Canon Powershot S90 IS
Canon Powershot S90 IS
1
Hey! You should know that Canon has released a newer version of this product: the Canon PowerShot S95.
Canon Powershot S90 IS
Editor's Review
The Canon S90 was a versatile, powerful compact camera, intended for serious photographers who desire high control and high performance in a small, easy-to-tote package. The S90 excelled in low-light performance, with ISO settings up to 12,000. This was the standard for high-performance ultracompact cameras, but it has been replaced by the S95, which currently sells for a lower price, and adds HD video and support for multiple aspect ratios.
Specifications
- 10 megapixels
- 3.8x optical zoom
- Manual control ring
- Excellent low-light performance
- RAW + JPEG file formats
- SD/SDHC memory card storage
- Part Number: S90IS
- UPC: 013803116076
- Release Date: Aug 19, 2009
Shop for S90 IS Accessories
Canon Powershot S90 IS Comments & Questions (write your own!)
Mom in need of a great camera! (Rachel — 10/05/2010)
I am a mother of 2 young children (ages 2 & 3). I desperately want high quality pictures but I need a camera that is smaller, does well in low light and less than desirable conditions and that can take quick shots (b/c you know children won't stay still). In addition, due to my kids moving so quickly, I don't have time to adjust the features that often and need something that takes great photos on auto settings. It would be hard for me to spend over $350 at this time....does a camera exist for me? The Canon G11 sounds great in many ways, but is too expensive for us and too large...I am hesitant to purchase anything other than a canon b/c everytime I do, I regret it. FYI, I currently have a Sony Cybershot (not a fan).
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by James DeRuvo (10/06/2010)
If you can find one, the G9 would be a great option. It was a very popular point and shoot with pros looking for a backup camera. But you can also get that quality with the Canon S95 or the SX210.
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DONNA (09/15/2010)
HELP!! I WANT TO PURCHASE A CANON CAMERA AND I AM UNDECIDED BETWEEN THE S90 AND THE SD4000? MONEY IS NOT A FACTOR. WANT A GOOD ALL AROUND CAMERA THATS EASY TO USE AND TAKES GREAT PICS. THANKS
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Liam McCabe (09/15/2010)
The S90 is more for enthusiasts, the SD4000 is slicker and easier to use. Both have great image quality. Also, your caps lock button is stuck. You should turn that off.
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Ideal memory for S90? ( — 07/15/2010)
I'm just about to push the button on buying the Canon S90. Can you advise regarding the optimal type of memory to purchase (i.e. SD/SDHC, size, etc)? I'm upgrading from a Canon A95 that just died after 6+ years due to the E18 error, so I'm not up to speed on the latest memory formats. Thanks!
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by James DeRuvo (07/15/2010)
The camera uses Class 6 SD/SDHC cards up to 16GB. But to be honest, in using my point and shoots, I have seldom had a need for anything above 4GB, even on vacation. Then again, I'm always getting my pictures off and backed up to another medium like a computer hard drive or even uploaded to flickr. If you're planning on doing a lot of video, the S90 doesn't shoot in HD, so even with that, you can get away with multiple smaller cards rather than one large one. I say that because 1) they're cheaper and b) more than one gives you insurance in the even a card corrupts at the worst possible moment.
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Follow up on memory ( — 07/16/2010)
Thanks James! Do I have to get a class 6 card, or will a class 4 work also?
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memory follow-up ( — 07/16/2010)
James, thank you for the information. Is a class 6 card required, or could I use a class 4 card also?
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Erika (07/14/2010)
Which camera is better the s90 or the sd4000?
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by James DeRuvo (07/15/2010)
Looking at sample images at imaging-resource.com they are nearly identical, which isn't surprising since several sources, like CNet calls the SD4000 the S90 in an Elph body. The SD4000 does have a better macro. But aside from that, it's nearly a draw, as far as I can see.
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Liam McCabe (07/15/2010)
Yeah as James said, very very similar cameras. The S90 is geared toward more enthusiast users in a few ways: the lens control ring, and it can shoot in RAW (uncompressed) format. The SD4000 is marketed more towards the kind of folks that spend a lot of time in bars/clubs/nightlife type settings, with a "slicker" touch-screen interface, but no RAW support. The JPEG image quality, again as James said, is just about identical, and the prices are nearly the same these days as well -- just a matter of how "cool" you want the camera to be.
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Liam McCabe (07/15/2010)
Oh, and the SD4000 also has high-speed video, for what it's worth.
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Canon S90 vs SD 4000 IS (Henry — 07/23/2010)
I currently have a Coolpix S50 that needs replacing. Looking for camera for sole purpose of taking pictures of people, say from waist up. Problem with Coolpix is "lighting". Some pictures are indoors or in other low light conditions and have to be manually brightened with Picasso. Understand an f2.0 camera will resolve issue. However don't wish to be fiddling with settings alot! Do you have a suggestion beyond S90 & SD 4000. Prefer a point and click camera. Thanks much....
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Reign (07/08/2010)
Hi, i wanted to get s90 but i cannot afford it right now. is there any camera as good as s90 without the huge price? or any suggestion for a great digicam that is less than 200usd but great picture quality? thanks... btw, im currently owning sony cybershot since 2006.
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by James DeRuvo (07/08/2010)
Check out the Panasonic FH20.
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Looking for a small camera to shoot HDR, will the S90 work? (Ball Lightning — 06/03/2010)
I am looking for a point and shoot to do HDR (High Dynamic Range) will the S90 do that? what are my best options? Any information would help. Thank you.
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Jo Ann (05/04/2010)
I've read a lot of reviews about S90 (including comprehensive ones from cnet.com, dpreview.com, cameralabs.com, etc.) keeping portability, image quality and user-friendliness in mind. I find S90 to best fit these features that I'm looking for in a compact camera, but to each his own.
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Jo Ann (04/25/2010)
This might help you decide (with comparison between S90 and G11 and LX3):
kenrockwell.com/canon/s90.htm
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kenrockwell.com/canon/s90.htm
by James DeRuvo (04/27/2010)
Ken Rockwell is a good site. But what it may come down to is actually holding the cameras. Feeling the center of gravity, deciding if you like the button placement, etc. That usually seals the deal for me.
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Still trying to decide: G11 vs S90 (David — 04/08/2010)
Still trying to decide: G11 vs S90. Why is this camera rated so much higher than the G!!. I'm trying to make the decision, one over the other
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Liam McCabe (04/08/2010)
Only you can make the decision, but the S90 is awesome in low-light, fits in your pocket and costs $100 less than the G11. The G11 gives you more manual control, probably better results overall. Both are great, we rate them basically equally (kind of like apples vs oranges), you won't be disappointed either way.
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CANON S90 VS PANASONIC LX3 (MARK DEVORAK — 04/01/2010)
PLEASE TELL ME WHICH CAMERA YOU RECOMEND AND WHY.PRO/CON I AM HAVING A VERY HARD TIME DECIDING BETWEEN THESE TWO CAMERA.I GO OVERSEA IN REMOTE AREAS AND ALSO BACKPACK.MY PICTURES VERY A GREAT DEAL.
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by James DeRuvo (04/02/2010)
Either will work great. The edge though, for me, goes with the Panasonic LX3 as it has become a very popular pocket backup camera amoungst professionals. And Panasonic is really hitting on all cylinders these days.
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S90 or LX3? (Lydia — 03/14/2010)
I'm currently looking between buying the Canon S90 or Lumix LX3... Which would be a better choice or are there any other suggestions?
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by James DeRuvo (03/16/2010)
Both are excellent cameras. It may interest you to know that the LX3 is very popular as a backup camera for professionals.
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treepop (02/16/2010)
I am looking for the best bang for the buck when it comes to low light cameras. Does this fit the bill @ $400 or should I be looking elsewhere?
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by James DeRuvo (02/19/2010)
Canon makes a great camera. And there's a conversation about it vs. the Panasonic LX3 (which would be the other camera I would recommend) here - radiantlite.com/2009/08/can... think you'd be quite pleased for that price point. But if you spend a tad more, you can get a G11 which has an external flash hot shoe or the LX3 as well.
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from a review .... (by James DeRuvo — 01/21/2010)
[i]All of the cameras controls are duplicated on the outside of the case, except the main control dial on the back. Not sure why Canon left this off but I had no problem without it.
The controls are well spaced and easy to find. In fact, the case feels good to hold and use. However, practice is a good idea, as the labels for them are embossed in the same clear plastic as the case. Printed labels would be nice.[/i]
One other thing, the case also requires the O Ring to be cleaned and greased after EVERY underwater use.
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The controls are well spaced and easy to find. In fact, the case feels good to hold and use. However, practice is a good idea, as the labels for them are embossed in the same clear plastic as the case. Printed labels would be nice.[/i]
One other thing, the case also requires the O Ring to be cleaned and greased after EVERY underwater use.
cannot load pictures, reads "memory card error" though card is new & works fine. There is video on the card.... (dew1076 — 12/31/2009)
Canon PowerShot S90 IS....brand new, card is a SanDisk 8GB, brand new as well. I think I am unable to upload the pictures onto the computer because there is video on it.....
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rammy (01/05/2010)
You need to buy a converting cable for your camera so you can safely get your photos and videos onto a computer. I suggest going to www.cheapcables.com and you can find one that will suit your S90 perfectly. Thats where I buy my cables..
AMT
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AMT
there's a far easier option ... (by James DeRuvo — 01/21/2010)
Get a USB card reader. Slip the SD card in it and your PC will read it as a drive. Then it's a simple drag and drop.
As for the card error, may I ask the obvious ... did you format the card? Also, I'd try resetting the camera and making sure your card's write protect tab isn't engaged.
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As for the card error, may I ask the obvious ... did you format the card? Also, I'd try resetting the camera and making sure your card's write protect tab isn't engaged.
dew1076 (01/06/2010)
Thank you! In fact I did find that if I hooked the camera up, with the supplied USB cable & after installing the supplied CD, to the computer I was able to transfer the pictures & video. With my previous camera I was able to transfer both photos & video directly from the memory card - that's what confused me!
Thanks again!
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Thanks again!
Is the F2.0 better in low light than the F2.8 in the G11? (yellowbird66 — 11/20/2009)
I take more indoor low light or no flash shots; is the S90 better than the G11 because of the F stop difference?
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by James DeRuvo (11/26/2009)
Well and F2 lens is faster than an F 2.8 lens.
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Calgully (12/08/2009)
The F2 should be better than F2.8 but dont forget that the S90 only has the advantage of a wider apeture lens at the wide angle end of its zoom. Once you get longer than 50mm the G11 actually has a wider aperture. Having said that, generally indoor shots are taken using wider angle lenses.
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yellowbird66 (12/08/2009)
Thanks for your responses; I am purchasing the G11 camera.
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Underwater point and shooting (G9 — 11/19/2009)
Will the underwater housing by canon allow changing lens opening and speed while underwater in M or P mode - this ability will enable this camera to be an ultimate vacation camera -both above and below
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by James DeRuvo (01/27/2010)
Yes, there are buttons on the back which make any necessary changes you need.
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I use the old Canon G3 for macro shots with superb results.How will the Canon S90 compare in macro ? (RSL — 11/08/2009)
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by James DeRuvo (11/12/2009)
I'm sure it'll be comparable, but the G11 is the update that I'd be looking at.
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Trying to decide between the S90 and the G11 (Calgully — 11/05/2009)
The G11 looks great, but I am worried about its bulk. It might end up a doorstop at home so no use at all. The S90 looks very elegant and easily portable, BUT what is the tradeoff? Its a bit cheaper for sure, and no viewfinder, but what's the IQ like? Is it equivalebt to the s11 or would I be sacrificing too much in quality?
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by James DeRuvo (11/05/2009)
It won't be. The G series has been a popular backup camera with professionals. You can compare them side by side at the Canon website, but as a high end portable, with a viewfinder - which I find important - the G11 is a great camera.
Without a viewfinder, the only thing a larger LCD does is kill your battery quicker.
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Without a viewfinder, the only thing a larger LCD does is kill your battery quicker.
Calgully (11/07/2009)
Thanks, but when you say 'it wont be' do you mean is wont be equivalent to a G11, or do you mean I wont be sacrificing too much in image quality? Appreciate your opinion.
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Lawnguy (11/11/2009)
All depends on what you want; if you need more zoom, go with the G11; but if you need something smaller with a faster lens, go with the S90. Neither can be beat!
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Calgully (12/08/2009)
Thanks guys. I ended up going for the G11. I tend to take more telephoto-ish shots than most photographers, so the G11 won out in that area for me - both for the longer zoom and for the wider aperture at those longer focal lengths. A really great camera it is. I have no reason to doubt that the S90 is great too though.
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chriscam19 (01/11/2010)
I too have your same question Calgully. But i am a novice. This will be my first digital camera and i was trying to decide between the G11 and S90. I do alot of traveling and hanging out with friends. I dont need to zoom alot. i just want something that takes good photos of my friends and when i travel to take good scenery photos. Then i am going to print them out on my computer. can anyone give me advice now.
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by James DeRuvo (01/12/2010)
The G11 is a great option. Canon learned with the mistake of the G10 and backed off on the megapixels. The result is a much better image at higher ISOs. It's the backup camera pros want in their shirt pocket again.
The S90, I believe, uses the same chip, so it's a good bet as well.
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The S90, I believe, uses the same chip, so it's a good bet as well.
my only gripe about the S90 (Sophia C. — 07/13/2010)
I love the S90, it is wonderful in low light conditions, has some nice options for adjusting color for reds,greens, blues, etc. And most importantly , for me anyhow, is that it takes beautiful close up pics of my knitting stitches. :b I only have a few reservations... I don't really use the zoom but when I do if you dont make sure the switch button for the zoom is back in the middle, the shot wont take. The switch usually gets stuck to the right or left when zooming. ah well. Then again I don't care much for the zoom... One last thing the lame strap they give you with the S90 doesnt have one of those plastic stops to secure it to your wrist. So you have to buy a new one if you tend to keep in your wrist and don't want to drop it.
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Canon Powershot S90 IS Reviews
Canon Powershot S90 IS Reviews by Digital Camera-HQ Users
- 5.0 out of 5
The camera of my dreams
(Gerald Horgan — 04/16/2010)
Great Great camera. For its size certainly it has some flaw. Battery Power is not good etc But for me the camera takes excellent Raw format photos. Buy it you will not br sorry.
Here are sample of photos I have taken in the last 4 months or so
http://www.flickriver.com/photos/dingle-peninsula/popular-interesting/
