting mode by pressing the shutter button half way down is a real time saver. Pros: Amazing lens quality considering at wide angle, this really a 5.8mm lens! Barrel distortion at 28mm is very acceptable and consistent with other wide angle lenses. Macro and tele shots are beautiful. Full manual control (even focus), several auto bracketing options, and very flexible AF and AE options and features. RAW mode. The Canon RAW software is a bit slow, but this is the way to go if you are into digital darkroom techniques and large prints. Long Lasting battery that charges very quickly. LCD screen is very sharp and smooth looking. Very clean and smooth iso50 and iso100 images. 5mp. After working with other 4mp images, the extra 1mp really shows up when preparing an image for an 11 x 14 print or larger. Small enough to take anywhere. Build quality. Mostly metal. The battery door is plastic, but this seems to be the trend with all small cameras. User control of in-camera contrast, sharpness, and color saturation. Custom setting that remembers and recalls all user settings. Cons: Wont fit in a shirt pocket or tight pant pockets well as the S500. Sliding lens "door" takes getting used to, but seems very secure. No anti-reflective coating on the LCD screen. Iso 200 is somewhat noisy, and iso400 is noisy, but not as noisy as our S500 at iso400. Histogram is only available on playback. Battery door should latch more tightly. No spare batteries (the new type) available yet anywhere. Conclusion - If you are a photography enthusiast, this is the best way to achieve very high quality (user controllable) images in a very portable, flexible camera. The S60 is a fantastic bargain.
by: Anonymous On: 2004-06-12
Anyone who often reads consumer opinions at Amazon has learned to ignore the extreme reviews, the five star reviews, mostly written by shameless sales people. To avoid reading bias reviews set your browser to "display reviews with the lowest ratings first". Any review that starts with something like ?22 of 22 people found the following review helpful? you know the voting is artificially inflated and should be ignored.The Powershot S60 replaces the Powershot S50, yet, against all logic, the S60 is no better than its predecessor. Here is a list of all the reasons why you should not buy this camera. Cons: Shockingly poor lens quality, specially at wide angle. Barrel distortion at 28mm is not acceptable. Distortion is much worse than that of other 28mm wide-angle lenses. (In lay terms, all pictures will be slightly blurry overall and completely distorted on the corners) Canon RAW pictures are only readable by Canon software, you will become dependent on Canon software to read those files, forever. The new long lasting battery is proprietary, you cannot use AA batteries if you need power during an emergency. LCD screen is not movable. There is visible grain on all images, specially noticeable in sky shots and shaded areas, even at the highest resolution (iso50). Conclusion: In my personal opinion, if you care about quality, you should not get this camera, and if you are an amateur I recommend you buy another Canon model for less money. Canon offers better image quality on its cheaper models, I?d recommend you look at photo galleries on the net and pick a Canon camera that allows you to use AA batteries. Extra bonus hint: Stay away from another model, the Canon Pro1, it has too many problems and for the price you might as well buy a Canon Digital Rebel. To see samples of the Canon Powershot S60s tipical distortion, go to this gallery:
http://www.hockeythoughts.net/s60/
On: 2004-06-10
Hey yo,
I liked the S50 model a lot and the pictures were good except ...in some pictures the object appears to be bigger than it actually is. Fat people would appear fatter(maybe due to my settings). The other major disadvantage with S50 was its bulkyness and the sliding mechanism that makes it feel like that is going to break soon.S60 is slimmer. Fat people appear fat, not fatter then they are. Put the camera in ur shirt pocket and go on where ever u wanna go. Its not a burgen to carry it but its not as sleek as the s400/500. You get a few additional features as a compromise for the sleekness of an S500. The pictures are sharp and the details are good. Canon is a safe bet. The quality should be good if history is an indicator. But the new lens on this camera is not as widely used and tested and there might be a few errors and surprises. The price seems reasonable for a 5 mp. Its surely going down. Buy it after a few months ..during thanksgiving or xmas for a bargain. If u cant wait, go for it. You might have a few complaints but wont be disappointed for sure.
On: 2004-06-10
I just bought the Powershot S60 at a store in Santa Monica, CA, and so far I am very impressed. I am not an expert photographer and my previous experience with digital cameras were with a lass that 1 megapixel diskette sony mavica and a week using the Sony DSC-P92 - 5 megapixels (wich I also liked).
This camera has a great advantage: Its wide angle zoom goes to the 28mm(35mm equivalent). This is great for shooting people, specially making them fit into the frame in small rooms and for landscapes. It has lots of bells and whisels that I am still learning to use and yet, it simple to use as a point and shoot.
My more expensive choice would be a Olympus C8080, but that was beyond budget. Because it has a small format you will not get to add filters except if you install that cumbersome adapter (you can filter afterwards with Photoshop). It doesnt have an external flash socket so you will use the built in only. The other great issue of this camera is that its portable. More sophisticated (pro) cameras like the C8080 are not so easy to carry, specially if traveling with kids.
To decide for this camera it helped a lot to research on www.dpreview.com, although they didnt do a final review on this one yet. On the accessories I passed on the carrying case (read reviews on amazon) and looking forward to get the remote control.
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