If it's looks you're after in a compact camera, the Canon Powershot S90 isn't likely to catch your eye. Similarly, if your budget is limited, it's not going to appeal. But that would be a shame.
While it's not stylish, it's solidly built, and its 10mp sensor, like that of the TX1, focuses on performance at high ISO rather than simple megapixel ratings.
Having said that, it shoots ISO 80-3200 - and impressive range low-light mode goes to ISO 12800, though resolution is lowered to compensate.
The lens is a reasonably fast f2.0, with 3.8x zoom, and it features the DIGiC IV processor that we've seen perform well in other Canon compact cameras.
There's a 3in LCD at rear, with no optical viewfinder. Like the SX20IS, below, it has an HDMI port for TV playback of images. A new addition for the S90 is exposure adjustment, and it now shoots RAW.
The auto mode in particular is very smart, with scene detection, motion detect and face recognition. If you want more control there are nine mode settings, each of which provides a summary on the LCD screen at rear, so that beginners can get to grips.
The flash is a lovely retracting affair as with the 200 IS, though the 200 IS feels far more classy. But with its many functions, controls, and options, as well as a nice range of advanced adjustments, this is like having the G11 in a more portable form.
