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December 10, 2009
[REVIEW—CANON POWERSHOT S90]
Price: $800
Variation on an excellent theme
The low-down: This10 megapixel camera is a svelte variation on Canon’s top compact, the G11. The fast 28–105mm lens is image stabilised. File formats include RAW for serious shooters. There is the usual PTAM user controls over exposure and in addition some of these functions can be assigned to a ring around the lens. The 7.5cm medium resolution LCD doesn’t swivel like the G11’s, which is one feature that has been removed to diminish bulk and mass. Also gone are the optical viewfinder and the flash hot-shoe. The result is a camera with the same fine picture qualities as the G11 but able to fit easily in a pocket.
Like: Picture quality – exposure, sharpness, contrast, colour – from the S90 is outstanding for a compact. Like the G11 it now stands at the top of the heap for image quality from a small camera. Canon’s well-evolved ergonomics, which differ only slightly from earlier S models, are also class leading.
Dislike: We regret the passing of the optical viewfinder. Our S50 of seven years ago had one. For such a well conceived and made camera that appeals to serious photographers as an alternative to their DSLR the viewfinder is a loss.
Verdict: The big story here is that, as with the G11, Canon has created a greatly improved camera by reducing the pixel count. 10 megapixels gives excellent resolution while avoiding the worst noise problems that plague over-pixelled compacts. We were delighted with the camera’s performance at ISO200, and even at 400 the results are good. The G11 at $900 is our pick of the compacts, but the S90 at $800 will appeal to those who want the same pictures from less bulk.
Posted by terry at December 10, 2009 08:24 AM
Worth Checking Out
Digital Cameras SydneyComments
As long as you're not expecting dSLR speed in a tiny body, the Canon PowerShot S90 is an excellent compact camera for advanced amateurs.
Posted by: nintendo dsi r4 at January 2, 2010 09:43 PM