Canon PowerShot S95 Adds HD Video

Canon has warmed last year’s PowerShot S90 with an upgraded model, the S95. Not that it needed warming up. But there was one notably missing feature – HD video. The new Canon PowerShot S95 now has 720p HD video and a couple of other improvements, basically rounding out a near-perfect pocket camera.

Thanks to a great 10-megapixel “high-sensitivity” sensor, RAW-capability and a super fast f/2.0 lens, the S90 had the best low light performance I’ve ever experienced from a true pocket camera. With the S95, Canon has re-branded the “High Sensitivity System” responsible for that great image quality as the “HS System.” Canon says the, “HS System enhances image quality and helps reduce noise at high ISO levels.” And that it does! There must have been some temptation to increase resolution on the new S95 but I’m glad they left it alone because it’s the best image quality I’ve ever seen from a point-and-shoot camera.

Canon PowerShot S95 - front and back

Besides adding 720p HD video to the new PowerShot S95, Canon also added a new textured finish, in-camera HDR and Hybrid IS technology, which “compensates for angular and shift camera shake” as well as our standard up down movements. Since, the S95 basics are still pretty much the same as the S90, I suggest you read these two articles to learn more:

Canon PowerShot S90 Preview >>
Canon PowerShot S90 Hands-On Video >>

Oh yeah – there’s one more change. In spite of the improved video, HDR and enhanced IS, Canon has lowered the price on the new camera. The Canon PowerShot S95 will be available later this month (August 2010) for $399.95. That’s $30 less than the S90. Can’t complain about a better camera for a better price!