Rumor: Canon EOS 7D Imminent Canon Introduces PowerShot G11: 10 Megapixels, 2.8-inch Vari-Angle LCD

Canon Introduces PowerShot S90: 10 Megapixels, F/2(!) 28-105mm Lens

9 comments

Posted by Patrick on Aug 19, 2009 in Cameras, Compact

Interested in cameras, photographers, and tutorials? Then consider subscribing to our RSS feed to stay up to date on the latest in photography related news at Neutralday.com

While the G11 may be the camera that gets the most attention from enthusiast photographers today, I’m thinking the really interesting camera introduced today is the PowerShot S90. With an unmistakable nod to the very good, but impossible to find Panasonic LX3 the S90 appears to take the G-series internals, and place them in an ELPH body. The result is a slim, simplistic, camera body that appears to offer the photographer seeking something special in a compact a very compelling offering.

So what exactly do we have? Well, the S90 takes the same 10 megapixel “high sensitivity” sensor found in the G11 along with the DIGIC IV, the combo now dubbed “Dual Anti-Noise System”. I’d expect an additional stop of usable image quality from this, perhaps moving into the territory of using ISO 800 with confidence? Further, the S90 shoots manual and in RAW. Interestingly the S90 has an innovative control ring ’round the lens, which can control zoom (in chunks) and be programmed to control additional camera features such as ISO and shutter speed. And what about that lens? Well, it sounds real good as well, a 28-105mm lens with a nice bright f/2 opening at the wide end. Image stabilization is claimed to offer 4 stops of help, and the S90 sports a 3 inch 461k resolution LCD on the back.

What’s missing? Not much, but I suppose some will bristle at the lack of HD video. Otherwise, the PowerShot S90 looks to go toe to toe with the LX3 (and then some?), and more importantly, it’s likely to be available! The S90 is priced at $430 and should be out in October.

For a some further insight, What Digital Camera has some hands-on and video with the S90 here.

Press release and photos follow.

Canon PowerShot S90

LONDON, UK, 19th August 2009: Today Canon announces the PowerShot S90 – marking the return of the Canon PowerShot S-series. The PowerShot S90 continues the PowerShot S-series tradition with impressive, fully manual features that deliver excellent image quality and user experience, including:
Canon’s Dual Anti-Noise System with an f/2.0 wide-angle lens, a 3.0 inch, PureColor II LCD display and an intuitive new lens Control Ring.

Exceptional image quality in all conditions
The PowerShot S90 features Canon’s Dual Anti-Noise System, combining a high sensitivity 10.0 Megapixel image sensor with Canon’s enhanced DIGIC 4 image processor. Photographers can capture full resolution images – even in tricky lighting conditions – with the Dual Anti-Noise System taking maximum advantage of the available light, while substantially reducing image noise.

This is particularly useful in low-light portrait and landscape photography, where users are able to shoot high quality full resolution images even at ISO 3200. DIGIC 4 also includes an enhanced version of i-Contrast: Canon’s Intelligent Contrast Correction technology, which delivers a wider dynamic range to reduce high-light blowout while retaining low-light detail.

The f/2.0 Advantage
Canon has fitted the PowerShot S90 with a wide aperture f/2.0 wide-angle lens to help photographers take full advantage of the Dual Anti-Noise System. The f/2.0 wide-angle lens allows twice as much light into the camera as an f/2.8 lens, enabling photographers to use faster shutter speeds to reduce blur or achieve a shallower depth of field.

The camera also includes Canon’s optical Image Stabilizer (IS) technology, which uses a lens-shift system to minimise camera shake and image blur – effectively giving photographers a 4-stop advantage over less capable cameras.

To help users capture the perfect shot, the PowerShot S90 includes a 3.0 inch LCD display, which features Canon’s PureColor II LCD technology. It enables users to frame and review images easily thanks to an exceptionally wide viewing angle, 461k dot resolution and great colour rendition.

Sophisticated performance, sensational ease of use
As befits a camera of this calibre, the PowerShot S90 features a wide range of powerful manual and automatic controls that give photographers creative freedom.

The PowerShot S90 features an intuitive lens Control Ring, which enables users to adjust the settings of various functions by twisting the selector at the base of the lens barrel to the left or right. The Control Ring can be used as a quasi-manual zoom offering a closer view of subjects in 28mm, 35mm, 50mm, 85mm and 105mm steps.

Additional settings can be assigned, such as ISO (in 1/3 stop increments), shutter, aperture, focus and exposure compensation – giving photographers a satisfyingly tactile experience. The Control Ring also helps enhance user interaction with the camera by offering fast, accurate scrolling through menus, functions and images. In new Nostalgic Mode the Control Ring can also be used to add an aged effect to the shot, from a subtle faded look to full grainy black and white.

Smarter Scene Detection
For more creative control, users can also choose from a variety of Scene Modes (SCN on the Control dial) that enable them to choose the best settings for particular shooting situations – ideal for creative effects or when shooting in difficult lighting. A new Low Light mode can help users capture reduced resolution 2.5 Megapixel images in very dim light at ISO speeds of up to ISO 12800 and at a fast 2.4 frames per second.

Photographers can also choose from a range of creative modes including Aperture priority AE, Shutter priority AE, Program AE, Manual and Custom modes. Choosing and using different camera settings is now even easier thanks to an improved menu navigation system, which includes ‘Hints & Tips’ on most settings and features.

The PowerShot S90 allows fine custom adjustment of the camera’s white balance settings – enabling compensation of different kinds of tungsten, fluorescent and other light conditions for perfect results every time.

For quick and easy snaps, the PowerShot S90 includes Smart Auto with Scene Detection Technology. This selects the scene type from 22 variables, applying the best settings for optimum output – a great asset to those who love to point-and-shoot without worrying about the technical details. Smart Auto now measures movement of objects or people in a scene, activating Servo AF/AE to ensure that the focus and exposure are locked onto a subject.

In addition, the PowerShot S90 offers RAW format shooting and support for Canon’s Digital Photo Professional (DPP) software, making it easy to integrate the camera into a user’s digital workflow. Users will also find it easy to share images captured on the camera with family and friends, thanks to an HDMI mini port, which enables the camera to be connected to a compatible TV using an optional cable.

With a strong heritage and impressive range of features the PowerShot S90 is the ideal compact camera for technology and photographic enthusiasts alike.

Continue the Discussion

Join us on Facebook! Become a fan of Neutralday today!

Become a fan of Neutralday on Facebook. Interact with us and stay updated on what's coming next at Neutralday, photography news, and other fans' insights.

Follow us on Twitter! Grab our tweets right here.

Follow Neutralday on Twitter. Insights on the cameras we're reviewing, and frequent photography related news, thoughts, and links.

Support Neutralday by shopping at our preferred retailer, B&H Photo

Explore Similar Posts

9 Responses to “Canon Introduces PowerShot S90: 10 Megapixels, F/2(!) 28-105mm Lens”

Eolake Stobblehouse says:
August 22, 2009 at 12:05 pm

“While the G11 may be the camera that gets the most attention from enthusiast photographers today, I’m thinking the really interesting camera introduced today is the PowerShot S90.”

I agree.
If you want a chunk like a model G, get the (Panasonic) G1 and get a good-sized sensor in the deal.

reply
- Patrick says:
  August 23, 2009 at 5:23 pm
  
  I know lots of folks clamor for the G series, it’s not my cup of tea however, though I get the appeal…the S90 however does look interesting.
  
  reply
Eolake Stobblehouse says:
August 22, 2009 at 12:08 pm

Do you know if the S90 is Elph/Ixus-sized or bigger?

reply
- Patrick says:
  August 23, 2009 at 5:26 pm
  
  It’s a bit smaller than the LX3, which isn’t a tiny camera, and bigger than the other IXUS cameras introduced the same day.
  
  reply
Eolake Stobblehouse says:
August 22, 2009 at 3:26 pm

$430 in the US, and £450 ($740) in the UK… I’m gonna hurl.

reply
- Patrick says:
  August 23, 2009 at 5:27 pm
  
  Even the $430 seems high, but perhaps price is sending a message?
  
  reply
Eolake Stobblehouse says:
August 23, 2009 at 5:34 pm

Yeah. Must be either: “we got the goods, so we’ll charge for them,” or “piss off, see if we care”.

reply
- Patrick says:
  August 23, 2009 at 5:38 pm
  
  It’s a well known marketing strategy…
  
  reply