Canon PowerShot S90 review

The S90 fared considerably better in our image quality tests. Automatic modes evaluated scenes impeccably, and balanced exposure settings to minimise blur and noise. Sunlit shots were hard to distinguish from SLR cameras’ output, with sharp details into the corners of frames and smooth, natural colours. Images taken in low light were even more impressive, with noise levels at ISO 1600 barely higher than from SLR cameras.

Close inspection revealed that the S90’s noise reduction was discarding lots of detail to achieve these subjectively clean shots. However, given that its f/2 lens gathers three times as much light as an f/3.5 lens typically bundled with SLR cameras, it’s fair to compare an SLR at ISO 1600 with the S90 at ISO 500. In this test, the S90 outperformed some entry-level SLRs.

The S90 is impressive, but it also bears an uncanny resemblance to Panasonic’s Lumix DMC-LX3. Both have f/2 lenses, 3in displays with 460,000-dots, comprehensive manual controls and 10-megapixel sensors that excel in low light.

The LX3’s high-ISO shots were a little noisier but preserved a lot more detail. Comparing their RAW output, there was little to choose between them, but the Panasonic took a small lead for sharpness and colour fidelity.

Choosing between the two is more about the differences in their features. The LX3 is heavier and lacks an HDMI output, and its 24-60mm lens gives a meagre 2.5x zoom range. However, it’s much more responsive and comfortable to use than the S90, it includes an accessory shoe and records 720p HD video.

Perhaps most significantly, its lens is brighter throughout its zoom range, with an f/2.8 aperture at 60mm. The S90 manages only f/3.5 at 60mm, while f/4.9 at the full 105mm telephoto end is no better than the average compact camera. Some will prefer the Canon’s softer but cleaner low-light images, but for us the LX3 is a better choice.