Canon PowerShot S90 (2009)
At 175 grams with a 1/1.7-inch sensor, it packs serious imaging hardware into a small body.
Overview
The Canon PowerShot S90 came out in 2009 as a high-end compact, sitting at the top of Canon's S-series lineup. Canon marketed it as the latest and greatest from the PowerShot S-series. It was aimed at enthusiasts who wanted more control and better image quality than typical point-and-shoots gave them. At 10.0 megapixels, the S90 wasn't chasing megapixel counts. It put the effort into sensor size and lens performance. The 1/1.7-inch sensor was larger than most in its class at the time, which promised better dynamic range and low-light response. The 3.8× optical zoom lens covers a 35mm equivalent range of 28-105mm, wide-angle to moderate telephoto. The aperture range is f/2.0 - f/4.9, and the fast wide end is the notable part. It helps in low light and gives shallow depth of field in wider shots.
The camera has a 3-inch LCD screen, standard for high-end compacts of the era. No viewfinder is mentioned in the available documentation. Shutter speed goes up to 1/1600 second, with a minimum of 15 seconds according to some sources, so long exposures in low light are possible. Continuous shooting is rated at approximately 0.9 frames per second. That's modest by modern standards, but fine for casual action. The body measures 100.0×58.4×30.9 mm and weighs 175 g without battery. It runs on the Canon NB-6L Li-Ion battery, which is still available.
Owners report mixed reliability. Lens errors and jams at startup or during zoom are the issues cited most often. Some users note the lens cover failing to open fully, which leaves the camera unusable until serviced. Even so, user sentiment stays positive. Some call it the most versatile and impressive point-and-shoot they ever used, and others label it the most underrated vintage digital. It still has a reputation as a bargain on the used market, 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 S-series model, though the available documentation doesn't name the exact predecessor. It arrived at a transitional time for digital compacts. Smartphones had not yet dominated casual photography, and high-end compacts still held real advantages in image quality and zoom range. Canon positioned it as a premium option within the PowerShot line, competing in a niche of enthusiast compacts that put manual controls and better optics ahead of 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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