Comments on: A couple of quick reactions to the Canon S90 http://www.practicalhacks.com/2009/12/17/a-couple-of-quick-reactions-to-the-canon-s90/ Gadgets, gear, and greatness for people on the go Sat, 11 Feb 2012 22:48:43 +0000 hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v= By: Kevin http://www.practicalhacks.com/2009/12/17/a-couple-of-quick-reactions-to-the-canon-s90/comment-page-1/#comment-2933 Kevin Wed, 30 Dec 2009 01:35:08 +0000 http://www.practicalhacks.com/?p=8765#comment-2933 Gary: Thanks for commenting! I think these criticisms have <em>some</em> merit. Let me tackle them in order. Personally, I don't think the accidental movement of the dial on the camera back is not an issue. When holding the camera, your right index finger must be near or on the shutter button, and the natural position for your right thumb is beneath the camera, nowhere near the dial in question. Keep in mind also that there's no viewfinder, so there's no chance you'd somehow brush that dial with your cheek. The flash issue is probably the most valid. You'd naturally tend to put your left index finger in that area. Have it happen once (the flash popping up beneath your finger) and most people will figure out to rest that finger behind the flash or on the left side of the camera. The control button / power button is bullshit, frankly. That control button is a seldomly used, and typically, you'll look at the top surface of the camera when selecting the button to shut the camera off. Honestly, I don't think it's an issue at all. As to the final point, I think it has some validity. The surface of the camera is smooth, and the camera is <em>small</em>. All I can say are: a) be careful, and b) consider using the lanyard which comes with the S90. In informal, family situations like a party, I'd <em>never </em>use the lanyard. Traveling, I think I'd install it. Hope this helps! Gary:

Thanks for commenting! I think these criticisms have some merit. Let me tackle them in order.

Personally, I don’t think the accidental movement of the dial on the camera back is not an issue. When holding the camera, your right index finger must be near or on the shutter button, and the natural position for your right thumb is beneath the camera, nowhere near the dial in question. Keep in mind also that there’s no viewfinder, so there’s no chance you’d somehow brush that dial with your cheek.

The flash issue is probably the most valid. You’d naturally tend to put your left index finger in that area. Have it happen once (the flash popping up beneath your finger) and most people will figure out to rest that finger behind the flash or on the left side of the camera.

The control button / power button is bullshit, frankly. That control button is a seldomly used, and typically, you’ll look at the top surface of the camera when selecting the button to shut the camera off. Honestly, I don’t think it’s an issue at all.

As to the final point, I think it has some validity. The surface of the camera is smooth, and the camera is small. All I can say are: a) be careful, and b) consider using the lanyard which comes with the S90. In informal, family situations like a party, I’d never use the lanyard. Traveling, I think I’d install it.

Hope this helps!

]]> By: Gary Williams http://www.practicalhacks.com/2009/12/17/a-couple-of-quick-reactions-to-the-canon-s90/comment-page-1/#comment-2926 Gary Williams Tue, 29 Dec 2009 19:34:14 +0000 http://www.practicalhacks.com/?p=8765#comment-2926 Digital Camera Resource hammers this camera for poor ergonomics, and other reviews raise similar concerns. The biggest complaint is that it is too easy to accidentally move the non-detented wheel on the back of the camera, thus inadvertently changing an important setting. Other complaints include that the flash pops up right where the left hand ought to be when shooting, and that a control button on the top of the camera is identical to the power button. Also that the camera is not easy to maintain a firm grip on. What have your experiences been with handling this camera? Digital Camera Resource hammers this camera for poor ergonomics, and other reviews raise similar concerns. The biggest complaint is that it is too easy to accidentally move the non-detented wheel on the back of the camera, thus inadvertently changing an important setting. Other complaints include that the flash pops up right where the left hand ought to be when shooting, and that a control button on the top of the camera is identical to the power button. Also that the camera is not easy to maintain a firm grip on. What have your experiences been with handling this camera?

]]> By: Kevin http://www.practicalhacks.com/2009/12/17/a-couple-of-quick-reactions-to-the-canon-s90/comment-page-1/#comment-2879 Kevin Mon, 21 Dec 2009 02:19:09 +0000 http://www.practicalhacks.com/?p=8765#comment-2879 Berg: Congrats - and definitely let us know how you make out with it! Berg: Congrats – and definitely let us know how you make out with it!

]]> By: Berg http://www.practicalhacks.com/2009/12/17/a-couple-of-quick-reactions-to-the-canon-s90/comment-page-1/#comment-2878 Berg Mon, 21 Dec 2009 01:50:45 +0000 http://www.practicalhacks.com/?p=8765#comment-2878 Hi Kevin, I picked up an S90 today to give it a whirl. Based on your personal photos, what I read in the articles you linked to (one of the guys being a pro with numerous cameras), and discussing the camera with various salespeople, I decided it might be a good choice for what I wanted: to replace the Casio P&S I've been using as a backup for years, and to try and travel a lot lighter (dragging my SLR along is just sometimes not a great choice depending on the destination). So, I'll report back on what I think! Thanks again for posting your review. Hi Kevin,

I picked up an S90 today to give it a whirl. Based on your personal photos, what I read in the articles you linked to (one of the guys being a pro with numerous cameras), and discussing the camera with various salespeople, I decided it might be a good choice for what I wanted: to replace the Casio P&S I’ve been using as a backup for years, and to try and travel a lot lighter (dragging my SLR along is just sometimes not a great choice depending on the destination). So, I’ll report back on what I think! Thanks again for posting your review.

]]> By: Till http://www.practicalhacks.com/2009/12/17/a-couple-of-quick-reactions-to-the-canon-s90/comment-page-1/#comment-2870 Till Fri, 18 Dec 2009 23:27:33 +0000 http://www.practicalhacks.com/?p=8765#comment-2870 Sorry! Was mightily tempted myself but couldn't justify it as a travel toy or as a serious photographer's tool, for spec reasons. Finally, for really nice snob candy, I couldn't justify it, either for financial reason. However, I am a bit jealous you got one because I'm sure you'll have lots of fun with it. And besides that, my arguments may make sense for myself but not for others. Cheers, Till Sorry!

Was mightily tempted myself but couldn’t justify it as a travel toy or as a serious photographer’s tool, for spec reasons. Finally, for really nice snob candy, I couldn’t justify it, either for financial reason.

However, I am a bit jealous you got one because I’m sure you’ll have lots of fun with it. And besides that, my arguments may make sense for myself but not for others.

Cheers,

Till

]]>