I recently wrote about the search for the “perfect” point and shoot ... concluding that the ideal camera might be the Lumix GF-1.  I’ve been delighted with the performance of this system and the quality it delivers in relation to its size. In my mind the difference in image quality between it and the G10 or G11 justify the additional size, not to mention the flexibility of an interchangeable lens system.  Since the G11 isn’t that small it seemed a poor choice ... might was well go a little larger and get a lot more more quality.

However, when I did the noise test comparing the 7D, GF-1, G10, G11 and the new s90 I’ll admit I was surprised to learn how well the s90 performed.  I hadn’t paid much attention when it was announced, but I found out it is basically a G11 in a much smaller body - it uses the same sensor and the same Digic 4 processor. A G11 that actually does fit in your shirt pocket!  I couldn’t resist trying one out so before my recent trip to Death Valley I picked one up from Pixels Foto and Frame here in Salt Lake and threw it in my pocket for the trip.

Wow ... an actual “pocket” camera that perhaps beats a G10?  Admittedly it isn’t as good as the GF-1, and I have no regrets buying this system.  When traveling with my PhaseOne system, the GF-1 is a somewhat capable backup system.  But the s90 is the first pocket camera that actually delivers what those of us using G10’s have longed for ... RAW, decent image quality and small. Although I discounted it originally, it’s a very capable little camera ... especially considering it’s size.

The overall layout of the camera is a little different than other cameras I have used.  There is a ring around the lens that is user settable to control various functions such as zoom.  The rear control features a traditional 5 button layout, but a nearly invisible ring surrounds it that is a dial control. It takes a little getting used to but works very well once you do.  Another soft button is located above this control ... I use it to set the ISO.

at ISO 100 with no luminance noise reduction ...

The zoom range isn’t as great as the G11, and most likely the smaller lens isn’t quite as good.  There is some barrel distortion the camera firmware corrects when making jpegs and I’m assuming Canon Software deals with as well.  I processed the images in Lightroom 3.0 beta so I had no luminance noise reduction or lens corrections available, but it’s hard to believe this little camera produced the images it did.

One of the requirements for a worthy point and shoot for me is the ability to capture RAW, which the s90 does.  It has decent dynamic range for a small camera. As an example here is a simple HDR of a single file ... processed once for the direct sunlight in the distance, and once for the deep shadow I’m standing in.  I layered the two resulting images in photoshop then used a simple gradient mask.    Note the sky isn’t blown and yet the shadows themselves look fine.  (The reason I did this in Photoshop was to correct the distortion and get the horizon straight ... you can see the curve in the two small images.  Without the distortion a graduated filter adjustment in Lightroom would have actually been the better method.  Note I wasn’t trying to create a masterpiece here, so the masking isn’t perfect.)

Enough from me. I’m not going to do a full review of the camera as there are plenty of those available already from more more experienced reviewers.  The bottom line is if you are looking for a truly pocketable point and shoot that delivers G10/G11 quality, this camera is worthy contender.  Here are a couple of shots of a very difficult subject ... bougainvillea. Typically the gradations of these magenta red petals are difficult to record and yet the camera has done a very credible job.