SD4000 versus S95 SD4000 and S90 have been compared numerous times. S90 lacks HD-video and is bigger in size than SD4000, but it has a larger sensor which produces "slightly" better images and it has better manual controls. Some reviewers have mentioned that S90 does not fair as well in auto mode as SD4000, the front ring "free-wheels" sometimes, and the grip is not good.Now that S95 has been announced, it fixes some of those problems - it sports 24fps HD video (arguably not worse than 30fps), claims to fix the ring issue and has a different texture which is supposed to help with the grip. Given these improvements, what do you guys think about SD4000 versus S95 (keeping price out of the equation)? I am about to pull the trigger on SD4000, but the comparison with S95 is holding me back. I will appreciate any input that helps me make the decision. Thanks! SD4000 versus S95 SD4000 and S90 have been compared numerous times. S90 lacks HD-video and is bigger in size than SD4000, but it has a larger sensor which produces "slightly" better... » Read More SD4000 versus S95 SD4000 and S90 have been compared numerous times. S90 lacks HD-video and is bigger in size than SD4000, but it has a larger sensor which produces "slightly" better images and it has better manual controls. Some reviewers have mentioned that S90 does not fair as well in auto mode as SD4000, the front ring "free-wheels" sometimes, and the grip is not good.Now that S95 has been announced, it fixes some of those problems - it sports 24fps HD video (arguably not worse than 30fps), claims to fix the ring issue and has a different texture which is supposed to help with the grip. Given these improvements, what do you guys think about SD4000 versus S95 (keeping price out of the equation)? I am about to pull the trigger on SD4000, but the comparison with S95 is holding me back. I will appreciate any input that helps me make the decision. Thanks! « Show Less
965783
i think s95 is compelling if u want better pictures and control. since s95 has the bigger sensor (better pictures) and the PASM (better control).but really, the 4000 is a true P&S; wif some kick-ass hardware baked in.
163532
I am on the same predicament here....Tough choice. From the reviews I 've read/viewed, they are practically the same. The only big difference is the portability of each camera. The S95 is more 'pocketable' versus the G12. I think I'm going for the G12 since I've got the G10 and I'm familiar with the G series anyway. I hope this video helps:http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jto9C5uZIWU
2087729
I actually tried the HF S200 and was disappointed with its low light performance, so I returned it and placed an order for the HF M400. I don't need all of the bells and whistles, and still photos are not a requirement for me for a video camera. I think their logic in using the pro sensor makes sense. I got the same response when I asked Canon. If you compare them side by side though, the only thing the HF M400 is missing is some of the manual controls, the ability to take high-quality still photos, and a larger display. Other than that, for pure video quality and low light performance, the HF M400 should come out on top (I hope). I actually tried the HF S200 and was disappointed with its low light performance, so I returned it and placed an order for the HF M400. I don't need all of the bells and whistles, and still photos are not a requirement for me for a video camera. I think their logic in using the pro sensor makes sense. I got the same response when I asked Canon. If you compare them side by side though, the only thing the HF M400 is missing is some of the manual controls, the ability to take high-quality still photos, and a larger display. Other than that, for pure video quality and low light... » Read More I actually tried the HF S200 and was disappointed with its low light performance, so I returned it and placed an order for the HF M400. I don't need all of the bells and whistles, and still photos are not a requirement for me for a video camera. I think their logic in using the pro sensor makes sense. I got the same response when I asked Canon. If you compare them side by side though, the only thing the HF M400 is missing is some of the manual controls, the ability to take high-quality still photos, and a larger display. Other than that, for pure video quality and low light performance, the HF M400 should come out on top (I hope). « Show Less
1407636
Better yet, if you swing it, get a used S95 or an S100. Any issue with the S100 return it and get a new one. A slightly larger camera (and better camera) is the Panasonic LX5. Great lens, larger sensor, better video (even if it's not 1080).
105267
I'm also trying to decide between the SD850 and SD750...I prefer the S850 features, but this camera is so much thicker (1.04" vs 0.77"), and I was looking for a thin camera. The dimensions are on Canon's website...have you physically seen the two cameras and can you confirm the difference in thickness? I was curious that you did not mention...perhaps it's not as different as I think?
1635760
It seems illogical I know, but I have seen this in camera pricing here many times before: when a new model comes out, the older model often INCREASES in price even if the new model is improved. My guess is that there's some policy of increasing price when existing stock run low, which will naturally occur when an old model is discontinued. Doesn't make a lot of sense in a case like this but I can't think of any other reason for it. As for which you should buy, the newer S8200 has a wider zoom ratio than the S8100 (25-300mm equiv. instead of 30-300mm), which may or may not be good news. The wider angle at the short end is certainly useful, but stretching the zoom ratio of a particular lens design sometimes results in some deterioration of performance. Not having the S8200 I don't know if that's true in this case. I have the S8100 and it is super sharp over the entire zoom range -- I think a bit sharper than my S9100, which has a 25-450mm (equiv.) lens. Also, the S8200 has a 16-megapixel sensor as opposed to the 12-megapixel sensor of the S8100 and S9100. That will be seen as an "improvement" by people who attach great importance to megapixel count; personally I do not see it that way and am really annoyed by this silly megapixel race, which I thought was over with. (Nikon and Canon have both LOWERED the megapixel count of some of their high-end compact cameras, with resulting improvement in picture quality.) I dislike the trend to pixel cramming in sensors really too small to make proper use of such megapixel count. In DSLRs it's different -- their much larger sensors can really use all those pixels -- but these tiny-sensor cameras cannot. It's mostly if not entirely marketing -- camera makers know most consumers will think the more megapixels the better the sharpness, so this supposed "improvement" will sell more cameras. So personally I prefer the older S8100, but again, that is not based on any personal experience with the newer model.
163534
The S95 has a nice f/2.0 lens, while the G12 is f/2.8. However, just about everything else tips the G12's way. The ergonomics are better (it actually helps a lot that it's significantly larger), it has a built-in optical neutral density filter that buys an extra three stops in bright light, and slightly longer zoom. The G12 is absolutely killer.
1262387
The manual doesn't specifically give requirements so I tested my S90 with an 8GB Sandisk Extreme (30MB/s*), an older 4GB Sandisk Extreme III (20MB/s*), an older model 4GB Sandisk Ultra II (15MB/s*) and a really old 2GB Sandisk Blue card. I set the camera to record JPG+RAW and set it for continuous shooting. I held the button down for 60 seconds and got the same results for the first 3 cards at 47 exposures in 60 seconds and 25 exposures for the Sandisk Blue. At 11.4 MB per shot, the camera was packing down files at approximately 9MB/second which is well below what the first three are capable of providing. Shooting simple jpegs or video will require even lower speeds. (*The speeds shown are manufacturer's stated values) In static testing, I have found that the write speed of my Ultra II card is up to 18.2 MB/s while the considerably more expensive Sandisk Extreme card is only slightly better at 19.3 MB/s, which may of course be the speed limitation of my Sandisk card reader. (Speeds may also vary between card production runs.) Does this answer your question however? Not really. The first 3 cards noted above are indicated as class 10, 6, and 2** respectively. But as Sandisk cards generally run well above their class ratings, this doesn't tell you what speed a generic class 10, 6, or 2 card will provide. Speeds may vary significantly in a specific class based on the quality of the card. If you stick with a good quality card though anything class 4 or above should be fine. A Sandisk Ultra 4GB Class 4 card can be obtained for less than $15 through Amazon from Beach Camera who is an authorized sandisk dealer. (Beware of unauthorized dealers as I have received a bogus item from one of the more prominent ones that sells here on Amazon.) (**Please note that my older model Ultra II card referenced above was shown as a class 2 while the current Sandisk Ultra models are listed as a class 4 even though the stated 15MB/s has not changed.)
1419977
I had a film SLR before the Canon S50. Now I only want a smaller camera that takes great pictures. The S95 probably is a great choice.
576887
Firstly, congratulations! And my opinion: (1) If you want to take videos (and I am sure you will with the new baby), S95 can not change zoom and focus while shooting a video. To me, this is a very big turn off. (2) Optics (lens) on LX5 seems to be better. It takes in more light and that gives LX5 some advantage in terms of indoor/low light shooting. (3) Both cameras take great pictures but S95 JPEG images seem a little sharper. (4) LX5 has a ton of manual controls, which may be a good way to learn a lot about photography. (5) Automatic mode on both cameras are excellent. (6) S95 is noticeably smaller and more difficult to hold and control for bigger hands. (7) S95 has an automatic lens cover, while LX5 has a lens cap, which must be taken off manually before shooting a photo. Personally, I would go for LX5 because of #1 above, but it may not be such a big deal for you. Hope this helps.
940339
What did you end up doing? My s95 died last week (no idea why) and I was perfectly happy with it up until that point. There are enough negative reviews on the newer canons to give me pause but anything has to beat a completely dead camera.
2236560
I spent a lot of time researching and have decided that the wait is worth it (although, unbearable!) The FZ40 is an improvement over the FZ35 as far as startup speed, image quality (not only higher MP, but also a better sensor). The zoom also is worth it to me. If you do some searching, there are a lot of reviews now. The FZ40 also has panoramic, not sure if the FZ35 has that or not.I don't think that the FZ100 is worth the extra 1 hundred. There still is some debate over the quality of the images with the MOS sensor and the 1080 video vs 720 wasn't worth it for me.
748242
Have to respectfully disagree regarding the S3 being good as anything on the market in this class. There are other cameras in this class that are faster and have far better sensors with far better ISO capability. The S3 is really only good up to 200 ISO. A few cameras in this class can easily handle 400 and some are somewhat OK at 800.I can personally only recommend this camera to someone if they plan to use the superb video function along with the photos. If video isn't something that's needed, buyers should look elsewhere.And yes, I do own an S3 and I'm glad I bought it. But I use it for both video and photo. If I wanted just photo I never would have purchased it. Have to respectfully disagree regarding the S3 being good as anything on the market in this class. There are other cameras in this class that are faster and have far better sensors with far better ISO capability. The S3 is really only good up to 200 ISO. A few cameras in this class can easily handle 400 and some are somewhat OK at 800.I can personally only recommend this camera to someone if they plan to use the superb video function along with the photos. If video isn't something that's needed, buyers should look elsewhere.And yes, I do own an S3 and I'm glad I... » Read More Have to respectfully disagree regarding the S3 being good as anything on the market in this class. There are other cameras in this class that are faster and have far better sensors with far better ISO capability. The S3 is really only good up to 200 ISO. A few cameras in this class can easily handle 400 and some are somewhat OK at 800.I can personally only recommend this camera to someone if they plan to use the superb video function along with the photos. If video isn't something that's needed, buyers should look elsewhere.And yes, I do own an S3 and I'm glad I bought it. But I use it for both video and photo. If I wanted just photo I never would have purchased it. « Show Less
1338307
The size of the lx5 is a deal breaker for me, I just sold my g11 because it was too big to fit in my pockets and I would never bring it anywhere. Though I love the look of the lx5(the s95 looks so cheap and consumer-y) and wanted to give another brand a try, the s95 seems like the smallest camera with a decent sized sensor, there really aren't any other options.
948241
Well, it's just the size of the sensor troubles me. What kind of picture is this going to take at even a 400 ISO? Nevermind 800 or higher.I just wonder if it's worth getting a camera this big when the sx200IS can be had for almost half the price, it's way easier to carry, and when you add the chdk firmware, will be almost as functional.I suppose if this were to be your only camera, but personally, I'd like to see what they do with the Rebel, either later this year or next. Or if I have a "rich uncle die", buy the 5D Mark II ;-)
260132
Both are good cameras but S95 has a better image quality and it shoots raw but if u are not into image editing then u dont need raw format jpeg will be good enough. The real con for p300 is that it dosent have a good video quality in HD mode be it 720 or 1080P. Its video is choppy but if u record in non HD u will be good. Right now p300 is $230 with free shipping. I will get it rather than get s95. Both qualities will never match up to DSLR. $230 offer ends 1 OCT 2011. get it now people. rather than spend almost $400 as in $360+ on s95. FYI s100 is out.
963845
I've recently changed my S9000 to S100fs. there's not even significant shutter lags even though in dark condition. compared to my old s9000, i could only take 4pics as continuous shot mode at 9m pixel. but in s100fs, 2~3times more shots in shorter time(about 1sec, 1.5sec maybe) 11m pixel mode. even better, 3m pixel high continuous shot mode can take about infinite amount of shots as good use for GIF format animation file.