The pocket-sized, 10-megapixel PowerShot S90 marks the return of Canon's S series. Pitched just below the PowerShot G11, the company's flagship compact camera, the S90 boasts similar high-end features in a much smaller body. But is it really worth around £380?
Punches above its weight
The S90 may be the mighty G11's smaller brother, but what has the G11 got that the S90 hasn't, apart from twice the bulk? Just like the G11, the S90 has the program auto-exposure, aperture-priority, shutter-priority and manual modes that professionals and enthusiasts will demand, plus a couple of dozen scene modes for the less experienced.
Like the G11, the S90 has a new 10-megapixel sensor designed for improved overall image quality and better high-ISO performance. Opting for 10 megapixels is a bold move in a market where the highest-possible resolution still seems to count for everything, but it's paid off, because, although you don't quite get digital SLR performance, you do still get excellent image quality.
The G11 has a 5x wideangle zoom, whereas the S90 only has a 3.8x zoom. But the S90 has an f2 maximum aperture, whereas the G11's is f2.8. In other words, the S90's lens has twice the light-gathering power, at least at the wideangle end of the zoom range.
The G11 has an articulating, 69mm (2.7-inch) LCD display, but the S90's is slightly larger, at 76mm (3 inches), and has the same 461,000-pixel resolution. Also, although the G11 has those rather wonderful external knobs and dials, the S90 offers an old-fashioned control ring around the lens that can be used for anything from ISO to lens-aperture adjustment, and it works beautifully.
Why all these comparisons with the G11? Because, if you're even thinking about getting a G11 (or any other high-end compact for that matter), you should look at the S90 first. You've got to wonder whether Canon has shot itself in the foot, here.
All the S90's plus points so far are backed up by really good picture quality. There's a visible drop in definition between ISO 400 and ISO 800, but, given that most compacts begin to go hazy as early as ISO 200, Canon's new sensor really is a big step forward. The S90's lens is sharp, even to the edges of the frame, and there's not much distortion or chromatic aberration, either. Note that you can shoot raw files too, and process them using the bundled Digital Photo Pro software for even better quality.
Minor complaints
'Come on,' we hear you cry, 'this camera must have some faults.' Well, it's not cheap, and Canon's trademark spinning rear controller can be as frustrating as ever. Also, rather oddly, you don't get a high-definition movie mode, even though you do on Canon's latest Digital IXUS compacts -- it can't be a question of processing power, surely?
Conclusion
The Canon PowerShot S90 has so many strengths that its weaknesses, such as they are, scarcely matter. Here at last is a compact that really does have dSLR-style features, really does approach dSLR image quality and, crucially, really will fit in your pocket. Bravo!
Edited by Charles Kloet
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User reviews3
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kashbg 20 December 2009
Good: picture quality superb, handling the best of all compacts, could rival many DSLRs
Bad: woried if the pop up flash would last if dust gets in. Holding the camera may surprise you when the pop up flash push your finger away.
Comment: I own Nikon D300 and I dare to say I am extremely fussy when it comes to picture quality. For example I would not rate the Panasonic TZ5, 6, or 7 at all. I use to own Canon Powershot S70 and picture was acceptable for a compact point and shoot camera. I decided to buy the S90 as a companion to my Nikon D300 and did I get surprised. This camera is maybe the pinacle of all compact digital cameras. I have had the chance to test drive the Fuji, Sony, Panasonic leaders in compact digital cameras, but the S90 is clearly leading the competition by miles. The S90 has Raw capabilities too. The JPEG processing engine is superb to any other of similar class. Anyone buying this camera would be left with the long term satisfaction from making the right choice. This is the one !!!
leon515 25 November 2009
Good: Image quality. Functions. low light performance. virtually everything
Bad: 3.4x zoom. No HD video
Comment: The S90 lives up to the Hype surrounding its release. It really does all that has been writtern about it and does it in style. image quality is just excellent for such a small camera. At this size it will take some beating for All Round photograpic Abilities. Daytime shots are Superb and thats in overcast conditions. Cant wait for sunshine.! Indoor Shots are Clear and Percise. Twilight Shots are Excellent. And the Night time Abilities are best only by the Sony WX1 Twilight and Motion Blur abilities in my humble opinion.
So much to play around with and to learn on this compact . its makes taking pictures Adventurous and Fun. Keep discovering niches as i go along. That Function Ring is something to use and assinging your own settings to it and the Rear Dial Mode makes it all so Personal...oh and you can assign to the 'S' Button as well. Seems like Canon thought of everything that makes most Shooters happy and placed them on this camera.
Full Manual modes along with so many Auto settings and Colour Tweaks makes taking a Good picture almost Simple. Almost.
I still have too much to learn with this so i will leave it to the Pros to Review it Proberly and make more sense than me. Suffice to say i Rate it Highly. If you can get it at a Reasonable Price.Do. You wont Regret it. Big Respect to Canon Designers for the S90 !!
doctorjerry 5 November 2009
Good: low light and image quality
Bad: rear wheel but easily overcome
Comment: For me there was only one problem, and notice the WAS. The rear wheel is too easily moved and since it can control a numb er of functions it becomes an important point. I implemented the lens ring to adjust exposure compensation which makes the rear wheel an adjuster of the ISO. Since changing the ISO from Auto to something like 80, 100, or even 800 has little effect on the image. However, rotating it towards to ISO 3200 or anything above 1600 does have an impact on the image. I also set the quick set b utton to Auto Exposure Lock which make the S90 feel more like a SLR than anything I have handled other than a SLR.
PROS
Everything, image quality, white balance, quick response, ease of use, just about everything you want on a camera.
I think of myself as an above average user since I teach digital photography to senior citizens at Emeritus College in Santa Monica, CA (USA). There are a number of 3rd party accessories for this camera that I have ordered but not as yet tried. A stick on hand grip that does not increase the bulk of the camera and a optical magnifier that screws onto the tripod and allows you to use the LCD as if it was an electronic viewfinder. It does add bulk but may be worth the tradeoff.
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