The Canon Powershot S95 adds 720p HD movie recording, offers improved handling, greater levels of manual control, features the Canon HS System and is the first Powershot model to include Hybrid IS (image stabilization).

Additional headline features of the Canon Powershot S95 include, manual exposure control options, a 3.0-inch 461,000 dot LCD monitor, multi-aspect ratio shooting options and the ability to capture images in the camera's native RAW file format.

• Canon Powershot S95: Major Features

• Canon Powershot S95: Price and Press Release

• Canon Powershot S95: Specifications

Canon Powershot S95: Major Features

• Genuine Canon f/2.0, 28mm, 3.8x wide-angle lens: Developed using the same processes and high-quality standards employed to manufacture Canon’s range of EF lenses, the PowerShot S95 benefits greatly from Canon’s heritage in lens design, capturing sharp, high resolution images with every shot.

A wide f/2.0 maximum aperture allows twice as much light to reach the sensor as an f/2.8 lens, which is already considered to be a bright lens. A wider aperture makes it possible to achieve faster shutter speeds and helps prevent blurred images that can occur in low light conditions. It also allows for a shallower depth of field to be obtained at closer focusing distances for a more artistic effect.

• Lens Control Ring: The PowerShot S95 features a highly intuitive lens Control Ring situated at the base of the lens barrel. This provides an easy and convenient way to manually adjust a range of camera settings as it can be freely turned left or right to adjust settings such as ISO, aperture, shutter speed, white balance, manual focus and step zoom.

Allowing higher levels of customisation, the PowerShot S95 allows the user to pre-set the operation of the lens Control Ring and rear Multi-Control Dial in the various shooting modes. For example, in Av mode the lens Control Ring controls the aperture by default, but this can be changed to control the ISO, white balance or exposure compensation, and users can then use the Multi-Control Dial to adjust the aperture.

Settings for each shooting mode can be saved to a custom mode that tailors the usage of the Control Ring and dial to the photographer’s preference.

The lens Control Ring can also be used to great effect in creative shooting modes. For example, in Nostalgic mode the lens Control Ring can be used to ‘age’ a photograph, progressively de-saturating the image in steps and adding film-like noise to create an older photo look, in real time.

• HS System: The PowerShot S95 features the HS System, which represents a powerful combination of a high-sensitivity sensor and high-performance DIGIC 4 processor, and is designed to provide excellent image quality and advanced low light performance which surpasses that of its predecessor, the highly-acclaimed PowerShot S90.

The HS System allows shooting at high ISO speeds with high image quality. Employing a higher ISO level enables photographers to utilise faster shutter speeds, capturing moving subjects with a reduced risk of blur. An extended ISO range means that users can shoot without engaging the flash, capturing correctly-exposed images using just the available light.

When the flash is used, its range is increased as a result of the extended ISO range that’s made possible with the HS System. PowerShot S95 owners will also benefit from a greater dynamic range, with the high-sensitivity sensor providing better tonal range representation when compared to conventional-type sensors.

The ISO range can be further extended to ISO 12800 by using Low Light mode, which further reduces the risk of subject blur in even darker conditions. Shooting at 2.5 Megapixel resolution, the camera selects an ISO speed between ISO 320 and ISO 12800, allowing photographers to capture a scene as they see it. Users can also manually adjust the ISO speed and fine-tune white balance to suit the conditions. Low Light mode also can support a faster continuous shooting rate of 3.9 shots per second.

A new Auto ISO level adjustment feature allows users to pre-configure the maximum ISO setting they wish to use during shooting, allowing photographers to suit their individual preference. They can also specify how quickly the camera will raise the ISO sensitivity to guard against blur that occurs due to subject motion or camera shake.

• Optical Image Stabilizer (4-stop) with Hybrid IS: Canon’s highly-effective optical Image Stabilizer (IS) prevents image blur by dramatically reducing the effects of camera shake. In situations where image blur due to camera shake is more likely – such as in darker conditions or when shooting with the zoom extended – the optical Image Stabilizer can help images remain sharp through minute vibration gyros which detect camera movement caused by hand shake.

These signals are processed by a single-chip IS controller, which discriminates between hand shake and intentional camera movements. Signals are then sent to the IS unit, which moves one of the lens elements accordingly to re-align the light rays and cancel out the effects of camera shake – effectively giving photographers a 4-stop advantage.

For the first time in any Canon digital compact, Hybrid IS technology is included in the PowerShot S95. A technology first introduced in the highly acclaimed EF 100mm f/2.8L Macro IS USM lens, Hybrid IS corrects both angular (rotational movement) and shift shake (linear shake) that becomes more pronounced when shooting at close focusing distances.

An angular velocity sensor detects the extent of angular camera shake, while an acceleration sensor detects the amount of shift shake. Hybrid IS moves the lens elements to compensate for both types of movement – dramatically enhancing the effectiveness of the optical Image Stabilizer during macro shooting.

• HD movies with stereo sound and HDMI: The PowerShot S95 is the first PowerShot S-series model to shoot HD movies in 1280x720p resolution at 24fps, allowing the capture of video content in high definition with stereo sound. Users can also view their images directly on HDTVs via the mini HDMI connection port via an optional HDMI cable, with no loss of quality when playing back stills or movies.

The PowerShot S95 is also compatible with HDMI Consumer Electronics Control (HDMI- CEC), a technology that allows PowerShot S95 owners to connect the camera to compatible HDTVs and browse images and movies using the TV remote – providing ultimate simplicity when sharing images and movies.

• Tracking AF: To track subjects that are in motion, or to help achieve a creative composition, a new Tracking AF mode has been added to the PowerShot S95. This new mode gives photographers the ability to select objects from the centre of the frame and track them if they move, or if the frame is recomposed.

• PureColor II G LCD screen: The 3.0-inch PureColor II G LCD provides excellent visibility to aid the capture and playback of images and video. The screen is constructed with a tempered glass outer layer, making it stronger, with improved contrast and wide colour reproduction.

The screen also offers a wide viewing angle with 461k dot resolution – making it easier to shoot from awkward angles and share images with others. An RGB histogram is also available in playback, allowing photographers to instantly check the exposure of a shot in detail.

• High Dynamic Range mode: A High Dynamic Range shooting mode allows the user to capture an increased dynamic range to include detail from both highlight and shadow areas of the scene. In higher contrast situations, conventional cameras aren’t able to capture both dark shadows and bright highlights at the same time.

High Dynamic Range mode captures these by taking multiple exposures of the same scene using a tripod, before combining them back into one image in the camera. This allows the PowerShot S95 to capture the highlights, shadows, and everything in between, closer to how the photographer sees it.

• i-Contrast including Shadow and Dynamic Range Correction: Allowing users to fine-tune the corrections made to the light and dark regions of their shots, shadow and dynamic range correction thresholds included in i-Contrast can be set individually to suit the shooting conditions.

For Dynamic Range Correction, photographers can choose from 3 settings: ‘DR CorrectionAuto’, ‘DR Correction 200%’ and ‘DR Correction 400%’.

With the ‘DR Correction 200%’ and ‘DR Correction 400%’ settings, the corrections made to the light and dark areas of the image allow the suppression of highlight blowout and shadow detail loss in the resulting image, effectively increasing the range of the image by 2x or 4x when compared to the uncorrected image. The available ISO speed settings are ISO 160 – 1600 and ISO 320 – 1600, respectively.

Users can choose ‘Shadow Correct Off’ or ‘Shadow Correct Auto’ settings for Shadow Correction which will brighten darker areas of the image to reveal hidden detail in shadows.

• RAW and DPP: The PowerShot S95 supports RAW shooting – allowing the capture of uncompressed image information that photographers can then adjust and use to manually create their final image using Canon’s supplied Digital Photo Professional (DPP) software.

Sharing the same editing environment with the Canon EOS System and tailored to the needs of professionals, DPP provides a range of processing options for the RAW files produced by the PowerShot S95, including Picture Style, contrast, brightness, sharpness, noise reduction, white balance and exposure.

A lens correction tool is also included with the PowerShot S95, allowing RAW files to be corrected for lens distortion, peripheral illumination, chromatic aberration and colour blur.

• DIGIC 4 Processor: Canon’s DIGIC 4 (Digital Imaging Core) processor manages all of the camera’s primary functions to optimise operating efficiency. Advanced image processing algorithms deliver superb image detail and colour reproduction with accurate white balance and minimal noise. High-speed processing results in outstanding responsiveness, rapid auto focus and extended continuous shooting ability.

• Smart Auto with Scene Detection Technology: Smart Auto mode uses Scene Detection Technology to determine the shooting scene by analysing subject brightness, contrast, distance and overall hue. The camera then selects the scene type from 28 variables, applying the best settings for optimum results. In Smart Auto mode, a colour icon indicating the type of scene detected – and the lighting conditions of the scene – is shown on the LCD monitor.

• Smart Flash Exposure: Smart Flash Exposure intelligently controls the power and usage of the onboard flash to ensure natural results in a variety of conditions. By using focusing distance as well as shooting scene information, an optimum balance between the ambient light of the scene and flash power is achieved.

When shooting in very bright conditions, shadows which can appear on a subject’s face are detected by the camera, and flash can be used to eliminate them. When shooting at close distances, overexposure is avoided by sensing how reflective the subject is, as well as reducing the flash power to compensate for the close shooting distance.

• Face Detection Technology: Face Detection Technology makes it easier than ever to produce superb people shots. This advanced system quickly and accurately detects faces in a scene and then optimises camera settings so that everyone looks their best. With the ability to detect up to 35 faces in one frame, it’s great for group photos as well as portraits.

The PowerShot S95 features the following Face Detection Technologies:

- Face Detection AF: Determines focus for peoples faces – not just the closest subject

- Face Detection AE: Optimises exposure for faces in all lighting conditions – useful for backlit scenes or indoor shooting

- Face Detection FE: Guards against washed-out faces when using the camera’s flash – perfect for close-up shots in restaurants, clubs or other dimly lit locations

- Face Detection WB: Optimises white balance for natural-looking skin tones which remain true to life regardless of skin colour and lighting conditions

- Red-Eye Correction: Automatically eliminates the unwanted effects of flash photography immediately after the shot is taken. At the touch of a button in playback, natural-looking eyes can be instantly restored

• Smart Shutter: Smart Shutter mode uses Face Detection Technology to allow users to take both group shots and self-portraits more easily and in a more relaxed way.

The shutter can be triggered remotely in three different ways:

(3) FaceSelf-Timer allows perfect group shots or self portraits by automatically triggering the shutter two seconds after a new face has entered the frame

• Fish-eye Effect and Miniature Effect: The PowerShot S95 features Fish-eye Effect and Miniature Effect – two shooting modes that enable users to experiment with their images.

Fish-eye Effect shoots with the effect of a fish-eye lens, with three levels of distortion (weak, medium and strong) available to choose from, adding a new and creative dimension to every image where the effect is used.

Miniature Effect gives the impression of selective focus, which, when applied to landscapes, creates images with a model-like appearance. Users can shoot with designated portions of the top and bottom of an image blurred while the rest of the image remains in focus, resulting in landscapes that appear to be of model-scale.

The focus area can be moved and sized to suit individual requirements, and the effect can also be achieved in vertical shooting, with right and left portions of the image blurred.

• Miniature Effect in movie: Miniature Effect has also extended to movie recording for the first time, providing the ability to capture model-like scenes in 720p resolution. Combining Time Lapse and Miniature Effect functions, the top and bottom, or the left and right, of the scene are gradually blurred, emphasising perspective.

The user can select the frame rate the movie is shot at (6fps, 3fps and 1.5fps options available) so that when the movie plays back at 30fps, it gives the effect of watching a movie of a time-lapse miniature model. As with time-lapse movies, sound is not captured.

• Multi-aspect Shooting: Multi-aspect shooting allows PowerShot S95 users to shoot in a number of different
formats without the need for post-processing. Photographers now have the ability to choose to choose from 1:1, 16:9, 3:2 and 4:5, allowing them to instantly select the composition that suits their subject and desired results.

• SDXC Card Support: The PowerShot S95 supports the latest SDXC memory cards, which provide up to 2TB of storage. With SDXC memory cards, more content can be stored on a single card than ever before, and movies and images can be shot without having to change cards.

Press Release, August 19th, 2010 – Canon today unveils the latest model in its successful PowerShot S-series with the launch of the new PowerShot S95 – an advanced, compact digital camera for photographers looking for outstanding low light performance and manual control in a pocket-sized body. Succeeding the highly-acclaimed PowerShot S90, the new model offers improved handling, greater levels of manual control, HD movie capabilities, the HS System and Hybrid IS – providing a powerful feature set capable of superb image quality in all shooting conditions.

Building on the S-series’ core principle of offering advanced manual control and low light performance in a compact body, the new PowerShot S95 takes the range to new heights, with features designed for users who demand maximum control and premium image quality in all conditions. The popular lens Control Ring, introduced with the PowerShot S90, has been improved with greater levels of flexibility, while a bright, f/2.0 lens and Canon’s HS System provide an even more powerful basis for low light and creative photography. The PowerShot S95 is also the first-ever Canon compact to feature Hybrid IS technology, providing improved image stabilization for macro photography.

Improving on both the size and handling of its predecessor, the PowerShot S95 features an even slimmer body at just 29.5 mm thick*1, an improved multi-control dial and the same external coating used on the EOS 7D to improve slip-resistance and grip. Also designed to fit seamlessly into a photographer’s existing workflow, the camera offers RAW format shooting and support for Canon’s Digital Photo Professional (DPP) software.

Shoot in darker situations with f/2.0 aperture and the HS System
The PowerShot S95 includes Canon’s HS System – a combination of a high-sensitivity 10.0 Megapixel CCD sensor and powerful DIGIC 4 processing, which provides exceptional low light performance even better than that of its predecessor. The HS System enables the camera to support a maximum ISO of 3200 at full resolution and works to reduce the occurrence of noise at all ISO speeds for high quality images. Users can also set their own parameters in Auto ISO mode, with the ability to limit the maximum ISO speed they want to employ during shooting.

Using Low Light mode, the camera can also achieve an extended ISO range from ISO 320 to ISO 12800, capturing images at 2.5MP resolution. Manual control of ISO settings and white balance in Low Light mode also provide greater control over shots taken in darker conditions, allowing users to accurately capture the ambience of a dimly-lit environment exactly as they see it. Low Light mode also enables higher speed shooting, capturing up to 3.9 shots per second so a moment is never missed.

As well as providing the ability to shoot without the flash and still achieve correctly-exposed shots, the PowerShot S95’s high-sensitivity sensor offers a greater dynamic range compared to conventional sensor types. Tonal range representation is improved as a result, allowing natural looking pictures to be captured in all conditions. A bright, f/2.0 genuine Canon lens perfectly complements the HS System, allowing more light into the camera and providing greater ability to use faster shutter speeds and freeze the motion of moving subjects.

Genuine Canon lens with Hybrid IS
The PowerShot S95’s 28mm wide-angle lens features 3.8x optical zoom, allowing users to get closer to distant subjects during shooting. The camera benefits from Canon’s extensive heritage in lens design, having been developed using the same processes and high-quality standards employed to manufacture Canon’s EF lenses, ensuring sharp, high resolution images with every shot.

Canon’s acclaimed optical Image Stabilizer (IS) counteracts camera shake – reducing blur and enabling users to capture shots in darker conditions and shoot at a shutter speed approximately 4-stops slower than would otherwise be necessary to achieve a blur-free shot. Hybrid IS also prevents image blur during close-up shooting, counteracting angular and shift shake that becomes more pronounced during macro photography.

Unparalleled control
The PowerShot S95’s unique and enhanced lens Control Ring enables the adjustment of various shooting settings such as ISO (in 1/3 stop increments), shutter speed, aperture, focus and exposure compensation – providing a satisfying and tactile experience. Offering even higher levels of customisation, the PowerShot S95 features a custom setting that allows the user to pre-set the function of both the lens Control Ring and the rear Multi-Control Dial in various shooting modes. A dedicated shortcut button can also be configured to provide instant access to pre-selected functions, offering the photographer easy access to settings during shooting.

To track subjects that are in motion, or to help achieve a creative composition, a new Tracking AF mode offers the ability to select objects from the centre of the frame and track them if they move, or if the frame is recomposed.

The handling of the Multi-Control Dial has also been redesigned following feedback from owners of the preceding model. The dial now features a more pronounced ‘click’ mechanism, preventing any unintentional changes to settings. Furthermore, the positioning of the ‘Ring Func.’ and ‘On/Off’ buttons has been revised, providing greater all-round operation in everyday use.

A 3.0-inch 461k-dot PureColor II G LCD screen features a tempered glass outer layer, offering enhanced strength, high contrast and a wide viewing angle that offers greater visibility even when shooting in bright conditions. A new RGB histogram available in playback also allows photographers to instantly check the exposure of a shot in detail.

HD movies with stereo sound
The PowerShot S95 features 720p HD 24fps movie recording with stereo sound. The inclusion of Miniature Effect in movies also adds a completely new dimension to video footage – shooting at a slower frame rate for dramatic and compelling time-lapse-style videos which appear of model scale. An integrated HDMI port with CEC compatibility makes it simple for video and stills to be viewed and controlled directly using a compatible HDTV and remote control.

Capture scenes as you see them
A High Dynamic Range shooting mode allows the capture of high contrast scenes closer to how they appear to the human eye. Exceeding the limitations of conventional cameras, the PowerShot S95 takes three different exposures of the same scene*2 before analysing and combining shots to create a single image in-camera. The result is an image that captures highlight and shadow detail closer to how the photographer sees it.

Instant, creative results
The PowerShot S95 includes a range of shooting modes to match the desired level of control or the photographer’s skill. In addition to the flexibility of Full Manual control and semi-automatic Aperture priority (Av), Shutter priority (Tv) and Programme AE modes, the PowerShot S95 also features Smart Auto for those who simply want to capture great shots instantly.

Scene Detection Technology within Smart Auto helps to provide the best results in all conditions, intelligently detecting the scene and selecting the optimum settings from 28 variables. Hints & Tips messages within the UI also make everyday operation as simple as possible, intelligently guiding users through the camera’s menu and offering a short explanation of each feature before it is selected.

Smart Flash Exposure controls flash levels according to shooting conditions, providing the right amount of flash to ensure perfectly exposed shots in all situations, from darker rooms to bright sunlight. The PowerShot S95 also offers Multi-Aspect shooting, with 3:2, 4:3, 1:1, 16:9 and 4:5 formats supported. Allowing photographers to shoot according to their subject or the intended use of the image, Multi-Aspect shooting provides the ability to choose which composition and result they want to capture as the image is taken, without the need for post-processing.

Easy, wireless content transfers are supported by Eye-Fi connected functions, allowing remote uploads to image sharing websites such as CANON iMAGE GATEWAY. The camera features a dedicated Eye-Fi section within the User Interface, and disables the auto power-down function when the Eye-Fi card transmits data – allowing the easy transfer of content without interruption.

Providing excellent all-round image quality and excelling in low light, the PowerShot S95 offers an extensive feature set designed to deliver outstanding performance. Built for those who want the perfect combination of portability, power and control, it’s the ultimate pocket-camera for the even the most advanced photographer.

Price and Availability
The estimated selling price of the PowerShot S95 in Canada is $449.99. The manufacturer's recommended price in the US is $399 US. Compare the latest US $ prices on the Canon Powershot S95. To compare Canadian street prices see here. To buy the Canon Powershot S95 we recommend checking out the latest offers at Amazon