My research for a high end P&S keeps coming back to this model. Anyone have any real world experience with it or can suggest another camera that is comparable?
Thanks.
Thanks.
Opinions on Canon S100
- Thread starter Dirk-Lerxst-Pratt
- Start date
They are a nice little camera, and very small.
If you want to look at an alternative check out the Panasonic Lumix LX-5. I've used both and prefer the Panasonic, although the control ring around the lens on the Canon is nice.
If you want to look at an alternative check out the Panasonic Lumix LX-5. I've used both and prefer the Panasonic, although the control ring around the lens on the Canon is nice.
Check out my thread from a couple of months back. Lots of good feedback from the membership. I eventually opted for the S95, but think I should have gone for the s100, but in the same way that someone who opted for a Muhle R89 might think they should have opted for a 34c- not a big mistake. The s110 on the other hand, when it comes out, should be significantly better. If size is key, get the S100, if IQ is key and you don't want to go the DSLR route, consider an Olympus PEN or Samsung, eeeerm, I've forgotten the model number, v100 or something like that. The one where the off-switch is a lens twist.
The Samsung EX-1 has better build quality, but is noisier at higher ISOs. It's funny, I was checking sample images at ISO of 1600 but in practice I have only kept a couple of shots higher than 800 and only in black and white. I hate noise- so perhaps this makes the EX-1 the best choice as increased noise levels at setting you rarely use are irrelevant anyway. Point of this rambling? No compact really does the job in low light without a tripod, apart from the Fujifilm X100, which is hardly a 'compact' and costs a lot of money.
The S100 is hardly a point and shoot by the way. you can get really good IQ and sharp photographs printable up to 12 by 16 inches and even beyond if you're lucky. if you're not going to go into Manual mode or need large prints, you may as well get something slightly less designed for the hobbyist.
The Samsung EX-1 has better build quality, but is noisier at higher ISOs. It's funny, I was checking sample images at ISO of 1600 but in practice I have only kept a couple of shots higher than 800 and only in black and white. I hate noise- so perhaps this makes the EX-1 the best choice as increased noise levels at setting you rarely use are irrelevant anyway. Point of this rambling? No compact really does the job in low light without a tripod, apart from the Fujifilm X100, which is hardly a 'compact' and costs a lot of money.
The S100 is hardly a point and shoot by the way. you can get really good IQ and sharp photographs printable up to 12 by 16 inches and even beyond if you're lucky. if you're not going to go into Manual mode or need large prints, you may as well get something slightly less designed for the hobbyist.
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- Thread starter
- #4
Thanks guys.
I pulled the trigger on the S100 yesterday. Working my way through the manual now. I plan on taking it backpacking next week and give it a proper test with some big landscapes and macros of flora and fauna. I like the interface and it is a small piece of kit. If I get anything exceptional I'll post it here.
I pulled the trigger on the S100 yesterday. Working my way through the manual now. I plan on taking it backpacking next week and give it a proper test with some big landscapes and macros of flora and fauna. I like the interface and it is a small piece of kit. If I get anything exceptional I'll post it here.
Cool. I'm sure you are already surprised at the IQ of such a small camera. If you're anywhere near a subway system or have a large bathroom/kitchen with small tiles, take a few shots at wide angles/apertures so you can see any barell distortion- lens correction software might be in order. I downloaded ShiftN free though it's quite limited to be honest, stretching and deforming images in a stupid way at times, but is ok for architectural shots.
FWIW, I completely love my S95. Hasn't let me down yet.
Maybe I got a bad one or you got a good one. At 28mm and f/2.0-2.4 mine has barrel distortion which must be processed. I started fiddling about with Shift N and it has a lot more usefulness if you take a hands-on approach, rather than setting it to automatic. I have unfortunately deleted my original shot of tiles on the subway, making any posting of the corrected image rather pointless.
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I don't know from shift N, but I've been running it fully manual (except for focus) and have been getting very nice, crisp images.
I'm not knocking it. It's a great camera. Just somethig to be aware of. And of course like everything, once you notice it, it can't be ignored. A 10 mins search-and-download process has allowed me to overcome this flaw. One member commented that most people have no need of anything more capable than an S95 and I'd agree with him. (think of all the people you see in parks with their kids carrying around expensive DSLRs fitted with enormous zoom lenses...on Auto
