S90 versus S95 -Shutter Lag Issues

[scottg_Bonaire]

Hi!

I'm keen to progress to more close focus WA stuff and cant do it with my current A710nor, from what I read, will I be able to do with a G11/12.

However, I have just read a review which states that shutter lag on the S95 is greater than the S90 (which seems odd given its the latest model) and is something of a concern as the A710 lag -which beats both the S95/S90 in prefocused mode- has been frustrating at times ..

So, on paper I'm better off going with the S90 ....or am I missing something here?

Appreciate it if anyone has any info/ experience which might help clear this up.
Thanks and regards
Scott

Shutter Lag data I obtained was as follows:

Full Autofocus
A710 0.53 -0.64 sec
S95 0.641 - 0.617 sec
S90 0.43 -0.49

Prefocused
A710 0.076sec
S95 0.096sec
S90 0.088sec

 

[Nemrod]

Yes, I have been reading the S95 has a longer shutter lag. When Canon went from the A570 to the A590 the shutter lag went up, dunno. Cannot leave well enough alone I suppose, the more I learn the more I know I prefer the S90.

In actual use I am not finding the S90 to be slow. I often shoot pre-focused since my wide angle lenses have huge depth of field, focus is not super critical.

N

 

[scottg_Bonaire]

Thanks Nemrod -S90 it is!

Now all I have to do is put the rest of the rig together and go get it wet!

 

[Uncle Pug]

I'm amazed at how fast the S95 focuses and how little shutter lag it has. No where near as fast as my Nikon D300 and D700 but way faster than my Pentax Optio. Way faster.

And while I can't compare it to an S90, I'll bet that those fractions of a second are no where near as important as being able to hover motionless in the water.

That said, I still don't feel like I'm getting the same quality of pics from my 10mp Canon S95 that I did from my 5mp Optio.... but I'm sure getting a lot more of them and in focus too!

Just my thoughts on the matter.

 

[chris196]

Steve's digicam review of the S95 speed is essentially identical to the S90.
Canon Powershot-S90 Review: Steve'S Conclusion

dprview doesn't have a review of the S95 yet.
They are the other site which does speed tests consistently.
I'm sure there are a lot of potential variables to this, but at least these folks are doing the same test every time and measuring the same, so it should be a good relative comparison.

 

[Nemrod]

Well, another issue with the S95, battery life seems to be reduced? Again, I dunno. I consider the S90 battery life at the bottom edge of the acceptable range now for an underwater camera, any less for the S95, if true, and it would fall from my graces.

N

 

[Uncle Pug]

Well, another issue with the S95, battery life seems to be reduced? Again, I dunno. I consider the S90 battery life at the bottom edge of the acceptable range now for an underwater camera, any less for the S95, if true, and it would fall from my graces.

N

Real world test in the cold 47F PNW water:

Camera on with LCD display on constantly for a 60 minute dive followed by a 50 minute dive an hour later and the battery meter showed only one bar down.

Recharged it later at home anyway.

 

[Nemrod]

Real world test in the cold 47F PNW water:

Camera on with LCD display on constantly for a 60 minute dive followed by a 50 minute dive an hour later and the battery meter showed only one bar down.

Recharged it later at home anyway.

Unless the charge indicator has been improved it has been shown to be suspect with the S90 as not being realistic of actual battery charge state.

I cannot compare my battery life for my camera to yours, only what I read and so far I have read the S95 is less and that I would not like.

I question early reports of such things, again, if it is true and Canon does show fewer shots per battery charge, I would not like that one bit.

N

 

[dogdrjohn]

I just did some comparison shots with my S90 and S95 cameras and cannot really detect any difference in shutter lag. I press shutter buttons simultaneously and they seem to shoot simultaneously. One thing I do find that is curious is that, at least on the display, the S95 seems to have much warmer colors - actually warmer than real. I think the cameras are both set to the exact same settings, and these are indoor shots, not underwater. Although the S95 seems to work fine in the Canon housing for the S90, I went ahead and ordered a SeaRec/SeaTool housing for the S95 from Yuzo Kanda at uwdigitalcamera.com/Naturephoto. He has always shipped things very quickly so I should have it before my trip to Little Cayman in 16 days. I still haven't read the manual for the S95 - I find it a real PITA that the manual is only digital. I don't want to print out all those pages, nor do I want to sit in front of my computer while playing with the camera. I am going to put it on my laptop so at least I will have it to study on the flights to the Caymans. I also find it interesting that the S90 has slick front and back and textured top, while the S95 has a smooth top and textured front and back. I will give an update on the new housing when it arrives.

 

[fab50diver]

I did read an owner review at Amazon I believe that said the S95 was good for three 50 minute dives on one battery charge.