Canon Powershot S95 Vs S100: The Ultimate Showdown Of Image Quality, Features, And Value For Money

In the world of compact cameras, the Canon PowerShot S95 and S100 stand as two formidable contenders. Both cameras offer impressive features, making them ideal for photography enthusiasts seeking a powerful yet portable camera. This comprehensive comparison delves into the intricacies of the Canon PowerShot S95 and S100, highlighting their strengths and weaknesses to help you make an informed decision about which camera best suits your needs.

1. Image Quality:

At the heart of any camera lies its image quality, and both the S95 and S100 deliver exceptional results. The S95 boasts a 10.1MP CCD sensor, while the S100 features a 12.1MP CMOS sensor. While the S100’s higher megapixel count may suggest an advantage, both cameras produce stunning images with vibrant colors and sharp details. However, the S100’s CMOS sensor offers improved low-light performance, resulting in reduced noise and better image quality in dimly lit conditions.

2. Lens and Optical Zoom:

The Canon PowerShot S95 and S100 come equipped with versatile lenses that provide a wide range of focal lengths. Both cameras feature a 3.8x optical zoom, allowing you to capture both wide-angle and telephoto shots with ease. The S95’s lens has a focal length range of 28-105mm (equivalent), while the S100’s lens covers a slightly wider range of 24-120mm (equivalent). This difference is not significant for most users, but it may be a consideration for those who frequently shoot landscapes or portraits.

3. LCD Screen and Viewfinder:

When composing shots, a clear and vibrant display is essential. The Canon PowerShot S95 and S100 both feature 3-inch LCD screens with a resolution of 461k dots. The S95’s LCD screen is fixed, while the S100’s LCD screen is vari-angle, allowing you to tilt it up, down, or to the side for more flexible shooting angles. Both cameras also have electronic viewfinders, which can be useful in bright outdoor conditions or when you want to conserve battery life.

4. Video Recording:

In the realm of video recording, the Canon PowerShot S95 and S100 offer varying capabilities. The S95 can record 720p HD video at 30 frames per second (fps), while the S100 takes it a step further with 1080p Full HD video recording at 24 fps. Additionally, the S100 features stereo microphones for improved audio quality. For those who value high-quality video recording, the S100 is the clear choice.

5. Manual Controls and Creative Modes:

For photographers who seek creative control over their images, the Canon PowerShot S95 and S100 provide a range of manual controls and creative modes. Both cameras offer full manual exposure control, allowing you to adjust aperture, shutter speed, and ISO independently. They also feature a variety of scene modes, creative filters, and custom settings to help you achieve your desired look and feel. Additionally, the S100 has a built-in neutral density (ND) filter, which is useful for reducing the amount of light entering the lens, allowing you to achieve longer shutter speeds for creative effects.

6. Connectivity and Sharing:

In today’s digital world, connectivity and sharing capabilities are crucial. The Canon PowerShot S95 and S100 both offer Wi-Fi connectivity, enabling you to transfer images and videos wirelessly to your smartphone or computer. Additionally, the S100 has built-in NFC (Near Field Communication) technology, which allows you to connect to compatible devices simply by touching them together. Both cameras also feature HDMI output for connecting to a TV or external monitor.

7. Battery Life and Portability:

When it comes to portability and battery life, the Canon PowerShot S95 and S100 are well-matched. Both cameras are compact and lightweight, making them easy to carry around. The S95 is slightly smaller and lighter than the S100, but the difference is negligible. In terms of battery life, both cameras offer approximately 230 shots per charge, which is sufficient for a day’s worth of casual shooting. However, if you plan on extended shooting sessions, it’s advisable to carry a spare battery.

Final Verdict:

The Canon PowerShot S95 and S100 are both excellent compact cameras that offer a wide range of features and capabilities. While they share many similarities, there are a few key differences to consider. The S100 boasts a higher megapixel count, improved low-light performance, a vari-angle LCD screen, and 1080p Full HD video recording. However, the S95 is slightly smaller and lighter, and it has a longer battery life. Ultimately, the best choice for you will depend on your specific needs and preferences. If you prioritize image quality, video recording, and creative control, the S100 is the way to go. If you value portability, battery life, and a more compact design, the S95 is a great option.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):

1. Q: Which camera has better image quality, the S95 or the S100?
A: Both cameras offer excellent image quality, but the S100 has a slight edge due to its higher megapixel count and improved low-light performance.

2. Q: Which camera has a longer optical zoom range?
A: Both cameras have a 3.8x optical zoom range, offering a versatile focal length range for both wide-angle and telephoto shots.

3. Q: Which camera has a better LCD screen?
A: The S100 has a vari-angle LCD screen, allowing you to tilt it up, down, or to the side for more flexible shooting angles. The S95 has a fixed LCD screen.

4. Q: Which camera can record higher-quality videos?
A: The S100 can record 1080p Full HD videos at 24 fps, while the S95 is limited to 720p HD videos at 30 fps.

5. Q: Which camera has more manual controls and creative modes?
A: Both cameras offer a range of manual controls and creative modes, including full manual exposure control, scene modes, creative filters, and custom settings. However, the S100 has a built-in neutral density (ND) filter, which provides more creative control over exposure.