One look at Canon's new PowerShot S95 will have you moving "upgrade my digital camera" to the top of your to-do list. The ultra-slim, ultra-intelligent S95 is loaded with all a serious photographer's must-haves, including a bright f/2.0 wide-angle lens and professional-style control ring for intuitive manual control. Canon's HS System is on board for spectacular performance and image quality in low light.
And, new for a compact, the S95 incorporates Canon's Hybrid IS for blur-free shooting even close-up. You'll shoot stunning 720p HD video with stereo sound, then watch it immediately on your HDTV with the simple HDMI connection. If photography's your passion, now is the perfect time to step up to PowerShot S95.
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This is a great little camera I can take anywhere. Just got it today and haven’t really put it through all the test but so far I am loving the picture quality. I think it’s better than my G11 that I sold recently. It was just too big to carry around and I much rather carry my SLR if it’s the case. This thing is so small I can put it in my pant pockets unlike the G11. I now have a camera I can take anywhere and have good quality shots. High iso is great especially with the hybrid IS. Low light shots are sharp with the new IS. With the G11 I would have not gotten the shots. It would have been pretty blurry. Love the matte finish as it keeps it from slipping from my hands. I will update more once I get some more time with it but loving it so far.
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What a great camera and a great experience from the first photo you snap. I fell in love with the S90 a few months back, practically ditching my Canon 5D Mk II whenever I needed a quick shot. I started opting to travel light with only my S90 instead of lugging around the SLR and think I’m almost getting better shots.
I’ve had the S95 for only a day now (I doubt anyone has had it any longer!), but improvements to the placement and function of the buttons, as well as access to the cable ports, is all considered and beautifully executed.
The model designation is also more matte and subtle which seems like a new trend for Canon.
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I spent two or three months doing tons of research to replace my old Canon SD870. Finally a month ago I decided to buy the S90 despite the fact that it didn’t have 720 HD video, it was a one-year old model, and many reviewers disliked the looseness of the control dial. My S90 arrived in the middle of August and over the course of many days I learned how to use all the functions and was very pleased with the results.
And then on August 19 Canon announced the upcoming release of the Canon S95. I immediately returned my S90 and anxiously awaited the arrival of its successor. Earlier today it was delivered and I’ve been using it all day.
I must say that I wanted to love the S90, but the smoothness of the body annoyed me. I figured I’d just have to get used to the slipperiness. But now that I have the S95 in my hands, I can’t believe what a difference the matte finish makes regarding secure handling. There’s no way you can appreciate the difference if you haven’t handled both models yourself. Honestly, that feature alone is worth the slightly higher price.
Control dial issues? No longer! Subtle click-stops have solved that problem.
Finger missing the shutter button on the S90? Well, the geniuses at Canon took care of that, also. You won’t mistake the shutter button on the S95 for any other button due to the distinct and secure feel.
I’m in love with this camera. I won’t go into details about picture quality because it’s as good as its predecessor; there are examples all over the Internet. And of course the S95’s 720 HD video is a big improvement over the standard video of the S90.
Only one “con” I can think of: The new, smooth, elegant display on the back is no longer recessed therefore you’ll have to be careful if you place the camera face up on a flat surface. In that position it appears the screen will come in direct contact with the table’s surface.
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Two weeks ago I was using my Canon S90 which I ordered before it came out. I did not expect to be holding that camera’s replacement 14 days later. In fact, the previous weekend I was at dinner with a friend who has a Lumix LX-3 and I mentioned that that camera’s successor was recently released. Who knew the S95 would beat the LX-5 to owner’s hands?
After seeing the release on DPReview on the 19th, I investigated the camera further. I though, wow it looks very similar to my S90. I compared stats and saw that it was fractionally slimmer and the power and ring function buttons had swapped placement. The most exciting thing I found on the S95… I could actually use a neck strap with it! I found holes on both sides, now I just have to find one that’ll fit (Come on Canon, you couldn’t put one in the box!).
Well, my S95 arrived today and I was excited because I still had my S90 before I dropped it off at the post office to meet it’s new owner. I was happy to compare them side-by-side in person.
In person, you’ll notice the finish compared to the S90. That camera feels like a bar of soap in the shower now compared to the S95. The new finish feels much better. It reminds me of the Magnesium alloy they use on Valentine One radar detectors. I don’t know what they’re using, but, good job Canon. No more thumb rest, I was a little sad to see that go. The control wheel has a much more damped movement now and not so free-spinning.
The shutter button and zoom dial are redesigned, along with the mode dial getting a different texture.
Also noticed that the screen doesn’t have that purple anti-reflective coating look (when it’s off) to it anymore. It just looks nice and black. Lastly, the color they used to paint on ‘S95’ on the front is a darker shade of grey than used before to paint ‘S90.’ Same for the words around the lens.
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This is my first choice camera to purchase but I’m trying to figure out if it has panoramic stitching shots like the Sony Cyber-shot DSC-TX5, which I think would be great, as I take a lot of scenery shots.
Can anyone school me?
Thanks!
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The Canon S95 is my 5th Canon compact camera over 7 or 8 years. When I was looking for a new camera a few weeks ago I wanted one that offered more than just the standard point and shoot features but also one that I could easily carry in my pocket. I was torn between the S95 and the LX5 (Panasonic). The S95 won me over and here is why. First, the LX5 is not exactly “compact” but the S95 is the perfect size. It fits nicely in my front pants pocket, not to mention the finish on the camera is not slick so you can easily grip it without worrying about dropping it. The second thing I wanted was to be able to take good depth of field shots. I’m not a camera guru, but I know a little and the basic point and shoot just does not offer this and if it does I promise it’s not as easy to use nor as good of quality as the S95. Next is the HD video. I took about 5 video’s at a karaoke bar last night and they are awesome. I have an 8GB SD card which according to the camera can record over 50 minutes of HD (720) video. Also, when taking action shots just using the AUTO setting on the camera, the pictures turn out amazing. The ring function is probably another major reason I chose the S95. You can use it to zoom or change any of the settings (e.g., aperture) just by turning it. No need to go through the menu settings etc. The S95 is also a solid camera. You can tell this by just looking at the parts used and feeling the camera itself. I don’t feel like I’m going to break it if that makes any sense. For the money you get a lot with this camera. The HD video is by itself worth it.
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I own both the S90 and S95 (G10 and G11 also, as well as F-1 and numerous Nikons including the D90).
Hands down, I took more photos on a daily basis with the S90 since I took it EVERYWHERE.
As they say, the absolute best camera is the one you have when you need to take a photograph.
The picture quality of the S90 is superb and the S95 is at least as good.
Often the biggest limiter to picture quality is the skill of the photographer.
Time spent mastering a particular camera is well spent and paper specs often can mislead.
Discussing subtle nuances over comparable cameras is often more academic than practical.
The S95 gives the serious photographer tremendous flexibility from full auto to full manual and superb features that are packaged in a truly pocketable high performing camera that is arguably best in class.
So what has improved:
Body finish…more tactile and grippy
Selection wheel on back has click stops….hurray!
On/off button is where it should be.
720p movie mode added (24 fps vs 30 for lx5) with stereo recording.
More scenes including High Dynamic Range (very cool)
Numerous technical innovations that result in more stable, sharper pictures.
Button feel on back is more positive.
Ring on front has more friction and feels more positive.
Body even smaller and more pocketable.
Menu system updated but if you can drive a S90, G10 or G11 you will be off and running.
Improved hand lanyard placement.
Improved shutter release.
Slightly rounded corners…looks feels better.
What stayed the same:
Battery door and card slot.
Same cables and connectors.
Lack of grip….no denying it would add weight but…
Build quality…as good as it will get.
What got worse:
This part is highly subjective because different people see the same change differently (I see the size reduction as good, while others have said it’s bad….so be wary and know if you agree with peoples reasons).
Thumb rest no longer there…I missed it.
So there you have my first impressions and if I had to choose between the S90 and S95, the S95 is the clear winner!
Rating
I won’t go on with the features of the S95 – you can read that elsewhere.
My G10 was too big, and the image quality never really impressed me – too many pixels and noise. It sat in a drawer at home.
This S95 is amazing! Image quality rivals my DSLR bodies. I use a 7D and 5D with L lenses. I can’t carry those monsters with me all the time. The S95 will be with me always.
The video is MUCH better than the G10 (and probably the G11) but Im sure the the G12 will beat it. Still, the small size is what matters most to me. The display on the back is gorgeous. There are some special effects that are a lot of fun – especially the “miniature” vintage and HDR presets.
The (HD!) video is great. I could see using this a point of view on a video shoot. Due to it’s small size it could go anywhere. Attach it to a bike helmet or a guitar.
Buy it. I recommend this camera to everyone. You can obsess with all the comparisons and features, or you can grab one and join the fun today.
Another review gave it one star. I don’t get that. (?)
What would improve it? Wider angle of 24mm would be cool, and more presets too. Preset could be added with a firmware update.
I am traveling to California next week and may leave the DSLRs at home. It’s that good.
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I purchased a G11 back in May to be my always with me camera when not carrying my huge dSLR (5DM2 with grip). Quite frankly I loved the G11 but it was too big to just throw in my pocket, and I secretly wanted an S90 for the same purpose. Then in August 2010 Canon announced the S95 which dealt with many of the gripes folks have with the S90 and so I immediately pre-ordered one and put the G11 up for sale.
I could not be happier with my decision. Image quality is outstanding with the camera, as S90 owners can attest to, but the physical quality and the ease of use is fantastic. I love the weight of the camera, the matte finish and the dials are top notch. I really look forward to having this camera at the ready at *all* times!
Bonus tip: For those of you who can’t import the RAW files due to the inevitable lage between release and 3rd party support, simply shoot in RAW + JPEG for now, and then delete the JPEGs later on when RAW is fully supported by your application of choice.
Happy shooting!
Rating
I got this camera to replace my Canon SD880. I had considered getting the S90 but decided to wait to see if they fixed some of its usability issues. With the S95, they have.
I was looking for a camera that fits in my pocket, so that I can keep it with me all the time. I don’t care about megapixels but I do want a good lens and sensor. As I learn more about photography, I wanted a camera that gave me a little more control than what most pocket cameras offer. In particular, I wanted good control over aperture, shutter speed, and exposure. The S95 gives me all of that, plus bracketing, RAW support, shallower depth of field, high ISO (simulated 12800), manual white balance (blue/amber, green/magenta), flash settings, sharpness, and a few other settings that will help me learn more about the technical aspects of photography that I wasn’t able to try out with earlier pocket cameras I’ve owned.
There are also some features that might be interesting to try out: HDR, tilt-shift effect, stereo sound in movies, HD movies, movie wind noise reduction, focus tracking, face smile/wink/blink detection, saved custom settings, shadow correction, and some special effects. However, these aren’t the reason I bought the S95.
Some cons: no viewfinder, thick (fits in my front pocket but not back or shirt pocket), small battery (estimated 200 shots), slow HD movies (720p, 24fps), no time lapse mode (although the tilt lens movies are time lapse), no front grip (although Richard Franiec’s custom grip should be available soon).
If you’re looking for a camera that fits in your pocket and gives you control over aperture, shutter speed, and so on, this is a good camera for you. If you don’t care about pocketability, there are larger cameras to consider (like the LX5 or G11, mentioned by others). If you’re looking for good movies I would look at the SD4000 or EX-FS10 instead. The S95 barely fits into a pocket; look at it in person before deciding whether you’d want to carry it around in your pocket. If you’re looking for simplicity or thinness, this is not the camera for you. If you’re looking for good macro or good zoom, other cameras (like the SD880 I previously used) are better. I would not recommend this as an upgrade to the S90 unless the usability issues are driving you mad, and if the usability issues don’t bother you, you can save a bit of money by getting the S90 instead of the S95. If you want some of the advanced features from a DSLR but need something that fits in your pocket, the S95 is a good choice.