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Cameras don't take pics at when left at home...! (S90 please!)

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Richard Horner

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This is my little rant about us needing a successor to the S80...

My view is that we need a pocket sized camera with all the manual functions... i.e. like the S80.

The SDXXX line just doesn't do enought for me... too 'automatic'

My S80 goes everywhere with me*... every day on the year.

If i had a G7, or whatever, i would have leave it at home most of the time... where it can not take pictures!

It's as simple as that.

Canon really should maintain this product line, sticking all the funky new features in it and it will be a winner.

Perhaps the marketing dept should use the pocketability as a selling point in their future marketing of the S90, or whatever it might be called...

Right, keeping my fingers crossed...
  • OK, it's busted at the mo' ...cracked the screen, but am taking it for repair...
--
Too many photos: http://rtw.cheeseandjamsandwich.co.uk
20 months in Australia... Also Fiji and a few for NZ, USA, SG
(All taken with: Canon S 4 0 0 (x2), S 8 0)
Now the proud owner of a 3 5 0 D + E F - S 1 7 - 8 5 I S
+ Sigma 1 0 - 20 + Tamron 2 8 - 3 0 0
 
Richard Horner said:
The SDXXX line just doesn't do enough for me... too 'automatic'
Click to expand...
I read this complaint from time to time and, I confess, I don't understand why anyone would need more manual control in a compromised ultra-compact camera (small lens and flash, no hot shoe) than a Canon SD already provides. Last year, I upgraded from an S-series camera to both a SD550 and a DSLR and I couldn't be happier. If I want full manual control for serious picture-taking, I'll use my DSLR.

On the Digital Elph series, if a user needs a large aperture there is a Portrait scene mode. Small aperture is Landscape scene mode, etc:

• Portrait
• Night
• Kids & Pets
• Indoor
• Foliage
• Snow
• Beach
• Fireworks
• Aquarium
• Underwater
• Exposure compensation + - 2EV

Are your creative efforts with an ultra-compact (with its inherent lens and flash limitations) seriously disrupted because you need to manually choose your own shutter and aperture for each snapshot? Personally, I'm happy to just choose a scene mode to match my intention and let the camera work out the exact details as best it can. Like I said, if I'm there to get serious photos, I'll use a more serious camera.

To each his own. I don't mean to sound critical; I'm just seeking to understand the rationale behind your position.
 
Richard Horner said:
If i had a G7, or whatever, i would have leave it at home most of
the time... where it can not take pictures!

It's as simple as that.
Click to expand...
Well if you've decided against the G7, I think it's your loss. Have you compared the sizes. They're closer than you think. The G7 is one tenth an inch longer, six tenths an inch taller, and only two tenths of an inch thicker.

It fits easily into a jacket pocket and it's images speak for themselves. I've used the S80 and it's not in the same league as the G7. You might consider giving the G7 another chance.

Dave
 
I agree with the part about bigger cameras not being used as often. I once had a Canon G2 with all the manual controls, flipping screen, top of the line at the time, and I also had a little Elph (S110 I think). Guess which one I usually grabbed to travel with? I only used the G2 a few times, and then sold it. I've been with the Elph line ever since, and loved it. As to the Elphs being too automatic, not if you know how to use the manual settings and options to their full benefit. I'm taking my SD900 to Italy in 2 weeks. It's with a tour group, and a guide that will rush us through places in order to see the most sights. On trips like that, there's no time to stand there and fiddle with settings and composition. It's grab the shot and go, and that's when the automatic side of the Elphs comes in handy.
 
KwhyChang said:
Richard Horner said:
If i had a G7, or whatever, i would have leave it at home most of
the time... where it can not take pictures!

It's as simple as that.
Click to expand...
Well if you've decided against the G7, I think it's your loss. Have
you compared the sizes. They're closer than you think. The G7 is
one tenth an inch longer, six tenths an inch taller, and only two
tenths of an inch thicker.
It fits easily into a jacket pocket and it's images speak for
themselves. I've used the S80 and it's not in the same league as
the G7. You might consider giving the G7 another chance.

Dave
Click to expand...
OK, the other big selling point for me with the SXX line was the 28mm lens... I can't see myself getting any camera without a lens this wide... i'm totally sold on it.
35mm is just pants.

I had borrowed my mate's S60 the other year, and found it a little bulky and heavy... and it's only the slightest gnat's c*ck bit bigger!!! So the G7 is just a bit too much of a heavy fatty.

The SXX line should not get any bigger or heavier... to remain truely pocketable.

--
Too many photos: http://rtw.cheeseandjamsandwich.co.uk
20 months in Australia... Also Fiji and a few for NZ, USA, SG
(All taken with: Canon S 4 0 0 (x2), S 8 0)
Now the proud owner of a 3 5 0 D + E F - S 1 7 - 8 5 I S
+ Sigma 1 0 - 20 + Tamron 2 8 - 3 0 0
 
Keith Schmidt said:
bearjoshy said:
How did you manage to bust the screen ?

This camera has a shutter that slides over the LCD when not in use.

Bryan
Click to expand...
No, the shutter slides over the lens, not the LCD.
--
Keith
equipment in profile
http://www.pbase.com/themitty/
http://www.picasaweb.google.com/themitty
Click to expand...
I have a leather pouch that i store it in. which adds bugger all to the size of the camera when in your pocket... which is nice.

On the evening i broke it, i think i may have had it in my pocket with the screen side out.... normally the screen is against my let in my trouser pocket... And i think i might have knocked it on the corner of a table or summink... not sure... It's bad luck for me as i religeously keep it the other way round for this reason... Ho hum...

The Sliding door is actually a good feature for a camera with a nice big lens like this... protects it very nicely...

--
Too many photos: http://rtw.cheeseandjamsandwich.co.uk
20 months in Australia... Also Fiji and a few for NZ, USA, SG
(All taken with: Canon S 4 0 0 (x2), S 8 0)
Now the proud owner of a 3 5 0 D + E F - S 1 7 - 8 5 I S
+ Sigma 1 0 - 20 + Tamron 2 8 - 3 0 0
 
Maxwell Smart said:
Richard Horner said:
The SDXXX line just doesn't do enough for me... too 'automatic'
Click to expand...
I read this complaint from time to time and, I confess, I don't
understand why anyone would need more manual control in a
compromised ultra-compact camera (small lens and flash, no hot
shoe) than a Canon SD already provides. Last year, I upgraded from
an S-series camera to both a SD550 and a DSLR and I couldn't be
happier. If I want full manual control for serious picture-taking,
I'll use my DSLR.

On the Digital Elph series, if a user needs a large aperture there
is a Portrait scene mode. Small aperture is Landscape scene mode,
etc:

• Portrait
• Night
• Kids & Pets
• Indoor
• Foliage
• Snow
• Beach
• Fireworks
• Aquarium
• Underwater
• Exposure compensation + - 2EV

Are your creative efforts with an ultra-compact (with its inherent
lens and flash limitations) seriously disrupted because you need to
manually choose your own shutter and aperture for each snapshot?
Personally, I'm happy to just choose a scene mode to match my
intention and let the camera work out the exact details as best it
can. Like I said, if I'm there to get serious photos, I'll use a
more serious camera.

To each his own. I don't mean to sound critical; I'm just seeking
to understand the rationale behind your position.
Click to expand...
I actually bought an SD800 IS right after i broke the screen on my S80... As i was travelling around NZ at the time... And this 'Downgrade/Upgrade' is very noticeable in both directions...

The S80 has got a bigger flash, faster flash re-charge, visably better IQ, has got the manual controls that i'm learning how to use...

But for sure, the SD800 IS has got the killer Image Stabilisation, the most amazing hi-res LCD and for sure, is so much more pocketable...

Canon need to chase the Panasonic Lumix DMC-TZ3... Which looks almost like the obvious successor... Tho it is missing the manual controls... Bugger :-( And it just ain't a Canon...

--
Too many photos: http://rtw.cheeseandjamsandwich.co.uk
20 months in Australia... Also Fiji and a few for NZ, USA, SG
(All taken with: Canon S 4 0 0 (x2), S 8 0)
Now the proud owner of a 3 5 0 D + E F - S 1 7 - 8 5 I S
+ Sigma 1 0 - 20 + Tamron 2 8 - 3 0 0
 
Sounds like you have decided not to carry a camera unless it meet your specific criteria. Bad decision IMHO. You are going to miss some photo opportunities.

I carry my G7 with me most of the time.

jerry

--
jerryk.smugmug.com
 
KwhyChang said:
It fits easily into a jacket pocket and it's images speak for
themselves. I've used the S80 and it's not in the same league as
the G7. You might consider giving the G7 another chance.
Click to expand...
The G7 is a fine camera, but it doesn't have a 28 mm wide angle so it's not for everyone.
 
Maxwell Smart said:
Are your creative efforts with an ultra-compact (with its inherent
lens and flash limitations) seriously disrupted because you need to
manually choose your own shutter and aperture for each snapshot?
Personally, I'm happy to just choose a scene mode to match my
intention and let the camera work out the exact details as best it
can. Like I said, if I'm there to get serious photos, I'll use a
more serious camera.

To each his own. I don't mean to sound critical; I'm just seeking
to understand the rationale behind your position.
Click to expand...
I can live without setting the aperture and shutter speed in a compact camera, but I can't accept not SEEING the aperture and shutter speed. I want to see this information so that I can make manual adjustments to ISO. (The shake icon just doesn't cut it.) That's probably my biggest gripe with the Digital Elphs.
 
jerryk said:
Sounds like you have decided not to carry a camera unless it meet
your specific criteria. Bad decision IMHO. You are going to miss
some photo opportunities.
Click to expand...
Huh?

Jerry - you've decided not to take a camera with you into the shower each day because you haven't found a camera that would make you want to do that (Pentax and Olympus both have cameras perfect for this). Bad decision IMHO. You are going to miss some photo opportunities, no?

LOL. Everybody draws the line somewhere.
 
KwhyChang said:
Well if you've decided against the G7, I think it's your loss. Have
you compared the sizes. They're closer than you think. The G7 is
one tenth an inch longer, six tenths an inch taller, and only two
tenths of an inch thicker.
It fits easily into a jacket pocket and it's images speak for
themselves. I've used the S80 and it's not in the same league as
the G7. You might consider giving the G7 another chance.
Click to expand...
Some people prefer the 28mm wide angle of the Sxx to the 200mm of the G7.

Actually I bought a S60 when it came out and used it with the Canon adapter and an Olympus teleconverter from an old film camera and it worked out well for the few times I need a telephoto.

I've since bought three wide angle cameras (Kodak P880, great but big, Panasonic FX01, not too bad and a Powershot SD800IS, bad). I would love a S90 with a bigger screen and perhaps IS.
DP13Photo said:
Dave
Click to expand...
 
KwhyChang said:
Well if you've decided against the G7, I think it's your loss. Have
you compared the sizes. They're closer than you think. The G7 is
one tenth an inch longer, six tenths an inch taller, and only two
tenths of an inch thicker.
It fits easily into a jacket pocket and it's images speak for
themselves. I've used the S80 and it's not in the same league as
the G7. You might consider giving the G7 another chance.
Click to expand...
I own a S70, and in a few hours will probably own a G7 as well. I take my S70 everywhere, so I had it on hand when I picked up the G7 for the first time yesterday. I was really surprised at how much larger and heavier it is, and I understand why Richard might not like this. It is difficult enough to put a S70 in a pocket; the G7 would be bordering on clumsy and inconvenient for constant carry, especially compared with a S-series camera.

Nevertheless, in a few hours I will probably own a G7. I carry a shoulder bag, and my camera goes inside it, so I am not fussed about pockets.

--
Archiver - Recording the sights and sounds of life
http://www.flickr.com/photos/archiver/
 
I agree, that's why I ordered a A710IS to replace my S45 this morning. Newegg has the A710 for $260. While not a whole lot smaller than the S45, the A710 is a whole lot lighter and WILL be in my pocket more often than even the S45 was.

The new TX1 was on my radar screen for a while until I realized it had no manual.

Hermit

--
Lost in the Colorado Mountains!!!
 
I've got my g7 with me all the time. By all the time, I mean every day since 2006, with the exception of about 4 days where I forgot to bring it. Last night, I was snapping off night shots with the g7 off of the top of my car, just for the heck of it. Did I have any regrets? Yeah...that I didn't bring my 2x teleconverter. But I still snagged the shots.

I agree, the fact that the camera is on you makes a huge difference. That's why I went with the g7 over the xti. You still have control dial/jog wheel convenience, and quick access to ISO as if it was an slr. You still have hot-shoe options and teleconverter options, as if it were an slr. You might not have the benefits of a large sensor and tons of glass...but you have enough to snag the shot. Yes, it does fit in my jeans pocket, But I prefer to sling it over a shoulder and have it sit behind my back, or in a bag. I discovered that if I put my sportscoat on, it sits right around where my bellybutton is, and you can't even tell if I've got it around my neck unless I turn it on, and a lens pops out from under the middle button of my sportscoat (you could write an entire Seinfeld episode around that one). By far, an SD-series camera would be more easily pocketable. But it's way to automatic for my tastes.
Richard Horner said:
If i had a G7, or whatever, i would have leave it at home most of
the time... where it can not take pictures!
Click to expand...
 
I agree, I love the S80 as a pocketable companion to DSLR (350D as well). For travel photography I think it's the best.

I take photos all the time with my S80 where I play around with the shutter speed/aperature for fireworks, lightning, fire twirling etc.
Fireworks: http://www.wanderaround.com/gallery/main.php?g2_itemId=232
Lightning: http://www.wanderaround.com/gallery/main.php?g2_itemId=232
Fire Twirling: http://www.wanderaround.com/gallery/main.php?g2_itemId=232

I could not have taken those shots without it, as these were impromptu events where I didn't have a SLR.

When backpacking, I carry my 350D with a telephoto lens for wildlife shots, then have the s80 easily accessible for wide-angle shots of the landscapes. Much faster/safer than changing lenses on the Rebel!

I was really hoping for any update to the S80 to have IS, as thats what I often wish for when using it.

Sadly, its more apparent than ever that Canon is trying to consolidate their product line. The new A570IS now has manual controls. However its bulkier and doesn't have as wide angle of lens. The G7 is even larger, so it's out of the question.

The S80 is the only camera with manual controls that I can fit into the tiny Pelican 1010 waterproof case, an essential item for traveling and adventure photos. Even the S70 couldn't fit in the case and required a larger case that didn't fit in a pocket. Richard, you should think about getting this case so you don't crack your LCD again!

I've had three S series models (S30, S45, and S80), and they are what propelled me to pursue photography. It's very disappointing that Canon isn't maintaining unique advantage with this line.

I still hope for an updated version, but until then I'm guarding my S80 more than ever.

Ben

--
Portfolio: http://www.wanderaround.com
Photo Journal: http://neb.smugmug.com
 
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