Canon S100 and SX40 HS: the sensor is the NEWS!

September 16, 2011 @ 8:06PM

Canon S100 and SX40 HS: the sensor is the NEWS!

Canon just launched some new cameras, but the real NEWS is the CMOS sensor on one of them: it’s based on EOS DSLR’s technology!

By Jose Antunes

The new PowerShot S100 may be looked upon as the model to replace the S95 but in fact it’s more than that. Although they share the same size sensor, at 1 1/7” (about 7.5x5.5mm), continuing what the S90 already showed, the S100 has a completely new CMOS sensor that Canon claims is using EOS sensors technology.

Canon states that this “high-sensitivity” sensor, using technology already applied in their range of EOS DSLR cameras, lets the Powershot S100 surpass the high standards set by its acclaimed predecessor. The sensor works together with the image processor DIGIC 5 to offer faster shooting speed (2.9 fps) and better image quality under all conditions. It’s an explanation for the 6400 ISO limit present on the camera.

The Powershot S100 has a 24-120mm f/2-5.9 zoom (S95 had a 28-105mm) with Canon's Intelligent Image Stabilizer (IS). And it is not alone on having a bigger zoom. Canon also presented another camera, the Powershot SX40 HS, this one with 24-840 mm zoom and all the tricks (and problems) one can expect from a camera of this kind.

What’s interesting with the SX40 HS is that the sensor used in it is also CMOS, although smaller: 1/2.3" (6.17 x 4.55 mm). With this double CMOS launch Canon seems to be saying something to the market. In fact, going back to 2008 Canon launched the first CMOS sensor on a compact camera, the Powershot SX1 IS, which promised to be the first of a series… but we had to wait nearly four years to see the next implementation (except for an IXUS BSI-CMOS). Is this the start of something new?

This is an interesting move, because up until now Canon has used mainly Sony CCD sensors in their compacts. Does this mean they’re moving to use CMOS? Do they think that having a sensor that, at least in theory, might work better than CCD, they can somehow offer the public a compact alternative to mirrorless and the other strange – think Pentax Q – systems showing up in the market? Or are they simply following a path started in 2008?

Whatever it is, the proof is in the pudding. I already asked Canon for samples of the new cameras to play a bit with them. It will be interesting to see what these CMOS can deliver.

Comments

keekimaru

6 months ago

It so good !

keekimaru

6 months ago

Product Description

One look at Canon's new PowerShot S95 will have you moving "upgrade my digital camera" to the top of your to-do list. The ultra-slim, ultra-intelligent S95 is loaded with all a serious photographer's must-haves, including a bright f/2.0 wide-angle lens and professional-style control ring for intuitive manual control. Canon's HS System is on board for spectacular performance and image quality in low light.And, new for a compact, the S95 incorporates Canon's Hybrid IS for blur-free shooting even close-up. You'll shoot stunning 720p HD video with stereo sound, then watch it immediately on your HDTV with the simple HDMI connection. If photography's your passion, now is the perfect time to step up to PowerShot S95.

Review : Canon PowerShot S95 10 MP

If you're looking for a pocketable camera that has reasonably high quality images, lets you control aperture, speed and focus and shoot in RAW format, this is it. I bought mine as an upgrade from a previous small but versatile camera, a Canon Powershot S70.

The Powershot S95 was introduced in August 2010 as a slight upgrade to the S90, which was widely praised for its image quality and excellent interface but criticized for being hard to hold ("like a bar of soap in the shower") and for having a control dial that turned too easily. The S95 fixes both problems and adds a couple of other features in a package that fits in the pocket of your jeans (if they're not super tight). The case is metal, and although there are no finger grips on the body, it's not slippery at all. It feels like it's covered with super-fine sandpaper (like 1000 or 1500 grit, for those you who know what that feels like).

The second major complaint about the S-90 was that the function selection ring on the rear moved too easily. The ring on the S-95 has a slight click when you move it, and it doesn't move unless you want it to.

There are a couple of other cameras of this type, including the Panasonic LX-3 and LX-5 and the Samsung TL500. They all have let you control camera functions, and like the S95 they have 10 MP sensors that are almost twice as large as a typical pocket camera, so the pixels on the sensor are larger. That lets them gather light more efficiently, which reduces digital "noise" when you shoot in dim light. Image quality is noticeably better than photos from typical pocket cameras. You can make an 8 x 10 or perhaps 11x14 enlargement, although a digital SLR will be significantly better for larger prints. They also have f/2.0 lenses at their widest angle, although the aperture closes down as you zoom in.

The Canon has two advantages over the Panasonic LX-3 & LX-5. First, you really can put it in your pocket or in a belt case no bigger than the one you use for a mobile phone. Second, the interface is a brilliant re-thinking of how a very small camera with a full set of controls should work. There's not much room for buttons on the small surface, but you don't have to get into a multi-level menu on the LCD, and yet changing settings is fast and intuitive.
For example, there's a ring around the lens that you can grip easily to control zoom, or, shutter speed, or aperture, change ISO, or manually focus. You select what you want it to do by pressing a button on the top, and when you look at the LCD screen you can see what it's programmed for. There's a selection wheel on the back for other functions, and when you move it, a clear set of choices appears on the screen. The selections are context-appropriate, so they change depending on whether you've set the camera for aperture control, "Program" control, etc.

The two Panasonics have the same sensor as their Canon equivalents, but they offer a slightly wider lens (24mm vs. 28 for the S95). The LX-3 has a much shorter telephoto - only 60 mm. The LX-5, which was introduced a couple of weeks before the S95, has a 90mm telephoto, and you can buy an add-on optical viewfinder. It also has a flash shoe in addition to the pop-up flash, although you can buy a dedicated add-on flash for the S-95 to supplement its pop-up flash The LX-5 is about 25% more expensive than the Canon S95 (and 60% more with the optional viewfinder) and while it would fit in a coat pocket, you can't stuff it into a trouser pocket.

All I bought at the price $329.95 dollars from website amazon.

Or you may access information from this link.

http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/B003ZSHNGS/tipfla-20

I think Canon PowerShot S95 10 MP where everyone must have. I believe you will get a very good experience like me.