The Canon PowerShot S95 is a high-end 10.0-megapixel compact digital camera announced and released in 2010. It was designed as the successor to the Canon PowerShot S90 in the S series of the Canon PowerShot line of cameras. This model is considered high-end, professional, or prosumer because of its price, its feature set, and its high sensitivity image sensor. Its 10-megapixel image sensor is larger than typical sensors found in point-and-shoot cameras. This, along with the advanced image stabilization system, allows for sharp images in lower light scenarios, at an ISO of up to 3,200. The S95 is similar to the S90, but adds a number of refinements. Among other things, it features a thinner body, improved image stabilization, an automated HDR shooting mode, 720p HD-quality video recording with stereo sound, and a more ergonomic finish and controls. Other features include a Tracking Autofocus function, enabling it to track and focus on moving subjects.
The S95 is the first compact camera to feature Hybrid IS, which minimizes the impact of camera shake on image quality. There are two types of camera shake: angular shake and lateral shake. The PowerShot S95's Hybrid IS stabilizes both types of camera shake by using a dedicated acceleration sensor to detect lateral shake. Because Hybrid IS is effective in reducing noticeable lateral shake at short shooting distances, the camera is able to greatly stabilize images at all shooting distances.
The S95 is one of the first camera models to feature an automated high dynamic range shooting mode. This advanced digital imaging technique shoots three bracketed exposures in quick succession, and then automatically composites them for an increased dynamic range and more vivid coloration. HDR should be used on a tripod, to prevent blur.
Similar cameras
In the high-end compact camera market, its main competitor is the Panasonic Lumix DMC-LX5; one significant difference being that the S95 is significantly slimmer due to the fully collapsible lens, hence more portable. The Canon PowerShot G series are similar in terms of target market and features, but feature a larger body and an optical viewfinder. A similar category to high-end compact cameras are mirrorless interchangeable lens cameras, some of which are in a compact form factor, such as the Panasonic Lumix DMC-GF1, Olympus PEN E-P1/E-P2, and Sony Alpha NEX-3. MILCs differ however in being significantly larger, and significantly higher-end, featuring much larger sensors and interchangeable lenses.
