New Camera - Getting More Serious

I've probably posted more than a thousand photos to Roadfood.com. Over that time I had used a few different cameras starting with an Olympus D500 and then a Canon SD850, both point and shoots. I have also used an Olympus E520 DSLR camera. I have even used my iPhone 3G camera in a pinch. The E520 is an excellent camera but is big and bulky. Often I felt just a tad intimidated carrying it into a restaurant and worried where I could put it down so it would not get in the way, or worse, where I might put it down and forget about it like I have done with a few hats.
 
I was happy with my Canon SD850 P&S but not in comparison to my Olympus E520 DSLR. I still wanted a good, stealth, carry in your pocket at all times point and shoot camera. I also wanted a camera to take on a Mediterranean cruise next month and have no regrets for the once in a lifetime shots like the Vatican, Colloseum, Acropolis and Pyramids at Giza. I also wanted a better low-light capable camera to get those restaurant shots, especially that pizza in Naples I am aiming for that could equal DSLR quality shot. In order to travel light and not anticipating taking any telephoto nature shots, I went shopping for the best carry in your pocket P&S camera I could find. I think that camera is the Canon S95. In test shots it is very close to my DSLR in photo quality and color rendition. So not much will be sacrificed there. It may be a slightly better low-light camera with a faster f2.0 lens and it seems to handle high ISO noise better.
 
Here is the spec sheet in the Canon S95. Canon Powershot S95
 
Getting to the meat. Here is a pizza I made last night and took shots with my old and new point and shoot cameras at the same time with no flash and identical conditions.
 
Old - Canon SD850

 
New - Canon S95

 
Neither photo had any post production editing done to them. I know I can improve both that way. Also, these are reduced resolution medium quality JPEG images so there is some original quality loss in both. The most dramatic difference is the amount of light captured and the detail of the pizza shadow from two different light sources on the wood peel. Also under close zoom in examination the new camera picks up way more detail and has better dynamic range which may be more important in printing.

On the basis of the two "naked" photos, the new camera sure looks like a winner.
 
My pocket point-and-shoot is a Nikon S710.  I get some decent photos out of it, but it's a couple of years old now, and no-doubt has been superceded.  It's my carry-around camera (ya never know when something worth photographing will pop up!), but I try to bring my DSLR D60 Nikon when I plan to photograph food, if possible.
 
I look forward to hearing about your results with the new camera in low-light, no-flash situations.

Davy,
I bounce back and forth between my DSLR Canon 20D and my Point n Shoot Canon SD890IS. Frankly I decide which to use for much the same reason you expressed. The DSLR does a much better job on basic photos, but size and weight make carrying it a noticeable activity. The SD890 does OK, but I find that I must really try to be steady, even with the 'IS' feature active.  Thank Heaven for Photoshop that helps me cover my errors in exposure and focus a bit !

Al, very nice camera, that said, I'll take 2 of those Pizzas!

I use a Canon SD 800 IS.  It ain't the best but it works for me.  I have a friend in the Miata club, Dr. Ellen Rudoph.  She uses a camera similar to Al's but she told me that she had used one similar to my Canon and had taken 100,000 shots with it.  She works a lot with National Geographic.  She like Al is very good with her shots.
 
Paul E. Smith
Knoxville, TN

Mayor and Paul,
 
My SD850 is very similar to your SD800 and SD890 as they were close to the same generation in features, digital processing software and sensor. So I would expect the results with those cameras would be similar to the SD850 example. You can be happy with your shots as I have until you do a side by side comparison with a better camera. The Canon S95 has a much larger sensor thus potentially better captured photo quality. It also has a faster lens for low-light and probably better (assumed since newer generation) in camera digital processing. Probably the best feature besides the Auto setting mode and the various custom Scene modes on the Canon SD8xx series cameras is that it also has DSLR like capabilities in being able to shoot with Aperture or Shutter speed priority, or even full manual settings. I can also Program my settings so they come up everytime automatically and store them as Custom settings. I'm not sure any other carry in your pocket camera has those features. There are some not so pocketable cameras that do like the Panasonic LX3 and Canon G11.
 
It also has a couple of features not found on other P&S cameras in that it has a Low-light setting that allows you to shoot in extremely high ISO up to 13,200 and an HDR (High Dynamic Range) shooting mode where the camera takes three bracketed shots to capture and average out the highlights and shadows in one picture.
 
There's a lot of stuff to learn how to use for the right photo situation just like a DSLR. My mind was made up when I muffed three straight shots with my SD850 at the Chez Jude restaurant trying to photograph in a low-light situation and the camera would not focus, and the flash burns out most photos when you try to shoot in macro mode. That was the whitefish in parchment where you only got to see it covered only in the paper bag.
 
What I am missing, but not in restaurants, is DSLR lens flexibility. I would never be able to shoot the moose shot and upcoming bald eagle shot I will be soon posting in the Minnesota North Shore trip report. I shot those with a maxed out 300mm telephoto lens with my DSLR. In side by side testing against my DSLR the S95 is holding its own in photo quality. It was the stealth carrying and low-light without flash capabilities I was seeking.

I just took my first trip without my DSLR.  Right before I left for my busy travel season, I bought a new phone - the HTC EVO 4G from Sprint.  First of all - it's a nice toy.  I don't know that it is a great phone, but it is a nice toy.  It comes with an 8- yes 8 - megapixel camera.  I don't know that I will never travel with my DSLR, but this will surely come in handy, especially when traveling for work and baggage space is already at a premium.
 
Here is a photo I took of the pork chop at Cooper's Pit BBQ in Fort Worth this past week.
 

 
As with yours, there is no post-process editing done with this picture.
 
ETA: Now that I see it, it looks like it NEEDS some post-processing, as I have no idea where that grey area comes from.  I think it may have been done in the data transfer from the phone???  Hmm...

I've scoured the internet looking at smartphone photo comparisons. They are all getting better. My two year old 2 megapixel iPhone 3G just doesn't cut it to depend on it although I have uploaded a lot of photos to Facebook as more timely and opportune shots than quality shots. Plus I like the ability to directly send up photos from the phone.
 
In looking at them I have concluded for myself the new iPhone 4 at only 5 megapixels is the best low-light smartphone camera available as insurance of always getting your picture because you tend to most always carry your phone. Anything above 3 megapixels is more than enough for converting and uploading standard 640 x 480 internet posts. Digital processing and lens are more important. Since the purpose of smartphones is to mostly transmit data and storage memory is limited and dear, I think 8 megapixels is starting to verge on overkill. Can you shoot in lower resolution modes?
 
Still I wanted the total control aspects dedicated cameras can provide even though I have the skills to fix a lot in post processing. You can't fix everything especially out of focus.

Davydd, I could be standing right next to you, and take the same pizza pictures, and both of them would come out blurry

I've been happy with the Canon G9 and I imagine the newer G12 carries on the tradition with a larger sensor and some other nice features like remote release and a wider lens. One thing that I like this camera for is ability to mount a ring that accomodates close up lenses and/or a ring flash for some very good macro work. The optical viewfinder is another plus. I don't see any need to move on to a DSLR. I wonder if you considered the G's? They're a bit thicker and solid with a form factor like an older rangefinder, but definitely pocketable.

Okay, Davy.
 
I want your RV AND your camera.
 
And the pizza.

DawnT, the Canon G series cameras are pretty much the same as the S series except in size factor. They share much the same elements including sensor. The G series, at least in my estimation, is not a camera one would stick in a trouser pocket as you can with the S series. That WAS the deciding factor. If I had to carry a camera in the hand then I would continue to carry my DSLR. The Canon S95 is bigger than the Canon SD8xx series and to me verges on being almost too big.
 
Here is a comparison in size photo between the Canon SD850, Canon S95 and the iPhone 3G.

Am I the only person left that likes a viewfinder? A few months ago I thought I might need to replace my Canon Powershot A540. I looked at all the new cameras and there were no viewfinders left on any of them. The only way to get a viewfinder is with a larger, more expensive DSLR. I find I can't see well with any of the LCD screens outside and if I am wearing sunglasses, fugeddaboudit!  In a pinch, I use my cellphone and it takes a good picture, but there have been times where I couldn't even get the shot right since I could not see the screen. Come to think of it, there were times when I couldn't even see the "shutter button" in the sunlight and didn't save a picture on it since I could not see the right place to touch. Anyone else like a viewfinder or am I swimming against the current?

I have no problem with my camera outside, but I bought the S95 specifically for my roadfood and BPT sandwich pursuit activities. However, I am off today for Rome, Italy and a Med cruise to the Egyptian pyramids, Istanbul, Greek isles, Athens and Naples. The only camera I am taking along is the Canon S95. I'm leaving my Olympus E520 DSLR at home. Maybe the only food shot I will get will be that pizza I seek out in Naples. I'm also interested in packing light and keeping my camera secure in an inside pocket of my Scottevest. I'm more cautious now after getting mugged by a street gang at a festival in Bolivia 5 years ago and losing my wallet, money, ID and credit cards.

That's one of main the reason I stuck with the Canon G series is the optical viewfinder and the main reason I always favored Leica rangefinders over SLR's for street shooting. Short of a hood, I find it almost impossible to compose a shot under bright daylight with a LCD. I've been waiting for years for Epson to straighten out their issues with their RD1 series. It doesn't seem that anyone besides them or Leica has any interest in a  parallax compensated viewfinder.  Moving to a DSLR defeats the entire purpose.

Davy, have a WONDERFUL trip!  Enjoy everything you see, eat and experience!
 
Can't wait for your return.
 
I love your dedication.  

I'm curious.....so what do you feel are the problems with DSLR's? Unfortunately it looks like my options are limited without considering them.

ED
  My intro to digital cameras was with a Canon G3. It was a real shock after a hundred years of Canon SLR 35mm cameras...but it worked well. I then stepped up to the DSLR Canon, which took me back to the 'comfort zone' I felt when handling the film cameras.  I love my DSLR and have used it now for 7 years. I use the Canon 890IS Point-n-Shoot for the times that I don't want the 'tourist image' to hang around my neck , usually at restaurants...Although the results from the 20D usually turn out better than the point-n-shoot.
It's just a matter of trade-offs for a given situation.

Davydd


I have no problem with my camera outside, but I bought the S95 specifically for my roadfood and BPT sandwich pursuit activities. However, I am off today for Rome, Italy and a Med cruise to the Egyptian pyramids, Istanbul, Greek isles, Athens and Naples. The only camera I am taking along is the Canon S95. I'm leaving my Olympus E520 DSLR at home. Maybe the only food shot I will get will be that pizza I seek out in Naples. I'm also interested in packing light and keeping my camera secure in an inside pocket of my Scottevest. I'm more cautious now after getting mugged by a street gang at a festival in Bolivia 5 years ago and losing my wallet, money, ID and credit cards.

Olympus E-P1 with optical viewfinder.
 

 
 
 

I have no problem with DSLR cameras but in foreign cities I care not to walk the streets, ride buses and subways with a large camera around my neck and a camera bag with my extra lenses. As it turned out I got fantastic photos in the Vatican Museum with my Canon S95. If anyone has been there you will remember the very dimly lit rooms, especially the tapestry room, and that flash is not allowed. Same with low-lit restaurants where figuring out where to stick a large camera at a small crowded table is a pain. The only thing I am missing is my telephoto lens but am not planning to do a lot of nature photography. However, the Pope turned out to be a tiny speck on the balcony.

The Olympus E-P1 is fairly compact but still not small enough for my desires. As I mentioned I am having no problem with LCD viewing outdoors. They have improved a lot. Standing in St. Peters Square or the Basilica sometimes the only way to get a picture is to hold the camera high overhead in a crowd of people.

When I was in high school I bought a Mamiya 35mm SLR which I used happily for many years. It's amazing, though, when for kicks I occasionally take it out and feel the weight of it. Can't see taking it around to all the restaurants these days!

EdSails


When I was in high school I bought a Mamiya 35mm SLR which I used happily for many years. It's amazing, though, when for kicks I occasionally take it out and feel the weight of it. Can't see taking it around to all the restaurants these days!

In a pinch a camera should be able to double as a blunt instrument while still remaining functional.
 
Brad

Brad_Olson


In a pinch a camera should be able to double as a blunt instrument while still remaining functional.

Brad

 
I have a 300mm telephoto lens with a 2x adapter for it to make it longer. Gives enough length to easily use it as a sledgehammer!
 

Davydd
I have been looking at this camera since your review. Great pictures! I have stopped using my dSLR for food pictures. Think I am going to make the leap to the S95.

I just traveled to three continents with the camera and took nearly a thousand photos. It didn't fail me. I just wished I had more time in advance to learn how to use it better with manual controls in difficult lighting situations. I never took a flash photo and I was blown away by its low-light capability. I got photos in the Vatican Museum and Basilica that brought out color in low-light that I could not even see in person. An example was the Tapestry Room at the Vatican was deliberately dark to preserve the tapestries and the camera gave me outstanding photos without flash. Most restaurants were under lit yet I still got acceptable food shots without flash.
 
There were a few situations where I wished I had my DSLR with its full array of lenses but I desired to pack and travel light and secure. The Great Pyramids at Giza was one place that begged using different lenses to pose shots. Cruising past Greek isles also begged the desire to have my telephoto DSLR lens along.

In the early 70s, on one of my first trips to London, I left a camera bag including a SLR and a number of lenses on the Underground.  I got to the street, realized I had forgotten it. In a panic I rushed back to the platform. Fortunately it was an end of the line stop. I spotted a conductor carrying my bag. A passenger had given it to him. He returned it to me after a mild scolding for being so careless.
 
Later I stopped carrying a camera and lenses. I came to realize that I had focused so much on taking pictures that I didn't relax and simply enjoy what I was experiencing. During this phase I made it to the Taj Mahal. I was besieged with vendors wanting to sell me film. My driver who also acted as my guide shooed them off saying, "Mr. Moore is a writer (maybe I exagerated a bit). His mind is his camera." He received a generous tip.
 
Nowadays I carry both a pocket camera and a SLR on my travels, but with a few exceptions pull them out only for food pics for my site. I still believe that snapping pictures of everything takes away from the experience. I also concede that it might be the same with food pics. I likely miss something because I'm snapping up a storm.

Davydd
How is the battery life on the S95? Do you need a extra battery?
Thanks
Johnny McClanahan

The battery is good for about 200 photos. That is usually more than I take in a day but I did run out one day because I started out without a fully charged battery. So, I carry a spare. Lithium ion rechargeable batteries are getting pretty cheap. I bought my spare at Target for $13. A year ago you seldom saw them under $40.

When I'm shooting events, I will often do 500-1000 pictures in a day. My Nikon D40 is fine for web work, takes about 1000-2000 pictures on a single battery (I have two), and, best of all, works  with all my Nikkor lenses from my two Nikon film cameras (although I have to set the aperture manually with a couple of them, and focus manually with all of them). When I was using film, I'd usually shoot 2-3 rolls per event. The multiple pictures are especially useful when shooting people, because I can always get one with the "right expression." Otherwise, it's just being careful. One thing I like about digital over film is being able to change the ISO on the fly; when I used film, I used to bring 2-3 film cameras (my two Nikons and a good quality/no frills Canon point and shoot) and one digital camera with me; the three film cameras typically had 100, 400 and 800 film in them (the 100 film I used in the Nikon with the better flash).
 
Bart