This (or something similiar) is the icon for face detection that you’ll find on cameras.
Digital cameras have changed quite a bit in the past few years. One major advancement in digital photography is face detection. Simply put, the software in the camera enables it to scan what the lens is pointed at and look for the shape of a face and eyes. When it locates one or more faces, it zeroes in on it/them making the people sharp and in-focus. You’ll know it’s working because a lit box or set of brackets will position itself on the subject’s face. No more pictures of blurred friends and a sharp tree several feet behind them. Pretty cool, huh?
If you’re currently in the market for a new point and shoot camera, you’ll quickly find that this feature is almost standard. There are more cameras that have face detection than those that do not. Another good thing is that some cameras can detect a good 10 faces, making out-of-focus group photos a thing of the past. Also, a wide variety of cameras have incorporated face detection into the portraiture setting. Face detection does not work on pets.
© Fujifilm Corporation. Image used for educational purposes.
Yes, the S5 IS has face detection. I think it only works in portrait mode or auto.
Lisa responds: Thanks Christa!
I have the Canon S5 IS and I love it! It does have Face Detection; pressing the ‘Set’ button while in Camera mode will toggle between the two Auto Focus settings – Center and Face Detect. This can be found on page 69 of the Advanced User guide (.pdf can be found on the Canon website).
Lisa responds: Thank you Scott for posting this info. It is a great camera!
Hey Lisa,
I have a Canon S5IS (the same one you own). Does it have face detection that you know of?
I like your blog – keep up the good work!
Lisa responds: Actually the Canon S5 IS belongs to my neighbors who kindly allowed me to borrow it for a few trips. Off the top of my head, I don’t recall if it has face detection. Your manual goes over all of the features. If you’ve misplaced it, check Canon’s website.