Canon S90IS Christmas Deals!
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Canon S90IS Christmas Deals!.
Product: Canon S90IS Amazon Price: Too low to display Availability: In Stock |
I bought this camera on 10/9, which is the first day it was available here in Kansas City. I have already taken a couple hundred shots with it comparing images side by side with my G10 at various settings. This review is of my initial impression based on the short time that I have had it. I was anxiously awaiting the release of this camera. I absorb a Nikon D90 DSLR, but there are many times when I bewitch to unbiased grasp a compact. In the past the Canon G10 has served that purpose, but the S90 boasts improved low-light performance and smaller size.
The first thing I wanted to test was image quality and noise at high ISO settings. Most photography hobbyists and pros know that outrageous light performance is the number one factor influencing camera and lens prices. This is the main reason an f/2.8 zoom lens costs 3-5 times as remarkable as an f/3.5-5.6 zoom. The S90 performs superbly in this regard. RAW images from the S90 spot at ISO 800 were equal to or better than RAW images from the G10 station at ISO400. Both luminance and chrominance noise were lower in the S90 images. This represents a 1 discontinuance improvement, which is what I was hoping for. These comparisons were made with all noise reduction disabled in camera and in the DPP software. I tested all other ISOs and found the S90 to be better at all ISO settings above 100 and the 2 cameras demonstrated equal IQ at the substandard ISOs of 80 and 100.
Canon also boasts about the S90 having a faster f/2.0 lens compared to the f/2.8 on the G10, but this piece of the camera did not label me. The lens only has the 1 conclude advantage at the absolute widest setting and the max aperture closes down mercurial from there. The G10/G11 lens is faster at the telephoto destroy and the dissimilarity is negligible at all zoom settings in between. Both lenses are equally bright throughout their zoom ranges.
The ergonomics of the camera will steal me a while to accumulate mature to. I was looking for a smaller camera and the S90 definitely fits the bill. But now that I am using it, I wonder if it might be too runt. I hope that it will become more comfortable in my hands as I accumulate archaic to it. On the G10, I could operate all of the controls on the right-rear of the camera with the thumb of the hand holding the camera. With the S90 there are fewer controls that I can operate one-handed and at times I feel like I might plunge this camera, because I unbiased can't gather a edifying grip on it. Other ergonomic concerns are that the rear control ring turns too easily and I have found myself unintentionally adjusting settings because of this, which was never a predicament on the G10. I assume I might miss the external ISO and Exposure Compensation dials on the G10, but I have plot the front control ring to adjust the ISO setting and I would honestly need to employ it more before I say the controls are not easy to access; again this should improve with more employ. None of the concerns I have about the size and controls on the camera would dissuade me from the purchase; the trade-off is worth it for the smaller carrying size and improved performance.
The camera ships with a newer version (3.7) of Canon's Digital Photo Professional software. There is not great inequity compared to older versions, but there is one nice improvement: the lens aberration allotment is enabled for images taken with the S90. This allows for correction of vignetting, CA and distortion. I do not understand why the same controls are not available for RAW files taken with the G10. There is mild no straighten function in the software, which is a disappointment. Another disappointing factor about the software is that Canon has not yet released a unusual RAW Codec; the new version (1.5) does not benefit the S90 or G11. This allows raw files to be viewed in Windows and for thumbnail images to be created in Windows explorer. I am certain they are working on an update, but I wish they had this ready by the time the camera was released.
I went step-by-step through the menus and features of both cameras during my comparison and most functions are very similar. The S90 has fewer AF options and no remote control, but I do not deem I will miss either of these.
I considered giving this camera only 4 stars because of the couple of hits I mentioned above, but then decided that would not be pleasing. The title of "Best Compact" has been debated feverishly on the web, with most votes going to the G10 and LX3. But now, I reflect Canon's recent release of both the S90 and G11 will assign a expeditiously slay to these debates. There is no quiz in my mind that this pair sits above all competitors. Therefore a five star rating is the only logical choice. I highly recommend this camera.
Early Impressions
I was ecstatic to have finally received my Powershot S90, and without further adieu, let me say that this is one heck of a camera. It's not perfect -- you can select truly abominable pictures with it unbiased like you can prefer abominable pictures with a D700 -- but when ragged properly, the camera turns out grand shots that fabricate us gather it hard to glean the images are coming from a camera that fits in your pants pocket.
What struck me first upon using it? First, it's size. This thing is tiny, and it's light, too. It's a bit smaller than my Panasonic TZ3 and TZ5, and it's lighter, too. (The camera uses a front and succor metal construction with plastic on the top and bottom, but the Panasonic's, while also using metal, employ a thicker gauge steel which adds a feel of sturdiness but also adds some weight, as well) . The camera also has a high-quality feel to it. The buttons click and depress well (although the rear wheel is a bit too easy to turn, in my thought) . It has a rounded shape, so it feels comfortable in the hands, and when you stick it in your pocket, it will stride just in and out without snagging. The mask on this thing is simply gorgeous: why can't every camera have a cover like this? It's tall, brilliant, and elegant high in resolution (461,000 pixels) . You can't serve but fancy the camera's construct once you bag looking at it and using it.
Next, the camera seems to originate well in terms of hurry and overall operational exercise. The cloak has the typical toddle when taking shots, but you can adjust this somewhat in the menu system to run things up, and quite frankly, every microscopic camera I've ever owned exhibits this behavior. It is easy to utilize most of the camera's functions, and you may have heard about the programmable control ring around the lens on the front of the camera. It's operation is easy, solid (the ring "clicks" with detents at different positions), and, to boot, there is the standard programmable "S" button that the Powershots "S" cameras have typically had.
But of course, I'm enthusiastic in high ISO operation, and so I immediately took it into the livingroom where it was quite unlit, and unprejudiced started shooting. I was quite surprised at the results. You are not going to necessarily submit these to secure any contests, but for the most fraction, the camera took nice shots even in that dreadful shooting environment, and the tremendous majority of the photos came out quite well (I will post a few with this review) . The camera is the first (along with the Powershot G11) to deploy Sony's unique ICX685CQZ sensor, a 9.31mm diagonal sensor with high performance specifications. With a cramped post processing, many of them sight quite obliging. As the ISO crept into the very high ranges (800 and above) some sensor noise became apparent, but this is certainly the best low-light performance I've seen in a non-DSLR so far. (Perceive my explanations, below, to look why this is possible) . Surprisingly, some shots as high as 1600 ISO seemed to be acceptable as long as you are not a "pixel peeper." I was quite surprised when I discovered that a few of the shots had been taken at this high ISO 1600 level -- I've never had this experience before with a point and shoot camera.
Outdoor operation is fabulous. My outdoor shots for the most portion have approach out very well, with rich color, mountainous detail, and cramped sensor noise. Like most Canon portables, these images seem to acknowledge well to post-processing (you can sharpen them quite easily, and Canon now uses a standard meta-data tagging format that is readable by virtually all photo editor programs.) I even turned the EV down -2/3 while outside, and the sensitivity of the camera is so fine that, even with this reduction in EV, my shots came out appealing and definite. Again, I will post a few shots with this review.
The camera TRULY excels at macro photography. The macro shots I've taken thus far are obvious, engrossing, and have stout depth of field. In a word, they are superb: this camera is a macro shooter's delight. (A nice touch, too, is that in AUTO mode the camera automatically shifts into macro mode, without having to press any buttons!) The functionality impartial begs us to maintain shooting macros over and over again. I've been able to catch macro shots that I only dreamed of before, and the camera makes it easy to do so.
And although this is not an honest measure, the camera is impartial lifeless fun to consume. It works smoothly, is light, has a elegant cloak, and seems to sustain cranking out one nice shot after another. Wow.
Early Pro's and Cons
-- PROS --
1. Exceptionally diminutive and lightweight (100 x 58 x 31 mm and 175 g)
2. Increased sensor size for a portable with a lower megapixel count (Sony's current ICX685CQZ sensor, 9.31mm diagonal)
3. Reasonably enormous zoom factor (28-105mm, approximately 3.8X zoom)
4. Wide raze is very wide for landscape shots, vistas, group photos (28mm)
5. Snappily f/2 lens permits high levels of light passage in rude light situations
6. f/2 lens makes shallow depth of field shots incredibly effective - this camera is a macro shooter's delight
7. Two types of highly effective shake reduction technologies
8. Accomplish makes lens cap unnecessary
9. Extremely high image quality for a pocket sized camera
10. Sizable 3 slide LCD cloak with 461,000 pixel resolution and 100% coverage of the shot you wish to take
11. RAW mode allows for highest image quality and post processing
12. Virtually every camera setting is user adjustable (ISO, shutter run, aperture, EV, white balance, etc.)
13. Ring-based control implementation one of the best on ANY fresh camera
14. Reasonable cost for a camera of this ability (but stare the prices climb as the camera stays in and out of stock)
16. Metadata being properly written to the file so they can be read by photo editing software (a scrape with earlier Canons and some other brands)
17. SDHC flash card is highly standardized, and is coming in larger and faster formats (famous if you are taking many RAW shots)
18. Extremely glorious physical design
19. High quality construction apparent on first employ
20. Reasonably noble battery life - most people are reporting about 300 shots (without flash) between charges
-- CONS --
1. Zoom ends at 108mm (3.8X zoom), which may be a deal breaker for some
2. Does not catch HD videos (but does shoot 640 x 480 at bulky 30fps)
3. LCD conceal not at the highest novel resolution as seen in some DSLR's (but is big, anyway)
4. Proprietary battery is an expensive proposition, as two or three are needed for daylong trips
5. Camera case not included, and is expensive to hold afterword
6. No prices below retail due to the high inquire of of the plan
7. May be difficult to initially regain due to high demand
8. Detached no "universal standard" RAW mode file format - the camera manufacturers need to address this soon!
9. Mechanical noise when setting focus and inviting between radiant and dimply lit areas - this is the aperture being adjusted, but it can be annoying
Some Other Things I Can Deny You about this Camera (and the Powershot Line in general)
Canon's reinstatement of the old "S" series within the Powershot line is a welcome go to thousands of photographic enthusiasts. Although the S90 announcement a few months ago caught the photographic community by surprise, the announcement was greeted with overwhelmingly clear reactions. As a person who had been greatly impressed by my older Powershot S80, a phenomenal camera for its time and a pleasure to utilize, I was one of them.
Read the online posts of virtually any photography forum, and you'll mercurial contemplate there is no shortage of individuals, many of them longtime professional photographers, who have tired of carrying around anywhere from four to ten pounds of photographic equipment simply to come by a few shots while out on a creep. (I contemplate it may have been Scott Kelby who said, and I paraphrase, "The best shot is the one you choose," and if the weight and size of your equipment makes it so that you slay up not bringing your camera with you, you won't buy any photos at all! This is a corollary to one famed photographer`s statement that there is an inverse relationship between the amount of photos you catch and the amount of equipment you bring.) The predicament has generally been, however, that the smaller you obtain the camera, the worse the image quality of the photos the design can get. This has residence up a tradeoff between image quality and camera size, and, more specially, image quality and sensor size, which for years has forced photographers to catch a stand with one side of the equation or the other, and then defend to the community why they made such a choice.
Without going into too noteworthy detail here, the dilemma in manufacturing a compact camera that takes first-rate images under a wide range of environments essentially boils down to the sensor, the electronic intention that takes the area of film in older cameras. The larger the sensor, the more surface location for light to descend, and the higher the density of the sensor (in megapixels) the higher the sensor's resolution. Camera manufacturers have excelled at developing ever higher densities in sensors of the same physical dimensions -- many 12 and 14 mexapixel cameras are using sensors sized no larger than those on previous cameras possessing only 3 or 4 mexapixels -- but where they have fallen flat on their faces is in the development of sensors that have honorable resolution AND improper noise. And the most order impact of increasing mexapixel count on a sensor that remains static in size is the increase of electronic "noise" (also known as the "signal to noise ratio," a term frail for describing all electrical circuits, whether photographic in nature, or not), resulting in photos that have a grain like appearance with miniscule spots of white and color spread throughout the entire image, spoiling the photo's clarity and diminishing its overall appearance.
The predicament is that when more reactive pixels are crammed into a sensor of a fixed size, the size of the pixels themselves must be decreased to accommodate more of them within the same sensor size. But as pixels are made smaller, they also tend to emit more unwanted electrical emissions (called "noise") along with the desired output (called "signal") . As consumers have somehow mistakenly equated megapixels with quality (and the camera manufacturers have done runt, if anything, to dispel this misunderstanding), camera manufacturers have released successive waves of novel cameras with higher and higher resolution, but with essentially the same sized sensors. These "upgrades" have driven noise levels higher, and have resulted in more cameras estimable to taking "reliable" photos only in beefy sunlight where the signal from the sensor easily overpowers its noise. (This phenomenon is best seen when taking a relate in a outrageous light setting, say inside a building, and the photo, if it comes out blur free at all, is laden with noise spots, making the photo generally unappealing in appearance and lacking in detail and clarity.)
The near to this spot has typically been to apply "noise reduction" processing algorithms to the image before it is written to the flash card, similar to techniques stale by computer software image editing programs. And although this "after the fact" noise reduction come can relieve, the truth is that, for most situations, there simply is no arrangement to repair a photo so laden with noise: you can hold the noise, but the cost is a loss of detail, making such photos appear slightly soft and blurry, with diminutive detail. Some cameras gain so noteworthy noise that noise reduction algorithms appear in all photos, not fair coarse light shots, where even chunky sunlight shots display noise reduction artifacts in the resulting portray.
That preamble may have been a bit longer than was expected, but it is an significant background to the Powershot S90, a camera that attempts to tackle the plight of indecent light image quality in a manner few manufacturers have generally attempted:
1. increasing the physical size of the sensor to a size larger than most point and shoot cameras
2. reducing the noise generation inherent in the hardware sensor pixels
3. increasing pixel size by reducing the number of pixels on the sensor
4. using a "quickly, gleaming" lens with a very wide aperture (f/2 at its widest zoom level) that allows a stout deal of light to pass through to the sensor
When these four approaches are employed, the result can be a portable camera that, under some conditions, can rival the performance of most entry level DSLRS, and do so in format that fits in your shirt pocket.
The Powershot S90 has impartial now been released, and most all initial reviews seem to be extremely distinct, including my gain here. Functionality on the camera is praised, particularly with Canon's implementation of a very worn, but generally discarded control mechanism: a ring around the diameter of the lens element serves as a selector for variety of user-defined functions in conjunction with a petite function button on the top of the camera. The unit itself is little in size and weight (100 x 58 x 31 mm and 175 g, respectively) and makes spend of a matte shaded accomplish with mild hooked edges that maintains the generally rectangular shape.
What is the heed we pay for such performance? The considerable one (and this may be a deal breaker for many) is that the camera zooms only from 28 105mm, making it effectively a 3.8x zoom, too slight to be able to compare with compacts such as Panasonic's DMC-TZ5, which starts at this same wide demolish but (incredibly) zooms to 10x. But if we understand what the S90 is designed to do, which is to acquire high quality images even in less than shapely lighting conditions (at dusk, inside a cathedral, in museums, etc.), we can recognize Canon's strategy: don't difficulty about a lens that zooms across the football field and concentrate on developing a snappily lens that transmits lots of light and excels at the wide kill. In fact, the S90 is marketed as a camera that is particularly well noble to depth of field shots, where only one item in the frame is in focus, and the rest blurred, and in macro shots where the subject is less than 2 inches away. In this sense, we can say the camera's zoom is not a deficit in the get, but a strategy that helps the camera execute its goals.
My Canon Powershot S80, a camera I purchased many years ago, took pictures of startling clarity and quality. While possessing similar lens characteristics to the unusual S90, the S80 had no anti-shake technology, could enjoy only up to a 2Gb SD card, and had an optical viewfinder that wasn't too moral. But none of that mattered: the photos that came out of the camera were some of the best I took in those years, and, to boot, the camera was constructed in a quality manner that eminent itself from all other portables at the time, and was simply a pleasure to exercise. Early reviewers of the S90 are reporting these very same qualities, but now with a camera that is designed to push the boundaries of portable cameras into a current standard.
COMPARE
Canon Powershot S80 8MP Digital Camera with 3.6x Wide Angle Optical Zoom
Panasonic Lumix DMC-TZ5K 9MP Digital Camera with 10x Wide Angle MEGA Optical Image Stabilized Zoom (Shadowy)
Canon S90 IS is one of Canon high-end / advanced Canon Powershot compact camera. Its modern characteristics are slim, shameful profile body with tall noise control in high ISO plus 28-105mm f/2-f/4.9 shimmering zoom lens. The other advantage is the camera is very pocket able. It fits in your jeans' pocket.
IMAGE QUALITY AND ISO
Canon S90 IS has 1/1.7 sensor size which is slighty smaller compare to its main competitor, Panasonic LX3 (1/1.63") . From my test, S90 IS image quality is very safe across focal length but dynamic range (the incompatibility between the brightest and darkest parts of an image) is exiguous . This is also a pickle most of digital camera out there, but S90 is slightly worse compared to competitors.
However, regarding noise control and handling, S90 IS is marvelous. The unique algorithm works very well to cut or erase most (if not all) chroma-noises which degrade image quality significantly. Image shot at ISO 1600 is very usable for regular print and web.
BODY & HANDLING
Canon S90 IS has a slim, indecent profile gaze, so it is very satisfactory for street photography. It does not attract attention like digital SLR camera.
For control, it has two main dials, both of them are round. One is located in the lens, and the befriend of the camera. The benefit dials also function as four blueprint buttons. This originate is similar to Samsung WB1000 construct.
Front ring dial can be customized for several options: adjust aperture/shutter hurry, ISO, exposure compensation, manual focus, white balance or zoom. The front dial is not like zoom barrel in the lens, it is not calm, instead, it has several stops point. There will be a "click" sound to let you know if you hit the close.
I usually spend the lens dial to zoom. There are five stops in the dial: 28mm, 35mm, 50mm, 85mm and 105mm. All of them are current focal lengths. I found this is considerable better draw to zoom rather than used draw (pull a lever on the shutter) . It is faster, less noise and correct. It is spacious for learning how focal length affect perspective and distortion too.
Mode dial is harder to change because they have save some resistant to it. It is to prevent accidental switch.
There is also a shortcut dial which you can customized to many function such as AF servo, brilliant disagreement, face detection and many more.
Canon S90 has 3 4:3 ratio LCD veil with 460k resolution. It is similar to Panasonic LX3, but better than typical compact camera. It is worse than Samsung WB1000 which has AMOLED shroud (over 1 million resolution) .
However, beget quality is not up to par with leading advanced cameras such as Canon G11 and Panasonic LX3. It made by metal but it feels plasticky. I have a sweaty hand and it registers my fingerprint! Also because of its flat invent, there is no dwelling to fetch your grip. But overall ergonomic is not poor.
OPERATION & AUTO FOCUS
Start up and turn off time is rapidly. It only takes around 1.5 seconds for each. Compare to LX3: around 1.75 seconds, Ricoh GRD3 : 2 seconds respectively. Auto focus is typical compact., around .75 second, will lift more time if you point to coarse disagreement subject. Camera operation is very expeditiously and very responsive upon instruction.
COMPETITORS
Panasonic DMC-LX3K 10.1MP Digital Camera with 2.5x Wide Angle MEGA Optical Image Stabilized Zoom (Sunless)
Panasonic LX3 is an arch-rival of Canon S90 IS. It shares same thought of brilliant and wide zoom lens. However, there are many differences between the two such as the focal length, earn quality, image quality and handling, please read Panasonic LX3 vs Canon S90 IS for complete comparison.
Samsung TL320 12MP Digital Camera with 5x Schneider Wide Angle Dual Image Stabilized Zoom and 3.0 slither OLED Cloak (Dusky)
Samsung best advanced camera is similar with S90 in one blueprint, they are both compact and has huge handling. Samsung WB1000 has AMOLED LCD cloak which is a lot clearer, Samsung also has wider and longer zoom. However, Canon S90 IS is better in crude light condition.
Canon PowerShot G11 10MP Digital Camera with 5x Wide Angle Optical Stabilized Zoom and 2.8-inch articulating LCD
G11 is a tall brother to Canon S90 IS, it has ample control and body handling, but it is great bigger in size.
CONCLUSION
Canon S90 IS is a big choice for photographer who like a lightweight, pocket able compact but doesn't want to flit on image quality and control. It has very valid operational hurry and have some sizable customizable options. I especially like the zoom ring dial on the lens, which has Digital SLR like control. S90 IS is also edifying in gross light space. However, Canon S90 Is also has a downside, such as below average originate quality (relative to competitors) and little dynamic range.
Subjective rating compared to other advanced compacts in 2009
* Image quality 4/5
* Body handling 4/5
* Performance 5/5
* Features 3/5
* Value 5/5
Please check my website for image sample, ISO comparison and more reviews.
