Canon has just released an update to their Powershot "S" series line of cameras. This line of cameras has ebbed and flowed over the years and eventually fell behind cameras like the Panasonic DMC-LX1 (then 2 and 3) in terms of innovation. The Canon s100 finally catches up, and possibly pulls ahead of Panasonic. I had an S90, which was just OK, and a DMC-LX2, which I really liked. When I talk about improvements below, I'm talking about over the s90 as I never bought the S95. As the camera is new, its RAW files are not yet recognized by Lightroom, so I've only been able to look at JPEG files. The pictures above were taken today at the Japanese Gardens here in Portland.
Pros:
1. Body feels much better, a bit heavier and made with a textured plastic that almost feels like metal. When it comes to pocket cameras, when will camera companies learn that a little extra weight is a good thing. It helps make the camera feel solid and not like a cheap toy. Buttons are sturdier and have much improved functionality over the s90. New front grip is nice as well as the dual lanyard loops on either side of the camera.
2. FINALLY Canon gives users the ability to switch between aspect ratios. 4:3 is still native, but changing to 3:2 is in the function menu.
3. Image stabilization is turned off when the s100 detects a tripod, a great idea that seems to work well in initial testing.
4. Camera has GPS and there is a link from the metadata in Lightroom directly to Google maps.
5. Lens opens to a fast F2 with a nice wide 24-120 mm equivalent.
6. Macro mode seems improved over the s90.
Cons:
1. Rear LCD isn't as big as it first may appear. 1/4 of an inch on the right side of the LCD is not actual LCD. It remains black when you turn the camera on. Intentionally misleading? Probably.
2. When lens is fully extended, the aperture decreases to F 5.9, therefore achieving good background blur or bokeh is difficult.
Nice details, but colors seem a little less vibrant at that setting.
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