Canon PowerShot S90 (2009)
At 175 grams and a 1/1.7-inch sensor, it balances portability with serious imaging hardware.
Overview
The Canon PowerShot S90 emerged in 2009 as a high-end compact digital camera, positioning itself at the top of Canon’s S-series lineup. Marketed as the latest and greatest from the PowerShot S-series, it targeted enthusiasts who wanted more control and better image quality than typical point-and-shoots offered. With a 10.0-megapixel resolution, the S90 wasn’t chasing megapixel counts, instead focusing on sensor size and lens performance. The 1/1.7-inch sensor was larger than most in its class at the time, promising improved dynamic range and low-light response. Its 3.8× optical zoom lens covers a 35mm equivalent range of 28–105mm, making it versatile for everything from wide-angle shots to moderate telephoto. The aperture range of f/2.0–f/4.9 is particularly notable at the wide end, allowing for better low-light performance and shallow depth of field in wider shots.
The camera features a 3-inch LCD screen, which was standard for high-end compacts of the era, though no viewfinder is mentioned in available documentation. Shutter speed ranges up to 1/1600 second, with a minimum of 15 seconds according to some sources, enabling creative exposures in low light. Continuous shooting is rated at approximately 0.9 frames per second, a modest rate by modern standards but functional for casual action. Measuring 100.0×58.4×30.9 mm and weighing 175 g without battery, the S90 is pocketable yet substantial enough to suggest serious engineering. It runs on the Canon NB-6L Li-Ion battery, a common and still-available power source.
Owners report mixed reliability, with lens errors and jams during startup or zoom being frequently cited issues. Some users note the lens cover failing to open fully, rendering the camera unusable until serviced. Despite these mechanical concerns, user sentiment remains surprisingly positive—some calling it the most versatile and impressive point-and-shoot ever used, while others label it the most underrated vintage digital. Its reputation as a bargain in the used market persists, with examples found from $15 to $189 depending on condition.
Specifications
| Manufacturer | Canon |
| Model | PowerShot S90 |
| Type | Compact digital camera |
| Announced | 2009 |
| Resolution | 10.0-megapixel |
| Sensor Size | 1/1.7 inches |
| Lens Focal Length | 6.0–22.5 mm (35mm equivalent: 28–105 mm) |
| Lens Aperture | f/2.0–f/4.9 |
| LCD Screen | 3-Inch LCD |
| Shutter Speed | 1/1600 sec–15 sec |
| Continuous Shooting | Approx. 0.9 fps |
| Dimensions | 100.0×58.4×30.9 mm |
| Weight | 175 g (excluding battery) |
| Battery | Canon NB-6L Li-Ion |
Historical Context
The PowerShot S90 succeeded an earlier model in the S-series, though the exact predecessor is not named in available documentation. It arrived during a transitional period for digital compact cameras, when smartphones had not yet dominated casual photography and high-end compacts still offered meaningful advantages in image quality and zoom range. Positioned as a premium option within Canon’s PowerShot line, it competed in a niche defined by enthusiast compact cameras that prioritized manual controls and better optics over slimness or automation. Its release marked Canon’s continued investment in the S-series as a performance-oriented sub-line.
Collectibility & Value
The Canon PowerShot S90 originally retailed for $429.99, placing it at a premium within the point-and-shoot market. Current resale values vary widely—examples list for $189 on eBay, while some users report selling functional units locally for $110 or finding them at yard sales for as little as $15. Its collectibility is driven more by enthusiast nostalgia and reputation than by scarcity or consistent reliability. The recurring issue of lens jams and focusing problems suggests buyers should test units thoroughly. Still, for those seeking a compact with a fast lens and capable sensor from the late 2000s, the S90 remains a compelling, if mechanically fragile, option.
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