This is how I feel too. I've been looking into why and I think part of it is due to the optical zoom. Although even with no zoom my pictures still aren't all that good. My camera even has an aquarium setting (which seems to do nothing!). I've tried using the manual settings as well so the camera doesn't "think" for me but no luck there either.

usually problem with pic quality is between camera and floor or chair ;)
first of all you have to carefully read manual for your camera, specially part about macro photography and minimal focusing distance, you have to know what's dept of field, how distance from the subject its affecting it, how different source of light its affecting your pictures, then you have to understand difference between shooting somewhere outside and in fish tank, its lot so stuff what you have think about it before you push the button. It's more ways how you can accomplish success in photography, you can go way "trial and error" or you can join local photography club and learn from somebody there or also you can buy book :)

Well I dont know about the S5 but I have a S3 and it dose OK for aquarium picks I just took this today

http://i216.photobucket.com/albums/c...AllPics508.jpg

http://i216.photobucket.com/albums/c...AllPics509.jpg

http://i216.photobucket.com/albums/c...AllPics546.jpg

http://i216.photobucket.com/albums/c...AllPics559.jpg

I have the SD1100 IS (8.0 mega pixels) and I too have trouble taking tank shots with it. It seems to be a pretty good camera for anything else. Maybe I just don't know how to use it properly

Most of the time with the "point and shoot" style cameras, where they fall short for aquarium photography is with their Macro abilities (or minimum focusing distance), as well as the limited range of shutter speeds. While most camera's may be in the 7-9MP department, the sensor on a p&s camera is alot smaller than the sensor in a Pro Body like Canon 40D/5D/Nikon D80/D300, therefore limited in its ability to replicate the quality of the more expensive cameras.

Here are a few samples from my Canon Powershot TX1. Untouched, straight off the memory card. I'd say they are fairly acceptable shots for most people.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v3...l/IMG_0017.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v3...l/IMG_0016.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v3...l/IMG_0015.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v3...l/IMG_0013.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v3...l/IMG_0011.jpg

Oh yah now that you mention it the shots I posted were untouched from the mem. card too the HD to Photobucket

I've used my little PowerShot A570IS for all of my aquarium pictures. The best ones I've taken were with the underwater setting using a submersible housing. However I've never been able to get a full tank shot that I liked.

http://i254.photobucket.com/albums/h...cture026-1.jpg

http://i254.photobucket.com/albums/h...edo/pic034.jpg

http://i254.photobucket.com/albums/h...aneyedo/29.jpg

http://i254.photobucket.com/albums/h...aneyedo/31.jpg

http://i254.photobucket.com/albums/h...aneyedo/26.jpg

http://i254.photobucket.com/albums/h...aneyedo/12.jpg

^^ That last shot is awesome! Clam looks amazing!

Just gotta practice. I use a Powershot S3IS, one model older than the 5S. I am generally pleased with the quality of my pictures.