Canon PowerShot S95
Announced August 19, 2010
PixelMeter The PixelMeter is our 1–100 aggregate of reviewer scores from trusted publications and creators. Weighted by source tier — not a raw average, and not PetaPixel’s own review.
Reviewer Consensus
Strong
The Canon PowerShot S95 is a highly compact, pocketable camera that provides enthusiasts with full manual control and RAW shooting capabilities. While it delivers sharp, high-quality images and improved handling over its predecessor, the device struggles with limited battery life and basic video functionality.
Weighted from 20 reviewer scores
Pros
- Comprehensive manual controls and customizable settings
- Highly portable, pocket-friendly design with solid build quality
- Excellent image quality and tonal range
- Strong low-light performance with fast f/2.0 aperture and effective stabilization
- Fast shutter response and quick startup time
Cons
- Ergonomic issues regarding grip and button placement
- Limited video capabilities including lack of optical zoom and autofocus during recording
- Short battery life
- Slow continuous shooting and buffer clearing
- High noise levels at higher ISO settings
- Launch price $399.99 (USD)
- Sensor 10MP CCD
What the Reviewers Say
All 20 expert reviews, weighted into the PixelMeter score.
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With so many types of fluorescent lights in my house alone, Auto White Balance systems are quite challenged. But if I encounter a light source the Canon S95 isn't handling right, I just find a scene with some white in it and press the Shortcut button.
- Cameralabs 88%
Canon’s PowerShot S95 may not represent a huge leap forward from its predecessor, but remains an ideal choice for enthusiasts who want a pocket camera without compromising on control and features.
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The bottom line is that it’s a good camera overall, at times very good, but you aren’t getting [it's price] worth of value.
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The Canon PowerShot S95 addresses virtually all of the issues that detracted from its predecessor - most notably the lack of HD video and sky-high price - whilst further improving the handling and customisation.
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The Canon S95 is a great little camera that enthusiasts will love. It's small, fits in the pocket and is classily designed as well as shooting good quality images.
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The expense may be a stumbling block for some, but the Canon Powershot S95 takes some absolutely stunning images, and the full manual control lens ring is especially useful.
- CNET 8/10
Though we’d like it to perform better, dSLR shooters looking for a sidekick camera will find the Canon PowerShot S95’s top-flight photos and a full manual feature set worth the tradeoff of its compact size.
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What did I think of the camera? Well, for a high-performance compact camera, it really hits the spot.
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While the S95 will not deliver DSLR-quality images, it stands apart from the most of the point and shoot camera pack with solid image quality and exceptional control over exposure.
- Photo Review 9.0/10
Claimed as the smallest, slimmest digicam with advanced manual control and raw file support, the S95 comes with improved handling, additional manual controls, 720p HD movie capabilities and Canon’s HS System [...] and a more powerful Hybrid IS stabilisation system.
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Gripes are few with the Canon PowerShot S95, but following up on the excellent S90, that’s to be expected. We’ve seen the improvement of the video offering, but it certainly isn’t the most sophisticated video shooting compact out there.
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If size is important, the S95 is the way to go because it effortlessly slips into your trouser pocket.
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The Canon S95 is the much improved new version of the extraordinary Canon S90.
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I found the S95 a delight to use, very pro and quick. Quality: pin sharp pics, excellent tonal range.
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If you are looking for a small carry-around camera, that you really can just put into your back pocket, but also one that will shoot RAW images, and has Manual Mode to give you full control, then I can highly recommend the Canon PowerShot S95.
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It took great images, but pocketable it was not. The S95 fits the bill perfectly, as it is extremely thin (and pocketable), and takes images that are nearly identical in quality to the G11.
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The Canon PowerShot S95 produces detailed, color-rich pictures and is equipped with a vast array of interesting features. It has almost no weakness, making the camera a perfect companion for your existing DSLR. It’s also suitable to be carried around as a handy all-rounder.
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The S95’s ability to take great photos in low light is pretty amazing.
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I’ve now had the opportunity to take it on a couple of trips, and it’s all I ever dreamed of, and then some.
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This should make a very good addition to my camera kit.
