Photo answers review
Photo answers rating 
You could be forgiven for thinking you might never see DSLR control in a compact – until now. The Canon PowerShot S90 is a sleek compact camera that belies its simple looks with a range of controls we’re more accustomed to seeing on DSLRs. Auto, manual, aperture-priority, shutter-priority and RAW are all there to make sure creative control remains in the hands of the photographer. But don’t fret if you’re looking for something quick and easy for snapshots – the S90 also includes 17 scene modes for specific subjects, Face Detection and auto scene selection.
The S90 is packed with a high-sensitivity 10MP CCD sensor and Canon’s DIGIC 4 processor, which are intended to work together as a Dual Anti-Noise System. The standard ISO range at full resolution is ISO 80-3200, but by switching to Low Light mode ISO can be expanded to ISO 12,800 at 2.5MP. This is the very same feature found in the more advanced Canon PowerShot G11. Working alongside these features is the fast f/2 wide-angle, 3.8x zoom lens with Optical Image Stabilisation.
The most interesting feature on the S90 is the Lens Control Ring that allows fast access to one of several assignable controls. These include ISO, exposure compensation, manual focus, white balance and zoom. Each click of the ring takes you to the next setting, so if you’re using the zoom function for instance, each click will take you through 28mm, 35mm, 50mm, 85mm and 105mm focal length equivalents. There’s also a standard setting in each exposure mode, eg aperture in aperture-priority. This gives the S90 a real manual feel reminiscent of manual lens aperture rings.
With such a high level of controllable functions you might expect the S90 to be complicated to use, yet this isn’t the case. Canon has come up with a well-designed body and an easily navigated menu system, and even the large 3in PureColor II LCD on the back fits nicely into the petite design.
VerdictAt £380 this camera isn’t cheap, but it is packed with features you’d normally only find on a DSLR. The S90 is the perfect example of what compacts can be, with great features that hand creative control back to the photographer. An attractive pocket-sized option.
SpecificationStreet price: £380
Effective resolution: 10MP
Sensor type & size: 1/1.7in CCD & 7.6x5.7mm
Zoom: 3.8x optical
35mm focal length: 28-105mm
Exposure modes: Auto, program, shutter-priority, aperture-priority, manual, custom, Low Light, 17 scene modes
Metering modes: Evaluative, centre-weighted, spot
ISO range: 80-3200
Card type: SD, SDHC, MMC, MMCplus, HC MMCplus
LCD monitor size: 3in
Autofocus: 9-point AiA, 1-point AF, manual focus
RAW shooting: Yes
Face detection: Yes
Built-in stabilisation: Yes
Weight/size (wxhxd): 175g/100x58.4x30.9mm
