Opinions needed: Canon S95

B

billyp

Joined
Oct 21, 2002
Messages
196
I'm about to pull the trigger on a Canon S95. I am looking for good picture quality with the option to adjust things as necessary.

I have basically sold myself the camera based on the features and the size. However, the Panasonic LX5 is a very close second ( would change my mind if good info is provided)

I wanted to make one last check on here to see if anyone has any experience with this camera(s) before sealing the deal.

Thanks in advance for any input.

(I don't want a DSLR, I will never take it with me)

Billyp
 
I was shopping for a similar camera for Wife's christmas. A step up from point-and-shoot cameras, but without the complexity of a DSLR and no need for interchangeable lenses. Ability to choose exposure and shutter speed, and ability to create RAW image files were two particular features I wanted. The camera that made my short list, the Nikon P7000.

Turns out Wife really wanted a camcorder, so I bought one of those instead. She hasn't even looked at it yet... :(

Sadly, perhaps you've noticed, prices are much higher now than before the holidays so I probably wouldn't buy the P7000 today.

Here's some good reading:
http://www.dpreview.com/reviews/q42010highendcompactgroup/

Happy shopping!
 
I had a Canon SX130-IS for a while, and it had great picture quality. IIIRC, it had slightly more adjustability than the S95, but I can't remember where... I think it was in the manual focus for macro mode, since that was what I really needed. That, plus it had a higher optical zoom. But it used the Digic4, as does the S95, and as I said, the picture quality was great.

Unless I got a really good deal on the S95, I would personally jump to the G12, but the G-series is my "someday" camera, anyways. Whatever you get, the Canons are sweet. I used to have an EOS film camera (20 years ago...), and I really like the fact that I can pick up a current Canon pocket digital and know what Av or Tv means on the control settings. It makes using the camera very intuitive, since I'm not re-learning a new system.
 
My father got an S95 on my recommendation right when they came out. It has good image quality -- the sensor is the same size as that in the G12, and bigger than Canon's other point and shoot cameras.

IMHO, the ergonomics of the S95 are about as good as you can get in that form factor. You get better manual controls with the G12, but sacrifice portability.

All my photo gear is from Canon, so I won't comment on Nikon or any other manufacturer.
 
I'm finding that my Canon S90 (last year's model) produces amazing results. One reviewer said it was equal to the larger Canon G11, but in a compact package. :)

That said, I am finding that needing it to be THIS small is also an impediment. All the controls, on/off, etc. are small. It's also readty to jump out of your hands easily. That's a $450 camera you are going to drop. :(

I am actually realizing that the smallness was not as much of a benefit to me as I would have thought, and that I use a camera bag to secure it anyway (increasing it's bulk).

If I was to do this again, I would have gotten the Canon G11 or G12. Less groping and more selecting.

Again, for me.

Coop
 
I've got both the S90 and G11 and have been considering upgrading one or both to the S95 or G12. I was considering the Nikon P7000 since my SLR gear is Nikon (D70, D300, 3 SB800 speedlites, several lenses) but I want the swivel screen the G11 and 12 have.

I took the G11 to Maui back in March and both to Punta Cana in November and am very happy with them. Before getting these I was always lugging around a dSLR on vacation because I wanted to get better than P&S image quality. The only time I really missed my dSLR was when I was whale watching in Maui where the extra zoom was missed, but I still managed to get some decent shots.

When I first got them I was initially not happy with the white balance issues when using flash in incandescent lighting due to the warm (yellowing) color cast, but unless you use the proper gel over your flash you'll get this with any camera. I usually shoot in the Vivid color mode but switch to neutral when shooting in incan lighting and the color cast isn't as bad.

Both are great cameras offering full manual control and each offers features the other doesn't have. For example, the S90 has the Nostalgic mode within the Scene (SCN) menu. It also has the faster lens at the wide open end - f2.0, compared to the f2.8 on the G11. All this means is that wide open, you'll get one full stop more than the G11. This is good for low lighting/no flash shots as it allows you to get decent hand-held shots.
The G11 has the advantage of the swivel screen which is great for candids and getting shots at weird angles. It also has the 5x optical zoom compared to the 4x of the S90.

Besides the addition of 720P HD video capabilities on the S95 and G12, I like that they added the 2nd strap attachment point to the S95 like there is on the G series, allowing you to hang the camera around your neck or shoulder without it dangling around as much.
If you go with the S90/S95, get Richard Franiec's grip. It makes a world of difference in the ergonomics of the camera. I'd also recommend getting at least 1 extra battery for them (I buy at least 1 extra battery for all of my 8 digital cameras!). I also always buy screen protectors for all of my electronic devices with LCD screens off ebay.

Good luck with your decision! They're both great cameras.

Here are some sample G11 shots from Maui.
molikinicratersnorkelin.jpg

frontstreetoldlahaina24.jpg

gardenofeden06.jpg

whalersvillagekaanapali.jpg


Using the built in Neutral Density (ND) filter on the G11:
twinfallshike17.jpg

themeltingpot10.jpg

themeltingpot09.jpg

sunsetsandbeach22.jpg


Hand-held night shot:
frontstreetoldlahaina23.jpg


Beautiful color:
gardenofeden14.jpg
 
Last edited:
Thanks for all the great replies.

The size is what is really driving this purchase for me. I want something that will be small enough to just toss in a bag or pocket and not worry about, but still have great picture quality. The G12 is a great camera, but I'm worried that it will just sit at home.

Billyp
 
Hey Billy, in all honesty I've been EDCing the S90 more and more and tend to only use the G11 with the EX270 mini Speedlite when I know I'll need the extra flash output. I keep the S90 in a LowePro Rezo 30 pouch with has a zippered main compartment for the camera, and a separate velcro'd front pocket for keeping a spare battery, spare memory card and small microfibre cloth. This set up is definitely easier to carry around than the G11 set up. The G's battery is about twice the thickness of the S90's battery and I keep 2 spares for the G. Add the EX270 speedlite, 4 extra Eneloop AAs for the EX270 and my mini Cima LED light for low light video and it's definitely a bulkier bag and set up to take out on casual events.
 
Nigel,

That is really good info and some great pictures to boot. My main use for the camera will be capturing family pics etc. It is sad to say that 99% of the photos we have of the family have been an iPhone (3gs or 4). I just think it is time to step up the game a bit and get a more dedicated rig.



Jill,
Thanks for the link...I did a site: search on Google and nothing turned up ( must have been a typo). That is great info and pics as well.

Again, thanks for all the great input.

Billyp
 
Last edited:
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top