Canon s95 or S110? - DPChallenge Forums

03/31/2014 08:37:13 AM · #1

I want to pick up a "Point and Shoot" both as a backup and also for situations where the big cheese (my DSLR) is too awkward to get out to take photos such as on a plane etc. Also could use for videos of the kids and dogs etc though my iPhone 4S does the job on that front.

I used to have a S95 which I really liked though did always feel the photos were nowhere near as good as the Canon 40D photos apart from snow photos which it seemed to be very good at. Unfortunately I was too laid back and let my at the time 2 year old daughter play with the s95 until she broke the flash by pushing it up and down and then it died with a lens error eventually.

Anyway I see there have been a few models since the S95 and I have read a lot on different forums about them all. My budget can't stretch to the S120 so I was considering either the S95 or S110.

I therefore wanted to know if anyone can highly recommend the S110 over the S95 for any particular reasons?

I loved the size of the S95 and have read about all the other competitors but I definitely want to stick with the S95 or S110 (or possibly s100).

Spork99

Canon EOS M6 Mk II

Canon EF-M 22mm STM Lens

03/31/2014 09:05:25 AM · #2

See for yourself

Both have the same sensor used in the equivalent G-series powershot. The S100 has more zoom range (on the long end), faster top shutter speed and a Digic 5 processor (vs Digic 4 on the S95) etc.

03/31/2014 09:24:29 AM · #3

Thanks Spork99

That comparison was the S95 and S100 but it was easy to amend to S95 and S110.

I was looking more for owner feedback than a side by side specification comparison. So some basic stuff like how they compare in image quality, if one can achieve better DOF than the other, if one is a lot better in low light than the other. Perhaps some members have had both and can say there was a real difference in upgrading.

So really I was looking for some solid reasons to consider paying more to get the S110 instead of the much cheaper used S95.

Sorry I should really know more about all the technical side of things so I can just make a decision on the technical specification comparison:)

03/31/2014 11:01:38 AM · #4

Do you still have the old one?

Replacing the lens unit really isn't that hard, and they're only about $40 or so.

Otherwise, here's a comparison of the S95, the S120, and the 40D.. Go to the measurements tab, and poke around. The S110 isn't included, but it's VERY close to the S95 - the S120 is a clearly improved camera system.

Now, as for basic stuff like DOF - as best I know the sensor size is pretty much identical, but the lens is wider, longer, and faster - so there's a real advantage there, still, overall, with the difference in noise performance and the slightly faster lens (1.8 vs 2.0), you'll probably get just about one stop worth of improvement over the S95 - in other words, the real-world difference isn't huge. Frankly the wider/longer lens would be the biggest thing that drove me - 24mm vs 28mm is a fairly significant thing.

So - my advice? Either pony up (haha, see what I did there... Love the avatar BTW) and pay for the S120, or just go for that S95. One thing to check for if you are buying used is a dirty sensor. Just stop it down and take a picture of the sky... I had to take mine apart and clean it before trading it to

see, as it was just filthy. As it was, the rear-element of the lens had a bit of stuff in it that was barely discernable as a large faint dark spot... Basically, I'm saying that this particular system is very dust prone - so unless you do feel comfortable taking these things apart (hint:baking tray - it helps you not lose tiny screws, and learn how to properly release the tiny little cable holders.), then you'll want to make sure you get a copy that doesn't need cleaned...

Hope that helps..

03/31/2014 11:33:27 AM · #5

Cory, you da man!!

Thank you - that is really helpful. The old one I managed to sell on Ebay for about $100 at the time it died which I was pleased with.

It sounds like the S120 is quite a significant improvement on the S110 and hence on all previous models too. I was hoping there wasn't a lot of difference between the S110 and S120 - BAH!!

Thanks for the heads up on the dirty sensor issues - I would never have considered this for a "Point and Shoot". I am not keen on tiny cable holders and tend to break them so this camera would not be one I would be keen to see the insides of.

That is most helpful Cory - thanks!!

p.s Great pun and thanks for the comment on the avatar:)

Olympus OM-D E-M5 Mark III

03/31/2014 11:33:27 AM · #6

Oops double post - I blame it on the mouse....

Message edited by author 2014-03-31 11:34:00.

Yo_Spiff

Olympus 12-100mm f/4.0 M.Zuiko ED IS PRO

03/31/2014 11:40:43 AM · #7

I have the s90. Very pleased except for the exposure comp dial that is too easily bumped. That problem has been corrected in all the later models.

Zeissman

Canon EOS-500D Rebel T1i

Canon EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 IS

04/03/2014 12:47:23 AM · #8

I have had a G11, and S95 and an S100. IQ wise I can't really see that there is difference between any of them. Unfortunately I broke my S95 though poor packing on a trip (a pump hairspray leaked on it) and I can't compare the S95 to the s100 ergo or user wise that well. It seemed like I was able to program the s95 back dial for exp comp and I haven't taken the time to figure out if I can do it on the s100 yet.

I know you asked about the s110, so sorry if this was a waste of space.

Message edited by author 2014-04-03 00:48:05.

04/03/2014 01:45:21 AM · #9

Originally posted by Zeissman:

I'm curious what the effect of coating an S95 in hairspray was.

04/03/2014 02:03:22 AM · #10

I got the S110 in the end. I got a very good price for a new one and the difference between this price and price of a used S95 was too small to make it worth getting the S95.

Just need to get a case now - any recommendations?

Message edited by author 2014-04-03 02:06:26.

04/03/2014 02:09:29 AM · #11

Originally posted by P-A-U-L:

Only one, somewhat contrary recommendation... Don't. :)

I bought a couple of cases for mine, and always just found that I carried it around without one. Tough little camera, well built. I never exactly abused mine, but I was never exactly super kind to it either - I figure that you'd be pretty hard pressed to 'need' a case with it.

Obviously, again, dust is a bad deal, but that happens when you turn it on/off, and no case can really do much to help with that issue.

04/03/2014 02:12:06 AM · #12

Ah cool - that sounds like a cheap option.

I had considered the following but neither were perfect

//www.amazon.co.uk/Canon-DCC-1450-Soft-Case-PowerShot/dp/B0040GOTC0

//www.amazon.co.uk/MegaGear-Protective-Leather-Powershot-Digital/dp/B009MIZTP2

04/03/2014 02:23:46 AM · #13

Originally posted by P-A-U-L:

Both of those do look nice. I think they're probably not needed, but both would add some impact protection, and the megagear option actually looks pretty sweet.

For 22 pounds, I don't know that you can go wrong if you like the idea and look.

The one BIG thing that I had an issue with, and didn't clarify previously, was that the cases make the camera less pocketable, and impede removal from a pocket if you do manage to stuff it in. If you intend to just keep it in a bag or in the car these would be much more attractive options.

04/03/2014 02:54:53 AM · #14

Thanks Cory

I would just keep it in my pocket without a case but my iPhone takes up one pocket and my wallet the other. Perhaps I need some combat trousers with more pockets:)

Don't think there is a big footprint on the Canon case but still it does defeat the purpose of getting this small camera if I bulk it up with a case. Shame it can't make phone calls too and then I could ditch the iPhone.

Thanks for your great advice as always!

Tiny

Apple iPad mini 4

04/03/2014 09:34:33 AM · #15

shirt pocket

Canon EF 24-105mm f/4.0L IS

04/03/2014 11:37:31 AM · #16

That is where I keep my pet hamsters:)

scalvert

Canon EOS-5D Mark III

04/03/2014 04:04:04 PM · #17

Psst... Powershot S110 with 16GB SDHC card, carrying case, Canon PIXMA PRO-100 printer and 50 sheets of 13x19" paper for $198 (and yes, they do ship to the UK). Note that you might have to search for the correct bundle as the link isn't working.

EDIT- Ah, the rebate is only valid in the U.S. You'll have to move.

Message edited by author 2014-04-03 16:05:50.

Zeissman

Canon EOS-500D Rebel T1i

Canon EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 IS

04/05/2014 10:25:32 PM · #18

Originally posted by Cory:

Originally posted by Zeissman:
I have had a G11, and S95 and an S100. IQ wise I can't really see that there is difference between any of them. Unfortunately I broke my S95 though poor packing on a trip (a pump hairspray leaked on it) and I can't compare the S95 to the s100 ergo or user wise that well. It seemed like I was able to program the s95 back dial for exp comp and I haven't taken the time to figure out if I can do it on the s100 yet.

I know you asked about the s110, so sorry if this was a waste of space.

I'm curious what the effect of coating an S95 in hairspray was.

It was a liquid pump spray. It still powers on but some of the buttons and dials don't work (like the shutter). I tried cleaning it with alcohol but it hasn't worked yet.