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Introduction
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01.Product Tour
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02.Color
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03.Noise
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04.Resolution
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05.Video
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06.Sample Photos
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07.Playback
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08.Hardware
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09.Controls
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10.Design & Handling
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11.Panasonic ZS3 Comparison
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12.Canon SD970 IS Comparison
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13.Fuji F200EXR Comparison
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14.Conclusion
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15.Photo Gallery
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16.Comments
Canon PowerShot S90
Previous: Page 2
ColorNext: Page 4
ResolutionNoise
Noise was low at all ISO levels, though noise reduction causes slightly soft images.
Noise (11.19)
We also found that the S90 did not have a big problem with noise: we found that the noise in our test images were pretty minimal across the ISO range. The noise remains at relatively low levels up to ISO 800, but it does climb significantly above that. However, it remains lower than many comparable cameras at the higher levels, although the images do take on a slightly soft look, as if they were shot through a soft focus filter. The noise reduction that the S90 is applying at the higher levels also means that edges become slightly blurry. More on how we test noise.
In our first test, we shoot our test chart at two light levels: about 3000 lux (rather like a bright sunny day) and at 60 lux (about the same as indoor lighting). In both, the pattern of the noise is the same, although there is more noise in the 60 lux shots. This is because of the longer shutter speeds that these lighting conditions require: the longer the shutter speed, the more noise will be in the images. But the pattern of noise is the same, as you can see on the examples below.
| Noise Comparisons | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ISO 80 | ISO 400 | ISO 800 | ISO 3200 | |
| 60 Lux |  |
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| 3000 Lux |  |
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If we compare the noise levels of the S90 with other cameras, you can see that the S90 did well, with noise that is lower than most, especially at the higher ISO levels.
ISO (6.50)
The ISO sensitivity range of the S90 starts at 80 and goes up to 3200. In addition, a low light mode that is available on the mode dial extends this range to 12800, but at the cost of reduced resolution of just 1824 by 1368 pixels. Below are examples of photos taken at all of the ISO levels. You can look at the full frame image of any example by clicking on it.
| ISO Comparisons | |||
|---|---|---|---|
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| Canon PowerShot S90 | Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS3 | Canon PowerShot SD970 IS | Fujifilm FinePix F200EXR |
| ISO Low | |||
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ISO 80
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ISO 80
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ISO 80
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ISO 80
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| Canon PowerShot S90 | Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS3 | Canon PowerShot SD970 IS | Fujifilm FinePix F200EXR |
| ISO 200 | |||
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| Canon PowerShot S90 | Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS3 | Canon PowerShot SD970 IS | Fujifilm FinePix F200EXR |
| ISO 400 | |||
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| Canon PowerShot S90 | Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS3 | Canon PowerShot SD970 IS | Fujifilm FinePix F200EXR |
| ISO 800 | |||
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| Canon PowerShot S90 | Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS3 | Canon PowerShot SD970 IS | Fujifilm FinePix F200EXR |
| ISO 1600 | |||
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| Canon PowerShot S90 | Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS3 | Canon PowerShot SD970 IS | Fujifilm FinePix F200EXR |
| ISO 3200 | |||
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| Canon PowerShot S90 | Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS3 | Canon PowerShot SD970 IS | Fujifilm FinePix F200EXR |
| ISO 6400 | |||
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| Canon PowerShot S90 | Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS3 | Canon PowerShot SD970 IS | Fujifilm FinePix F200EXR |
| ISO 12800 | |||
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| Canon PowerShot S90 | Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS3 | Canon PowerShot SD970 IS | Fujifilm FinePix F200EXR |
NOTE: The images above are not used in our testing or scoring, but are included here to show real-world examples of the differences between cameras at the various ISO settings.
Shop for the Canon S90
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