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General discussion

Canon PowerShot S90 or PowerShot SD940 IS?

Dec 3, 2009 12:31AM PST

I need some advice in my decision between these two cameras.

The amount of control in the S90 is very appealing as I took a film class a few years back and would enjoy getting into digital photography and taking some more serious photographs, although that wouldn't be its only purpose.

I also take many hours of video - anything from friends and nights out, to being by the ocean and concerts and live shows - so the HD quality video of the SD940 IS is very appealing as well.

If anyone owns either of these - suggestions for a nice case? I'll be picking one of these in the next day or so.

Thoughts? Thanks.

Discussion is locked

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Canon
Dec 3, 2009 6:12AM PST

The reason behind the Canon S90 and G11.

Both cameras move the emphasis from "more megapixels" to "bigger pixels".

The camera makers have reached the useful limit of megapixels.
You can only crowd so many pixels onto an already too crowded surface, before you cause too many problems.

While the world was asking for less noise, the more pixels bandwagon was causing even more noise.

Thus - The S90 and the G11.
They use the same sensor assembly as the 14.7 megapixel G10, but only put 10 megapixels on that sensor.
That permits them to use larger pixels that can produce more light.
The result is a camera that works better in low light (with no flash) by reducing noise.
The S90 also ended up with a very bright lens (f/2.0).
But that causes the price to be about $450.

Bottom line,
the S90 will work better in low light (no flash) than the SD940IS.
It should perform better when photographing concerts and live shows.

Tip: When photographing concerts and live shows - always turn off the flash, unless you are within 12 feet from the action (subject).

..

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Now leaning more towards the S90
Dec 3, 2009 7:35AM PST

Thanks for the detailed response, it's much appreciated.

As of now, I think I'm going to go with the S90 because I think I will be happier with better photo quality.

The video quality of the SD940IS still seems very tempting, but as I mentioned above I think I will be happier with photo quality rather than video. The videos I'd be taking would look better (if I choose the SD940IS) than those taken with previous digital cameras I've owned, but for what I'm shooting, I suppose the video quality is not as important as I'm thinking..

Thanks again!

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canon powershot s90
Dec 3, 2009 1:57PM PST

while buying one out of the two i would go for the canon powershot ss90 over the powershot sd940is.the main reason behind this is its high image resolution and zooming effects.the picture quality is superb.you also get shake free photos.all in all a good buy.

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S90
Dec 3, 2009 8:54PM PST

Thanks for the help! Hopefully picking it up tonight.