why is it that when i am in nostalgic mode, every time i "turn the wheel to control age effect" it skips to the to stitch assist mode or color swap? i must be dumb i cant figure it out. i've seen some cool pictures in black and white that look old but my nostalgic mode always comes out normal color....
That actually depends on the social network. For instance with flickr, yes it will maintain quality because they focus on sharing photographs. However some social networks will either force you to only submit content that is below a certain size (lets say less than 4 MB) or they may have software on their side which degrades the image. The reason is it takes a lot of their server bandwith to store/display images.
great reviews, very clear and relatively comprehensive, particularly showing the well designed UI and its integration with the control ring, which I think has sold the camera for me versus the Lumix LX3. Thanks.
I was thinking about doing something like this but I have not had much time. I would suggest familiarizing yourself with the basics of photography, which will help you take pictures with anything.
One of the best resources I've found is Ken Rockwell (google him). Definitely if I get some time it might be interesting to do a few tutorial videos.
I've watched your reviews and I think they are really helpful. I was wondering between this S90 and the G11. which one is much better, for great photos?
Canon have released a few cameras since the S90, but none that compete on the full-manual compact end of the product line.
Generally Canon seems to be upgrading the G series cameras around fall each year. If an upgrade were to happen this year for the S90 it'd probably come in September/October of this year. Otherwise they might be delaying a new model until next year (anyone work for Canon?).
Those pictures from the link look great, but did they have any kind of post-editing done to them? If not, I think I'm pretty much sold on this camera.
All my pics have post processing work done, if you want to see some unedited pics just go to the article and scroll through the comments. I've posted about 9 links to unedited pics on my flickr page. Word to the wise though, even the $7,000 pro-DSLR requires some post-processing work to make the best pictures come alive.
thanks for the review. can you give me advise because I'm considering to buy a new camera right now? which one you prefer? canon s90 or panasonic lumix lx-3?
I prefer compact size, so I'd go with the S90. But I would recommend you talk to LX-3 owners or try both cameras out at a store.
I have never tried the LX-3 myself so I can't give you a direct review. Check out some review sites and figure out if the trade offs for each might steer you one way or the other.
I bought the S90 a couple of days ago and used your videos for a quick start on the differences between my SD850 and this one. Even though I had read all the info before seeing your postings here, it was very useful to see you run through the functions before I start going through it myself. Thanks for doing these.
Thanks, I will be buying one, and the ums are fine, that's normal when speaking spontaneously to get all the information into the short time allotted. Some people complain about the silliest things. This video saved me hours of shopping around and I'm grateful for that. The things which sold me are the ring and the good quality screen.
very nice review, well done man. the S button is a programmable button that made the S series of camera's derives it's name from. It's a programmable shortcut button that will help you access frequently used functions. The my menu is a very good feature and customized the display accessed by pressing display twice. Once more, well done on the review and enjoy the camera :D it's excellent.
Thanks for this thorough review! I just ordered this camera, and have yet to receive it. I also found a great accessory you might be interested in: Richard Franiec's Custom S90 Grip, a low profile, professional quality grip.
The flipped image makes this video unwatchable for me - sorry. There's an easy to find setting to fix this on your MacBook - don't have mine handy to tell you exactly where, but it's there.
The video was filmed using my Macbook Pro's isight camera (first time I used it). Apparently the macbook records in mirror image (not sure why it does that but there is no way to change the settings to record normally).
@AceTracer thanks.. I'll definitely need to give it a try sometime. The only problem is now this video has been viewed so many times and it's getting decent rankings... at this point I don't want to replace it just because of the flipped video problem and loose the comments or the views.
Excellent very thorough review.. Very professional. I would even say more detailed and better review than many other so called professional review. I really appreciate time you took go over all gory details.
I recorded this video using my macbook pro and the built in isight camera. The isight camera reverses the image like a mirror (all the letters are backwards). Had the camera been upside down then the Canon logo would have been on the bottom of the camera.
Check out part 4, I posted a in-depth review of some of the controls using a regular camcorder to capture the video.
I believe that barrel distortion is pretty common among all compact camera's, just due to the nature of lenses that are used and sensor size. I haven't noticed anything too severe in my use thus far.
In terms of sharpness, I tend to shoot low light and handheld - so I compromise on sharpness by default. Using higher ISO and a stable surface/tripod should overcome this.
Still, a larger compact like the LX3 or G11 might have better optics to prevent distortion if it is of concern.
What do you mean "barrel distortion is pretty common among all compact cameras"? Doesn't it, like, instantly disqualifies such cameras from being worth anything?
We are not talking about fish-eye type distortion - that would be unacceptable. But minor curvature that is usually only seen if you a taking a picture of vertical and horizontal likes (buildings, bricks, etc.)
Barrel distortion is pretty easy to correct in post processing, and honestly most people never notice it. Unless you are shooting graphing paper it probably will not affect composition for most of your shots.
I'm not sure what you mean by adaptors, but my guess would be no unless you find something specifically for compacts/S90's.
I think you are asking about filters, to my knowledge there are no filters produced for these types of compact camera's. SLR lenses have threading at the tip which allows you to screw in filters for polarization/UV/etc.
I don't believe there is anything like that for this camera. Also there is no hotshoe on this camera so you cannot attach an external flash.
i'm seeing some negatives here. I have an slr, it's an old model canon 400d, but its fine. :) How about attaching some wide angle lenses or telephoto lenses in front?
James you are definitely not in the market for this camera. This is a pure compact camera (just like a Canon Elph or a Casio Exilim).
You probably should be looking at an SLR like the Canon Rebel Line or the Nikon D60/D90/D5000.
The only "compact" cameras that use interchangeable lenses are the micro 4/3" cameras. Check out the Panasonic Lumix DMC or the Olympus PEN. These are bulkier than a compact but smaller than a SLR.
The S90 is an advanced point and shoot for stashing in a pocket.
I cant always bring a dslr camera, since it attracts the eyes. Im just looking out for a small camera. im thinking of getting the canon g11, since its the smallest camera out there that offers a lot features. Although the size of it might be a little bulky for me, ill quickly adapt to it. Ill check out the said models.
Im not familiar with other brands but ill review some, its not that im bias or anything, its just that I grew up with a canon by my side!Thanks again, youve been a great help. :)
Cameras like the G11/GRD3/Leica D-Lux 4/LX-3 all have adapters that can be added on which allows for filters or added lenses such as a Lomo fisheye or proprietary wide-angle or telephoto.
The food photography was mostly done with a Casio Exilim z850. That too is a fully manual camera that came out maybe 3-4 years ago. Unfortunately I lost it recently, thus my purchase of the S90.
For food you get best results either with a SLR and dedicated Macro lens (big and expensive + awkward ina restaurant) or surprisingly enough compacts work well too.
I believe the size of the sensor + lens give most compacts great macro funtionality.
I haven't had a problem yet with that, but I see what you're saying and it's definitely possible to adjust settings by accident.
There is a guy at DPReview that is comparing the LX3 to the S90. I wouldn't be surprised if the LX3 has better optics, so I believe you if you say that the pics look better.
Still, form factor is important to me, so the S90 won out in my purchasing decision (I was looking at the LX3 as well during my research).
I would totally recommend trying both. I have not tried the G series myself, but I got a chance to hang out with someone else who had it. She was taking some pictures at a concert and the zoom range coupled with the lens quality produced some fantastic results.
When you get a chance to check the both out I think one of the deciding factors will be how large a camera you want. I wouldn't be surprised if G11's optics are better, but it's too big for me (I have a SLR for those situations).
Hey, actually I recorded the video on my new macbook - I didn't realize (until I posted the video) that the image was reversed. I'm in the process of creating a follow-up video and I'll be using a camcorder to make sure that the view is not reversed and you get a good view of the controls (... and the flash).
Hey, I tried replying to your last post but I hit the "remove" button by accident... sorry about that...
Anyway, I checked that part on my camera and it does seem to be loose, however it really is not noticeable at al and I wouldn't have checked unless you mentioned it. Basically there is a slight amount of give and you can hear a faint clicking sound.
It's definitely not a deal breaker, if you had it in your hands I doubt you would notice or care much.
Dude, you're pretty good...especially more or less off the cuff. The only negative is the reverse image of the camera on-screen. Other than that, you sound like a pro. Thanks
How about posting some of the camera's video capabilities as well?
why is it that when i am in nostalgic mode, every time i "turn the wheel to control age effect" it skips to the to stitch assist mode or color swap? i must be dumb i cant figure it out. i've seen some cool pictures in black and white that look old but my nostalgic mode always comes out normal color....
pterodaniel 4 months ago
UMMMMMMMMMM
aaron2113 1 year ago
hehe, i like how you say you got a "copy of the camera". mass fabrication of consumer goods ftw!
i just received my copy of the updated s95 model, it's great.
MustNotRead 1 year ago
Great review. Best one i've seen.
professor88p 1 year ago
I skipped 3 times in the video...and 3 times it landed on "Umm" =))
kamikazeOS 1 year ago
Local Best Buy selling s90 for $199.99 if you wanna save some money...
sirtechy 1 year ago
This has been flagged as spam show
i have a question.
Is the image quality the same when you download pictures to social networks like myspace?
TheSuperTonta14 1 year ago
i have a question.
Is the image quality the same when you download pictures to social networks like myspace?
TheSuperTonta14 1 year ago
@TheSuperTonta14
That actually depends on the social network. For instance with flickr, yes it will maintain quality because they focus on sharing photographs. However some social networks will either force you to only submit content that is below a certain size (lets say less than 4 MB) or they may have software on their side which degrades the image. The reason is it takes a lot of their server bandwith to store/display images.
bcsarmaa 1 year ago
This has been flagged as spam show
wow.... you guys put in a lot of work to something that isn't funny. this was the best sketch you could come up with?
researcher2012 1 year ago
I'd just like to say how wonderfully informative and well presented your 4 short videos are. Thank you.
If you are not making some kind of living in the presenting or teaching arena then you should be.
Well done. Excellent.
toperic02 1 year ago 2
@toperic02
Thanks, I appreciate the compliment.
bcsarmaa 1 year ago
The picture quality on this camera is amazing.
saintgo 1 year ago
how will the sound be for a concert? a metal concert and how is the zoom range in a video will it be blurry?
Zodion89 1 year ago
great reviews, very clear and relatively comprehensive, particularly showing the well designed UI and its integration with the control ring, which I think has sold the camera for me versus the Lumix LX3. Thanks.
TheGreenGecko 1 year ago
you're cute.
irx62 1 year ago
Would you consider doing some YouTube classes on this camera? You're great at explaining.
CarlyUTube 1 year ago
@CarlyUTube
I was thinking about doing something like this but I have not had much time. I would suggest familiarizing yourself with the basics of photography, which will help you take pictures with anything.
One of the best resources I've found is Ken Rockwell (google him). Definitely if I get some time it might be interesting to do a few tutorial videos.
bcsarmaa 1 year ago
Very profesional review,,thanx
glennirish 1 year ago
Hey great review dude very informative! I have a question though with the canon s90 can you shoot in RAW+JPEG at once??
FatalShot808 1 year ago
@FatalShot808
Yes this shoots JPEG+RAW.
bcsarmaa 1 year ago
I've watched your reviews and I think they are really helpful. I was wondering between this S90 and the G11. which one is much better, for great photos?
SuperRatia 1 year ago
this video is kinda old when we talk technology, do you know if Canon or other makers have produced a better camera since S90?
Baal1985 1 year ago
@Baal1985
Canon have released a few cameras since the S90, but none that compete on the full-manual compact end of the product line.
Generally Canon seems to be upgrading the G series cameras around fall each year. If an upgrade were to happen this year for the S90 it'd probably come in September/October of this year. Otherwise they might be delaying a new model until next year (anyone work for Canon?).
I haven't heard of an upgrade yet.
bcsarmaa 1 year ago
@bcsarmaa Thanks for the helpful reply :)
Baal1985 1 year ago
Those pictures from the link look great, but did they have any kind of post-editing done to them? If not, I think I'm pretty much sold on this camera.
happydragon311 1 year ago
@happydragon311
All my pics have post processing work done, if you want to see some unedited pics just go to the article and scroll through the comments. I've posted about 9 links to unedited pics on my flickr page. Word to the wise though, even the $7,000 pro-DSLR requires some post-processing work to make the best pictures come alive.
bcsarmaa 1 year ago
@bcsarmaa
Thanks bro, I'm giving this camera serious consideration.
happydragon311 1 year ago
thanks for the review. can you give me advise because I'm considering to buy a new camera right now? which one you prefer? canon s90 or panasonic lumix lx-3?
adryansetiadi 1 year ago 2
@adryansetiadi
I prefer compact size, so I'd go with the S90. But I would recommend you talk to LX-3 owners or try both cameras out at a store.
I have never tried the LX-3 myself so I can't give you a direct review. Check out some review sites and figure out if the trade offs for each might steer you one way or the other.
bcsarmaa 1 year ago
Nice review mate. Will be getting this camera for Christmas this year.
hcoll 1 year ago
very in depth video
initialjcorral 1 year ago
Nice overview.
LEXPIX 1 year ago
i wish it was a flipcamera too.
CherryExplosionn 1 year ago
I bought the S90 a couple of days ago and used your videos for a quick start on the differences between my SD850 and this one. Even though I had read all the info before seeing your postings here, it was very useful to see you run through the functions before I start going through it myself. Thanks for doing these.
milosteven 1 year ago
Thanks, I will be buying one, and the ums are fine, that's normal when speaking spontaneously to get all the information into the short time allotted. Some people complain about the silliest things. This video saved me hours of shopping around and I'm grateful for that. The things which sold me are the ring and the good quality screen.
crystalblueming 1 year ago
Thanks for the review. I'll probably be buying one.
chillbrian 1 year ago
i spent a while playing with this thing at bestbuy haha
cursedreject 1 year ago
A cool video by a cool bro!
futoku 2 years ago
very nice review, well done man. the S button is a programmable button that made the S series of camera's derives it's name from. It's a programmable shortcut button that will help you access frequently used functions. The my menu is a very good feature and customized the display accessed by pressing display twice. Once more, well done on the review and enjoy the camera :D it's excellent.
shimmytsgk 2 years ago
The video and content is great; good job.
More distracting than the mirrored image is the number if ums, ahs, and likes.
swoolverton 2 years ago
Thanks for this thorough review! I just ordered this camera, and have yet to receive it. I also found a great accessory you might be interested in: Richard Franiec's Custom S90 Grip, a low profile, professional quality grip.
phloem4 2 years ago
The flipped image makes this video unwatchable for me - sorry. There's an easy to find setting to fix this on your MacBook - don't have mine handy to tell you exactly where, but it's there.
sduck409 2 years ago
Perfect rebview.. and I'll look at the other parts too! xD
hataru45 2 years ago
Thanks for the very detailed review. Will be getting the s90 as backup for my rebel T1i.
materialgirlxoxoxo 2 years ago
This is excellent ..whoever you are..Done a great job..
Cheers...Shutter smiles
firedexhhaust 2 years ago
Why is the video flipped?
kenhes 2 years ago 7
The video was filmed using my Macbook Pro's isight camera (first time I used it). Apparently the macbook records in mirror image (not sure why it does that but there is no way to change the settings to record normally).
bcsarmaa 2 years ago
@bcsarmaa In QuickTime Player you can flip the video horizontally or vertically and then save it.
AceTracer 1 year ago
@AceTracer thanks.. I'll definitely need to give it a try sometime. The only problem is now this video has been viewed so many times and it's getting decent rankings... at this point I don't want to replace it just because of the flipped video problem and loose the comments or the views.
But next time... I'll give your solution a try.
Thanks again
bcsarmaa 1 year ago
Excellent very thorough review.. Very professional. I would even say more detailed and better review than many other so called professional review. I really appreciate time you took go over all gory details.
chinnan 2 years ago
Hey, just a tip, try and not say "um" so much..
gnomegolem 2 years ago 12
I agree... still an excellent review though :)
thebigyellowbanana 2 years ago
Saw your site and reviews, you should be a pro reviewer! Best review out there for the S90. Thanks!
transferases 2 years ago
Thanks for the comment...
Seriously, I'd love to work for CNet... wonder how you get those jobs...
bcsarmaa 2 years ago
you're holding it upside down...
GenAndrei 2 years ago
Nope, but I see why you would think that.
I recorded this video using my macbook pro and the built in isight camera. The isight camera reverses the image like a mirror (all the letters are backwards). Had the camera been upside down then the Canon logo would have been on the bottom of the camera.
Check out part 4, I posted a in-depth review of some of the controls using a regular camcorder to capture the video.
bcsarmaa 2 years ago
lol yea the mirror thing is kinda distracting. great review nonetheless!
havenhood 2 years ago
i heard there is severe barrel distortion that needs software correction, making pictures look noticeably less sharp
pimpmaster6294 2 years ago
I believe that barrel distortion is pretty common among all compact camera's, just due to the nature of lenses that are used and sensor size. I haven't noticed anything too severe in my use thus far.
In terms of sharpness, I tend to shoot low light and handheld - so I compromise on sharpness by default. Using higher ISO and a stable surface/tripod should overcome this.
Still, a larger compact like the LX3 or G11 might have better optics to prevent distortion if it is of concern.
bcsarmaa 2 years ago
no apparently on the lx3 and s90 its particularly awful and requires a lot of software correction with raw images. google it.
pimpmaster6294 2 years ago
What do you mean "barrel distortion is pretty common among all compact cameras"? Doesn't it, like, instantly disqualifies such cameras from being worth anything?
JanPB 2 years ago
We are not talking about fish-eye type distortion - that would be unacceptable. But minor curvature that is usually only seen if you a taking a picture of vertical and horizontal likes (buildings, bricks, etc.)
Barrel distortion is pretty easy to correct in post processing, and honestly most people never notice it. Unless you are shooting graphing paper it probably will not affect composition for most of your shots.
bcsarmaa 2 years ago
can you attach adapters in front? thanks.
james07jamesjames 2 years ago
I'm not sure what you mean by adaptors, but my guess would be no unless you find something specifically for compacts/S90's.
I think you are asking about filters, to my knowledge there are no filters produced for these types of compact camera's. SLR lenses have threading at the tip which allows you to screw in filters for polarization/UV/etc.
I don't believe there is anything like that for this camera. Also there is no hotshoe on this camera so you cannot attach an external flash.
bcsarmaa 2 years ago
i'm seeing some negatives here. I have an slr, it's an old model canon 400d, but its fine. :) How about attaching some wide angle lenses or telephoto lenses in front?
james07jamesjames 2 years ago
James you are definitely not in the market for this camera. This is a pure compact camera (just like a Canon Elph or a Casio Exilim).
You probably should be looking at an SLR like the Canon Rebel Line or the Nikon D60/D90/D5000.
The only "compact" cameras that use interchangeable lenses are the micro 4/3" cameras. Check out the Panasonic Lumix DMC or the Olympus PEN. These are bulkier than a compact but smaller than a SLR.
The S90 is an advanced point and shoot for stashing in a pocket.
bcsarmaa 2 years ago
I cant always bring a dslr camera, since it attracts the eyes. Im just looking out for a small camera. im thinking of getting the canon g11, since its the smallest camera out there that offers a lot features. Although the size of it might be a little bulky for me, ill quickly adapt to it. Ill check out the said models.
Im not familiar with other brands but ill review some, its not that im bias or anything, its just that I grew up with a canon by my side!Thanks again, youve been a great help. :)
james07jamesjames 2 years ago
Cameras like the G11/GRD3/Leica D-Lux 4/LX-3 all have adapters that can be added on which allows for filters or added lenses such as a Lomo fisheye or proprietary wide-angle or telephoto.
HypebeastTV 2 years ago
Nice vid usfull.
GYPSYGUSDA 2 years ago
What camera were you using for the close-up Food shots on your blog? Thanks
EbisuHapa 2 years ago
Hi, sorry for the delay in my response...
The food photography was mostly done with a Casio Exilim z850. That too is a fully manual camera that came out maybe 3-4 years ago. Unfortunately I lost it recently, thus my purchase of the S90.
For food you get best results either with a SLR and dedicated Macro lens (big and expensive + awkward ina restaurant) or surprisingly enough compacts work well too.
I believe the size of the sensor + lens give most compacts great macro funtionality.
bcsarmaa 2 years ago
The only thing I hate with the S90 is that I'm always hitting the rear scroll wheel and unknowingly adjusting the aperture.
It takes ok pictures, but my LX3 is still better.
flipknoc 2 years ago
I haven't had a problem yet with that, but I see what you're saying and it's definitely possible to adjust settings by accident.
There is a guy at DPReview that is comparing the LX3 to the S90. I wouldn't be surprised if the LX3 has better optics, so I believe you if you say that the pics look better.
Still, form factor is important to me, so the S90 won out in my purchasing decision (I was looking at the LX3 as well during my research).
bcsarmaa 2 years ago
you're right, the s90 is very pocketable compared to the lx3. i was able to take it skiing and take over 200 snapshots with ease. enjoy your new toy!
flipknoc 2 years ago
Nice review. Actually took me a while before I noticed it was in mirror.
I am still deciding between the new G11 which just came out here in the Netherlands or the S90 which is not yet out here (should be in okt).
I want to hold them both in my hands 1st before I decide.
flyingdd 2 years ago
I would totally recommend trying both. I have not tried the G series myself, but I got a chance to hang out with someone else who had it. She was taking some pictures at a concert and the zoom range coupled with the lens quality produced some fantastic results.
When you get a chance to check the both out I think one of the deciding factors will be how large a camera you want. I wouldn't be surprised if G11's optics are better, but it's too big for me (I have a SLR for those situations).
bcsarmaa 2 years ago
oh never mind, you're standing in front of a mirror...lol!
jayzbond007 2 years ago
Hey, actually I recorded the video on my new macbook - I didn't realize (until I posted the video) that the image was reversed. I'm in the process of creating a follow-up video and I'll be using a camcorder to make sure that the view is not reversed and you get a good view of the controls (... and the flash).
bcsarmaa 2 years ago
interesting, you have a left sided version. the ones sold here in usa, the dial is on the right side not left.
jayzbond007 2 years ago
Common Maaaaan! Show us that flash move! Great Video by the way!
Schnake79 2 years ago
Hey, I tried replying to your last post but I hit the "remove" button by accident... sorry about that...
Anyway, I checked that part on my camera and it does seem to be loose, however it really is not noticeable at al and I wouldn't have checked unless you mentioned it. Basically there is a slight amount of give and you can hear a faint clicking sound.
It's definitely not a deal breaker, if you had it in your hands I doubt you would notice or care much.
bcsarmaa 2 years ago
Dude, you're pretty good...especially more or less off the cuff. The only negative is the reverse image of the camera on-screen. Other than that, you sound like a pro. Thanks
How about posting some of the camera's video capabilities as well?
ayokay123 2 years ago
I was looking forward to seeing the flash go up and down...
Schnake79 2 years ago
Sorry man, slipped my mind - I didn't realize until the video was posted.
bcsarmaa 2 years ago