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"Really good but not perfect...some bad flaws." on by jvas2
Pros: f/2 lens, very good low light picture quality for a PS, many manual features including AEB for exposure bracketing (big plus), flash compensation and ring dials in front and back, 10MP which is perfect with a good size sensor for low noise.
Cons: Terrible flash placement, washed out LCD PureColor II screen when viewing dark images, hand strap does not have wrist lock, poor battery life, ring dial on back of camera is way too loose, no HD video, pricey, poor plastic build top/bottom of camera.
Summary: I have used this camera for 3 weeks now and there are both pros and cons that I think you should read if you're considering buying this camera. I've found cons that no one has stated or listed as yet which I hope helps in your buying decision. I've examined this camera very closely and feel a rating of 3.5 stars is very fair if price was not an issue then a 4 rating is justified. But considering the price point with no HD and poor plastic construction on top/bottom of camera I feel this is fair. The front and back of the back are metal.
Pros:
Nice f/2 lens which lets in twice as much light as a 2.8 lens, this also helps in taking great low light pictures.
A great 10MP resolution balance with a big sensor to reduce noise and grain in the pictures. AEB function for exposure bracketing and HDR (this feature not listed on box or Canon's site even though it has AEB).
Flash compensation control to help with avoiding the wash out effect of a strong flash close to the subject.
Custom setting which allows to change the sharpness and saturation of the default picture settings.
As mention the ring dials in front and back of camera for easier manual control and setting.
Micro Focus for excellent bokeh control to close up subjects.
Cons:
The f/2 is only at the widest setting.
LCD screen Pure Color II is of poor quality when re-viewing or taking dark images due to washed out pixels...very disappointing as this problem exists on almost all of the S90's I've examined which was about 5-6 cameras. Never had this problem with previous SD Canon's but there is a definite problem with quality control on this issue.
The top/bottom of the camera is made from plastic, unfortunately when you place your finger on the top of the camera the plastic (squeaks and clicks) when pressure is applied for holding the camera.....really disappointing. Again this probelm exists on 5-6 cameras that I tried, another quality issue Canon needs to address.
The battery life is sub par you will definitely need 2-3 batteries to take you through the day.
Ring dial on the back of the camera is way too loose, as even your shirt sleeve can change the settings accidentally if you're not careful, as well too much spinning is required to changed the setting where you sometimes have to spin the dial around over 3-4 to reach your settings.
No HD video which is a shame with such a nice f/2 lens especially for the price point.
A very annoying issue is the pop up flash that is perfectly placed where you place your left finger on top of the camera you will need patience to learn to hold this camera correctly without blocking the flash.
Severe barrel distortion at widest setting when shooting RAW, you WILL need to use Canon's software to straighten, JPEGS are fine.
The strap that comes with the S90 does not have a wrist lock as it does with the SD line so that the camera doesn't slip off your wrist when dangling. The camera is a bit on the heavy side so you should get a strap with a wrist lock as the strap it comes in is long and loose and will definitely fall off your wrist and I have big hands and was surprised when it almost slipped off a few times so I bought a strap with the wrist lock and its worth it. The last thing you want is to drop this camera because it will not last one fall with the top and bottom made from flimsy plastic.
I would have liked to have seen a 24mm or 26mm wide angle lens at this price point since there is no HD but what can you do.
Hope this info helps because you will have the same issues as me with the pros and the cons. It is probably the best PS camera out there for now until the Panasonic LX4 comes out next year but who knows how much better that will be and how much it will cost and what availability will be like. If you can get the S90 for a better price and hope you get one that doesn't have washed out dark pixels then you would have a really good buy and should be satisfied with your purchase.
Cheers. -
"Best images and usability of any point and shoot" on by GerryHerbison
Pros: The 2 simple function wheels that default intelligently, but which can still be changed, are the best thought out user interface of any camera I have ever used.
Going back down to 10 MP shows that Canon understands real photographer's needsCons: I would have liked a small grip on the front of the camera. It would have not disrupted the overall size, because the front function ring already goes out 1/4 inch. I like the more secure feel of a grip - but that is really a personal preferrence
Summary: I have been waiting for a camera like this for a long time. I am a semi-pro photographer. I am, and have always been a Nikon guy for my SLRs. However, Canon has always been my camera of choice for point-and-shoot cameras.
I like the image quality and functional design of the Canon point-and-shoot cameras better. The challenge that I had is that the ever increasing MP insanity started to reduce the quality of the images even on the Canons.
When I first read the promo information about this camera I couldn't believe that a camera company had finally stopped the insanity. The reduction of the MP and the slight image sensor size increase have really paid off.
I just bought the camera yesterday and I have taken 200+ pictures. As previously indicated, the user interface is amazing. There are 2 control rings available at all times. One is small - placed under the right thumb. The other is around the lense. Both have excellent ergonomic feel - just the right amount of resistance then a positive soft lock in the position where you want it to stay. The screen is excellent. I don't know how many pixels it is, but it is vibrant, large and clear.
Everything is easy to set on the camera. Doing non - studio portraits and events, I am used to checking ISO, WB, f-stop, and shutter before every set of shots. Each one of these is at my fingertips on the S90.
The image quality is amazing. Even at high ISOs the pictures are amazing. I have never had a point-and-shoot that had usable images above 400 ISO. This camera can produce usable 4x6 in prints at 1600 ISO. They are not perfect, but I was essentially shooting in the dark. This is also a function of the f2 lense.
I really can't say enough about the intelligent design of this camera.
My only reservations are regarding: the grip, as mentioned above; no optical viewfinder, which i like to use in very bright situations, and the choice of battery - this is the first point and shoot that I have had in a very long time that didn't take AA batteries. I like AA batteries because they serve the way I use a point and shoot camera. They are available in every city and country, they don't require any pre-planning for charging, and the lithium ones are light and let me shoot almost endlessly. I guess I will have to deal with toting around the charger - which is admittedly very small.
This is the camera that every photo-enthusiast should have in the pocket or briefcase (like mine) at all times. If you don't set all of your controls before you take a picture buy one of the basic A-series Canons-you will save money and be just as happy. -
"Best pocket camera out there" on by Jon44448
Pros: Canon S90 takes great indoor pictures without a flash. This is great with a three week old grandchild with sensitive eyes. The small size makes it easy to carry in a pocket. Image quality is better than any compact camera I've ever seen.
Cons: Initial price
Summary: I like to have a camera close at all times and be able to get high quality pictures. This camera is just right for me.
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"Pocket camera with features closest to a DSLR so far." on by Camilo Ortiz
Pros: Almost all the features of a G11 in a pocket size camera. Beginners can easily learn to take advantage of many advanced functions to improve their pictures considerably. Best low light and night landscapes portraits I've seen for the size.
Cons: The little wheel is too sensitive but you get used to it.
Summary: If the only thing stopping you from buying a
DSLR or semi-advance camera is that it is not pocket size, the s90 is the best option by far. Also for curious beginners this camera is a good introduction to more advance features that pays off with much better pics. -
"Pictures quality out of th e box is excellent" on by fleal3366
Pros: Picture quality Jpegs, Fast lens, fantastic in low light. Light, Small and Powerful. Exactly fits my needs. PIcture colors are superb better than a panasonic for me.
Cons: The ring in the back can be moved easily and can affect exposures. I like a viewfinder but it's ok.
Summary: For me it's all about the picture quality, that is the colors from people to landscapes. And the S90 delivers. The jpegs are great straigh out from the box and that is great because who has the time to process every Raw shot. Let the camera do the processing as much as possible. I could have bought a Panasoic but the colors have always stopped me from buying one. I find the skin colors to be cold and a little pinkish. I prefer canon colors, they pop and are nicely saturated.
This camera is fun to use, you don't think twice about carrying it with you and you know you will get top-notch pictures. There is one picture that I took that is looks almost 3 dimentional in depth. That is how good this camera is.
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