Conclusion
Canon S90 IS is a great choice for photographer who like a lightweight, pocket able compact but doesn’t want to skim on image quality and control. It has very good operational speed and have some great customizable options. I especially like the zoom ring dial on the lens, which has Digital SLR like control. S90 IS is also superior in low light situation. However, Canon S90 Is also has a downside, such as below average build quality (relative to competitors) and limited dynamic range.
Subjective rating compared to other advanced compacts in 2009
- Image quality 4/5
- Body handling 4/5
- Performance 5/5
- Features 3/5
- Value 5/5
Recommended read: Best buys advanced compact camera 2009
Image samples:
at ISO 1600, 105mm
Pensylvania Convention Center - Reading Terminal Market
For more images visit my Canon S90 IS gallery
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{ 12 comments… read them below or add one }
F.Y.I. The body is made out of metal! The top and bottom are made out of plastic. I guess it’s difficult to tell that it’s metal because it’s black, but you can see and feel the difference in material.
Hhi thanks, but it does not feels like metal for me, maybe very thin metal or something.
You say:
“Mode dial is harder to change because they have put some resistant to it. It is to prevent accidental switch.”
I’d be interested to know if this is a modification that canon has put to latest ones. I bought one the first day they were available in the UK, and the ring on the back is a dead loss! there’s no resistance at all, and almost every time it’s used, the ( in my case) EV setting gets changed by mistake! I wish mine had a dial that was harder to turn!!
interesting, you should check it out on the store to see if there is any difference with your current one.
I thought admin meant by “mode tial” as the top changer, beetween auto, aperture, shutter etc. Not the one one the back of the camera, which is a weak point in my opinion. Have I misunderstood?
oh yeah you’re correct! Thanks for clarifying. I agree that the back dial should be better, at least like Canon G series.
Thanks Lars for clearing up that point, I think the back ring’s going to prove to be a real pain! I reckon a firmware upgrade to allow it to be disabled ( as it is on certain modes) would be a good option!
Nice review from user standpoint and that is what count the most.
Actually, there is a place for grip.
Check this out: http://picasaweb.google.com/RichardFraniec/2009_11_05?authkey=Gv1sRgCK-KzbLY_5PaZg#
More info here: http://www.kleptography.com/rf/
Hope, this is O.K to post the links here.
Best
Richard
Thanks and yes, it is ok.
Thank you much.
In case if you would like to review the grip, please, let me know.
Cheers
Richard
I don’t have the camera anymore. Thanks for your offer. The grip looks good and i bet it improve the handling.
I’ve download the sample image from your site and at ISO 1600 it’s amazing considering the small sensor S90 has. Useful and less of chrominance noise.
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