Manage updates with the Download AppCanon PowerShot S95
Manufacturer: Canon Part number: 4343B001
- More product information:
- Editors' review
- User reviews
- Specifications
- Accessories
- Manufacturer info
- Bottom Line:
- 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.
Read more
Where to buy
| store | customer rating | inventory | tax & shipping | price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
 |  | In stock | Enter zip code to get total price: Price +Tax +Shipping =Total price | as of 05/22/2013 |
CNET editors' review
Canon PowerShot S95 price range: $539.95
- Reviewed by: Lori Grunin
- Reviewed on: 09/26/2010
- Released on: 08/31/2010
The good: Attractive and well-designed; capable of producing very nice photos; complete set of manual controls; solid 720p video.
The bad: On the slow side, with subpar battery life; no low-compression JPEG option.
The bottom line: 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.
User reviews
-
-
Best "pocket" camera available right now!
by Branden01 on October 2, 2011
Pros: + Excellent image quality
+ Excellent interface
+ VERY Handy size
+ Extensive range of Pre settings that cater for any condition
+ Full Manual controls for when your are feeling more adventurous
+ User friendly controls and menusCons: - No live preview of exposure changes
- Mode Dial could have some better gripSummary: First off, no camera is perfect. This camera isnt perfect but its the best "pocket camera" you can buy. Period. A lot of people compare this camera to the Panasonic ...
Summary: First off, no camera is perfect. This camera isnt perfect but its the best "pocket camera" you can buy. Period. A lot of people compare this camera to the Panasonic Lumix LX5. The LX5 is an awesome camera but I dont consider that a "pocket" camera. It is bigger and bulkier and doesnt fit in your pocket very well. I would almost compare that camera to the Canon G11 or G12. The Canon S95 is simply the best camera if you are looking for something very portable and you can take anywhere with you. I have owned the S90 and now the S95 and its the only camera I use. I take it everywhere to capture my 4 year old in all his activities. I used to lug around a DSLR camera but didnt like it because it was so big and bulky (but it took awesome photos) I looked into this camera (S90 initially) and fell in love with it and its all I use now. The S95 is basically the same but basically three things got better.
Video which was good just got better because its now in HD. The sound which I thought was very good just got better because video is now in Stereo. (two very tiny speakers are now visable on the front of the camera) The S90 was very sleek and some said too sleek because when you held it, some compared it to holding a bar of soap in the bathroom. It was very slick. The body of the S95 has a texture to it now that is better and not as "slick" to the touch. One thing I also like about this camera is it takes action photos a little better. The S90 "sports" mode took photos at a snails pace of about 1 photo every second basically. (DSLR's take about 4-5 per second and are very fast) The S95 does a little better at about 2 shots every second. This still is not very good but is acceptable for a camera like this and does help if you are taking photos of action, etc.
Again, no camera is perfect but this is about as close as you can get until something new comes out next year. However, if you want an awesome "pocket" camera that can take great photos (especially in low light), has a very fast lens (aperture 2.0), can be used fully manual if you want and takes very good video clips, this is the camera to buy. I am sure next year there will be some more improvements with this camera or features added and maybe Nikon or someone else will come out with something comparable to this Canon S95 but it doesnt exist right now. This little camera is the best right now. You wont be disappointed and quit looking around for something comparable because it doesnt exist. The only other camera that I looked at is the Panasonic Lumix LX5. It is a very, very good camera also (maybe a little better then this camera) but it is bigger and bulkier and really doesnt slip into your pocket very well. It also takes photos very well in low light (aperture of 2.0 also) and has a lens that is wider 24mm compared to Canon's 28mm and takes photos at around 3 shots per second compared to the S95 2 shots per second but its a little bigger and about $50 more. I encourage you to look at the Panasonic but the Canon wins for me!! Good luck and quit worrying and buy this camera!!!
Update: Here is a really neat "letter" that was written and posted on Yahoo the other day from an editor with the NY Times....I copied and pasted it into this review. Its good!
Dear Canon S95,
I don't often write love letters to gadgets. But you, you're something special.
Truth is, I've been searching for someone like you for years.
See, I love the huge light sensor that's inside an SLR. It can take sharp low-light shots without the flash. It can blur the background the way professionals do.
I just don't like how an SLR is big and heavy and obtrusive.
What I've always wanted is a little camera with a big sensor. Is that so hard?
Apparently, yes. The problem is covering a rectangular sensor chip with a circle of light from the lens. Bigger sensor? You need a bigger camera. Those are the simple bylaws of physics.
But you, oh, cute little Canon PowerShot S95! I love that you're a pocket camera, only 3.9 by 2.3 by 1.2 inches. I love your big, bright, three-inch screen, your built-in flash, your H.D.M.I. output for hi-def TV sets. I love that you turn on directly into Playback mode, without having to extend the lens.
I love the unique control ring around the dial, which I can quickly program to adjust whatever feature I want: focus, zoom, exposure, light sensitivity (ISO), aperture, even degree of color saturation (all the way to black-and-white).
I've had fun with your special modes, like the tilt-shift-lens simulator and fake fisheye.
I love the wink-driven self-timer. Yes, I set up the camera, walk into the scene, and then wink-the picture is taken two seconds later. Beats hunting around for a remote control. (Or I can ask you to wait two seconds after a new person-that would be me, joining the group-enters the frame.)
But above all, I love your enormous sensor. It's 0.59 inches diagonally-88 percent more area than most pocket cameras' sensors. And I love that you have an f/2.0 lens, a rarity among pocket cameras, meaning that you let in a lot more light.
And all of this means that you, little S95, can take amazing, sharp pictures in low light without the flash. Your designers have shrewdly dropped the ludicrous quest for more megapixels-you have 10 megapixels, just right-in favor of something that really matters, like better photos.
So many times I've used you for pictures at night, indoors, in shadow. Cathedrals, restaurants, parties. No, the results aren't as good as an SLR's-you still manage to blur a shot, especially in very dark situations when the subject is moving-but they're light-years better than any other pocket camera can do. I love to show off your photo samples.
You're even better than my last love, your predecessor, the S90. Because you're slimmer. And now you take hi-def videos-with stereo sound. You have a high-dynamic-range mode, where you combine three tripod shots at different exposures into a single photo with a really great range of darks and lights. Your controls are refined in size and placement.
Look, S95-I know you're not perfect. Your battery takes only 200 shots on a charge, which is very low. You won't let me use the optical zoom while I'm shooting video; in fact, you can't refocus while shooting video, either. (Your arch-rival, the Panasonic LX5, can zoom during video. Then again, it's porkier and requires fussing with a detached lens cap.)
And, of course, you cost twice what most pocket cams cost. You're $400.
But you are the best pocket camera on the market. I have carried you for many weeks, in many situations, and I have been thrilled by the sharpness, color, control and photographic success rate that you give me.
Yes, Canon S95, I think you and I have a long, happy future ahead of us. Heck, you may remain state-of-the-art for several months at least!
But if you will buy the Canon S95 I suggest you have to compare prices before you decide at: www.amazonshotcode.com/Canon-S95
Good Luck!16 out of 16 users found this user opinion helpful.
-
Canon PowerShot is the best Point and Shoot Camera
by pradike on October 20, 2010
Pros: Fantastic imagery
Quality construction
Ease of Use
Super Indoor, Low LIght capability
Flexibility of Manual, Automatic, and everything between
Numerous options for settings to fit the photo situationCons: Pricey, but when compared to the plastic-case Lumix that is similar...worth it!
Summary: Having used numerous high-end cameras over the years....as well as qulaity DSLR's....I've gotten to the stage where 95% of my photos can be done with a ...
Summary: Having used numerous high-end cameras over the years....as well as qulaity DSLR's....I've gotten to the stage where 95% of my photos can be done with a top-shelf point and shoot. I've spent the past 3 months reseraching, viewing, and trying various options....narrowing the final choices to the Canon S95, Lumix LX5, and Nikon P7000.
In the end, its about the photo quality - and the S95 wins that battle. Using other point-by-point comparisons and pros and cons of equal value, the Canon S95 also comes out on top. During the past few weeks, I've put the S95 through a wide range of photo scenarios, and it has totally exceeded my expectations - a winner.11 out of 15 users found this user opinion helpful.
-
Best subcompact available for the sophisticated user
by Deemurray on October 6, 2010
Pros: Size, Degree of control, Photo quality, Low light ability
Cons: Battery life- buy extra battery , Grip is OK (an aftermarket grip is available), Flash pop up location, screen fingerprints, shutter location should be where rotating function knob is (not a problem for you, just when you hand off to someone else)
Summary: Very small, solid build, large bright screen that lets you format picture in full sun, amazing ability to shoot natural light photos( without even thinking about a flash); can shoot ...
Summary: Very small, solid build, large bright screen that lets you format picture in full sun, amazing ability to shoot natural light photos( without even thinking about a flash); can shoot in almost darkness. Sharp pictures, good focusing and color. Nice zoom range. Amazing amount of adjustment control, Turns on really fast (despite CNET review). I use burst mode for successful child photography- pretty quick, but of course not SLR speed. Very quick review mode. Canon software is good.
Very happy with my choice.9 out of 13 users found this user opinion helpful.
-
Perfectly combines DSLR with Point & Shoot!
by MargeryRed on October 4, 2010
Pros: I love the size - super small it fits in the pocket or purse with ease!Great pre-settings.
Cons: Pop up flash - in the way at times. Can be complicated for new users or people unfamiliar with manual settings.
Summary: For a combination on the DSLR and Point and Shoot this one gets 5 stars!!! Size is amazing - fits in pocket or purse with ease! Highest quality P and ...
Summary: For a combination on the DSLR and Point and Shoot this one gets 5 stars!!! Size is amazing - fits in pocket or purse with ease! Highest quality P and S. Bright large LCD. Love the iphone like shuffle for images. Great compensation in low light (such as church/auditorium). Battery seems to live a long time. HD video very nice. I love the ability to quickly change the settings and get what you want easily.
7 out of 8 users found this user opinion helpful.
-
Amazing pictures and video is very good
by wdmiller on October 5, 2010
Pros: Really good automatic mode
Manual mode is phenomenal
Picture quality is as good as my DLSR in many situations
Fast startup times
Easy to use
Small!Cons: A little expensive
Auto mode indoors isn't as good as it could be, but manual mode works great.Summary: Viewfinder and a big battery would be nice, but I think Canon made a good design choice by keeping the camera so small, you will be able to get great ...
Summary: Viewfinder and a big battery would be nice, but I think Canon made a good design choice by keeping the camera so small, you will be able to get great pictures anywhere.
6 out of 6 users found this user opinion helpful.
-
Compact camera that takes amazing photos and videos
by bijumohaan on September 28, 2010
Pros: Impressive photos, great videos, compact size, manual control, great lens & flash, photo options
Cons: Flash pop-out surprises
Summary: Got the camera a week back. The black case has a slick built quality and its beautiful to look at. The photos (indoor and outdoor) are very impressive (DSLR quality ...
Summary: Got the camera a week back. The black case has a slick built quality and its beautiful to look at. The photos (indoor and outdoor) are very impressive (DSLR quality or more), the videos crisp and clear. For eg: the vivid color option, brings along an amazing arrangement of colors on a landscape photo. The flash is very effective for low-lights photography. Overall a great camera for taking photos of birthday party, picnic, rock concert, conference, potraits....a wide variety of scenarios.
6 out of 6 users found this user opinion helpful.
-
Excellent camera, but does not ship with a Manual!
by Vulcan06 on October 21, 2010
Pros: Good little camera...very portable
Cons: A 4" X 6" paper manual does not come with ithe S95, but comes with the S90. At age 80, I will miss looking up forgotten items while out photographing in the field!
3 out of 3 users found this user opinion helpful.
-
Good, but where's the macro?
by Luekutus on July 20, 2011
Pros: Lots of control, decent photos, pocketable.
Cons: Having traded up from a 790IS that could focus as close as an inch, discovering that the S95 could only focus as close as 5" was a disappointment. It's just not going to be useable for certain types of macro shots (e.g., insects).
2 out of 2 users found this user opinion helpful.
-
Wow. Wow. Wow
by chimayred on December 25, 2010
Pros: Like I said. Wow.
Cons: OK. OK. There have to be cons. no viewfinder. Duh. No "sunset" scene control. Small.
Summary: I own a Nikon D40, Canon G10, Olympus EPL-1. This was a sneak gift from my fiancee since I no longer have a small camera to carry on a daily ...
Summary: I own a Nikon D40, Canon G10, Olympus EPL-1. This was a sneak gift from my fiancee since I no longer have a small camera to carry on a daily basis. Wow, what ovekill! This thing could almost make me forget my G10. Solid, stark, well built, easy to navigate, feels like a legacy camera, great pictures, nice controls, I like the HDR option. Hi speed flash sync. I've had great P & S cameras including the original Fuji F30, the one to compare all others against, and this looks like it will be hard to beat for a daily pocket/pack camera. Hard to beat my EPL 1, though for its incredible pictures.
2 out of 2 users found this user opinion helpful.
-
You will be Amazed By the Photo Quality of this camera!
by CrazyAwesomeTech on December 4, 2010
Pros: Great Image Quality, Great HD video, Solid Build, Many features, Easy to Use on all Levels, Great screen.
Cons: None That Have appeared yet.
Summary: This is a camera for all the people that have ever thought that they should expect more from a point and shoot. Well this is it this camera has amazed ...
Summary: This is a camera for all the people that have ever thought that they should expect more from a point and shoot. Well this is it this camera has amazed every one that I meet. The way it operates is amazingly simple and if you want to step it up a notch you can. I have worked with SLR's and I understand the feeling of need to get one but for most people this will way more that enough.
2 out of 2 users found this user opinion helpful.
Specifications
- Manufacturer: Canon
- Part number: 4343B001
- Description: With HS System and f/2 lens, the 10.0 MP PowerShot S95 excels in low light. HD Movies, RAW and unique lens control ring for manual control make it the pocket camera for the serious photographer. The ability to shoot at higher ISO speeds and maintain excellent image quality is a key feature of the PowerShot S95. The HS system is a powerful combination of high-sensitivity sensor coupled with the latest DIGIC 4 image processor for outstanding image quality in a wide variety of lighting conditions, including low light. The fast f/2.0 lens allows the user to shoot without a tripod or flash in darker conditions. The optical Image Stabilizer corrects camera shake up to 4-stops, while Hybrid IS gives sharper results in macro scenes.
General
- Packaged Quantity 1
- Product Type Digital camera - Compact
- Resolution 10 megapixels
- Optical Sensor Type CCD
- Total Pixels 10,400,000 pixels
- Effective Sensor Resolution 10,000,000 pixels
- Optical Sensor Size 1/1.7"
- Optical Zoom 3.8 x
- Digital Zoom 4 x
- Image Processor DIGIC 4
- Image Stabilizer Optical
- Auto Focus TTL contrast detection
- Auto Focus Points (Zones) Qty 9
- Digital Video Format MOV
- Image Recording Format JPEG,
RAW - Max Video Resolution 1280 x 720
- AV Interfaces HDMI,
Composite video/audio Exposure & White Balance
- Light Sensitivity ISO 2000,
ISO 3200,
ISO 125,
ISO 1600,
ISO 2500,
ISO 250,
ISO 800,
ISO 1250,
ISO 100,
ISO 200,
ISO 80,
ISO 1000,
ISO 160,
ISO 640,
ISO 320,
ISO 400,
ISO 500,
ISO auto - Exposure Metering Evaluative,
Center-weighted,
Spot - Exposure Modes Program,
Automatic,
Shutter-priority,
Manual,
Aperture-priority - Shooting Programs Color accent,
Snow,
Color swap,
Beach,
Underwater,
Stitch assist,
Foliage,
Kids & pets,
Smile shutter,
Low light,
Fireworks,
Poster effect,
Super vivid,
Portrait mode,
Landscape - Special Effects Miniature,
Vivid Blue,
Vivid Green,
Vivid Red,
Nostalgic,
Positive Film,
Vivid,
Fisheye,
Black & White,
Sepia,
Neutral,
Darker Skin Tone,
Lighter Skin Tone,
Custom Effect,
HDR - White Balance Automatic,
Presets,
Custom - White Balance Presets Daylight,
Tungsten light,
Underwater,
Cloudy,
Fluorescent light (daylight),
Fluorescent light (warm white),
Flash - Max Shutter Speed 1/1600 sec
- Min Shutter Speed 15 sec
- Exposure Compensation ±2 EV range, in 1/3 EV steps
- Auto Exposure Bracketing 3 steps in 1/3 EV step
Lens System
- Type 3.8 x x Zoom lens - 6 mm - 22.5 mm - F/2.0-4.9
- Focal Length Equivalent to 35mm Camera 28 - 105 mm
- Focus Adjustment Manual,
Automatic - Min Focus Range 2 in
- Macro Focus Range 2 in - 19.7 in
- Zoom Adjustment Motorized drive
- Lens Construction 6 groups / 7 elements
- Features UA lens,
Aspherical lens,
Built-in lens shield Camera Flash
- Camera Flash Pop-up flash
- Flash Modes Rear curtain sync,
Fill-in mode,
Slow synchro,
Auto mode,
Flash OFF mode,
Red-eye reduction - Features Flash +/- compensation,
AF illuminator - Effective Flash Range 1.6 ft - 21 ft
Additional Features
- Continuous Shooting Speed 0.7 frames per second,
0.8 frames per second,
1.9 frames per second - Self Timer Delay 2 sec,
10 sec - Additional Features Digital image rotation,
HS System,
Display brightness control,
Scene Detection Technology,
In-camera red-eye removal,
Face Detection AF/AE/FE/WB,
Wink Self-timer,
Resizing an image,
Cropping an image,
I-Contrast (Intelligent Contrast Correction) system,
Face Detection Self-timer,
Blink Detection technology,
Exif Print support,
720p HD movie recording,
DPOF support,
Face detection,
RGB primary color filter,
Safety zoom,
Digital tele-converter,
Motion Detection Technology,
Histogram display,
Highlight point display,
Camera orientation detection,
Focus bracketing,
PictBridge support,
USB 2.0 compatibility,
Direct print Display
- Type 3 in LCD display
- Display Features Built-in
Microphone
- Microphone Operation Mode Stereo
Connections
- Connector Type 1 x USB,
1 x Composite video/audio output,
1 x HDMI output
Software
- Software Canon ZoomBrowser EX,
Canon PhotoStitch,
Canon Digital Photo Professional,
Drivers & Utilities,
Canon ImageBrowser System Requirements for PC Connection
- Operating System Support MS Windows XP SP3,
MS Windows 7,
Apple Mac OS X 10.4 - 10.6,
MS Windows Vista - Peripheral Devices USB port,
CD-ROM drive Miscellaneous
- Microsoft Certifications Compatible with Windows 7
- Included Accessories Battery charger,
USB cable,
Wrist strap,
Audio / video cable Battery
- Supported Battery Canon NB-6L
- Supported Battery 1 x Canon NB-6L Li-ion rechargeable battery ( Included )
Memory / Storage
- Memory Card Slot SD card
- Supported Memory Cards SDHC Memory Card,
MultiMediaCard,
SD Memory Card,
MultiMediaCardplus,
SDXC Memory Card - Image Storage RAW 3648 x 2736,
JPEG 3648 x 2736,
JPEG 2816 x 2112,
JPEG 1600 x 1200,
JPEG 640 x 480,
JPEG 3648 x 2048,
JPEG 2816 x 1584,
JPEG 1920 x 1080,
JPEG 640 x 360,
JPEG 3648 x 2432,
JPEG 2816 x 1880,
JPEG 1600 x 1064,
JPEG 640 x 424,
JPEG 2736 x 2736,
JPEG 2112 x 2112,
JPEG 1200 x 1200,
JPEG 480 x 480,
JPEG 2192 x 2736,
JPEG 1696 x 2112,
JPEG 960 x 1200,
JPEG 384 x 480 - Video Capture MOV - 1280 x 720,
MOV - 640 x 480,
MOV - 320 x 240,
MOV - 1280 x 720,
MOV - 1280 x 720,
MOV - 1280 x 720,
MOV - 640 x 480,
MOV - 640 x 480,
MOV - 640 x 480 Dimensions & Weight
- Width 3.9 in
- Depth 1.2 in
- Height 0.2 in
- Weight 6 oz
Environmental Parameters
- Min Operating Temperature 32 °F
- Max Operating Temperature 104 °F
- Humidity Range Operating 10 - 90%
Main Features
- Image stabilizer feature Optical stabilization helps prevent blurry pictures, especially for handheld cameras at slow shutter speeds or when using high optical zoom.
Accessories
Manufacturer info
- Manufacturer profile
- Browse Canon products on Shopper.com
-
- Manufacturer:Canon
- Address:
One Canon Plaza, Lake Success, NY 11042 - Phone: 516-328-5000
- Email: mediacontact@cusa.canon.com
