Depending upon your photographic needs, there’s a wide range of digital photography gear to choose from from these days. We were looking for something in the middle: small enough to carry around, but better than the usual point-and-shoot models out there, offering manual features and RAW file capability. We think we found the perfect option for someone looking to graduate beyond point-and-shoot training wheels to more prosumer features...
When we were hunting out a camera, we listed the major factors we'd need and want out of a camera, from size, to quality of photos, to price. As someone who is not a photographer by any means, but still needs to take decent quality photos for our blog and day job, we knew we couldn't continue using the poor 3GS iPhone camera any longer and needed a camera that met the following criteria:
- Portability: Because I’m not a professional photographer, I don’t want the hassle of carrying around a DSLR if I’m going to be snapping quick photos. I needed something small that could shoot better than my phone
- Image quality: Although I don’t need extremely high quality photos, as a blogger, good quality photos are a must
- Easy to use: As a newbie photographer, I’d need something that could shoot well but not with so many functions that I’d need a manual to know how to snap photos
- Price: I was willing to dish out a couple hundred but nothing over $400 for a good point and shoot
We were fortunate enough to experiment with a couple cameras at work, which is how we came across the Canon S90. It was love at first sight. The black matte appealed to someone who previously owned a Sony Cybershot and an Olympus before that (both of which were mediocre in performance). However, the best part was how effortlessly the S90 was able to produce rich colors, especially in low light.
The S90 was replaced and upgraded to the similarly specced out S95 not that long ago. After scouring online for a coupon, the Canon S95 was procured through Adorama for a reasonable $325 and now we're enjoying the fast f/2.0 lens, 720HD video recording, manual controls as an option (the control ring impresses even those with DSLRs, making it a very popular secondary carry/travel option), and an ample 10 megapixel sensor. These are all just specs, as in real time use, the camera performs excellent out of the box for someone just learning the ropes beyond point and shoot.
Additionally, a couple other good point and shoot camera options we'd recommend with similar features are the Canon PowerShot SD4000IS and the Olympus XZ-1, also great for low light shots.
(Main image via Hepp)
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After a long and arduous search, this is also the camera that I've settled on. I waffled back and forth between this camera, the Olympus or one or two of the micro four thirds cams.
In the end, I went for the portability, the speed and features. I think we've made the right choice.
THE CANON S90 AND S95 ARE EXCELLENT!!!
the only thing it is lacking for me is zoom. i have been looking at some of the newer point and shoots that are super zooms. Yes ou are going to lose some things, aperture/speed, some image quality. But a 3.8x optical zoom is just unacceptable. Heck if you compare it to older camera you are probably even getting less zoom since this most likely starts out wider.
for me this is an important factor i have a different canon right now and I love how small it is, but at the same time a 4x zoom just can't do it. You almost always want to get in closer.
Canon S90 user here (the S95 is barely changed): I've been pretty happy with the camera since day 1. It's a very good secondary camera for DSLR users, constructed well and filled with an assortment of features that works equally well in auto as it does in any of the programmed/manual modes.
The one glaring deficiency is the S90's (and S95) weak macro capabilities. Compared to lower Canon point and shoots, the S90's depth of field bokeh is only so-so, with close up shots exhibiting a less than stellar sharpness compared to our cheaper Canon counterparts (we've got a small collection now). The lens tend to produce slightly blown out images in bright sunlight (this is often my hiking camera), but using the Aperture mode, you can control the sensor's tendency to lean bright. It's fairly rugged build, pocketable size unless you're a tight-skinny jeans type, RAW capabilities and everyone loves the lens wheel.
I narrowed my decision to the S95 or the Panasonic DMC-LX5. Snapsort was very helpful when doing a head to head comparison between various cameras, including the S95 vs. the LX5. In the end I went with the Panasonic and I love it; for me the deciding factor was the option for an external flash or an optical viewfinder, and the better macro capacity.
The size is pretty impressive. I'm not convinced on 'low light' though - I think I have a higher standard for that, our basic Rebel is just barely into the acceptable range for indoors without flash.
Re: "I'm not convinced on 'low light' though - I think I have a higher standard for that, our basic Rebel is just barely into the acceptable range for indoors without flash."
If you're using the Kit lens with your Rebel, then you really don't have a decent low-light setup. This S95 is f/2 at the wide end. That lets in almost 4 times as much light as the Rebel's kit lens does at the wide end. Throw in the Image Stabilization, and the S95 is going to be quite good in low light.
A rebel with a fast (f/2 or better) lens will torch the S95, of course.
I considered the S95, but went with Olympus XZ-1 instead. The XZ-1 image quality is significantly better -- it's tack sharp all the way to the edges. It also has a faster f1.8 lens. It also has an option for an external viewfinder (VF-2 & 3) and a particularly nice waterproof case. After switching from a Canon G9, I'm really pleased with it. The XZ-1 was recently awarded a rare Gold medal by dpreview.
I've been using the S90 since it was released to replace my old G10. Love it for a carry anywhere camera and even if I do use it for a P&S, image quality is better due to the slightly larger sensor. It's also a nice change if I don't want to carry my 5D2 or x100.
Re VJ: What do you mean by 'basic Rebel'? Are you referring to the original (300D) or XT (350D)? If so, you're talking about a camera that's between 6-8 years old. Sensor tech has come a long way since then. Also, as pointed out above, are you shooting with the kit lens and without a tripod? I'd say that's a given that you're going to get some noise especially seeing as the kit lens only opens up to f3.5. The S95 opens up to f2 allowing more light, resulting in faster shutter speeds, better bokeh, and the potential for lower ISO/noise.
I have a Canon G11 and it's perfect (for people who want more than a basic point and shoot but don't want to lug a DSLR around). It's super sturdy too.
Professional photographer here. I bought an S95 back in November and absolutely love it. My favorite use for the camera is when I'm out traveling and want options without hassle. On vacation in the Caribbean recently, I had my Nikon with a 70-200 2.8 for the telephoto and bokeh, and the S95 for normal and wider shots. It was the perfect combination, and I didn't have to keep a lens pouch with a wider angle lens for the Nikon.
Additionally, I bought a waterproof housing for the camera ($170ish) and can take it with me to the pool, the beach, or the lake for worry-free shooting on and under the water.
"I considered the S95, but went with Olympus XZ-1 instead. The XZ-1 image quality is significantly better"
Really?
http://snapsort.com/compare/Canon_PowerShot_S95-vs-Olympus-XZ-1
http://www.dxomark.com/index.php/Cameras/Compare-Camera-Sensors/Compare-cameras-side-by-side/%28appareil1%29/688|0/%28brand%29/Olympus/%28appareil2%29/667|0/%28brand2%29/Canon
"Re VJ: What do you mean by 'basic Rebel'? Are you referring to the original (300D) or XT (350D)? If so, you're talking about a camera that's between 6-8 years old. Sensor tech has come a long way since then ... The S95 opens up to f2 allowing more light, resulting in faster shutter speeds, better bokeh, and the potential for lower ISO/noise."
Noisewise sensor tech has come a long way, but maybe not so much as you might think. point&shoots are no match for any 6-8 years old aps-c dslr. Check this link under "measurements" tab => SNR 18%. Difference between 350d and 7d (I own both) are large, but S95 (own that too and loving it) is really a whole different ballpark.
http://www.dxomark.com/index.php/Cameras/Compare-Camera-Sensors/Compare-cameras-side-by-side/%28appareil1%29/667|0/%28brand%29/Canon/%28appareil2%29/183|0/%28brand2%29/Canon/%28appareil3%29/182|0/%28brand3%29/Canon
Sorry, that was a wrong link, this is s95 vs 350d vs 7d; see "measurements" tab => SNR 18%:
http://www.dxomark.com/index.php/Cameras/Compare-Camera-Sensors/Compare-cameras-side-by-side/%28appareil1%29/667|0/%28brand%29/Canon/%28appareil2%29/619|0/%28brand2%29/Canon/%28appareil3%29/183|0/%28brand3%29/Canon