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Canon PowerShot S90 vs. Panasonic Lumix DMC-LX3: Enthusiast’s Compact Comparison
With the announcement of the PowerShot S90, Canon has launched a clear salvo at the vaunted Panasonic LX3, and for good reason. The LX3 seem to strike the right chord for a good many photographers, and to this day it is painfully hard to get hold of one. Of course Canon already had its own “photographer’s camera”, the G10. But the G10 never struck me as an exact competitor, frankly looking a bit overkill compared to the rangefinder looks that the LX3 wears. Now the G10 is rugged for a reason, and is a fine camera for photographers needing the best image quality Canon offers in a compact with a tank-like build. Still, we wondered when Canon would offer photographers something with a bit more “finesse”?
[Update: We've begun our hands on reporting of the Canon PowerShot S90 right here, with image and ISO samples.]
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Canon S90
Enter the PowerShot S90. You’ll note right away from the exterior there are some similarities between the 2 cameras. All black bodies, both in fairly similar sizes. Both have (wisely) opted to bow out of the megapixel race, with 10 megapixel sensors in each camera. Also, both aim to offer nice depth of field and low light abilities with an f/2 aperture on their widest settings, and finally both cameras feature a 3 inch LCD in similar resolutions. So far it’s a little hard to make up my mind, so a bit more detail on each camera.
On paper, the PowerShot S90 offers just about everything I’d be looking for in a compact. Starting with the sensor, the S90 has taken the reasonable path with a 1/1.7″ CCD sensor (a bit larger than most compacts) with a mere 10 megapixels on board. The goal here is improved image quality, with lower noise, and ideally more dynamic range. This more sensitive sensor is then paired with DIGIC IV processing, a combination Canon dubs “Dual Anti-Noise System”. ISO range for the S90 is 80-3200, and with Canon claiming a 2 stop improvement in usable ISO with the new G11 which shares sensors with the S90, I’m guessing that the S90 will be good for ISO 800 and perhaps even an occasional ISO 1600 shot, though usable ISO 3200 seems very doubtful. Frame rate is about average, a respectable 1.9 FPS. On the optics front, the S90 features a 28-105mm lens with a very nice f/2 aperture at the wide end. However, this drops to f/4.9 once zoomed out, a distinct difference in philosophy with the LX3. With the LX3 you get less length, at 60mm, but a brighter lens, still f/2.8 zoomed all the way out. Further the LX3 is a bit wider at 24mm. The S90 offers more versatility, the LX3 provides more light/speed with much less reach. Like any good enthusiast’s camera the S90 does shoot RAW as well as providing for P, A, S, and Manual shooting modes. Of course, it also has Canon’s “Smart Auto” for moments that need less “thinking”. Externally the S90 is minimal in look, but lacks the LX3’s distinctness. Also lacking, a hot shoe, which means no external flash and no external viewfinder. The price? A good $70 lower than the LX3, but still not cheap at $429. (Order right now at Amazon for $429.95)
Panasonic LX3
The Panasonic LX3 has been out for awhile now, but that hasn’t made getting one any easier. In part this has to do with countless good reviews that the LX3 has acquired since it’s introduction, but also because it frankly hasn’t had a whole lot of direct competition. (I also happen to have a feeling Panasonic might have production problems, as this isn’t the only very good Panasonic camera that is hard to get). It also starts with a 10 megapixel sensor, actually a 10.1 megapixel 1/1.63″ CCD sensor. This combined with the Venus Engine IV leaves the LX3 with an ISO range of 80-3200, and this combo does produce rather usable ISO 800 images with the LX3, and even at times ISO 1600 shots. Compacts aren’t generally known for good high ISO performance, but the LX3 is one of the better ones right now. Frame rate for the LX3 checks in at 2.5 fps, faster than the S90. Optically, as we mentioned above, the LX3 orients itself to the very serious photographer, with a classic range of 24-60mm with apertures going from f/2 wide open to f/2.8 at 60mm. That’s much faster than the S90, but at the expense of a good deal of length. It goes without saying that the LX3, like the S90 offers RAW files and P, A, S, and Manual shooting modes. Externally, the LX3 is a great looking camera, simple, but classic at the same time with a good dose of rangefinder styling. Build quality is high on the LX3, and you might have noticed that it does provide a hot shoe for an external flash or viewfinder. And there’s at least one more thing going for the LX3. In somewhat of a strange omission, the S90 does not shoot high definition video, just lowly 640×480 video at 30 fps. The LX3 however is capable of taking 720p HD video at a film like 24 fps. We had thought that 720p was now the bare minimum for video in a new camera, but I suppose not just yet. So what does it cost? Amazingly, time has not discounted the LX3, in fact high demand has led to even higher prices at some retailers. On occasion though, Amazon will have some in stock here.
Conclusions
In conclusion, the choice is a hard one. The Panasonic LX3 is a near classic camera with great reviews, and an amazing lens, if you’re looking for a walk around/landscape camera. Unfortunately, it is still difficult to find, and also more expensive than the S90 (possibly much more). Playing catch up is the S90, but it seems to offer most of the benefits of the LX3, with a potentially more useful lens and for a lower price. Possibly more important, it’s likely to be available, and that’s a good thing, because with its spec sheet and the “S” line history, I get the feeling it will do well. My take is the LX3 has the edge here, but the S90 might be the smarter (and easier) purchase. Still, I can’t help feeling that lately Canon appears to be following Panasonic’s lead.
The S90 is available right now at Amazon,
Specifications comparison follows.
Front comparison (click to enlarge)
Rear comparison (click to enlarge)
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Good review. I have the LX3 and one thing I wonder about the Canon is how people are supposed to hold on to it? The LX3 has grips on front and back that I find essential for keeping a firm hold on the camera. The LX3 is solidly built and heavy for its size, and it can easily get away from you. Even if you have a neck/wrist strap on it’s not the sort of thing you want swinging around. Obviously Canon is going for the clean look but they forgot that a camera is meant to be used, not looked at.
I just got back from taking shots in a dense forest near sundown. Not a problem for the LX3. Between the fast lens and the mindboggling array of features, I don’t think Panasonic has much to worry about.
sylvia,
love to hear about camera owners loving their cameras, I agree the LX3 is superior from build to IQ, but the Canon will be cheaper, more readily available, and most notably, the Canon name, and it will sell well I’m sure. Don’t know how many that pulls from the LX3, but I suspect some won’t want to pay the LX3 premium, will fall for the S90’s reach, see it’s available and buy it.
Really good point – except that the Leica d-Lux 4, which is exactly the same camera as the LX3 does not have these supposedly all important grips either.
Those goofy bulges and the wrap around lettering have kept me away from the Lumix. If you are going to sell a $500 camera, it should look a little more serious and less toy like (IMHO) – I have been waiting to get a beautiful d-Lux 4, and then Canon swoops in . . . decisions, decisions.
I love my LX3, but one thing the s90 has going for it is the form factor. Smaller (thinner!) and lighter is a good thing when you’re leaving the house and debating whether to bring a camera. My LX3 is small, but with the protruding lens barrel, it’s an awkward shape. I ended up buying a Panasonic TS1 because my LX3 just won’t fit quite comfortably in a pocket.
Also, everyone mentions the s90’s smaller f4.9 aperture zoomed out – but that’s at 105mm. I’m guessing at 60mm it’s more along the lines of f3.5? If you’re going to compare the zoom to the LX3’s zoom, i’d speculate that it’s really only around one aperture stop difference.
I’m keeping my LX3 – it does take wonderful pictures. Just wanted to point out a couple of things I felt are also important when comparing the two cameras.
hd72,
thanks for stopping by. Good points, though I’m not all that convinced that the S90 is much more pocketable. I’m guessing you’re right about the aperture, but a stop isn’t just light–it’s also more blur–if you’re inclined to that type of look–and I am.
I agree with you about the aperture — in a compact camera, every bit of blur you can get in the background is valuable.
What’s difficult to compare here is the size… In the specs for the LX3, it says it’s 1.1″ thick — comparable to the S90. But where the lens barrel protrudes, the LX3 is actually 2″ thick. (I’m measuring mine right now.) Makes a big difference when you try to stick it in your pocket. So does the hot shoe getting caught on fabric LOL
Since specs can be so misleading, I guess i’ll just have to get my hands on an S90 before i decide how much smaller it really is.
The photos I’ve seen make the S90 look pretty thin. But as a photographer i know you can’t always trust photos either.
hd72,
sent you an email for further insight.
Just checking out the “grip” for the S90, I noticed that they have a hot shoe cover for the LX-3
http://kleptography.com/rf/#camera_s90
whats hot shoe for a point and shoot camera? it will be useless..
For me the hot shoe is very important as it allows an optical VF to be attached. That allows for unobtrusive shooting in situations where you don’t want LCD illumination to be disruptive or revealing.
The S90 has two programmable control rings – that should make it really easy to use – without having to mess around with menus. And it is quite a bit smaller than the LX3
Check out http://www.kenrockwell.com he has a preproduction model that he has reviewed.
Jesse,
thanks for the comment, checked your link already, and it does sound promising!
I’ve got my S90 on order. Actually not having to deal with a freaking lens cap was the deal breaker for me!
Jesse,
Congrats, and I hope you stop by with a review and links to pictures!
I had forgotten about that on the Panasonic LX-2 I had, it wasn’t too bad, but caught me out a couple of times
Fixed lens cap:
http://www.lx3-photography.com/2009/02/lx3-ricoh-cap-tutorial.html
After “upgrading” from a Canon PowerShot G7 to a Panasonic Lumix LX3, I noticed that video is generally better on the Canon, less compression artefacts at 640×480, and that the 720p mode on the Lumix is not particularly useful because of the meager 24 fps. So, although I’m very happy with the still image performance of the LX3, I would expect the S90 to deliver better usable video quality.
I’ve just ordered a Canon S90 – for a few reasons, partly to replace my ailing IXUS 500 as pocket/handy/easy to carry around camera & for the features for such a small camera. I’ve also owned a Panasonic LX-2 which was very nice but the ‘water-colouring effect on anything over ISO100 really put me off even looking beyond the initial factors of the LX-3
1 point I would like to see is what the F factor of the Canon is at the 60mm (the maximum of the Panasonic)?
I’m currently looking for some more sample images, particularly at the ISO12800 ‘equivalent’ mode – I think you’ll still need a tripod though as it must involve some trickery to do that
I’m not sure how long it will be before the S90 arrives, but as soon as it does ‘I aim to misbehave’ & have some fun
And come back and share some pics?
2x High ISO Images that struck out as interesting whilst looking at Canon S90 snap-shot gallery – these are screen-caps & originals are reduced resolution anyway – but 1st one is ISO8000 & the second image is ISO12800
http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e127/Zol101/ISO8000.jpg
http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e127/Zol101/ISO12800.jpg
(should give some idea even at much reduced size of what the S90 in low light & high ISO will do)
I’m just still shocked that 12,800 is available in a compact, but yes those shots are interesting…likely not possible if Canon had kept going with the megapixels.
yes, even those shots are a fraction of their original size but the detail level (particularly of the wine glass) is still pretty clear; I wouldn’t expect detailing to be sharp but I have had cameras at ISO 1600 where the glass would be just a fuzzy mess
Just got an email saying my camera is out of stock (no surprise there) – just waiting on an updated eta. I’m in the UK & having to pay the premium due to the global currency exchange rates etc. (the main reason for the big price difference between US/UK/Japan)
Another good comparison of the LX3 – S90 size-wise is shown in this Flickr gallery (overlayed images of both) – http://www.flickr.com/photos/24258970@N06/3870013699/in/pool-1210430@N21/
Canon S90 vs. Panasonic LX3 @ ISO1600 – fullsize image comparison from DPreview
<<>>
http://a.img-dpreview.com/gallery/canons90_preview/originals/img_0003.jpg
F4.9 1/40sec ISO1600
http://a.img-dpreview.com/gallery/panasoniclx3_samples/originals/p1020572_rb.jpg
F2.7 1/60sec ISO1600
I wouldn’t say it’s conclusive as one shot is brightly lit, the other not, but just compare the noise levels on the skin tone.
Fairly happy I’ve made the right decision with the Canon, just got to tap those fingers on one hand impatiently whilst I wait for delivery & cross the fingers in my other hand that there’s no delays in shipping
Darin,
it seems these comments with multiple links need approval and I didn’t notice that, sorry for the delay. But yes I’m impressed by these shots!
I think both cameras are brilliant, they both seem to take pretty impressive shots. I do agree that we would need to know what the canon s90 does at 60mm for f-stop. I had the LX3 and it was fantastic but i am not thrilled with the little joystick. I will probably be going to the s90 this time due to the control rings, these should make manual control much easier. The grip is a minor gripe I have but with the cameras being almost identical in size you should easily still be able to hold the camera. I would suspect the aperture at 60mm on the canon to be near identical due to similar sensor size and the canon lens wide angle at 28 with f2 versus the panasonic at 24 with f2. Ken rockwell has a pretty good write up of the s90 and dpreview as nice sample images from both cameras….. The one thing that gets me is why on earth someone would consider the g11 now? for a hot shoe, bit more range, and HD and TANK size?
Hi Shane,
The examples on the sites have the Canon S90 at F3.5 @ 60mm – check out DPreview & the samples there. there’s also a Polish website out there which shows the same scene at the differing ISO levels (on a pre-production model)
Now it’s October, I hope that the camera is finally shipping – I’m itching to try it
You can add a grip to the S90:
http://kleptography.com/rf/#camera_s90
More comparison links here than you might care to read:
http://tinyurl.com/yazt396
For me the hot shoe is the clincher!
On camera size there is 1% difference in volume so it really depends on your pocket shape! I don’t care much for extreme Iso’s so I am not really fussed about which camera is better at Iso 1600.
My real question is which camera has the least compression on jpg files. Taking exactly the same shot at the highest quality jpg which will have the largest file, and therefore the better crop & enlarging option when priting.
Cheers
Oh I don’t know, both have RAW which negates the jpg image compression issue as you can shoot in RAW & convert to JPG on computer. Canon is usually pretty good though on Superfine.
On size, as previously mentioned above, the hotshoe on LX2/3 catches – I had an LX2 & wished there was some kind of cap for the hot shoe. Also the slimmer design of the canon will slip easily in shirt pocket where as the LX3 has the lens barrel protrusion
I think once the full reviews come out things will be much clearer & more comparisons will be made with things mentioned here as well as elsewhere
One fault of the LX3 led me to sell it (for what I bought it for) on eBay and order the S90 (which will arrive Monday): shutter lag. I could not use it to capture a fleeting moment. Having used it successfully to capture bursts/moments, made some beautiful images. At a golf tournament, trying to use it as a replacement for a close-in camera, alongside the 70-200mm and 500mm, it failed miserably. Also I never have like the “textured” grain pattern on the LX3 – too much processing in the post-capture/pre-JPEG processor.
jvb,
Yeah, I wouldn’t be inclined to use the LX3 for dynamic subjects. I’ll be curious to hear from you how the S90 compares to it in your opinion.
will let you know when i know.
jvb,
we’ll track you down if you don’t
It’s much more articulate and controllable than my other p&s. you still can’t grab it quickly like an SLR and fire away. Jury’s out on shutter lag.
The control ring is very usable and changes according to the setting. If you’re in A, the ring controls aperture. If you’re in T, ring controls shutter speed. If you’re in P, ring controls focal length. These are basic presets. I haven’t delved into other options but since one of the buttons on top is “ring setting” or something like that, I know there’s more.
one of the first things i did was set it on A at f/2 and point it into bright sun. since the highest shutter speed is 1/1600, i figured it would blow out the photo, which it did. then i checked the menus and found one of my favorite canon slr controls — safety shift, turned it on, aimed it at the brightness, shot and it started closing down the aperture.
My plan is to shoot everything on RAW + large JPEG, so anything I shoot casually can have a higher res backup that what i’ve been shooting.
Low light setting is interesting. I thought it was more something that’s just part of the chip’s capability and when you’re in low light, it kicks in.
Nope, it has its own setting on the top control dial by Auto, P, T, A, etc. In low light it automatically sets the iso between 800-12,500 (not sure about the lower end), reduces the chip to 3-4 megapixel and drops the JPEG compress to M with no RAW option.
I shot the same image on P at 3200 iso and then on low light. The former has golf ball grain, the latter is much smoother and, I think, not as sharp. Clearly I have to do more reading, shooting and post-processing comparisons.
It comes with a wrist strap — pocket cameras don’t cotton to neck straps — that’s nicer and slightly wider than on my SD880 but I don’t like it because it’s too loose and the camera could slip too easily. I found a wrist strap attached to an old SD300 that’s flat leather and smaller that works better.
jvb723, Is the shutter lag to do with the auto-focussing or something else? I have found that most P&S cameras take a while to focus but lock the focus (& WB set to other than AWB) & that apparent lag goes away.
perhaps you could expand a little & lock the controls, then see what lag there actual is left.
many thanks
Seams people have been receiving their cameras already & posts on Dpreview about different things – you get the nitpickers & then you get the people who say it truly is a great camera. I think in the end it’s whether people are buying the camera because it is new or buying it because it fulfils a photographic need?
It seams build quality might be an issue, with people comparing it rightly or wrongly to IXUS Cameras & the lack of weight a bit disconcerting in that comparison.
Still no word on delivery yet of mine, but I’m in the UK, so may be a bit longer to wait.
Darin
Darin,
it looks pretty solid to me, it ain’t perfect but lots of things quite good about it. Looking forward myself to getting some hands on with it.
The rough-surfaced grip tape that is used for the steps on fiberglas boats can be used to make little grip pads for the S90. Buy a foot from your local marine supply store. trace outlines on a piece of paper, cut with scissors, and stick the pads on the front and back of the camera body. It is comfortable and allows a lighter grip of the camera.
John,
not a bad idea. Thanks for tip and visit!
See this grip:
http://kleptography.com/rf/#camera_s90
I Just got another email today form supplier saying that Canon are expecting to deliver end of this month or early next (November)
(UK)
Amazon.co.uk have some apparently in stock, but have been caught out with that before with false stock holdings.
I just want to get out and play!
Darin,
I’m thinking the S90 is Canon’s sleeper hit this year. Certainly selling well for an “expensive” camera.
You are in error: the S90 has a continuous shooting speed of approximately 0.9 fps — very poor. Please update your specifications table.
will address that asap!
What is this price comparison? in the uk the lx3 sells for £320 average, but the S90 is way over that- at close to 400 or over! what is going on? I’m off to order an lx3, as I can’t be bothered with Canon messing me about…….
I compared this camera to the LX3 in my local John Lewis just yesterday.
The LX3 is bigger yes (something of concern), but the Canon just felt like a toy next to the panasonic – not as good quality construction or as professional in both looks and use.
Don’t get me wrong, Im a great fan of Canon (I have an IXUS 75 which may be a cheap P&S, but the quality is awesome in its class and I preferred using this to my EOS DSLR size/quality ratio).
Recently I’ve been toying over the LX3 or TZ7, mainly because of the improved zoom of the later; and whereas the S90 was something that has helped delay my purchase; now I’ve seen it in the flesh Im not that impressed. Im sure the quality may be outstanding; but the real clincher is the price! Once again us Brits are being ripped off … $400 BUT £449 here … thats taking the mick when I can buy an LX3 for £329!
I have found the S90 for £400 on-line, but at £70 more than the LX3 and with its build quality issues, forget it Canon! £329 versus £229 for the LZ7 makes buying either or a hard decision, but I can buy an EOS 450D for the same price as an S90! I’d rather buy a TZ7 and second hand EOS 350D!
neil,
I’ve heard this several times now, the pricing differences between here and the UK definitely changes your perspective on the “value” of an S90
Hey Patrick, thanks for letting me waffle on LOL.
Darin – great advice and MANY thanks for the Amazon link … the cat is really amongst the pigeons now! The first reviewer (N. F. Platt-higgins) really summed up my dilemma, so I appreciate his comments.
I originally purchased a reconditioned EOS 450D from the Canon store on eBay – which really was as new for only £335 with 18-55mm is lens. That’s a bargain; and although I’ve now sold it for £430, eBay and Paypal fees take half of that away instantly! At least I’ve not lost though!
I guess then its hard to justify spending even more on what feels like an IXUS in the hand than something that will beat it hands down in all I want to achieve (image quality) … but we’re back to that size issue again; not to mention cost of ownership – as straight away, DSLR owners are pushed towards better and better glass and having seen expensive L lenses for £1,000+, suddenly ‘cheap’ lenses at £500 seem a bargain (and then you add up your total spend … and time on top of a hill getting bad pictures through lack of experience and think ‘s**t, this isn’t’ working out as hoped’ – especially when your other half is getting better results with a cheap P&S!)
At Amazons price, which I’m sure might be less after Christmas, I think I may delay an LX3 purchase; at least until you’ve posted your experience. I still wish the S90 was more rugged but I agree with your comments; Canon have obviously used lightweight materials to keep portability to the max … I just feel they’ve gone a little too far at the asking price … and even now I’m still wondering if I should sacrifice what I was always seeking (size and IQ) to buy the LX3 with its more rugged and durable build. Crazy isn’t it, but I guess that LX3 must be oozing some sort of magic because whenever I hold one I get a smile on my face and say ‘yes, I like this’ (whereas with the Canon, after reading glowing pre-reviews, I’m left feeling a little disappointed).
So please, could all S90 and LX3 owners post their thoughts and help me decide where to compromise and which to buy!!!!!
Thanks everyone!
Since posting this the price has gone up £5-£6 on Amazon.co.uk – I’ve seen this happen before, no idea why that happens, but the price does seam to fluctuate (Supply/Demand maybe?)
I cancelled my pre-order yesterday with supplier & purchased through Amazon (saving £10 as well) – I was being messed around with no firm delivery date.
Hopefully within a week will have new camera now – that’s what the ETA says anyway
Darin,
Very potentially exciting.
UPDATE: yesterday I purchased a Leica D-Lux 3 second hand from The London Camera Exchange. It had a fault so I took it back today for a refund; to which when chatting about my only other options, was told the LX3 had now been discontinued and although unannounced as yet, the LX4 was due to make its imminent arrival! I also noticed Camerabox.co.uk now selling the LX3 at £299 (down from last week by about £35) … so I reckon we may see an S90 competitor out soon. Although its tempting to plump for this £299 LX3, I think Im going to hang fire and see what happens over the coming weeks!
Ken Rockwell has updated his review with a production model along with high ISO shots & even “Goodness, it’s high ISO noise seems the same as the full-frame LEICA M9!” (his words)
http://www.kenrockwell.com/canon/s90.htm
Amazon is selling them quickly it would appear with only 1 left at time of writing for £382.
ETA on mine is next week (with luck)
Neil, Good luck to what ever camera you choose. The S90 is bound to be getting reviews in magazines this month so keep an eye out in the newspaper shops – it’s a lot of money but I believe it’s a lot of camera for that money
Cheers!
Darin
yeah saw this review – I think thats it … Im gonna go for the S90 but wait until after Xmas to see how the price adjusts itself (I can wait till then) … or of course, see how well the LX4 stacks up against it when it comes out (I’ve been told in the next 2 weeks).
Thanks for everyones help though … S90 wins the day!
(And please keep your own reviews of the S90 coming)
Maybe might be a good new year bargain on the High Street at Jessops or Dixons/Currys
Since posting the price earlier that one on Amazon has now sold with an unknown eta on next batch of cameras.
keep an eye on eBay as well, you can set up a search to alert you of new items within your criteria (i.e. “Canon S90 Camera” & “below £350″)
as to an LX4 in next 2 weeks I doubt it, unless Panasonic push it out for Xmas – but no-one seams to have actual info/product image, seams all rumours.
happy hunting!
After some hardships with Amazon(UK) 3rd Party seller it forced me to go out and pay £25 extra for the Camera today in town, testing begins tomorrow but thought people might like to see this …
I have just uploaded a photo to Twitpic taken in very low light (only light source is TV Monitor), this was in “low Light” mode F2.0 ISO12800 (you can view the full size 2.5Mpx image by clicking top right) – Remember this is a compact digital camera not an SLR
http://twitpic.com/pikzf
I’ve got to say, not many times I would use this mode, but in a very dark room, it certainly gives a bright image.
Regards
Darin
Been out today had a rush on to get some jobs done but had a quick play just in `P` program mode – a few observations…
first observation – people will mention about fringing in high contrast areas, it is quite bad, the Canon S5 IS produces red fringing, the S90 produces more or less the same amount but blue (I forgot to turn I-Contrast off so I’ll have to try with a few tweaks)
second observation – the image quality looks great on the view finder, the 3″ screen is the best I’ve seen on a camera, really easy to look at & true to life colours displayed
third observation – I took a snap-shot of the setting sun, thought the image would just lose something.but the glow is captured perfectly and colour retained.
fourth observation – the controls are great, I’m going to have to read the manual to see if the second control ring at the back can be re-defined (for manual focus) as it is easier to use than the front control ring around the lens (it has a solid click to it)
fifth observation – carrying the camera in the palm of your hand is no problem and you adapt pretty quickly to holding the camera & taking photos quickly as well. My only gripe here is abut 1/3 of the way in from the right hand side of the camera & this may be an issue for people with smaller fingers.
sixth observation – again on holding the camera – it is very easy to hold in one hand (the right) and take photos, resting thumb underneath the camera & using 1st finger next to thumb to use the zoom/shutter button.
seventh observation – facial recognition & flash photography of people… this is fantastic, although you’ll have to take my word for it as I’m not very photogenic
The flash photography is very well composed & does not exhibit blown out skin tones, everything looks quite natural & dare I say quite professional looking!
Overall, this is probably the best pocket camera I’ve owned although it still isn’t perfect, and maybe the price of it (at least in the UK) will prevent a lot of people from benefiting from buying one & end up buying a lot cheaper IXUS (or other brand) which will still take good shots but may not have the range or capabilities of the Canon S90
If I had to give this camera a rating out of 10 it would be 8.5 out of 10, it’s the price & fringing which knock it down a bit.
I just checked eBay, seams that sub £300 S90s are coming into play – admittedly these are imports (beware of Amazon.co.uk sellers selling imports too), but that being said, it’s the same camera only a different charger & literature.
I’m a little pre-occupied tonight to download photos and upload them, but will take a gander when I can & will probably upload to Twitpic as it’s more accessible for my friends – you can see the ISO12800 F2.0 shot taken in near darkness with just a TV/Monitor providing light here – http://twitpic.com/pikzf
Cheers for now!
ack – sorry can’t correct – fifth observation “…My only gripe here is the shutter button is about 1/3 of the way in from the right hand side of the camera & this may be an issue for people with smaller fingers…”
So £ for £, $ for $, would you still rate the S90 over the LX3?
I nearly went for an S90 on eBay at £315 (compared to LX3 at £299) … but Im still holding; wondering if a new LX3 will grace us before new year, whether to hold out for cheaper S90’s, save for the GF1 or throw caution to the wind and plump for a £250 DP1 to experiment with!
What are your thoughts Darin?
Neil,
you’re like me…it can be so hard to pull the trigger on these type of decisions. Darin’s sounding quite fond of the S90, so prepare yourself.
Sorry pretty occupied right now, but here’s another teaser (just re-sized from camera & posted on Twitpic, full size is 1024×768 [click top right])
http://twitpic.com/pnc1j
Shot in Program Mode – point-focus-shoot
I’ll try to get a pic showing the fringing – as this could be the killer for most people – although most compacts suffer from this.
Darin
p.s. Neil – I’m happy with this camera – for the size, features, ease of use, it has me won over despite it’s higher price.
p.p.s. Patrick I guess as a pro photographer you’ll find more faults with it as a camera in general but for me this should keep me happy for some years
Darin, so thus far it is sounding good, good, good! I’m pretty sure I’ll be offering my own opinions on this matter very soon!
I’ve just upload a selection of shots taken yesterday afternoon & after checking on a monitor, the fringing doesn’t looks as bad (maybe I was looking for trouble
)
Anyway here are the links (all have been uploaded full size – just click “+View full size”
1. http://twitpic.com/ps50u
2. http://twitpic.com/ps4k2 (facing South)
3. http://twitpic.com/ps45s (facing North)
4. http://twitpic.com/ps3iw (15x zoom Optical + Digital!)
5. http://twitpic.com/ps2sp (this one shows the fringing but see next image to see that cropped & enlarged)
6. http://twitpic.com/ps33f (this is cropped & twice normal size to exaggerate the fringing) – it’s not bad when you check the full size image before/above)
So there we are, a few outdoor test shots
Let me know what you think (The Bad as well as the Good with the images) – they are straight from the camera and shot in Program mode
Darin
cropped image may not be displaying correctly it is here again – http://twitpic.com/ps8ok (cropped & twice normal size)
Darin,
Looks good, I see some of that fringing, but not bad at all. Pretty solid IQ for something that fits in your pocket.
Just to share my words. (It can really be annoying, and not important)
I have end up here after a frenzy search of reviews for S90, and been following through the post daily since then. (Since S90 launches in my country, which is around 2 weeks ago.)
I am using erratic Sony DSC-T2/W (it has intermittent lense shaking issue). So now I am considering a new ultra compact camera, instead of fixing it. (It cost 50% of the cam value.)
And then, I was struck by Neil’s comment regarding paying so much, but achieving so little with a good camera. (P&S suppose to produce nice result, which my DSC-T2/W always has~, erm, of course, I have to compromise for the noise and watercolour effects and blah blah blah, at least my close up are superb ha ha ha.)
I am also seeing a SUPERB IQ from S90 compare to even DSC-TX1 (a new sony cam, ultra compact, but totally a different class I say. Its tiny. S90>TX1>T900)
I am in the dilemma of choosing non-protruding or normal protruding ultra compact cam. Honestly, S90 is not so ultra compact, but it is still manageable for me. (Carrying my ultra compact 24/7, and I don’t think LX3 or anything bigger than S90 can manage that.)
All in all, I want to say thanks for all the constructive and great comments here, and for those who wanders about and is in similar situation like mine, fiddling between DSC-TX1 and S90, I would say, pick the one that suit your style. (this only applicable to 24/7 carrier.)
Here’s my 2 cents.
Non-protruding Pros (DSC-TX1): Better expression from your shooting subjects, they tends to ignore you better. And also, they find your camera looks cool, and people like to have a cool camera shooting their photo~ (= happier cheerful smiles/expression~!)
Protruding Pros (S90): Unbeatable image quality, especially what you can get from S90 compare to smaller ultra compacts. But the lenses make people camera shy, and honestly, S90 looks ugly in comparison to many camera, which … makes people smile lesser. Ha ha ha.
Anyway, I am still in the dilemma, and even thinking of fixing my DSC-T2/W and wait for S100 maybe, or DSC-TX2 (if any).
Thanks to everyone here, nice great post!
PXD: You cant really compare the Sony TX1 with an S90 or LX3 due to the lens. The poor f3.5 of the sony versus f2 of the LX3 and Canon … its no comparison and they really are two different beasts, despite the fact they are both expensive models.
I think thats the problem with anyone that hasn’t used a DSLR previously; they really don’t understand about lenses and as such, base their P&S buying criteria on reviews (which are often biased as the reviewer is undoubtably trying to score a free unit from the manufacturer!), price – assuming the higher the price the better the camera, and marketing, all of which Sony manage well with the TX range.
I first moved to DSLR because I thought it would improve my pictures which of course it didn’t. Yes, I got better quality shots (as a beginner) but it took a lot of time and effort, a LOT of money and an appreciation for what factors go to make a good image (lenses, F stops, exposure, shutter speed etc).
I quickly began to realise I had been spoilt by my P&S (which incidentally today still pumps out some marvelous images – F2.8 Ixus 75 … best thing I ever bought!) and today, now I’ve decided to go back to P&S from DSLR due to size and cost, Im thankful it opened my eyes to the world of photography. Whereas previously I would have looked at an LX3 and laughed at its size, ugliness and cost compared to the latest Sony TX range, now I understand the difference and to be honest, feel quite smug when I visit my local John Lewis store and see people walk past the S90 and LX3 enticed by great looking £100 – £200 point and shoots!
Thats how today I’ve ended up purchasing a DP1 despite all the negative reviews, no zoom (cant believe Im buying a camera with no zoom!), no i.s. etc … having a DSLR and reading forums such as this has given me a true appreciation of buying a camera and I think the moral of the story is:
1. Understand camera technology
2. Understand exactly what you want to photograph
3. Set a budget
3. Know the options (i.e. the types of camera IQ in relation to price)
4. be prepared to realise, if you’re going to take photography more seriously, you’re gonna have to multiply option 3 by at least 3 or 4 times!!!!
If you cant be bothered with all the above, then stick with any £100 – £150 P&S.
PXD: If you’re not prepared to go down the SLR route (sounds unlikely due to the fact you want a camera in your pocket at all times) my advice, 100%, is to spend more money and go for the S90 (I’ve eliminated the LX3 as I assume you’ll want it in a trouser pocket more than a coat pocket). Nothing else on the market can compete on size/price/quality. Again, looking at more commercial models (such as the TX1) they’re in a completely different ball park, so if IQ is your number 1 criteria, don’t compromise. If you do compromise, look for something with at least an f2.8 or less lens and get to understand the differences in lens mm.
I’ve no idea what other small camera I would recommend other than the S90, LX3 and Sigma DP1 or DP2 (maybe the Ricoh but I’ve never seen good IQ from them!) In the past I’ve owned slim Sony models like the TX1 and I thought they were great … until that is I compare what a DSLR can give and suddenly my wonderful shots become not so wonderful after all (and I gain a real appreciation for the term ‘image noise’).
Hope my rantings help
pxd,
Hey, thanks for checking with your thoughts. I think in the end you’d be happier with the S90, even with the protrusion
Salutation to both Neil and Patrick for spending some time answering my question. I lost this page’s link; took me a while to get back into this post, ha ha ha. (Bookmarked it and should keep it in check now. Was using ‘Powershot S90 review’ on search but didn’t show up on site)
The little ‘rear dial ring’ is very loose at time. Easily ’swiped’ on my test today at my local PC Fair. (But many says it get some used to and it won’t come into any issue as per the rest of the buttons placement.)
Yes, it is very obvious among all the digital camera at the same size as S90, there’s none better quality, unless one is willing to up it to ‘non-pocket-able’ size.
Since having both of you agreeing that this is the camera I should go for, as I am looking for IQ over other thing, think I’ll make my move and check the best deals for it. (Ha ha ha ha, I guess Patrick do understand why lies within my desire for IQ eh …)
Last but not least, thanks a lot, and I wonder why my post end up here in the middle and not somewhere at the bottom of the page since first posted. Ha ha ha, thanks a lot!
*Neil, you’re helping, not rant, appreciated~!!
Got my S90 and love it a lot. (Okay, now I am really overwhelmed by the wider possibilities compared to previous PnS.
I wonder if I should keep the newly bought ‘compatible battery’ or should I return it and up for a ‘Canon’s’ battery.
(The camera is AWESOME~, I did a whole day test&trial run between TX1 and S90, they both come so close to my final decision, but the image quality of S90 blow off TX1 by toooo far … I was thinking that I can accept the quality of TX1 with given print size, but … S90 just made me happier with it. Warning though, S90 is superb with fine tuning the settings, as per Neil’s comment; you’ll have better chance on that than leaving it to Auto for my few hours test now.)
Thanks everyone for reading, and thanks to Neil and Patrick. Cheers.
Congrats! Of course you’ll be posting some pics somewhere and sharing right????!!!
Yeah! Of course~!! Ha ha ha ha. Still, S90 newbie in training now … from ground up … ha ha ha.
Here are some of the reference that y’all can have a look at. Shots like these convinced me (instantly, time after time, though I sway between TX1 and S90, but it is a fact that TX1 cannot get clarity or capability like S90)
Though it is in Chinese, the pics are great for evaluation. *Still, I’m finding my best shooting mode/settings as Auto always blow out highlights area / overexposed. (Best way to deal with it, P mode, and set them instantly.)
http://wonderjimmy.wordpress.com/2009/11/27/powershot-s90/
WOW … The S90 is 100% the next camera on my list to replace my P&S (especially after my recently acquired EOS 1000D from the Canon refurb Store went belly up – good for £260 but not when the bloody thing doesn’t work. At least it saved me a fortune in buying lenses from eBay LOL!)
Come the new year it’ll be interesting how far the price goes down and how other manufacturers will compete (i.e. Panasonic LX4???)
Oh yea, to any other user that jumped from tiny Point & Shoot camera like me, Neil is right about one thing, the ‘auto’ doesn’t work easily to produce desired result as intuitively as all the fool-proof ultra compact.
I can’t really get a good shot with Auto as at to date and already piling up 1000 shots with my S90. (Yeah, again, it overexposed at bright area, and setting ISO too high that you can ‘night visioned’ a dim corner~!
BUT, the quality and flexibility to start learning about the real basics of photography, is rewarding and satisfying.
Oh yea, it is slow as well from shot to show. (RAW: 2.4 secs/shot, JPG: 1 sec/shot) You gotta really time it well if you’re taking a lot of family snapshot like me. (Decisive moments count now ha ha ha.)
Size still matters though, and I think LX4 won’t be any smaller than LX3 by far. BUT, it might have really good IQ given the track record from LX3, here’s a 3D mock of LX4 (probably) http://www.lx3-photography.com/2009/02/lx4-3d-prototype.html
Back to learning on how to handle RAW … … *sob*
Wow, nearly 100 comments on this, takes some reading
I realise it’s mostly 1 sided, but are there any LX3 owners who can grab an S90 or vice-versa S90 owners who can grab an LX3 & can make an absolute comparison?
For me, although I haven’t taken many photos so far, the ability to just grab the camera & shoot quickly (although not quick enough to stop the car & snap a beautiful pheasant earlier today on a country road LOL!) is a really winner
Just wish that damn control ring on the back could control focus – the hard click of the front ring makes it difficult to hold the camera still and focus (different if using a tripod though)
End Judgement: for me is it may be £xxx pounds or $xxx dollars more than other cameras but boy the resulting photos speak for themselves.
btw, The sales guys @ Currys Digital (UK High Street) personally highly rate the G11 & S90 – they actually seam to know what they are talking about
… and sorry, Im also turning it into a Sigma page too!
A definitive S90 v’s LX3 comparison would be fantastic as although Im now fully behind a future purchase of the S90 for its pocketability, theres still something alluring about that LX3!
I think its a catch 22 thing – the S90 is too small and doesn’t seem to have the build quality for the price (especially compared to the G10) and I prefer the look and hold of the more retro looking LX3; but its just fractionally too big to fit in the same pocket as an S90. Damn you Canon, damn you Panasonic! Maybe the LX2 might be a good alternative as I reckon its size falls in-between (sacrificing IQ yes but about a third of the price … but here I go defeating the object again!)
Must add, I was tempted by a new S90 on eBay for £315 but it seemed too good to be true so you know what they say (perhaps an import at that price?) Im just glad I went for the DP1 and choose to experiment more with my photography and stick with the IXUS for ‘party shots’ for now; but I know soon enough I’ll be looking to replace that IXUS once spring starts to arrive, so unless Panasonic brings out an LX4, I’d love to know if the S90 is overall the better bet. I guess it will be swings and roundabouts!
As for the sales guys in Currys; if you go to the Nottingham store and ask to view a GF1, they’ll happily tell you its just an expensive P&S and you should look at the G1 which is ‘a proper camera’ but not as good as a real DSLR like the Olympus E520. Commenting on how a smaller size was a priority, my assistant quickly removed the GF1 from my hand and replaced it with an EOS 500D with 18-200mm lens stating ‘you’d be better buying this then’. F*****g numpties!!!!!
Darin,
You said today (11/24) “Just wish that damn control ring on the back could control focus” about the S90.
That, in fact, is the default way to control the MF. Switch the ring back to exposure compensation in P, then go into MF and use the back wheel to set focus.
John
thanks, I don’t know how I missed that! much better now
(100th post!)
Cheers!
I’ve read all with interest. I’ve owned and sold an LX3 & GRDII and about to buy an s90 for everyday ‘pocketability’. I’m waiting for my pre ordered X1 like a kid, but to echo Neil, I bought a DP2 and was just astonished, (Cap doffed in the direction of Sean Reid) so much so I bought the DP1 and carry both all the time for work. They really do make your jaw drop every time you put the card in the reader…. however all of them are rubbish if you need to capture kids playing or anything moving at unpredictable pace (excluding zone focussing work in bright light) –
I read once that the best camera in the world is the one you’ve got with you when you need it eh? Thanks for great reading and calm considered views. Chris.
Well, since my last post I’ve taken delivery of my Sigma DP1 (as new on eBay, £200!) and my first impressions – fantastic!
I remember the day when I first loaded my DSLR images and my jaw dropped when the images didn’t deliver, but with the DP1, for each shot I took, the results were just I had hoped for.
I agree it doesn’t seem to perform well in low light (although I’ve not really had the chance to do any really low light test shots as yet) and yes, JPEG is a complete waste of time and you HAVE to use RAW (and its frustrating as hell that I have to use Sigma’s software and not CS2 or Aperture 2!), but even on a dull day, the images offered beautiful clarity, saturation and that ’surreal’ look I’d heard so much about. If you go to this gallery:
http://gallery.me.com/n.kovac#100331&bgcolor=black&view=grid
you’ll see the first images I took and I was mightily impressed! Even the ones with a quick play in iPhoto looked great – but check out that beautiful blue sky; and these are RAW converted JPEGS without any processing!
The DP1 is slow yes but its not the behemoth some people might think it is. For shots where you can take a second to compose its great and whilst I wont be taking it out this Friday to my friends 40th celebration meal … Im tempted just because I know the shots that will come out will come out well! Quality is awesome and the screen not as bad as they say for lining up shots; although I cant understand how anyone can use it effectively to manually focus – and shame on Sigma for not addressing this in the DP2. In fact, all the things people say about the DP1/2 are correct (if anything the negatives slightly exaggerated) but to say that, I bought a Jaguar knowing it wouldn’t be the best car in the world; and its not; but I love it!
Chris is right; the best camera you have is the one you have in your pocket and whilst I probably will some day go for the S90, on the occasions where Im wearing a coat with deeper pockets, the DP1 is coming along!
Thanks to this site, I realised anyone serious about taking pictures really need to contemplate the purchase of 3 camera’s: a pocket P&S (and I vote the S90), a DSLR or 4/3rd’s equivalent (G1 or GF1 are tempting!) and a Sigma for something that sits nicely in the middle but produces images totally out of the ballpark.
My advice to anyone with £270 (new at pixmania.co.uk) to spare is buy a DP1. Im looking forward to trying out the DP2 next!
Neil
Neil,
hey…so glad you’re loving the DP1. I’m always saying that you just have to see the images for yourself on your own computer—and you’ll be convinced that there’s something special there…. Oh nice pics too!
Chris,
Damn, you got all the toys! I’d like to explore the differences between the X1 and the DP2, maybe you could step back in and shed some light on that, we could even put it in a post…
I want purchase camera,anyone can give some comment?panasonic LX3,canon S90 IS or canon SX 200 IS better?for beginnng learning use.Thank u vu much~~
de,
LX3 and S90 really intended for beginners, but the S90 and Sx200 IS could certainly be handled by beginners. The SX200 IS is a lot more versatile, I don’t know if I’d say it’s easier. All of the cameras have an smart auto feature though for people who just want to get a shot.
Need some help / comment…Panasonic LX3, Canon SX 200 IS and Canon S 90 IS,which one suitable for beginning user?thanks..
I saw the S90 during the Canon press launch in Singapore, and handled it for a few minutes. It looked amd felt like cardboard. Since price was not announced then, I assumed it was a cheapo, $100+ camera. Imagine my shock later to learn that it is priced at over S$700. And after reading actual owners’ unhappy experience with the S90 on Amazon, I decided it’s just to much to pay for cardboard, no matter how much professional bloggers and reviewers (who need ads from the manufacturers) oooh and aaaah over its “specifications”.
Yes, the new S90 does feel light and whilst something more solid would have been nice, this would only have impacted on its size, weight and cost; and, with respect, I think the comment ‘it looked and felt like cardboard’ is (IMO) certainly not true and definitely over exaggerated … if a little stupid!
Not sure what camera’s you’ve handled in the past but in terms of build quality its up there with the best. Sure, compared to the LX3 it feels a little more flimsy but thats the trade off when you try to produce a better but smaller more pocketable solution; and Canon have created a remarkable first attempt. Cardboard though … maybe you held an empty dummy!
Its obvious you know nothing about camera’s; as the first thing you will have noticed will have been the f2 lens, front control ring, manual controls … all the things that would have made anyone picking up the camera excited (and rightfully earned oooh’s and aaaah’s from those seeing the specs!) As for poor reviews; I haven’t seen any?
My suggestion is that you purchase a $100 point and shoot and have fun; and leave the power of the S90 to those that understand photography and want the best results (all for what is not too bad a price!).
Sorry if my reply sounds harsh; its just annoying when you get someone moaning about something they obviously haven’t a clue about, or any idea of what they’re talking about; this forum is not for the retail P&S brigade like yourself, so your comments are wasted space here.
On another note, Im getting along famously with my Sigma DP1 (LOVE IT!!!! – AWESOME IQ) … though I can only imagine what Hsiaoshuang would think of it LOL!
It’s interesting that you get such a negative, but as you said Neil, someone who looks at what the capabilities are of a model rather than it’s looks will see a big positive in the camera – but other people want looks to show off to others who nice their camera looks rather than the pictures it takes.
with most camera decisions I make I tend to use http://www.dpreview.com to make a primary judgement – looks come after most other things.
I was a little baited by the “cardboard” comment but then I have this camera & know that it is metal cased, sturdy & designed in a minimalistic way – sure you could have had a grip on the front but it isn’t needed whereas the LX2 I owned you practically had to hold it with the grip on the front
so, Hsiaoshuang, I would take another look and this time compare it to another model you are interested in – as Patrick has done here he took the best comparable model & pointed out his initial thoughts compared with the LX3 – the full review is up now and other sites have reviews, you’ll be very hard pressed to find a camera better in the compact/pocket size form factor.
Darin,
Look like your taking the role of “the voice of reason”, which means me and Neil can just tear into everybody…(looks like Neil’s already done that)
LOL … ok, I’ll admit, a tough day at the office with Gordon Ramsey!
I try to be reasonably to a point and although I’m pro-Canon to a degree, some people need to see things from all directions … I’m still trying to figure out what a Cardboard Camera form Canon would look like
Maybe like an old style IXUS – very boxy but brilliant at the same time 
I took the S90 to London last week – didn’t bother with settings, just clicked at stuff – not bad although the shots of Big Ben had it’s clock face was over exposed but leaving the rest of the scene nicely done – something I could have played around with but then I want to see the camera do it’s stuff 1st before tinkering around getting better shots – btw, this (http://twitpic.com/s3zv0) is a shot taken on an iPhone 3Gs
Neil,
Loving the DP1 eh? Well, we got a DP1s in from Sigma last week and yes, while compromised in many ways, it just takes great pictures, the kind you have to get people around the monitor and share… such a strange little beast that Foveon sensor is.
I 100% agree – that Foveon sensor is 100% whichcraft in a lens!
Despite all the MANY downsides to this camera, I get so excited at every opportunity I have to use it … seeing what is produced is half the fun, the other manipulating the camera to get a good shot.
I’ll be interested in reading the DP1s reviews (is it worth changing from a DP1?) and as soon as Sigma get their act together with an improved DP3 (you know what improvements Im talking about!), I’ll be first with my credit card!
No, no, keep the DP1, the “s” just adds:
“The new Sigma DP1s is an improved version of the DP1 which was introduced to market in March 2008. It is now possible to allocate the QS (Quick Set) function, which has been adopted by the DP2 and SD14 DSLR, to the digital zoom buttons of the DP1s. This provides faster and more convenient operation of the camera.
The DP1s is enhanced further by improved performance when shooting backlit subjects, aiding the cameras characteristics of superb resolution and richly graduated tones with a natural, three-dimensional feel. ”
–From Sigma’s press release.
It sort of just gives the DP1 the same functionality as the DP2. Really there aren’t any differences between the two, just a matter of lens preference. How are you getting along with Sigma’s Photo Pro? I felt it handled the files much better than anything else, despite being a bit of a pain, and I just love when the files open up in it for that first time!
Seems best to stick with the DP1 then and maybe go for the DP2 if one becomes available at a (very) reasonable price in the future.
As a Mac user I use CS2, Aperture and iPhoto for handling my images, so its a bit of a pain having to use another piece of software. Having said that, it does EASILY produce some excellent results very quickly; results I feel might be a lot harder to achieve (or impossible?) in other programmes. SPP certainly gets the most out of that Fovion sensor and as with that lens, you wonder what sort of whichcraft the software is employing to derive such results (LOL). As such, as with using the camera, its exciting waiting to see what you’ve captured on that SD card!
Sure its very slow (I reckon Sigma build slowness in as a feature!) and a bit bland in use, but it gets the job done without any over complicated fuss like some packages; so I have no qualms in its use other than speed.
What I usually do is (firstly) save all my X3F images in a folder for editing later, edit and save as a JPEG then drop into Aperture, tweak a little more (if at all) then dump to iPhoto. Its a long winded process and as Im sure you can appreciate, I have many images waiting for edit … although the best ones get done straight away. Again, its a shame other programmes cant handle these X3F files, but do we really want them too knowing the power of SPP? An SPP plug-in for Aperture would be ideal!
Finally Patrick, could I ask some advice. Knowing the programs I use, how would you suggest saving the files? I currently save as same size, JPEG, Apple RGB … and not being a techie, Im a little confused if I would be better saving as TIFF’s, what colour space to use and same size or double?
Cheers Patrick
Hsiaoshuang,
I couldn’t disagree more with you about the S90, it’s a well built camera and I suspect it hold up nicely over time. Additionally, the S90 is currently the darling of the Camera Review world, folks love this camera, it isn’t perfect- but it’s sooo….close. On your other point, the S90 is expensive to be sure, and yes, you could get a DSLR camera for this price, but you aren’t going to get a better compact camera than this one (maybe one as good, but not better). That’s my take. But hey, thanks for stopping in, and if you’d like to add further to the discussion, please do stop back in!
I’m also trying to decide between the Panasonic Lumix LX3 and the Canon PowerShot S90. How do they compare on shutter lag, autofocus, and frames per second?
I want a camera that offers decent photo quality in a P&S and also has decent speed. How do they compare in this respect and what would you recommend? How do they perform in real-world situations?
Maybe this is too much to ask, but I’m frustrated with my current five-year old P&S, because I’ve missed so many great moments what with its slow auto focus and lag time in firing. Is one so superior to the other in this regard, or are they pretty close? This will probably become the deciding factor for me.
Thanks!
Here we go ….
I had EXACTLY the same dilemma as you – I loved the look and feel of the LX3, the lens is top notch and you wont find a bad review (but you will find LOTS of great pics). Not sure what it was but like my Sigma DP1 (google it) it just felt great in my hand.
When I first saw the S90 I was disappointed with the feel of the camera for the price they were asking (£400) … but spec for spec I guess it does VERY slightly outdo the Panasonic.
Just recently however the S90 price has fallen dramatically – there seems to be some bargains about: Crazy Camera’s in the UK sell the S90 for £319 (£325 at Camerabox). The LX3 remains around the £275 – £299 mark.
Originally I would have said go with the LX3 due to the price; but now the S90 is on a similar footing, its hard not to resist. I still haven’t purchased either and to be honest, although the S90 is probably the slightly better camera … that LX3 is still tempting me! I guess its like an old sports car; drives like a dog but its such a classic you’d plump for it every time over a new Porsche. having said that, the LX3 is no dog and I have to stress, if you’re not into professional photography you wont really notice any difference in picture output. I do hear though that low light results are slightly better on the S90.
So, I would recommend the S90 because its smaller and a slightly higher specced camera than the LX3. On the smaller point; the LX3 lens does stick out a lot so whereas the S90 will fit in tight jeans, the LX3 wont. The LX3 is more of a coat pocket camera. Having said that, catch 22, I found the S90 perhaps a little too small and as I said, not as retro or sturdy feeling as the LX3. Its just such a shame that the LX3 lens sticks out so much – thats the real downer for me. It looks very pro though; pull this camera out and people will admire; pull out the Canon and people wont think its any different from an IXUS and scream when you tell them what you paid! I guess the LX3 is the P&S version of the Olympus PEN!
The best thing to do is to go to the shops and hold both and buy which one feels the best. I purchased a Sigma DP1 recently which really is a dog of a camera usage wise; but the images are OUT OF THIS WORLD – I love it … so based on this, you may follow your heart and go for the LX3.
If I had the money I’d buy both and use the S90 in summer (cause it fits in shorts) and the LX3 in winter!
Finally, thinking about where I would use a point and shoot, at home at parties I’d probably feel better with something more sturdy like the LX3. On holiday the S90 in my pocket.
See … what a dilemma! I think I ultimately will go for the S90 but I’ll be sad that it wont feel and look as great as the classic retro looking LX3. Based on the Canon fitting in my pocket though, being more or less the same price and having a SLIGHT edge on quality, the S90 takes it.
Waffle over (and once again I’ve changed my mind, LX3!!!!!!)
.. and on another note; maybe you should just try holding the Panasonic G1 and GF1. They aren’t P&S and cost a lot more, but they may sway you over … the speed and quality of these will blow the LX3 and S90 out the water … if you can stomach the size and cost. In the future I hope to have LX3 or S90 and G1 or GF1 (along with my Sigma DP1 in the middle)
Pogiboy,
I see Neil’s tackled this a bit, but between the 2 performance will be similar, except for FPS where the LX3 has an edge. The S90 is pretty snappy but you’ll get 1 fps, but I’ve never done much continuous shooting with a compact so not a big deal for me personally.
You’re welcome Patrick, and flickr’s has a lot of great night shots too~ ha ha ha. (keyword: s90 clubbing)
This is one hella decisive page that I visited that ‘caught’ me into buying S90, blame Patrick if you fell for it too. Ha ha ha ha!
*Oh yea, I started the love the ‘loose’ dial so much and I hope it can get ‘loosen’ up even more, yeah, one actually won’t ‘accidentally’ ‘move’ it once you used the cam for 1 day. And it starts to tighten up for me now, I used it a lot, Manual Focus and Viewing and setting Exposures. (It’s handy to dial for exposure, but only Manual Mode shows the real exposure on screen, weird.)
Hey. I got a 502 gateway error earlier today when I tried to access this page. Anyone else had the problem?
Well. The price of S90 & LX3 is almost same here in China. Let me think.. about £230 in Pounds.I mean the new ones in box but without factory warranty certificate (or else worth much more). So what I’m caring about is the high ISO & focus points able to be selected.. I’m trying to figure out my choice these days.
which takes good macro shots, lx3 or s90?
I prefer the S90, mainly because of the excellent manual focus capability. In macro photography, it’s better and easier to set the focus , then move the camera closer or further away to select what you want in focus.
Thats assuming you have good eyesight!
You may well laugh but as a wearer of glasses, I often have difficulty in seeing if an image is indeed 100% in focus when adjusting manually; hence the reason I prefer auto … in the hope the camera’s eye is a little more youthful than mine
)
I guess screen quality also counts – on my Sigma DP1 its resolution is only 230K (!!!) so the manual focus option (for me) is pretty hopeless!
In this case I would have opted for the LX3 over the Canon in terms of Macro.
Hi, I’m current owner of S90. The macro mode on S90 gets a bit used to. (I can focus like 5mm, so close with my previous Sony DSC-T2 with ease) S90 however needs to have a minimum distance of 5cm. And the manual focus are like what Neil says, it’s controllable, but with the tiny puny ‘zoomed preview’ from it, can be quite tricky if you’re on a rush.
If you can bear with the 5cm limits, welcome aboard! (By the way, I love my S90, after persuasive comments from Neil as well as Patrick.)
Everyone is talking about the S90 being a lot cheaper then the LX3.. here in Sweden the S90 is more expensive then the LX3.
I still prefer the 24mm wide then the 28mm wide. If I need a telezoom I would bring my dSLR with the 300mmm f4 instead.
sounds good, how’s the build, lens sharpness, bokeh?
excellent build quality. great top control dial. won’t get moved accidentally. can’t say on lens quality as i’m concentrating on operation. bokeh looks good in previews and i expect to hold up in full-res.
I’m liking the way this sounds… How’s the pocketability, seem possible, like a good idea?, or more likely never coming out of the case?
well, the LX3 was not a pocket camera, especially with the need for a lens cap. this camera is pocketable but at 7oz, it’s more of a front jeans pocket than a shirt pocket camera. it’s only vulnerability might be the front control ring. when the lens is retracted, this ring becomes something that sticks out just a little bit form the flat front. i believe the metal camera is solidly built but the ring might be too unprotected. i have their belt case, made for the S90 on order. it has a very secure design with the front flap overlapping to the bottom and a padded circle for the front control ring. i hope it has a magnetic clasp so it doesn’t make noise when you open it. stealth, you know.
jvb723,
well thus far aren’t saying a whole lot to turn me off an S90. It’s all sounding pretty good.
It’s a tough one this. I took some sample images in-store today using both the S90 and LX3 (amongst others including TZ7 and ZX1); and neither seemed to impress me that much like I thought they would when I got home and plugged in the SD card.
I guess I’m spoilt though, having come to these cameras from a DSLR (an EOS 450D) as opposed to the other way round, so I’m bound to find anything a step backwards.
Out of interest, I only got into SLR’s about 6 months ago and I was surprised (for a newbie) at just how hard (and expensive!) it was to get a good shot! It certainly wasn’t the improved P&S I expected from paying more money LOL, quite the opposite! I also got frustrated when a great shot on the cameras screen didn’t translate to one on my PC (its amazing how they can look so bright and vibrant on the camera, but dismal on my 24” iMac!) More frustrating; the images from my trusty pocketable IXUS 75 were spot on focus and exposure wise in comparison at first glance; so I often wondered why I was spending £1000+ and getting darker, less bright images. Sure, the quality was superior … that is more superior out-of-focus and poor exposure!
I know P&S images wont match those from a dedicated SLR, but I found every time I ventured out, the day became more of a ‘photo mission’, as opposed to a nice day out capturing some on-the-fly shots – the later of which should be the by-product of a good day out, not vice versa. I also felt like a packhorse just carrying 2 lenses about (not to mention a bit of a geek!)
As such, I thought it better to downgrade to a P&S, meaning I’d enjoy the day more and actually have a camera with me on more occasions. As they say, an 800 ISO shot is better than no ISO shot!
What I really wanted was something between a P&S and a Bridge camera as opposed to a bridge camera and an SLR; and these two (the LX3 and S90) seem to be the closest I’ll find to it. I’ve ruled out the G10/G11 as although web searches seem to paint a unanimous picture of the G10 and its images looking better compared to the LX3 (although as expected, some reviews favour the LX3 instead), buying a G10 means you may as well carry round an SLR (Olympus 410? or G1?) … and then I’m back to SLR land and it wasn’t only the size and bulk of multiple lenses that put me off, it was also the cost of good lenses.
So, going back to today’s test shots, the Canon did seem to handle higher ISO’s much better. I couldn’t test low light and I know a shop (2 different shops to be precise) isn’t the best place to snap images for comparison. Again, maybe I’ve been spoilt by previous SLR usage, but the images didn’t make me go ‘wow’. What I liked about my old Sony P150 and now my IXUS 75 is that 9 out of 10 shots are keepers. With the S90, only 2 or 3 out of 10 seemed worth keeping; and whilst I’m no David Bailey, I think an expensive camera like the S90 should if anything be sympathetic (in auto mode) to a useless photographer (like my trusty IXUS 75 is), not less forgiving. I guess I’m wrong though – it seems the higher the cost the more you need to put in to get a good shot, whatever the program mode!
What I have found though, is that the LX3 images seem more dynamic. It’s hard to explain; with the LX3, objects seem to stand out more in shots (like 3D), whereas images from other camera (including the S90) seem more flat. Does that make sense? It seems the LX3 has more noise but produces a sharper more dynamic image. I like this!
As I said in my last post, although the S90 may in fact be the better camera, I actually preferred the build quality and handling of the LX3. In the hand the LX3 seems so much bigger than the S90, although on paper they’re pretty well matched except for the protruding lens of the LX3. The Canon just feels like a cheaper IXUS; not ideal for a £400 camera! So, whilst I wish the LX3 was smaller and the S90 perhaps not larger but of more solid quality and substance, I’d rather have the former than the later. Odd that, because I would have thought I would sacrifice size for a small amount of quality; yet in this case it appears I’m sacrificing both better quality and size for something bigger and not so great with higher ISO’s … but I think it comes down to the fact, at nearly £100 less, the price and quality in-hand of the LX3 wins!
Be interesting what others think and if they’ve had the same dilemma’s as me? To be honest; I’m still wondering if I should go for a second hand G10 over an LX3 (it’s also a slightly cheaper route) … but I think I’ll end up going for an LX3; then when I’m back in work (following a recent redundancy); look to compliment the LX3 with a DSLR once again. It wont be the GF1 – but it may be the G1 which, having tried recently, I absolutely love (great size in the hand, love the screen (especially as someone who wears glasses) – its just the cost of the lenses that’s an issue). Perhaps I may go for an EP1 … who know’s, but for now I think I’ll start with the LX3 and in 6 months be happy knowing I can eBay it and probably loose next to nothing against what I paid.
For the Canon to outsell the LX3, I really think Canon need to reduce the price by £100 or quickly bring out the S90 V2 with a better more solid feel (which would make it feel worth the extra £100). Of course in the meantime, if Panasonic were to bring out an LX4 with a 24-105mm lens, no lens cap and a movie mode like the TZ7 (and improved dial on top!), even at £400, I think they’d have it all sown up! (LX3 @ £250, LX4 @ £399, G1 £450, GF1 £600)
Neil,
Wow, thanks for adding your experiences with the two cameras. I totally agree with you, that it is hard to swallow compact image quality after using DSLRs, I have the worst time with that, probably why I prefer cameras like the Sigma DP2. I’d only suggest first getting better at that DSLR of yours, perhaps getting a fast lens or something before getting something like a GH1, just a thought.
Thanks again for stopping by and leaving your insights.
There are pros & cons to everything – and whilst P&S cameras are catching up with SLR in some respects, they still lack the size & options.
ISO noise – For me the LX series is great in Daylight, but the hatch/water colouring of the noise suppression at higher ISO levels is annoying. Will have to wait and see when I have hands on (but see the image quality links posted).
Weight/Feel – this is an interesting one, obviously you don’t want a camera to be too heavy or too light. The LX2 I owned for a while was a just a little heavy in the top shirt pocket, but the build did feel solid (as do a lot of IXUS’s IMO) – The Canon may be trying to go for a lighter weight & in doing so has compromised on some materials & also the sleeker design means easier pocketability
Usability – I think the Canon has the edge here, the Panasonic UI is nice but fiddly, Canon has the separate dials for quick and easy access (& the control ring) – it may be that I have used Canon more, but the UI seams more refined.
Usability pt 2 – You want a camera that can perform in both bright light & low light (indoors with/without flash) & have a reasonable amount of zoom – again the Canon wins out here (again see examples compared with other cameras [dpreview]
Price – Now this is the one that most people will go on I believe and many times people have said about the price hike in UK versus US – a few factors – Dollar-Yen-Pound exchange rate, shipping cost (more to UK), Import duties in UK – those are a few but it all adds up, current price on Amazon (UK) is £368 (saving £77 of rrp).
It seams everyone has there own mind on perception – as soon as my camera arrives I won’t hesitate to let people know both the Pros & Cons (of the camera) & report back with hopefully a wide range of samples
regards
Darin
Online prices go up and down according to supply and demand. When I bought my LX3 in October last year from Amazon, the price dropped by $40 before I took delivery. I contacted them and they gave me a credit. I noticed that a month later it was almost $100 less.
Since Canon is a more popular brand, once Amazon fills the early orders and there are more S90s in the pipeline, the prices will once again drop.
London pricing sounds like there’s VAT involved.
I continue to shoot images with my S90 without trying to analyze them very much. I’ll do that as I learn more about the camera and discover the operational strengths and weaknesses. I haven’t gone into the manual much beyond the first skim. I find the Canon manuals useful but not friendly.
However, here are a few thoughts:
The S90 is a good pocket camera. Because of the lens cap and the grip protrusion, the LX3 was less of one. I used the LX3 with its two-point strap so it became a comfortable shoulder or neck camera. I use the S90 with a wrist strap. The one that comes with it is comfortable but, for me, too large, in that I feel I can’t “drop” the camera and keep it securely on my wrist. I’m using a nice, thin leather wrist strap from a retired Canon SD300. I keep the S90 in my front right pants’ pocket.
The LX3 heavily post-processed the JPEG to correct for lens abberations in the 24mmf/2 (or so I’ve read) and also for image quality at higher ISOs. This did not allow, in some images, for further sharpening or correction because it was like re-JPEGing a JPEG — not pretty.
I don’t see this in the S90 except in the low-light mode. LL mode is weird. You can’t shoot in RAW. The highest image quality is M. You can only select Normal or Manual Focus. You can only select single frame or continuous. That’s it. You don’t have control over exposure compensation, aperture or shutter speed. LL quality is more like the LX3 high ISO images, maybe a little softer. LL is better that P, A, T, M or Auto at higher ISOs when you compare the grain.
Shooting in A @ 2.0 is marvelous.
Reading some of the early views on how the S90 fits into the world of today’s cameras, I have to respond with my take. I’m a professional photojournalist. I use the Canon DSLRs, and have used almost every type of pro 35mm, film and digital. I also own and use a Canon SD880 for my daily dog-walking camera.
The S90 is an SD880 with many controls and options adopted from their DSLRs. It’s a metal body. It’s a better, faster lens. The really excellent top control dial has Auto, P, A, T, M, etc. There is a control wheel on the front and one one the back, mirroring the DSLRs but reversed in size — the front dial is large, the back dial is small.
I have not found it to be very nimble, like the DSLRs, but I have found it to be more controllable than the SD880.
So I believe Canon designed this camera to make it more friendly to pros. (To Neil, I can only say that yes, it is difficult to use DSLRs or SLRs and they are cumbersome to haul around but once you know how to use them, the range of images and quality is well beyond that of P&S.)
That’s all for now.
John in Miami
Just an update on price – current Amazon(UK) price has now gone upto £389 from £369 3 days ago – but it would seam that this is from another supplier (so that might account for fluctuations)
http://www.amazon.co.uk/exec/obidos/ASIN/B002LSI1I2/ref=ox_ya_oh_product
Keep/put a watch on the pages if you’re after one
That’d be sweet if you stopped in with your findings. I’ll be getting an S90 next week by the looks of things, I wish I could arrange for having a LX3 here at the same time, trying my best.
Cheers for that. To be honest Im still swayed by the LX3 … must be witchcraft or something but it just feels so nice in my hands (even though the S90 may perform better and be what I was after … smaller!)
Maybe if the price comes down to £350 I’ll jump, but until then Im keeping my eyes open for a £250 LX3 eBay bargain LOL.
Darin,
perhaps I’ll need to keep an eye on the Amazon UK site. So many folks coming in from there, and with the price differences…
Neil, Amazon.co.uk can save you £15 by opening up a credit card with them – not the best situation but it would mean you could afford to go to £165
Just a thought
? what do you mean £165?
I was thinking of doing so with Play.com and getting £15 – hardly wow but every little helps … if there are better ways PLEASE tell
)
(And Darin, despite the fact the S90 does look better, do you think as a newbie I’ll still be pleased with my LX3?)
By the by, the nostalgic effects here are superb – can I recreate the 3rd and 4th on the LX3 do you think, or will photoshop do it for me?
http://jonathanpezman.wordpress.com/2009/10/16/canon-s90-review/
jvb,
a new market clearly needed: “the daily dog-walking camera.”
Sorry Neil, attack of the mistype – £365 (£350 +£15 Credit
Maybe a few more people are waiting for the S90 to hit a lower price as well.
Neil, Going on the LX2 I owned, I think you’ll be happy with the LX3 in daylight & it looks a neat package – If you get one make sure you tie that lens cap on to the strap.
I’m only going to be using the S90 occasionally, but I do want a camera that I can get the best results out of, quick & easy out of the pocket, set any settings & shoot.
The choice is ultimately yours but I would do more comparisons with higher ISO for indoor shots without flash & also see how quickly you can set each camera to a desired setting.
Hope it’s not too much to juggle – but the other way of looking at this is will you be happy with your new camera 6-12 months down the line <- that is the most important question
Hi Patrick / all
As you may remember, I’ve been debating the purchase of either the DMC LX3 or Canon S90 – the later of which only looses out to the LX3 on price. I’ve also been told that the LX4 is imminent!
The reason for emailing was to ask your opinion of the Sigma DP1 as another alternative to these two camera’s. I guess, having come backwards from DSLR to P&S, I can only expect lesser IQ and its a bitter pill to swallow. I know I wont reach the level of quality I got from my EOS 450D with an LX3 or S90; but from what I’ve been reading about the DP1, this may fill that requirement (size, price and IQ) … at least more than the LX3 or S90 ever could.
I can purchase a new DP1 for around £270 so its cheaper than the LX3 I’ve seen at £299. Im aware of the poor screen, slow handling times, fixed lens etc; and whilst I wish these were not issues (and its sad to see the DP2 hasn’t addressed these!), I can live with them for the stunning IQ I keep seeing on flicker sites.
So what do you reckon? LX3 at £299, S90 in the new year when prices level out or go for the DP1 at £270 (and perhaps back this up later on with other P&S’s). Because I want to do both low light/indoor and daylight photography (just nights out, family & friends etc), I reckon I may well end up with both the DP1 and LX3!
My ideal route (money permitting) would be a small portable like the LX3 or S90 AND the DP1 for more ‘fixed’ shooting opportunities; and either the G1 or GF1 when prices come down. I’ve also been thinking of buying a twin kit Olympus E420 for around £250 second hand for when I need a DSLR (bearing in mind I don’t need magazine quality IQ so EOS1D’s etc are not a requirement) as again its quite a cheap option … but I find the G1 such a lovely camera to use, perhaps I should bite the bullet and save for this instead. Its certainly nicer to carry (one of my previous DSLR bug bears) and use!
So, your thoughts would be welcome; LX3, S90 or DP1?
Best wishes
Neil
Neil,
I loved the DP2, but that offers a faster lens than the DP1, which is somewhat important for me. If you had added the DP2 as an option, I’d for sure recommend that. If the DP1’s lens is a good match for you, you will love the images, but it is no substitute for a real compact camera in terms of operation. (wouldn’t make a difference to me, but some folks don’t have the patience).
Long-term, it seems like you’d be happier with something like the G1, or GF-1 even, given everything you’ve said.
Personally I see myself having something like my current DSLR, a DP2, and an S90/LX4 for fun…
Thanks for the advice Patrick.
I was tempted by the DP1’s great price and stunning images.
Its looking likely I’ll go the S90/LX3/4 route followed by the GF1 (seems to be a better bet than the G1 if you can stomach the price) … and perhaps at some point add a second hand DP1 or DP2 into the fray to see which I use more.
Many thanks
Neil
you’re welcome. I mean really between the S90 and LX3/LX4 there aren’t going to be HUGE differences on a print level. The G1/GF1 does make a big difference, and a DP2/DP1 will also definitely make a difference (on a print and pixel level).
What about Ricoh Cx 2. The price tag is good and you can even see the sky, not old white superman costume passing by, unlike TZ7. 9 mp with 10.7 optic zoom. Quite sufficient,around 260 euros.
Darin,
nice shot, is this right of the camera?
Hi Patrick,
yes, all images are straight out of the camera & pretty much standard settings, from camera to PCto Twitpic upload) – not sure if Twitpic retains EXIF info, but if you need any more info just let me know which image.
To be 100% honest, each image seems to have a lot of noise at quite a low ISO?
Maybe Im expecting too much coming from a DSLR to P&S, but it seems to me that the majority of people who carry round the S90 will only want to take pictures of spontaneous events; whilst ’set-up’ images such as these would be best served with an SLR.
Hmm, more and more Im thinking I should take the plunge and get that Fovian based DP1 at £275 new and sacrifice modern technology in a P&S for image quality … and where I do need a camera for my own spontaneous events, settle for something cheaper like an LX3 … and maybe the GF1 as the DSLR of choice?
Neil,
That’s typically my issue, there is a noise or grain to nearly all compact cameras with sensors this size (or smaller even) which is why I was so in love with the DP2. It has CLARITY like no compact, and while it does have noise in some situtions it’s more film-like, less digital. I don’t think you’ll improve your situation with an LX3, but the GF1 is apt to bring better results.
On the other hand, the S90 will be substantially easier to use, but I personally don’t care at all about these type of things. I’m really only interested in IQ at all costs (relative to what I can afford)
I did a comparison between the Dp2 and Oly E-620 which has roughly the same IQ I suspect as the GF1 or similar. I think the Dp2 holds it own:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/patrickdean/sets/72157620098023106/
Anyway, I still like the S90 for a “compact camera” solution.
Neil, I think you will need to try each camera for a day or so, but Patrick is right about noise issue in compacts. The S90 has a large sensor for a small package which is better than most, but you are compromising size for compactness to a degree.
I have used several smaller compacts (Panasonic, Olympus, Canon) in the past, I believe that if you went for an LX3 you would be happy with the price but less impressed with the images compared with the S90.
Be careful when salivating over other cameras – you’ll start to go away from being a pocket camera to one that has to be in a case, so take care on that front.
Have a look at the set of test images – http://twitpic.com/photos/dc_zol (6-7 images) – you can view these the full 10Mpx in size. the one with the fringe I’ve had cropped & blown up to twice it’s size to emphasize it. There’s also an image taken with maximum zoom (Optical + Digital) which I find is incredible, showing off the Digic IV processor at it’s best IMO. remember the S90 has a optical zoom of 3.8x
Neil, maybe best thing now is to do a side by side comparison of cameras under a certain size (for your pocket) on Dpreview – you’ll have to select which ones yourself (even Dpreview doesn’t do size matching yet
)
I have been impressed with most things & won’t part with this camera easily.
Hope you find something that fits the bill for your circumstances/usage
LOL … of course I know the real answer is (as Im sure Patrick will agree) to have more than one camera – perhaps a P&S, DSLR and an in-betweener such as the DP1/2.
To this end, and probably going against whats the right thing to do, I’ve managed to find a mint DP1 with accessories on eBay for only £200. Currently being unemployed makes money tight so at least if I don’t get on with the DP1 I can re-sell without loosing money; and have the knowledge of how well it performs.
Im really looking forward to seeing what can be achieved with this camera and as for daily P&S I’ll stick with my Ixus for the time being (my Ixus 75 … the best P&S I’ve ever owned!) Whilst a DP2 would be great … it comes down to cost.
Ultimately yes, I hope my collection will contain an S90, DSLR (maybe a GF1?) and the DP1 … but until then I think I’ve made a good start … and will post some images when I can.
Cheers all
Neil
Wow, the E620 image looks great but that Sigma shot just looks so rich!
I don’t know what it is about the DP2 shot; it hasn’t the detail of the other (different light?) and Im sure some people will say its (the E620) a better image; but as I said, the Sigma seems so warm and rich!
The E620 looks like an image a great photographer would take; the Sigma looks like the type of image that appears on the front cover of National Geographic!
Maybe its wichcraft LOL … but theres just something gorgeous about that Sigma!!!!
Cheers for that patrick
…. having taken a closer look at the full size image from each camera I must say, Im totally blown away by the level of detail from the sigma compared to the Olympus. the Sigma brings out fine detail in the rocks that the Olympus just doesn’t even capture … Im so looking forward to getting my Sigma!!!!
(I just wish I had the scenery to shoot LOL)
Neil,
yeah the DP2 has a real sharp lens. I think you’ll be happy, but just be warned that out in the field you’ll look at the images on the (poor) LCD and be less than thrilled, but once you open them up in Sigma’s Photo Pro software, it’ll be like WOW! In the shots I pointed to I did help things along for both cameras by using “Cloudy” WB–which is something I just tend to leave the camera on for the warm effects. The point was that even thought the Sigma files are smaller, as a camera it holds its own against a DSLR camera–plus you can see that the GF1 wouldn’t be hugely better (since the sensor inside is IMO the same one) but would offer a choice of lenses, something you won’t have with the DP1.
Thats good Patrick, with my old EOS 450D I was used to taking pictures that looked great on the screen but awful on my mac … if you’re saying its going to be the other way round then thats certainly something to look forward too!
I did notice the smaller file sizes which again I guess is no bad thing for what you get.
At some point I’d like to have different lens options … but not forget what put me off DSLR in the first place; so when the time is right I’ll look for a GF1 with just the 2 lenses and that’ll do for my needs. I’ll also add an S90 or LX4 if it ever appears and that should make a nice collection for all needs!
Thanks once again and thanks for opening my eyes to the Sigma … if it wasn’t for this site I’d have never contemplated one!
Best wishes
Neil
pxd,
Thanks for leaving that, I checked it out–and looks pretty good!
Roger,
the hot shoe IS an important consideration, but I don’t personally feel that the S90 would be that more intrusive held up, than the LX3 with viewfinder…