After using the Canon Powershot S95 for about a month, I believe I have finally found the ideal point-and-shoot replacement to my dSLR. I am now more confident to take this on long trips instead of my Canon 7D. Check out the full review of the Powershot S95 after the jump.
As a successor to the S90, the Powershot S95 has a similar build and construction, only a bit smaller this time and with several enhancements and additional features to boot.
The Canon S95 comes in a compact, no-fuss, matte-black metal casing reminiscent of the popular Ixus line (just a little thicker). Feels solid on the hands and has that nice grip — not too small or too big.
All the familiar controls are found on the top and the right side of the back panel. Long-time Canon users will not have any hard time familiarizing themselves to the controls and menu. The ring at the base of the lens controls settings for ISO, exposure, white balance or even manual focus (much like the lens barrel of an SLR) while the Function knob can be dialed to set the aperture. There’s a ring function button at the top, beside the Power button, to activate that.
Perhaps the most interesting feature of the S95 is the 28-105mm lens that has a maximum aperture of f/2.0. It’s not the widest in its class (there’s the 24mm of the LX3) but it takes really crisp and vivid shots. The high aperture opening also makes for better depth of field and works wonders even on low light conditions.
Here’s a quick slideshow of some of the photos I took using the S95:
The camera also sports a number of built-in effects, one of which is the miniaturization which I really liked. The effect is more dramatic if you’re positioned in a very elevated place (like a 10th floor building) and your subject is shot from above.
I also liked the Color Swap and the Color Accent (uses a picker to swap colors of subjects or mute everything else except a chosen color). Here’s a sample of a Color Accent using red.
There’s also an HDR effect but I found the output not that impressive. That or I just can’t get a good subject environment to test it with. The benefits of the HS system is not very evident but I found taking macro shots much easier and more accurate.
Camera performance ranges from good to exceptional — fast shutter speed, good focusing and a really nice combination of high ISO and large aperture opening allows for both creative shots and high-quality photos. The manual controls is really a bonus but I found the presets and custom settings more than adequate for most of my needs.
Video recording is also great at 720p HD although I found the lack of auto-focus in this mode a little disappointing.
The built-in flash pops from the top left side when needed although I rarely use it. Perhaps, one of the shortcomings of the S95 is the low-capacity Li-Ion battery. At just 1000mAh, it wouldn’t last you the whole day. I’d recommend getting a second and high-capacity battery (there’s a 2350mAh 3rd-party battery that costs about Php3,000).
Key features of the Canon S95:
10-megapixel CCD sensor
HS System
28-105mm F2.0-4.9
28mm wide, 3.8x zoom, Hybrid IS
lens control ring, full manual & RAW shots
3-inch PureColor II G LCD
720p HD movies, HDMI
High Dynamic Range (HDR) mode
Multi-Aspect Shooting
The Canon Powershot S95 came in with a suggested retail price of Php27,950 but it has already gone down. Some sellers are offering it for as low as Php18,000. Got mine in Funan IT Mall in Singapore back in October for about the same price and came with an 8GB SD card. The S95 is a must-buy for those who are looking for an all-around point-and-shoot camera — just make sure you get a good deal for it. And don’t forget the extra batteries.
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kim@usbmicroscopecam says:
Good review about the product very well explained specially on the specifications.
Bratiness says:
Very good review. I bought my s95 because of this. However, I’m having a problem setting this up. I want to start a fashion blog ala lookbook but I can’t figure out what’s the right blending/ set up for S95. btw I am a newbie when it comes to cameras that’s why I chose a point and shoot cam. I’ve done lots of research about it but I only found reviews. I hope you can help me. Thanks in advance.
Canon Photography says:
Nice review of canon s95! I’m a neophyte photographer and I found this model to be exactly what I need. I have my review as well of canon s95 in my blog site.
gino says:
@food&photography i got my s95 at the electroworld for 27950. seeing other online shops like dbgadgets it costs at around 16K
food & photography says:
I am wanting this s95. how mush does it cost now?
Bob says:
I bought this camera a month ago and I am really satisfied with its capacity. Even my friends who are using DSLR want to buy S95.
gino says:
which is better s95 or 1100d
Sony says:
You said, “I have finally found the ideal point-and-shoot replacement to my dSLR.”
Wait until you see Sony’s HX9V Cybershot. ;)
16x Optical Zoom
16MP
Handheld Twilight – you’ll never need a tripod!
3D Sweep Panoramic shot
Good battery life
This is just a compact P&S. Whew!
Mitch P says:
I’m considering the hx9v over the s95.
Do you know when it will be available in the Philippines?
Sony says:
No word yet from Sony PH.
I’m also excited to use that 24mm lens. :)
Jonaflormic says:
I wish to have this one. http://bitsformovingup.blogspot.com/
Internet Hizmetleri says:
Why I’ll take LX5 over this:
1. Dial wheel is difficult to turn with stubby/sweaty fingers
2. No hot shoe – deal breaker for me
Abe Olandres says:
@3739 – don’t ahve an LX5 but will try when I get the chance.
@mika – I tried but the sample photos I got from it weren’t as impressive as I expected.
mika says:
did you try the HDR effect feature?
3739 says:
Sir Yuga,
Could you also add a photo of the S95’s widest (@28mm) and the LX5’s (24mm) to see how much the difference is. Also if possible to take landscape shots.
Looking forward to buying either of the two since I am an avid traveller.
Thanks!
Ton says:
Why I’ll take LX5 over this:
1. Dial wheel is difficult to turn with stubby/sweaty fingers
2. No hot shoe – deal breaker for me
Abe Olandres says:
@cliff @tic – iPhoto gamit ko.
tic says:
is that the origami slideshow? meron ba nun sa imovie? cool! very similar sa ipad :))
Abe Olandres says:
@3739 – will try, di pa official LX5 locally e.
@islacom – got it in SG din but maybe Hidalgo shops are selling them too.
islacom Philippines says:
Will be getting this Camera. May I ask where to buy the high capacity battery you mention thats worth 3K?
thanks
3739 says:
Sir Abe,
Could you please make a review of the Lumix LX5 against the S95? Pretty please! hehe.
Thanks!
Harley says:
would love to have them! wow!
Wendy says:
I’ll “try” to get that as a christmas present for myself. If budget doesn’t suffice i’ll make it a new year present instead.
sylv3rblade says:
I’ve been seeing several gadget reviewers recommending the S95 as one of the best P&S on sale today.. Hmm… How’s the battery life on the S95 (number of shots)?
Cliff Rosario says:
What application did you use for the slideshow.. It’s nice.. :D
mr8382004 says:
Mga sir, can this model make fast continues shots like dSLR? What is the speed (shots per second)?
Abe Olandres says:
@sky – been using 3rd party batteries for years on my dSLR and PnS. No problems so far. Best thing about them is the high-capacity ratings you don’t get on the original ones. If my Canon 7D can run on 4 AA batteries, why not a 3rd party battery?
mcdreamy says:
Dear Santa…
arnold says:
Lowest price I’ve seen for this camera is at Php17K. Still thinking whether to get this or the Lumix LX5…:-)
sky says:
3rd-party batteries? Seriously? I wouldn’t risk it.
Nice camera, but the price is practically at low-end DSLR territory. Or maybe kulang lang talaga budget ko :))
mcometa says:
Christmas Wish # 1 right there! Thanks Yuga!