One of the problems with a 10x zoom lens is that when you're shooting at high magnifications, the movement of the hand holding the camera is magnified, too. Canon's Optical Image Stabilization system addresses this camera-shake problem with motion-sensing gyros that instantly adjust the lens elements to compensate for your movements.
The system works very well, but it also makes a large lens barrel necessary, and this camera isn't small. However, if you're comparing the Pro90 to other stabilized 10X zoom cameras, you'll find it similar in size and weight to the 626-grams Olympus C-2100 Ultra Zoom, and lightweight next to Sony's 1.02-kgs Mavica MVC-CD1000.
We found the Pro90's buttons and functions easily accessible and well placed, and especially liked the way Canon gives you easy access to the 12 shooting modes with a clearly marked dial. One notable omission is a macro mode, but an optional close-up lens is available for the camera. The camera's rounded body fits comfortably in your right hand, the lens barrel supported in your left. One cool aspect of the camera design is a 4.6-cm colour LCD, which can be flipped over to protect the screen when not in use or folded out and rotated a full 180 degrees. The dedicated viewfinder isn't an optical device, as on most cameras; it's a mini LCD that functions only when the large LCD is turned off. Both the viewfinder and the large LCD provide an accurate full-frame view and have fast refresh rates. The LCD menus, when you need to use them, are clear and intuitive.
There were some downsides to the Pro90's operation: The pop-up flash doesn't open when you switch to flash photography, instead popping up abruptly when you release the shutter. We found it startling and can't see an advantage to this design choice. You zoom the lens with a ring at the end of the lens barrel. When you turn the ring a bit, it activates the zoom motor--after a half-second pause. This was disconcerting at first, and we never grew to like it. You also have to hold a button down and use the omni controller button to focus manually, which we found a bit unwieldy.
In addition to saving JPEGs and Motion JPEG video, you can output lossless uncompressed RAW files with the Pro90. You'll need to spend a little extra time converting them into an editable format with Canon's software when you download them, but they offer a couple of advantages: First, they're roughly a third of the size of TIFFs. Second, you apply image parameters--such as white balance, sharpness, contrast, and saturation--with the software when you import the files instead of in the camera before you shoot. This allows you to make adjustments to an image that you can see, instead of making an educated guess about the parameters you need to set before shooting.
Overall, we think the PowerShot Pro90 IS is a compelling camera that photo enthusiasts will do well to consider. At first glance, it may seem expensive for a sub-3-megapixel model, but when you take into account its powerful optics, easy handling, and generous package (infrared remote control, rechargeable battery, and Adobe Photoshop 5.0 LE included), the price of this camera starts to look about right.
Canon Powershot Pro90
Company:Canon Australia
Ph: 1800 025 119
Price: AU$2,799
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