S90 vs. G5X

Excellent post and excellent example of challenging low light conditions for a non-DSLR to tackle. I've been shooting with some small sensor elphs such as the SD990 (1/1.7" CCD sensor) in raw and it's amazing how even these old cameras compare.

One can use the free CHDK hack to add time-lapse, very long shutter, new auto-iso limits, ability to shoot raw, zebra stripes, etc. to almost any thrift-store-priced powershot.

The ability to shoot RAW seems critical to me when comparing the SD990's JPEG vs. Raw pics. Really expands the dynamic range of these little cameras.

Next I'm going to try adding off camera optical slave flashe(s) to the sd990 shots to see how it looks in more challenging conditions such as your shots. Thanks much for the post!

To add to your point, here is a SOOC shot from a year 2002 3.2 Mp s230 (non-hacked) -strong light favors these small sensor cameras of course:

Chaplain Mark wrote:

Very nice demonstration of how little difference there is in real life, indeed..!!

Just wondering, which DXO filter did you use to add the bird poop to the lamps??

Thanks, Mark.

The DxO filter is obviously called “Bird Poop Effect”. Life’s so simple.

saaber1 wrote:

Excellent post and excellent example of challenging low light conditions for a non-DSLR to tackle. I've been shooting with some small sensor elphs such as the SD990 (1/1.7" CCD sensor) in raw and it's amazing how even these old cameras compare.

One can use the free CHDK hack to add time-lapse, very long shutter, new auto-iso limits, ability to shoot raw, zebra stripes, etc. to almost any thrift-store-priced powershot.

The ability to shoot RAW seems critical to me when comparing the SD990's JPEG vs. Raw pics. Really expands the dynamic range of these little cameras.

Next I'm going to try adding off camera optical slave flashe(s) to the sd990 shots to see how it looks in more challenging conditions such as your shots. Thanks much for the post!

Thanks, saaber1.

I think, it makes only sense to compare RAW files developed with a modern RAW converter to see what these old sensors really can deliver.

Never thought of using CHDK. I don’t think, I need the extra features for the S90. But I still have two older IXUS cameras. Could be fun to check out, if CHDK works with them.

You want to go strobist?
What about this?

https://www.flickr.com/photos/seedeich/6005968845/

Or even worse.

Juksu wrote:

The biggest difference as to the quality of the images is probably focusing speed, try focusing on fast, erratically moving subject, and you'll see why you should not put the G5X for sale on e-bay and settle for s90..

But I do hear you... As far as image quality on good conditions go, I sometimes stumble on some old photos shot with a S95, and for a second there I wonder if I really do need all those more expensive, big cameras. Then I remember...

Thanks, Juksu.

I have no plans to sell my modern cameras.
The new sensors really have an advantage in low light.
It’s also easier for the G5X to focus in low light.

For fast, erratically moving subjects I use zone focussing anyway (prefocus by half-pressing the shutter button onto the area where the subject is). For this technique the S90 has the advantage of the deeper DoF.

Zone focussing is also great for street photography, where the small S90 has the advantage, that it can disappear in the palm of the hand.

Vladimir Ilyich probably doesn't mind getting shot and the two ladies might shoot back.

I was thinking more about getting close when shooting street.

there is little difference because it is well lit

most of the people who bought a P&S like this probably never carry around with an external flash

Jon_T wrote:

Curious are you using the DxO PhotoLab 1.1.0 "Essentials" or the "Elite" version with the Prime noise reduction for RAW images?

I’m using DxO PhotoLab Elite. But very rarely Prime Noise Reduction.

The images in the first post were just processed with normal NR.
The older ones from before 2012 where JPEG, converted to b&w. I wasn’t shooting Raw before 2012.

Even this one at ISO 6400 was processed with normal NR. The grain, or call it noise, is perfectly acceptable for me. This is of course not possible with the S90.

chrisno wrote:

there is little difference because it is well lit

most of the people who bought a P&S like this probably never carry around with an external flash

Yes, they are well lit. And up to ISO 800 the S90 does quite well.

Fortunately, most users of enthusiast compact cameras do understand, that they need light of some kind to take pictures. For me it does not matter whether I shoot with a P&S or DSLR - the lighting is the same.

We’re not talking about entry level P&S users, most of which anyway have migrated to smartphones.

Seedeich wrote:

saaber1 wrote:

Excellent post and excellent example of challenging low light conditions for a non-DSLR to tackle. I've been shooting with some small sensor elphs such as the SD990 (1/1.7" CCD sensor) in raw and it's amazing how even these old cameras compare.

One can use the free CHDK hack to add time-lapse, very long shutter, new auto-iso limits, ability to shoot raw, zebra stripes, etc. to almost any thrift-store-priced powershot.

The ability to shoot RAW seems critical to me when comparing the SD990's JPEG vs. Raw pics. Really expands the dynamic range of these little cameras.

Next I'm going to try adding off camera optical slave flashe(s) to the sd990 shots to see how it looks in more challenging conditions such as your shots. Thanks much for the post!

Thanks, saaber1.

I think, it makes only sense to compare RAW files developed with a modern RAW converter to see what these old sensors really can deliver.

Never thought of using CHDK. I don’t think, I need the extra features for the S90. But I still have two older IXUS cameras. Could be fun to check out, if CHDK works with them.

You want to go strobist?
What about this?

https://www.flickr.com/photos/seedeich/6005968845/

Or even worse.

Haha yes I was thinking 2 sb-800s. I love that flash. Powerful, reliable, smart. I also picked up 2 Norman 800 power packs and 9 lh2400 flash heads with various modifiers for ridiculously cheap.   The issue is too much light with these. Need to use nd gels to reduce.

davesurrey wrote:

An interesting comparison, Thanks for this.

I have a Canon G7X ii which I bought as a compact but "good in low light" carry around camera and haven't been disappointed.

I also have a few compact 1/2.3 inch cameras eg Canon SX260 and Panasonic TZ80 which have other strengths and weaknesses.

I use what I think is best at the time ( or what I have with me) but certainly don't ignore smaller, older technology under the right conditions.

The end result is what matters not what bit of electronics was use to capture the image.

I got the RX100 as an upgrade from the S90, but found the interface frustrating. Then bought the G7X as soon as it was available. I really like it.

The G5X was added to replace the G11, when it started to malfunction. I needed the hotshoe.

I like to use different cameras for different purposes. And the way they behave differently can be inspiring.

saaber1 wrote:

Haha yes I was thinking 2 sb-800s. I love that flash. Powerful, reliable, smart. I also picked up 2 Norman 800 power packs and 9 lh2400 flash heads with various modifiers for ridiculously cheap. The issue is too much light with these. Need to use nd gels to reduce.

9 LH2400 flash heads? That sounds like serious business.
You’ll probably blow the sensor out the camera, if you use all of them together.

GeraldW wrote:

A very nice comparison. Fits in very nicely with what I'm doing with my cameras. I just started a nostalgia collection of older (2010 or earlier) compact fixed lens cameras with CCD sensors that I owned and used in the past. I also have four newer cameras with CMOS sensors from 2012 or later.

I also enjoy doing comparisons of the old and newer cameras. The "new" group includes an FZ1000, G7X II, FZ200, and SX260HS. The nostalgia group comprises the Pro 1, G7, S5IS, SD950IS, S90, and A710IS and are all models I have owned and used previously and which I liked a lot. I've had the Pro 1, S90, and A710IS right along; but the other three were bought used.

The whole idea was to have some fun.

I got relatively late into digital and haven’t used that many old digital cameras and given some away.

For me it’s fun to be with fellow photographers with their serious, heavy DSLRs and I shoot with a small lightweight camera.