Comments about Canon Canon PowerShot S90 IS, Digital Camera, 10.0 Megapixel, 3.8x Optical, 4x Digital Zoom Optical Image Stabilizer System:

Handy, pocket-sized wonder.

Comments about Canon Canon PowerShot S90 IS, Digital Camera, 10.0 Megapixel, 3.8x Optical, 4x Digital Zoom Optical Image Stabilizer System:

I bought this camera as an upgrade to my Canon A610. The main purpose (90%) is for underwater photography. I am a diving instructor and like taking pictures when guiding divers.
It's a big step up from the A610:
- it goes wider (28mm vs. 35 mm), but part of that is lost when using a flat port
- has more accurate AF (including a selectable small AF zone), but is misses the movable AF zone of the A610
- twice the pixels, but really the 5 MP of the A610 was plenty
- shoots RAW (A610 can only do that with firmware hack)
- bigger LCD
- better low light performance
Cons vs the A610:
- flash is weaker
- battery life is less (2 dives vs. 3 dives)
Other notes:
- image quality is great
- white balance is a bit yellow
- the ring around the lens is great
- very easy to use, I haven't read the manual yet! ;-)
- the video is lame at VGA resolution, should at least be DVD res (720 x 480?), better yet: 1280 x 720 p 30. (the new S95 does 1280 x 720 p 24)
- too small for my hands, but perfect in the Canon underwater housing, and that's what counts for me
Wish list for the S100:
- 20 or 24 mm wide angle
- stronger flash which does not pop up
- 1280 x 720 p 30 Hz video
- option to shoot video without sound
- hand and thumb grips

All in all I am very happy with my S90.

Comments about Canon Canon PowerShot S90 IS, Digital Camera, 10.0 Megapixel, 3.8x Optical, 4x Digital Zoom Optical Image Stabilizer System:

It's a good point and shoot camera to carry at night.

Comments about Canon Canon PowerShot S90 IS, Digital Camera, 10.0 Megapixel, 3.8x Optical, 4x Digital Zoom Optical Image Stabilizer System:

Easy to use and fantastic picture quality. The low light quality jus blew me away. Canon sure crams a lot of features into a very small package. After owning it for about a month I really haven't come up with any cons yet.

Comments about Canon Canon PowerShot S90 IS, Digital Camera, 10.0 Megapixel, 3.8x Optical, 4x Digital Zoom Optical Image Stabilizer System:

This camera was bought as a large step up from an ancient point and shoot digital, and as a lighter camera to carry around when my SLR is just too much. Bought the S90 based on the awesome f/2.0 and full manual capabilities in a small package. LOVE it for lower light conditions, special shooting modes, full manual made pretty easy with limited buttons. Took over 1000 pics with a quick learning curve and few problems.
The problems: I miss being able to go above f/8 for shallow depth of field. Have to suck it up- it's a point and shoot. Occasionally find the auto focus to be less than...working. Optical zoom is limited, and digital zoom is frankly horrible. But the biggest complaint- the pop-up flash is right under where your left index finger wants to be to hold the camera steady. If you try to turn on the flash (or if the camera decides to in Auto) and your finger is on, it will get jammed and you have to reset the camera. After 3 months and maybe 10-12 times of this happening, it got permanently jammed. Will still work if I lift with my fingernail, but frustrating. No need for it to have been pop-up when it could have been open on the front of the camera.
Overall great pics, and happy with the money I spent...assuming Canon will fix the flash for me.

Comments about Canon Canon PowerShot S90 IS, Digital Camera, 10.0 Megapixel, 3.8x Optical, 4x Digital Zoom Optical Image Stabilizer System:

An absolute pleasure to use - an order of magnitude better than any pocket camera I've owned. Brilliantly-designed ring around the lens can serve 6 different user-selected functions (adjust aperture/shutter speed, exposure, manual focus, ISO, white balance, or zoom) – wish my DSLR had this feature! Large sensor makes for outstanding images and low-light capabilities. Shutter lag is virtually nonexistent.

Comments about Canon Canon PowerShot S90 IS, Digital Camera, 10.0 Megapixel, 3.8x Optical, 4x Digital Zoom Optical Image Stabilizer System:

I use the low light feature and it works great.

Comments about Canon Canon PowerShot S90 IS, Digital Camera, 10.0 Megapixel, 3.8x Optical, 4x Digital Zoom Optical Image Stabilizer System:

Bought the camera for European vacation. Found myself using the camera more than my SLRs because of size, photo quality using RAW, and low light performance.

Comments about Canon Canon PowerShot S90 IS, Digital Camera, 10.0 Megapixel, 3.8x Optical, 4x Digital Zoom Optical Image Stabilizer System:

A good addition for the DSLR-equipment: small, compact, with a good RAW-picture quality. Also ideal for night shots (only a small tripod necessary) with 15 sec exposure time. 28mm wide angle with f2,0 cannot be beaten by most APS-C - sensor DSLR's - so ideal for evening shots. On the other side: slow focusing compared to a DSLR, sometimes diffuculty function settings. But: I don't know an overall better small camera.

Comments about Canon Canon PowerShot S90 IS, Digital Camera, 10.0 Megapixel, 3.8x Optical, 4x Digital Zoom Optical Image Stabilizer System:

Great travel camera. Everything you need to shoot good to great photos.

Comments about Canon Canon PowerShot S90 IS, Digital Camera, 10.0 Megapixel, 3.8x Optical, 4x Digital Zoom Optical Image Stabilizer System:

In a world of automatic features lacking creative control, this camera bucks the trend. Fewer megapixels on a larger sensor means great low light performance and stand out image quality. Sure there are plenty of automatic modes and they work well but the dual dials controlling aperture, shutter speed or virtually whatever you want are unique and effective. This camera goes wherever I do and I love it.

Comments about Canon Canon PowerShot S90 IS, Digital Camera, 10.0 Megapixel, 3.8x Optical, 4x Digital Zoom Optical Image Stabilizer System:

The S90 is simply the best Point & Shoot I've ever owned. It's RAW capability and manual functions make it an indispensable addition to my kit.
Great for those moments when your DSLR is too much or not allowed or simply too heavy too carry.

Comments about Canon Canon PowerShot S90 IS, Digital Camera, 10.0 Megapixel, 3.8x Optical, 4x Digital Zoom Optical Image Stabilizer System:

Ken Rockwell reviewed the Canon S90 and pointed out the features that put this small pocket camera on par with the big profesional cameras. Not only is it easier to haul around all day, it is above it's class with state of the art options.

Comments about Canon Canon PowerShot S90 IS, Digital Camera, 10.0 Megapixel, 3.8x Optical, 4x Digital Zoom Optical Image Stabilizer System:

This one was bought for my wife, who is a bit of a Luddite but likes the simplicity of use on full auto. She doesn't shoot much, so film stays in her camera forever. But she doesn't care for computers, either. But the image quality, ease of use, and accuracy of autofocus have won her over - even if I still have to handle the uploading and print orders. It's the first Canon in the house (I'm a Nikon bigot), and the price is right in the same range as some pretty capable P-series Nikons. But for a compact, easy to use yet flexible enough for anyone desiring more control, this may well be the best one available right now. Shutter lag is much better than on my waterproof Pentax, a bit more than on any of my Nikons - but it's just something that requires a bit of getting accustomed, rather than a problem. Overall, a great camera for what it's intended to be.

Comments about Canon Canon PowerShot S90 IS, Digital Camera, 10.0 Megapixel, 3.8x Optical, 4x Digital Zoom Optical Image Stabilizer System:

Because I wanted a "walking around" camera for my wife or for when I didn't want to take my SLR with all the gear, I bought this on the strong reviews and recommendations I found on the Web, especially Ken Rockwell's site. After one month's use, I am very happy with it. Image quality is terrific, and it is simple to use as a point and shoot. However, because of the very deep feature set, it just begs you to play around with the settings. At first, it was kind of tough to hold, but you do get used to it, and there is a custom grip available on the Web that helps immensely. I have no regrets about this purchase; it fits my intended uses extremely well.

Comments about Canon Canon PowerShot S90 IS, Digital Camera, 10.0 Megapixel, 3.8x Optical, 4x Digital Zoom Optical Image Stabilizer System:

This camera is good for both "camera dummy" and "camera enthusiast". The auto mode takes cares of almost all of the business for "camera dummies", the M, TV, AV modes are good for "camera enthusiasts". It is small, and full of powerful functions. If you ever consider this camera, it means you are serious about the photo quality. You either go for S90 or DSLR, G11 is not an option because it is too heavy and too big to be a DC, and not powerful enough to be a DSLR.

Comments about Canon Canon PowerShot S90 IS, Digital Camera, 10.0 Megapixel, 3.8x Optical, 4x Digital Zoom Optical Image Stabilizer System:

Brilliant little camera that produces images far surpassing other point and shoot camera's. And with full manual controls if you want them, you have a lot of flexibility for creative shooting. Wonderful complement to a DSLR, or when you just don't want to carry a bulkier camera. Excellent little casual shoot and travel camera.

Comments about Canon Canon PowerShot S90 IS, Digital Camera, 10.0 Megapixel, 3.8x Optical, 4x Digital Zoom Optical Image Stabilizer System:

Great Camera! Easy to use. Very flexible. Great images. Love it.Would buy it again.

Comments about Canon Canon PowerShot S90 IS, Digital Camera, 10.0 Megapixel, 3.8x Optical, 4x Digital Zoom Optical Image Stabilizer System:

Intuitive Controls for everyday shots. Handy self-programable button for frequently used special settings.

Indoor shots are clear, not grainy, even without a flash.

Comments about Canon Canon PowerShot S90 IS, Digital Camera, 10.0 Megapixel, 3.8x Optical, 4x Digital Zoom Optical Image Stabilizer System:

The camera has a very fast lens that is great in low light/indoor situation. Over three decades, I have had a variety of compact/nonSLR/nonDSLR cameras - the Canon S90 is by far the best - picture quality for this genre of cameras is outstanding!!!

Comments about Canon Canon PowerShot S90 IS, Digital Camera, 10.0 Megapixel, 3.8x Optical, 4x Digital Zoom Optical Image Stabilizer System:

it´s simple to use, with helpfull menus... good quality pictures for people that no need to use reflex cameras.

Comments about Canon Canon PowerShot S90 IS, Digital Camera, 10.0 Megapixel, 3.8x Optical, 4x Digital Zoom Optical Image Stabilizer System:

Husband and wife purchased this product for Valentine's Day. Wife is accomplished photographer, husband a casual phototographer.

This is a perfect camera to fit into a bag or a pocket and get excellent photos. The camera has adjustments that work well under unusual conditions. Camera body is very nice also.

Gary at Adorama answered all our questions and assisted us with all the required options. Purchased wonderful camera bag, fast memory card, and extended warranty.

Such a wonderful experience my husband sent his brother and our sister-in law to Adorama to see Gary and purchase the same items the following week.

Used this at Sesame Street live and took great pictures of all the characters.

Comments about Canon Canon PowerShot S90 IS, Digital Camera, 10.0 Megapixel, 3.8x Optical, 4x Digital Zoom Optical Image Stabilizer System:

This is a great camera . My nikon DSLR had a
glitch and I used the S90 to do a magazine cover .

Comments about Canon Canon PowerShot S90 IS, Digital Camera, 10.0 Megapixel, 3.8x Optical, 4x Digital Zoom Optical Image Stabilizer System:

I got this camera following Ken Rockwell's advice, since I wanted a small camera to carry around, when I didn't feel like using my SLR ones (F2A, F5, D40X, D700). And I wasn't disappointed at all.

The little Canon is a true professional-level camera. The ring around the lens together with the rear control ring allow you to change the camera settings as if it was a much more sophisticated one, just like on a good dSLR. It's low light performance is amazing for such a small censor, I took some excellent pictures at 10:00 pm in Las Vegas, several people who have seen them thought that they were taken with the D700 (a sterling performer in low light conditions).

I am now carrying the small S90 in my coat pocket every day, just waiting for the right scene to photograph. I do not miss the picture controls of the larger cameras, and the image quality is excellent. Although some times I would wish for a viewfinder, I understand that such a feature would make the camera much larger. Canon offers the G11 for those who can't live without a viewfinder.

I just wish that Apple Aperture could recognize Canon's raw files, but that is not a Canon problem, it is Apple who should get her act together and update its "professional" photo application.

Comments about Canon Canon PowerShot S90 IS, Digital Camera, 10.0 Megapixel, 3.8x Optical, 4x Digital Zoom Optical Image Stabilizer System:

I mostly use a Nikon D300 and wanted a camera that would be easy to carry with me (i.e. fit in my coat pockets). The S90 does all that and in fact handles situations that the D300 can't do. This is especially true for low light situations and photos with high contrast and backlight. After shooting there is typically nothing left to do to the image. You can watch the processor choose the subject, focus and track the lighting so all you have to do is concentrate on composing the photo.

Comments about Canon Canon PowerShot S90 IS, Digital Camera, 10.0 Megapixel, 3.8x Optical, 4x Digital Zoom Optical Image Stabilizer System:

I've taken about 500 pictures with my S 90 since receiving it at the end of October. Based on these, I offer the following comments.Positives:It takes great pictures. Color renditions, skin tones, exposure levels are all first rate. Higher ISO noise doesn't seem to be a problem. Image stabilization works well. The fast F 2.0 lens (at wide open) does wonders for low light no flash photography. For what it's worth, DxO makes pretty minor changes to S 90 pictures compared to what it does to D 40 pictures. A couple of sample pictures are attached for illustrationThe additional manual control wheels make the S 90 a great learning aid. I have the front wheel set for white balance tuning and the back wheel set for exposure control. The short cut button I have set for coarse white balance settings. Because the screen isn't cluttered with menus, I can see the effect of changes I make to the settings on the view screen before I take the picture. There's a little lag, maybe a second or so, but that's tolerable. My increasing knowledge of the effect of these settings has been transferable to my Nikon D 40 and D 90.Ken Rockwell claims the S 90 is the best pocket camera ever. That's pretty much why I bought it even though I already had a perfectly good SD950. As far as an aspiring amateur (me) can tell, he may well be right as far as the photography goes. Negatives:As has been noted in several user reviews, the placement of the on-off button and the shutter button are awkward, no where near as convenient as my SD950. Also, I can't tell if my finger tip is on the shutter release by feel like I can on the SD950. The S 90 shutter button is just more plastic under my aging finger tip.Doing a half press on the shutter button to lock exposure and focus is darn difficult. This adds a frustration that takes away from enjoying the camera and photography.The zoom control is jerky and seems to "bounce". That is, when you give it a nudge, it lags, then goes, then retreats back a little. This makes framing the picture much harder than it needs to be.The pop-up flash is a real pain in the posterior. I'm forever getting my left index finger in front of it. I don't think it would take much of a blow to break the flash. [$] The S 90 is harder to hang onto than earlier Canon pocket cameras I've had. After a couple of very lucky catches, I now make a real habit of putting the wrist strap around my wrist immediately after taking it out of the case.Conclusions:The primary purpose of a camera is to take pictures. The camera should make it easy for the photographer to concentrate on getting the picture right. The quality of its pictures and the benefits of the new ring controls more than makes up for the S 90's annoyances. However, these annoyances didn't have to be there. Canon makes other pocket cameras that don't have screwy flashes, poorly located shutter buttons, or jerky zoom controls.When all is said and done, I'm conflicted about what score to give the camera. Coming from the picture side, a 5 would be justified. From the operating side, it would only rate a 3. So, I'll chicken out and give it a 4. It's still the camera I carry around in my shirt pocket most of the time though.Making a long review longer, there's a review of the S 90 on Amazon that mentions a Kodak semi-hard case. I bought one and it works great. It just does hold the camera, wrist strap, extra battery, and spare SD card. The case provides good protection. I "bounce tested" it with the camera in it on a hardwood floor from about 4 ft. up with no damage.

Comments about Canon Canon PowerShot S90 IS, Digital Camera, 10.0 Megapixel, 3.8x Optical, 4x Digital Zoom Optical Image Stabilizer System:

Manual mode is complete but relatively easy to use at the same time. The camera is costlier than most compact camera but the image quality is worth the price.

Comments about Canon Canon PowerShot S90 IS, Digital Camera, 10.0 Megapixel, 3.8x Optical, 4x Digital Zoom Optical Image Stabilizer System:

Great pocket camera.

Comments about Canon Canon PowerShot S90 IS, Digital Camera, 10.0 Megapixel, 3.8x Optical, 4x Digital Zoom Optical Image Stabilizer System:

This camera is exactly what we were looking for. As a parent of two very active toddlers, I was looking for a compact camera that is easy to carry around. On the other hand, as an owner of a DSLR, I was looking for something robust enough to take quality photos. The S90 far exceeded our expectation for a small, yet highly customizable camera...once I understood that this is not a "compact DSLR". The wide 28mm equivalent lens is particularly useful when taking pictures of toddlers interacting with their every-changing and unpredictable environment. One thing to note, while the camera is capable of a f/2.0 setting, don't expect the "bokeh" that you would from a similar SLR/lens set up.

Comments about Canon Canon PowerShot S90 IS, Digital Camera, 10.0 Megapixel, 3.8x Optical, 4x Digital Zoom Optical Image Stabilizer System:

Just what I needed when I travel. The image quality is outstanding, and the camera's got great point-and-shoot capabilities while also maintaining the functions to manually adjust. Battery lasts forever and the whole thing is the perfect size to carry all over the world.

Comments about Canon Canon PowerShot S90 IS, Digital Camera, 10.0 Megapixel, 3.8x Optical, 4x Digital Zoom Optical Image Stabilizer System:

Good camera

Comments about Canon Canon PowerShot S90 IS, Digital Camera, 10.0 Megapixel, 3.8x Optical, 4x Digital Zoom Optical Image Stabilizer System:

1. Washed out LCD screen color
2. ISO rating one stop under listing
3. Overly contrasty images from RAW and JPG
4. Slippery surface

The S90's LCD screen is very washed out making it difficult to evaluate one's exposure. Skin tones are particularly washed out.

ISO rating is appears to be incorrect. The "Sunny 16 rule" does not work with the displayed ISO in Manual. Example: Metering off a grey card in direct mid-day sun should yield an exposure of ISO 80 with f5.6 and 1/640s. Instead the proper settings to reflect accurate exposure at ISO 80 are f5.6 and 1/320s. ISO set at 80 performs as if it were ISO 40. In fact, testing ISO 200, 400 and 800 all revealed that their true sensitivities appear to be ISO 100, 200, and 400. Hence, noise levels 'appear' lower at ISO 800 than normal for a PowerShot camera, when in reality, the noise levels should be compared to ISO 400 as this is the true sensitivity.

Images appear artificially contrasty in RAW or JPG Fine. Shadows are nearly black with no detail without pumping them up in RAW images using Canon's own DPP software. Images shot with prior Canon models had smoother detail in the shadows.

The S90 has a beautiful casing. It would benefit from some texturing. The surface is incredibly smooth and slippery making it challenging to hold.

Overall, this platform has great potential. Love the 'aperture ring' and compact size. Would like to see the return of SuperFIne compression in Canon's PowerShot lineup. Fine compression simply has too many artifacts especially evident in flesh colors, and large areas of the same color. Very noticeable when viewed at 100%. f2.0 lens a huge plus. Thank you Canon for paying very good detail to the lens!

Comments about Canon Canon PowerShot S90 IS, Digital Camera, 10.0 Megapixel, 3.8x Optical, 4x Digital Zoom Optical Image Stabilizer System:

This is so small it really can go with you in your pocket. I have gotten some decent shots handheld at a shutter speed of 4...very awesome. Have not tried to get the kids while moving yet. This is an awesome camera that gives you RAW capability, and a camera that can be with you at all times.