Should I trade in my G10 for an S90?

[tic]

I've got a good offer from a store to trade in my PowerShot G10 and some cash for a new S90. The amount of cash is small enough to make it an atractive offer. Has anyone here got first hand experience of both the G10 and S90 and can say if it is a good idea (disregarding money)?

What I would like to have from the S90: better dynamic range (some blue left in the sky without -2/3 exp comp all the time) and the smaller size. Better high iso performace is nice but not that important for me. I'm afraid of losing the great handling and the great optics of the G10. How does the S90 compare? 😕

 

[Peter S]

Once had a G7 and now have a S90. I really like its ergonomics (best I have seen in a compact sofar) and the picture quality. However it is small, so if you have big hands you may not really like it. On the other hand because of the small size it fits in a pant pocket. I understand it has the same sensor as the G11, optics are good, but considerable distortion on the wide end. Personally I may change it for a Samsung TL500/EX1, that seems to be a very promising new compact with the same sensor.

 

[tic]

Is purple fringing/CA a big problem in the S90? I find the G10 to be rather good when it comes to that...

 

[Ranchu]

I've never had an S90, but I won't be trading my G10 for anything. I love the thing, but I only shoot it at 80 where it shines. My impression is that Canon sets their metering 2/3 of a stop hot, I think you'll have do the same with the S90. The real issue is the limited dynamic range, and it's not that much better with larger sensors. Better, but still limited. Digital really is a lot like slide film in it's DR limitations. According to dxomark, the S90 has one and 1/3 stop more DR than the G10, that's some but not a lot, imo.

http://www.dxomark.com/index.php/eng/Image-Quality-Database/Canon

 

[roundg]

If you are looking for a pocket DC, go for S90. Otherwise even the operation interface of S90 is great, it's still at the same level of the G10.

I won't trade a G10 for a S90.

 

[RF-Addict]

I own both the G10 and the S90. I use filters and a wide angle adapter with the G10 and frankly that's the only reason I am not selling the G10. The S90 is clearly the better camera - much, much better ISO capabilities. ISO 400 looks very clean with the S90 while the G10 starts falling apart. With noise reduction software, you can easily go up to ISO 800 with the S90.

 

[emraphoto]

don't own an s90 but have own/used a g10.

both cameras are SUPER capable picture takers with the obvious small sensor caveats in mind. i am printing a show right now that was shot 75% on a g10.

i have been pondering an S90 myself BUT from handling it Canon has again ignored the shutter response time/lag/whatever. i can't wrap my brain around why.

anyhow, useable up into the 800 range. smaller package and slightly different interface is what you are essentially getting. no shoe for a finder (if that's your gig).

 

[Peter S]

Don't have my S90 with me at the moment, but I think I actually half press the shutter button so it already has focused and then I really do have less shutter lag. Still not perfect, but workable.

 

[emraphoto]

sadly, even in manual focus (where i had it most of the time) with manual exposure both cameras, as noted, need a bit of "patience".

i really don't mean to rant but seriously Canon... can we get that licked soon because otherwise i really like the cameras. ricoh and sigma managed it with what i am sure are slightly smaller r&d budgets. s90 with snap mode and man o man i would be buying two!

 

[tbhv55]

I had a G7, then a G10, and I have now owned an s90 for about six months. IMHO the s90 is the clear winner.

Pros are: 1. superior IQ (lower noise at higher ISOs)
2. improved dynamic range
3. faster lens (f/2.0 at the wide end)
4. customisable lens ring
5. fits easily into even a jeans pocket.
Cons are: 1. rather slippery (I always use the wrist strap)
2. no hotshoe (but IMO, if you want to use a big flash, put it onto
a big camera!)
3. rear adjustment wheel is perhaps rather easy to
turn inadvertently (some people report this as a regular
problem, although I've had very little trouble from this)
4. distortion at wide end (easily corrected in software)

It would make sense to test the s90 out in your hands, to establish whether the ergonomics suit you. If that aspect is Ok, then I'd be surprised if you were disappointed in any other respect. The IQ is not a match for my 5D (obviously) but it's impressive for a small sensor camera - and, of course, my 5D doesn't fit into my pocket...

For me, at least, the s90 actually turned out to be what I'd been looking for - a very capable (and a truly pocketable) camera.
Good luck with your decision.

 

[jfretless]

I have the S90 and absolutely love it.

I do find that a -1/3 to -2/3 is needed in most case to bring the highlights in.

As for shutter lag, it's a non issue as far as I'm concerned. If that's because I'm adopted good technique or what, I'm not sure, but it's darn well responsive.

John

 

[RF-Addict]

I actually added a grip to my S90 and it now fits much, much better into my hand.

 

[binky]

I've handled the s90, and the utility ring makes it a very nice feature. It's a real winner 🙂 and I would get it over the G11. As to trading in a G10, I'm not sure if advice can be given for that. If the camera is meant as handier version of whatever camera you're using (i.e., better & bigger RF, SLR, DSLR etc), then the s90 would probably end up in your pocket (i.e., real pockets) more often than the G series. I would go for pocketability if IQ is even.

 

[gliderbee]

I added a grip also, and a ring to take filters, so I think I have best of both worlds. The grip is lower then the lens in retracted condition, so it doesn't make the camera less "pocketable". The ring adds a screwtread, and I can clamp a wide-angle lens on it. Sorry for the lousy pictures; just a quick one as an illustration.

 

[emraphoto]

I have the S90 and absolutely love it.

I do find that a -1/3 to -2/3 is needed in most case to bring the highlights in.

As for shutter lag, it's a non issue as far as I'm concerned. If that's because I'm adopted good technique or what, I'm not sure, but it's darn well responsive.

John

please don't take this anything less than genuine curiosity but what techniques are you using to overcome what i find to be maddening lag?

i spent a greta deal of time working with a g10 and no mater what i did it still was a little slow to respond. i also spent 2 days mucking with an s90 and same story.

 

[Ranchu]

Might have something to do with the focal lengths used. I do find the G10's focusing ridiculous when zoomed in, and not bad at the wide end. Not fast, but functional.

 

[emraphoto]

i used the g10 at 28mm 99.9% of the time and couldn't overcome the lag.

manual focus (preset distance), and manual exposure at the widest focal length on both and still lag. OK for some folks i suppose but not for what i need it to do. bugs me really as they are great cameras and the size of the s90 really is a plus.

 

[emraphoto]

might also mention that i had a finder and the screen off on the g10 if that sort of thing matters.

 

[tic]

Thank's for all the interesting comments! Concerning slippery S90, there is an ever ready style case (also usable as half case) from a third party (ie. China) on ebay from several sellers on ebay (search for "s90 case"). If I do get the S90 I will be getting one of those. I have a similar case for the G10 that has worked very well for me.

 

[Ranchu]

might also mention that i had a finder and the screen off on the g10 if that sort of thing matters.

I have the same setup ! 😀 Such a difference compared to the stock finder. Looks like you expect a higher level of performance from the AF than I do, and I agree, it certainly could be better.

edit: I mentioned above that I try to use the G10 at 80 because it's great there. Just occurred to me that that means I've got more light to focus by too.