I’ve broken it down into points I feel are positive, neutral and negative concerning my own use.
Positives:
The S90 has the same 10-megapixel image sensor as the new Canon G11 — 1/1.7″. This is a slightly larger sensor then most point-and-shoot cameras but the S90 still fits easily in a shirt, jeans or jacket pocket. Like the G11, the S90 is better in low light them previous Canon equivalent cameras and offers RAW photo file format. The S90, while not having a viewfinder, has a large 3 inch LCD screen, fairly viewable in sunlight — it does not tilt or swivel. I’ve found photo and video quality to be very good.
The Canon S90 has a unique and very workable control ring wrapped around the lens which can be set to control the camera mode you prefer to shoot in — aperture in aperture mode, shutter speed in shutter mode, etc.
Neutrals:
The S90 has a built in flash but no type of hot shoe for external flash — not a concern of mine. The battery is small and is only good for about 200 photos. This hasn’t been a big issue for me but additional batteries might be needed for some users. The S90 has a faster f/2 lens then the G11 but it gives up a bit of zoom to the G11 — 105mm vs. G11’s 140mm.
Negatives:
In handling the S90 it feels a little slick to me but I’ve never dropped so it may simply be my being use to the feel of a full sized D-SLR. I’ve read some users think it feels cheap or flimsy — I don’t see it. The function control ring on the back is sensitive and sometimes I’ve hit it and changed a setting without realizing it. With awareness and practice it doesn’t happen often any longer but it’s something to be aware of. Don’t expect low light performance of most current D-SLRs — it’s not going to happen.
Overall – IMO, the Canon S90 is a good camera for my purpose, in my pocket, your milage my vary. :-)
Note: The top photo was post-processed and isn’t intended as an example of a photo directly out of the camera.
A fine pathway shot with some autumn colors to add to the interest. I like it. It happens that I just got my S-90 after my last Canon bit the dust. I liked your write up of the camera since I haven’t tried everything at this point. I bought an extra battery to carry around “just in case.” So far I’m favorably impressed. The S-90
is always with me while the D300 is at home…usually.
Don, Small world…I think you’ll like the S90. I look forward to seeing your results with it! :-)
But … it’s a Canon! ;-) Good write up, Earl. Since I have a new phone, I’ve been experimenting with shots here and there. It’s a whopping 3 MP, but much better than the phone that I had which came in at something less than 1 MP. Always a good idea to carry around something, even if it is a camera phone.
Paul, ..it’s a Canon. I know, I had to swallow my pride. I try and keep it where the Nikon’s can’t see it. ;-)
Since quite some time I am considering the purchase of a pocketable camera, and besides the LX-3 the S90 seems to be the only choice if you want raw – and I wouldn’t want to do without. Good learn from you, Earl, that this seems to be a good choice. But up to now I still carry my A700, sometimes with one or two primes, sometimes with a zoom, often with the full range of glass, and sometimes this pays out. So I am still hesitating, for more than just financial reasons.
Markus, as you do, I wanted a small camera with RAW. The LX-3 is also a very good camera and I considered it. It’s true a small camera such as this can never produce the quality of a full-size D-SLR but, as they say, “the best camera is the one you have with you” and there are often times I can have this camera with me when I wouldn’t carry my D-SLR and lens.
Good write up Earl, I would probably look at the s90 before I bought another G series. My G9 has served well and I don’t want to ever go back to something that doesn’t have RAW capability.
Ray, I considered the G10 and G11 but I didn’t want to get a camera that still didn’t fit easily into pockets…that would of been defeating the purpose I saw for this camera. The RAW capability was important to me as well which narrowed it down to the S90 and the LX-3.
I think most DSLR users have at one time or another wished they had a small camera in their pocket for those moments when they did not have their DSLR, I’m one of them. Money has been the limiter for me. When I do dream of having one the G10 or G11 always come to mind. For some reason the S90 never has. I must take a look at it. Hope this does not cost me money. :-)
Glad for your review on it.
Monte, as I wrote in a comment to Ray above I considered the G10 and G11 but was afraid they would still be on the large side to be comfortable pocket cameras. With the S90 you get the same sensor as the G11 and most of the features but at a very much smaller size. I can’t be responsible for any money this may cost you! :-)
Love the path (as you know)…thanks for sharing the review
Yvonne, Thanks! You know I can’t pass up a path and after using the S90 for a while I thought I’d share my positive and negative experiences with it.
i like the way the colors are used to strenghten the composition
Very beautiful, beautiful angle of view, really well.