Canon's hottest point-and shoot gets even hotter. Check it out in our full Canon PowerShot S95 review here.
Canon PowerShot S95 Overview
Canon's fall lineup is more of an evolution than a revolution, and the Canon PowerShot S95 is a prime example. This beloved little pocket dweller packs an unsuspecting punch in the advanced controls department, and its image quality rivals the Canon PowerShot G12. Shooting with the Canon PowerShot S95 is unlike any other digital compact in its class, and we're going to tell you why in this review.
However, 2010 brings just four primary upgrades to the S95—720p HD video, RAW shooting, HDR (High Dynamic Range Shooting mode) along with a few other Scene modes, and Hybrid Image Stabilization. Canon did not alter the camera's design or imaging system. On one hand, it's nice not to toil with a good thing, but we're fairly certain next year's version of the Canon PowerShot S95 is going to receive more of an overhaul. The Canon PowerShot S95 is still one of the best compacts on the market, and we had very few complaints throughout our magical journey.
Canon PowerShot S95 Design
From the outside, the Canon PowerShot S95 resembles any other compact point-and-shoot camera, featuring a pocketsize build and seemingly typical external controls. But one of the most ingenious camera controls is located smack dab in the middle of the S95, and it completely transforms the way a typical compact is used. There's no way to tell that the Canon PowerShot S95 packs such a functional tool in such a conspicuous place, but its Lens Ring control is one of the best design elements we've ever encountered.
Not only does the Lens Ring control compliment the spinning control dial located on the back of the Canon PowerShot S95, but it conserves space. Since the Canon PowerShot S95 is a whittled down version of the PowerShot G12, its controls are exceptional for a compact. The Lens ring is completely customizable for a variety of controls, and the S95 even has a Shortcut button for another level of customization. The Control dial next to the 3-inch 461,000-pixel LCD screen offers Exposure Compensation, Manual Focus, Macro, Flash, and Self-Timer settings, and the Mode dial on top of the camera is stocked with nine different shooting modes.
The only downsides are the camera's 3.8x optical zoom and tiny rechargeable lithium ion battery pack. Also, the 421,000-pixel display was adequate, but we would have like a higher resolution to use with Manual Focus. While the S95's popup flash is another space saver, it left shadows in certain shooting environments. We do get SDXC card compatibility in addition to SD/SDHC card support. The Canon PowerShot S95 is a spectacular example of stealth operation, packing in quality external controls without flaunting them.
Shooting with the Canon PowerShot S95
While the Canon PowerShot S95's peanut butter is its design, the camera's shooting features are its Marshmallow Fluff. Both realms are intertwined for a shooting experience that no other compact can parallel. For example, if we were shooting at different ISO levels, all we needed was a twist of the Lens Ring and a digital dial appeared on the screen. Exposure Compensation was taken care of by the rear Control Dial, and any manual control could be assigned to the Shortcut button, such as the S95's alterable Aspect Ratios (16:9, 3:2, 4:3, 1:1, and 4:5). The Function menu was exceedingly useful, offering White Balance, Exposure and Focus Bracketing, Continuous modes, Metering, and quality settings.
Inside the Main menu, the Canon PowerShot S95 was still easy to navigate with, thanks to the rear Control Dial. We loved the new Self-Timer feature, which utilized the Lens Ring and could be set up to 30 seconds with a range of up to 10 consecutive shots. Canon's latest Hybrid Image Stabilization made it onto the PowerShot S95, and we were impressed with its overall functionality. In addition to standard scene modes, the S95 was upgraded with Canon's latest Super Vivid, Poster, HDR, and Nostalgia modes, just like we found on the PowerShot G12.
The Lens Ring even controlled the focal length, allowing us to shift in increments between 28mm (full wide angle) to 105mm (full telephoto). Aperture was controlled by the Lens Ring, and the Canon PowerShot S95's bright f/2.0 base helped in low light and in close-up shooting environments. For manual controls, the Canon PowerShot S95 only gives us a 15-second shutter speed base, and we'd like more for shooting at higher aperture values like the S95's f/8.0 cap. With an ISO range of 80 to 3200, the Canon PowerShot S95 could tackle most low light shooting environments. Overall, this camera is a perfect little sidekick for the advanced shooter.
Canon PowerShot S95 Still Image Quality
Nothing has changed since last year's introduction of the Canon PowerShot S90 when it comes to the camera's imaging system. As a result, the Canon PowerShot S95 harbors a 10-megapixel 1/1.7-inch CCD with Canon's HS (High Sensitivity) System and Digic 4 processing. This is the same setup as the Canon PowerShot G12, and another prime example of Canon's evolution vs. revolution. Why mess with a surething?
As a result, bright light images and Macros were exceptional. Canon color is fantastic, and the S95's larger sensor coupled with a more modest 10-megapixel resolution led to more definition and sharpness. In low light, noise was inevitable, but like the PowerShot G12, the noise was not overbearing, even at ISO 3200. The PowerShot S95's low light performance was definitely better than most other compacts in its class. Overall, the Canon PowerShot S95 cranked out a great imaging performance.
The ability to shoot in RAW was also a welcome addition, as we found more detail in RAW images. Watch the flash though, because we experienced shadows in the bottom right corner of our images, which is right where the lens would interfere. We recommend not shooting close-up objects with the flash. Aside from the flash in certain environments and the occasional noise dusting in super low light, the Canon PowerShot S95 was a winner. If you're a fan of long exposures at night, the S95 will perform very well, even at ISO 800.
To assuage those who need HD video, and to get with the rest of the program, the Canon PowerShot S95 has 720p HD video at 24fps in the .MOV H.264 variation. The Canon PowerShot S95 supports shooting in Miniature, Color Accent, and Color Swap modes, just like the G12. However, we could not optically zoom in video mode, and manual controls were few and far between. We got the same feeling from the PowerShot G12, as if Canon just tacked on 720p to keep up with the competition. While the Canon PowerShot S95 may not be a powerhouse in video mode, the quality is still very good, and matches the PowerShot G12.
Canon PowerShot S95 Final Answer
The short and sweet conclusion for the Canon PowerShot S95 is that it's still one of the best compacts in its class—if not the best. It combines an exceptional design, fantastic shooting features, and very good image quality into a pint-size pocket companion. However, our only upgrades are 720p video, RAW shooting, new Scene modes, and Hybrid Image Stabilization. If you haven't decided on a compact yet, we'd highly recommend the Canon PowerShot S95. It's really difficult to find a camera this good in this class.
Now, if you can't figure out whether to get the new S95 or go for last year's discounted S90, ask yourself if you really need 720p HD video. RAW shooting is a big factor, especially since we can verify that the S95's image quality receives a slight boost from its addition. Then there are the fun Scene modes like HDR and Super Vivid, widen the creative spectrum. If you have the money, go for the S95. If the aforementioned new features are not important, then you'll be just as fine with the S90.
Price and Availability
The Canon PowerShot S95 is available now for $400.
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