Canon S95

[ssc]

Does anyone shoot with this camera? It seems when I take my grandson places, I just can't take the large gear bags and the DSLR's. Too much other stuff to take. Plus, Chasing him around and or carrying him is a priority. Took him to the zoo this weekend and I sure would have liked to have had the S95. Anyway, it appears from my research and conversations with photo folks and some of the photo forums that this is the way to go for fun family shots. It fits in the pocket and has video. Time to upgrade my powershot pro and s400. No problem with all the gear when My daughter and or son-in-law are with us, but when just the wife, I think point and shoot has some advantages. Looking forward to the S95.

Regards, Steve

[Chazz Layne]

I just opened mine up last night (ordered last week, NewEgg actually has them in stock!!!).

I picked it up to fill the same needs, and because I needed a durable P&S that can handle backcountry travel. I was going to go with the Olympus EP-2 and run it as my only camera, but looking at picture after picture from it I just couldn't bring myself to leave Canon (despite the pile of dead cameras in 2010). From what I've been reading, and now felt, there shouldn't be any trouble with the S95. It seems well built and handles nicely, kind of reminds me of my older Canons (the indestructible SD line circa 2003-2008). It is bigger than most P&S cameras though - almost as big as an SX-series Canon. Here's a couple items I plan to pick up for it in the near future:

Enhanced grip: http://www.kleptography.com/rf/#camera_s90

Filter mount: http://www.lensmateonline.com/store/s90v2.php

Filter kit & other goodies: http://www.lensmateonline.com/store/s90.html

I've taken all of 5 pictures with it so far, but the controls and options seem to have more in common with a DSLR than a pocket camera and the image quality is pretty impressive. Low-light performance is every bit as good as I expected from the reviews. Aside from durability, this was the most important spec to me since much of what I do is low light and easily ruined by flash. Hopefully I can get out this weekend and give it a more thorough run-through.

Unedited full-size images attached...

[OLLIE]

I didn't want to hump around with my DSLR for hiking and backpacking so I went in search of a goood quality, more compact camera camera, that had as close to the same features as a DSLR without all the detachable lenses. After all my research, my friend and I found the Cannon Powershot G-11. He got me into RAW when i met him and the G-11 shoots RAW and JPEG images, has excellent video quality, and the macro ability is phenominal. I am a Nikkon person but the G-11is an incredible camera. All of my trip picks I have posted in the last 8 months have been taken with my G-11. For someone like you who is more of a photographer, I highly recommend it. Some of the highlight features for me include the view finder and a fully articulating LCD screen which you can see from any angle, a pre-shot histogram histogram so you can adjust your exposure comp before you even take the picture, and the macro focusing range of 0.4 in.-1.6 ft./1-50cm.

They just recently released the G-12 and rumors are that it is even better.

[smslavin]

They just recently released the G-12

I'll second the G-12. Spend the little bit of extra money. Pretty sure you'll be a much happier camper with it over the S95.

[OLLIE]

They just recently released the G-12

I'll second the G-12. Spend the little bit of extra money. Pretty sure you'll be a much happier camper with it over the S95.

I was bummed when I noticed the G-12 release shortly after I bought the G-11. Here's the additional stuff as written by DPReview...

"Canon has launched the PowerShot G12 premium compact, successor to PowerShot G11 released last year. Inheriting most of the core features of the G11, the latest model sees the addition of an EOS-style front control dial, Hybrid IS for close-up work, and 720p HD video recording. It also adds multi-aspect ratio shooting and SDXC card compatibility. The rest of the features remain the same including a 28-140mm equivalent lens, 2.8" tilt and swivel LCD, manual control and RAW shooting."

[ssc]

Thanks for the feedback. This will be a fun little camera for the little guy as well as the video. I have looked at the G11, but think it may be a bit large for the task. I need something that can quickly go in and out of the pocket. As when the little guy decides to go walk about and I have to catch him or if I have him and a dog, so size is important. It will not be used for my scapes or other items, just basic family pictures when I need both hands. If not doing the parent thing and have others to watch him, I will have the DSLR.

Chazz, how is the battery life? That is the only negative I am seeing. The new olympus XZ1 is looking good, but I want to stay with canon if possible.

Regards, Steve

[ssc]

Sean,
Why do you favor the G12 vs the S95?

Regards, Steve

[Chazz Layne]

The G11/G12 is a fantastic camera with a few more features than the S95 (that swivel screen is awesome). Were this to be my only camera I probably would have gone that route for the better controls, expansion options, and interface. It is bigger though, too big to be pocketable. The S95 isn't tiny by any stretch either, but it will fit in a pocket (barely). Since I'm going to be picking up a DSLR I decided to go the smallest route that still shoots RAW and has manual controls.

I haven't had the S95 long enough to have a good feel for battery life. The supplied battery is only 1000mAh though, nothing special. Fortunately, there are several aftermarket options getting great reviews with far better capacity. Most of them are cheap too...

http://www.amazon.com/NB-6L-replacement ... 3IRKE2PKEO

If you're out this way again before you buy and want to handle the S95 just let me know. We'll be here at home for at least the rest of this month.

[ssc]

Thanks for the link for the battery. I think I will order some of the ones you recommend. We should be in Havasu the weekend of the 20th. With any luck, I would like to get together and see the camera. Perhaps we can hit a trail or two and do a bit of shooting--camera and gun

Which DSLR are you getting?

Regards, Steve

[Chazz Layne]

Yep, I'll be up for both... though we might be in 2wd.


I'll be picking up a Canon T2i, unless they come out with a comparably-priced "T3i" between now and when I buy. This will be my first D-SLR, so I want to get back into it before putting any serious cash in a body. I'm digging that I'll be able to buy glass again without fear of being obsolete when it's time to upgrade.