s90 vs sd1200 - huh?

[jorf]

No, that wasn't an error. I know that these are COMPLETELY different cameras but...

I have my DSLR (not a Canon, please don't kick me off!) but want a P&S to carry with me. I've been thinking and planning to get the sd1200 until last night when I heard about the s90.

I know that the s90 has a zillion more capabilities than the 1200 and it's very enticing to have a carry around camera that can actually have aperture abilities and RAW capture. However, I'm really not sure I need all that. I just wonder if I'm going to be really disappointed by the sd1200. It seems that the image quality is similar in the 2 (at least according to one consumer reviewer) and the 1200 is so highly rated and actually has several options for shooting.

So, what do you like in a P&S/second/carry-around camera? I don't have kids so it isn't for that snapshot kind of thing for the most part. It's mostly because I'm trying to train my photographer's eye - shoot those things that I think, "That might make a cool photo...wish I had my camera". The idea that there is a RAW possibility - just in case it did make a cool photo - is nice.

But, I just spent $1000 on my DSLR, am still trying to figure out how to make the best use if its features, and the sd 1200 is cheap right now (which is what's making me feel like I need to make the decision right away - I know that's penny wise and pound foolish). Was hoping to find a refurb s90 but can't right now.

Sorry for the rambling but I'd love some feedback on this.

[OsmosisStudios]

The S90 blows the Sd1200 away at anything above base ISO levels, which is where you'll often be shooting with the lens that's attached to the camera. It's also considerably better in lower light too.

Resolution is similar, though the S90s sensor is better.

Functions and functionality are very different as well. The S90 is more streamlined. Its designed more like an SLR

[LoveDSLR]

The S90 is a very nice camera. But I went for a SD780 IS instead because of its size. Image Quality is OK with me.

See Best PowerShot http://www.canonrumors.com/2009/12/2...mors-awards-2/.

[inkista]

The SD90 has a larger sensor (1/1.7" vs. 1/2.3") The image quality and certainly the noise performance is not identical to the SD1200. The only SD camera that uses the larger sensor size the S90 and G11 share is the SD990IS. Which costs more than either of them.

Also, in terms of handling, none of the SD series has the Manual modes. You cannot directly set the aperture or shutter speed. You have P and the scene modes, but no manual control. When you've shot with an SLR long enough, you think in terms of shutter speed and aperture, and this kind of limitation can be frustrating, whether or not you really "need" it with a point and shoot camera.

The S90 (and G11) both have the PSAM modes. Dual wheel controls (albeit, the S90 carries one on the back and one of the front). They are great to handle and use as an SLR shooter. But they are considerably more expensive than lower-end cameras. And you can regain RAW capability on other Canon P&Ses with the CHDK. You will get what you pay for. If you're happy with what $150 can get you, then go for the SD1200. Not everybody wants, needs, or can afford a P&S camera that costs as much as a low-end SLR.

I'd say, bring a card with you to a camera store, and try out a few shots on the SD1200 and see if you can live with what it can give you. For some dSLR shooters, they get so picky, that they're turning to µ4/3 as their second system, rather than a compact P&S--for them, even the S90 or G11 isn't good enough. For others, going with a low-end Powershot is the perfect choice--it's all a matter of how much you're personally willing to compromise image quality and feature-wise for the smaller size/lower price.

[ddr]

um.... the sd990IS should be cheaper than both the G11 and the S90 I believe

at least in Canada

[inkista]

Yeah, should be. It should be in the $350-$400 range, but they appear to be relatively scarce right now, so the prices I'm seeing off websites in the US are in the $400-$500 range, which is kind of nuts.

[jorf]

Thanks all. I really appreciate your feedback. I went to my camera store today and they were sold out. As I walked out there were some Nikon School brochures at the door and I thought, "No way. I'm going to buy the basic, cheaper camera and I'll be perfectly happy with it. I'll spend the money on books, maybe a class like the Nikon School and learn how to really use my DSLR."

Amazing how answers to questions that seem so difficult come so clearly. Thanks so much for your input. Maybe later I'll want a camera like that but maybe I'd rather save my money for a lens or 2 for the D5000 or an upgrade in the future.