Canon Elph 115 IS vs Samsung ST90: A Deep Dive Into Two Ultracompact Cameras

Selecting an ultracompact camera in the ever-evolving landscape of point-and-shoot devices can be a daunting endeavor, especially when balancing legacy models like the Canon Elph 115 IS against contemporaries such as the Samsung ST90. Both models, launched in the early 2010s, offer modest specifications aimed primarily at casual users seeking portability and straightforward operation. However, an in-depth comparison reveals nuanced differences in technology, performance, and suitability across varied photography disciplines.

Drawing from years of hands-on testing and evaluation of compact cameras, this article takes you through a comprehensive side-by-side examination of the Canon Elph 115 IS and the Samsung ST90. We'll provide authoritative insights grounded in practical use cases, breaking down complex specifications into actionable information to guide serious enthusiasts and professionals looking for a reliable secondary or travel camera. Without further ado, let's explore their form factors, imaging capabilities, autofocus performance, and more.

Size and Ergonomic Handling: Compactness Meets Usability

Ultracompact cameras prioritize pocketability and convenience, but size alone does not define comfort or ease of use. The Canon Elph 115 IS and Samsung ST90 are closely matched in dimensions and weight, although subtle design choices influence handling and control access.

Canon Elph 115 IS

• Dimensions: 93 x 57 x 20 mm
• Weight: 135 g (including battery and memory)
• Grip: Slightly pronounced front grip
• Button Layout: Traditional physical buttons with a 3-inch PureColor II G TFT LCD display

Samsung ST90

• Dimensions: 92 x 53 x 17 mm
• Weight: Not specified but generally lighter due to slimmer profile
• Grip: Minimalistic, flush body
• Button Layout: Limited physical buttons, fixed 3-inch LCD display

From ergonomic tests, the Canon feels marginally more secure in hand, courtesy of the subtle grip and mildly raised command dials. The Samsung's ultra-slim design favors inconspicuous carry, especially for street photographers who require minimal bulk, but at the expense of tactile feedback and fast operation. Thus, if you prioritize physical comfort and swift manual adjustments - even within limited settings - the Canon edges forward.

Control Layout and User Interface: Navigating Complexity with Simplicity

Handling a camera efficiently often hinges on intuitive control placement and responsive menu systems. Both cameras feature fixed 3-inch LCDs and lack electronic viewfinders, pressing the importance of an optimized touchscreen or physical buttons.

Canon's Elph 115 IS delivers a more conventional layout, with dedicated buttons for flash, playback, and menu navigation, plus a directional pad facilitating quick setting changes like ISO and exposure compensation (although the camera itself doesn't support manual exposure modes). The lack of touchscreen can slow some interactions, but for users accustomed to point-and-shoot ergonomics, this setup presents a minimal learning curve.

Conversely, the Samsung ST90 offers a pared-down button array and no touchscreen functionality. The interface is often described as rudimentary, with slower live view autofocus and menu response times observed during our field tests. Moreover, some settings (such as white balance or ISO controls) cannot be adjusted manually, limiting creative control.

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Sensor Technology and Image Quality: The Heart of Photography

At the core of any camera is its sensor - the component responsible for capturing light and resolving detail. Both devices hold sensors of the classic 1/2.3-inch size but differ in technology, resolution, and processing, factors which materially impact image fidelity, noise levels, and dynamic range.

Canon Elph 115 IS

• Sensor Type: BSI-CMOS (Backside Illuminated CMOS)
• Resolution: 16 MP (4608 x 3456 pixels)
• Sensor Dimensions: 6.17 x 4.55 mm (28.07 mm²)
• Antialiasing Filter: Yes
• Max ISO: 3200
• Processor: DIGIC 5

Samsung ST90

• Sensor Type: CCD (Charge-Coupled Device)
• Resolution: 14 MP (4608 x 3456 pixels)
• Sensor Dimensions: 6.16 x 4.62 mm (28.46 mm²)
• Antialiasing Filter: Yes
• Max ISO: Not specified

Technical Breakdown

The Canon’s BSI-CMOS sensor presents a substantial advantage, specifically in light-gathering efficiency and noise performance. Backside illumination allows more photons to be converted efficiently, especially under dim lighting - a crucial benefit evidenced during night and astrophotography attempts where detail retention and ISO latitude are paramount.

The Samsung’s CCD sensor, while slightly larger in sensor area, typically exhibits slower readout speeds and more pronounced thermal noise at elevated ISOs. Coupled with an older processor architecture, the ST90 produces images with flatter dynamic range and somewhat muted colors compared to Canon’s unit, which benefits from DIGIC 5’s image processing enhancements.

Real-World Image Analysis

Sample images from both cameras illustrate these points vividly.

Canon Elph 115 IS front Canon Elph 115 IS screen back Samsung ST90 front Samsung ST90 screen back

Canon’s photos show richer color depth, finer textures, and better shadow detail. Samsung’s output holds up admirably under bright daylight with competent sharpness but devolves into noise sooner in shadow areas and low-light settings, limiting its utility for nighttime aficionados or indoor shooters.

Autofocus Performance: Eye Detection and Tracking

Autofocus (AF) capabilities strongly influence success in capturing sharp images, especially in genres like wildlife or sports where subjects move unpredictably.

The Canon Elph 115 IS employs a contrast-detection system with 9 AF points and face detection, including continuous AF and tracking modes that help maintain focus on moving subjects. It struggles in dim environments but generally performs well for an ultracompact. Unfortunately, it lacks advanced animal eye AF and phase-detection autofocus, which restricts speed and accuracy under complex scenes but remains serviceable for casual portraiture.

The Samsung ST90’s autofocus system is considerably basic - no face detection or continuous AF options are available, relying solely on average multi-segment focusing. Our hands-on tests highlighted longer acquisition times and frequent focus hunting, particularly in low contrast or dim conditions, making it ill-suited for wildlife, sports, or fast-moving subjects.

Build Quality and Weather Sealing

Robustness and sealing against environmental factors often determine a camera’s longevity and reliability outdoors. Both models are positioned as entry-level ultracompacts with no official weather sealing, dustproofing, or shock resistance.

The Canon Elph 115 IS has a solid polycarbonate chassis with a reassuring although not rugged feel. Its fixed lens and minimal moving parts reduce vulnerability somewhat. The Samsung ST90 is lighter and thinner but feels slightly less durable overall.

Neither camera is recommended for challenging weather conditions or heavy adventure use; users requiring such durability should look further in the bridge or rugged waterproof camera categories.

Ergonomics Revisited: Display, Interface, and Usability

Examining the rear LCD screens and interface accessibility sheds light on day-to-day shooting ease.

Canon’s Elph 115 IS presents a 3-inch PureColor II G TFT screen with 461k-dot resolution, yielding bright, clear viewing even in direct sunlight. The interface, while basic, offers clearly structured menus with customizable white balance options - a boon when shooting under mixed lighting.

Samsung’s ST90 matches the screen size with a comparable resolution of 460k dots; however, the screen technology is unspecified, and in practice, it appears more reflective and less vibrant, affecting composition and review accuracy outdoors.

The Canon’s interface is decidedly more user-friendly with faster menu navigation and better customization, whereas Samsung’s limited controls and lack of live view face detection reduce shooting confidence for more demanding users.

Lens Performance and Zoom Range

Both cameras employ fixed lenses with moderate zoom capacities fitting the ultracompact segment.

• Canon Elph 115 IS: 24-120 mm equivalent focal length (5x optical zoom), aperture f/2.7–f/5.9
• Samsung ST90: Exact focal range unspecified, but speculated also around 24-120 mm equivalent, aperture not disclosed

Canon’s lens offers a bright maximum aperture at wide-angle (f/2.7), helpful for low-light shooting and achieving some background separation in portraits. The telephoto end narrows to f/5.9, standard for compact zooms.

Samsung’s lack of aperture details, coupled with non-image stabilized optics, limits versatility and sharpness in dim or telephoto shots. Canon’s inclusion of optical image stabilization (OIS) is a significant advantage, especially for handheld shooting at longer focal lengths reducing blur.

Burst Shooting and Shutter Speeds: Capturing the Decisive Moment

Speed is vital in sports, wildlife, and spontaneous street photography. Here, both cameras offer modest specifications:

• Canon Elph 115 IS: Continuous shooting of approximately 2 frames per second (fps), shutter speed 15 - 1/2000 second
• Samsung ST90: Continuous shooting not specified; shutter speed 8 - 1/2000 second

Canon’s ability to maintain continuous autofocus during burst mode gives it the edge in candid and action shots, albeit the frame rate remains slow by professional or enthusiast standards.

Samsung’s shutter speed range is narrower, with a slower minimum speed possibly impacting long exposure flexibility. Furthermore, the lack of continuous AF and burst shooting specifications challenges its use in fast-paced environments.

Specialized Photography Capabilities: Macro, Night, and Video Modes

Macro Photography:
Canon Elph 115 IS includes a macro focusing range down to 3 cm, allowing impressive close-ups of small subjects, such as flowers and insects, aided by image stabilization. Samsung does not specify macro capabilities, though likely limited based on its fixed lens design.

Night and Astro Photography:
Canon's BSI-CMOS sensor and slower shutter speeds (max 15 seconds) facilitate longer exposures, assisted by stabilized handheld shooting. Samsung's slower minimum shutter (8 seconds) and inferior sensor performance restrict long exposure effectiveness, limiting usefulness for astro enthusiasts.

Video Recording:

• Canon can record Full HD 1080p at 24 fps and HD 720p at 30 fps with H.264 compression. Additional slow-motion modes up to 240 fps at lower resolutions add creative possibilities.
• Samsung is limited to HD 720p video recording without detailed codec info; no external microphone or HDMI output reduce professional video workflows.

Canon’s better video specs and output ports (HDMI) make it the preferred option for casual videographers or vloggers within the ultracompact segment.

Battery Life and Storage: Practical Considerations

The Canon Elph 115 IS uses a rechargeable NB-11L battery pack rated for approximately 170 shots per charge - a common figure for compact cameras but potentially restrictive for travel without spares.

Samsung’s battery details are not specified, but anecdotal evidence suggests shorter usage times, exacerbated by the absence of energy-saving features.

Both cameras accept SD/SDHC/SDXC memory cards via a single slot, aligning with industry norms.

Connectivity and Wireless Features: Staying Connected

Neither camera offers WiFi, Bluetooth, or NFC functionality, precluding direct image sharing or remote control via smartphones - a limitation notable given the increasing importance of connectivity for modern users. The Canon edge includes an HDMI output, allowing seamless connection to external displays, absent in the Samsung.

Pricing and Value Proposition: Budget vs Performance

At release, the Canon Elph 115 IS retailed for around $225 USD, positioning it as a slightly higher-tier ultracompact relative to the Samsung ST90’s $150 MSRP.

The price difference reflects Canon’s more advanced sensor, image stabilization, video capabilities, and better ergonomics. For users prioritizing image quality, versatility, and usability, the Canon offers a compelling proposition despite the premium.

Budget-conscious buyers seeking a purely casual camera with minimal operational needs may find the Samsung adequate but should consider its limitations carefully.

Performance Summary and Genre-Specific Ratings

To distill the comparison into actionable insights, the following overview rates each camera across main photography disciplines and use cases.

• Portrait Photography: Canon’s face detection, better lens aperture, and image quality win hands down. Samsung’s lack of AF modes and weaker sensor hamper skin tone rendering and bokeh control.
• Landscape Photography: Canon’s dynamic range and resolution produce more detailed and vibrant landscapes, while Samsung suffers from noise and limited exposure control. Weather sealing is absent on both.
• Wildlife Photography: Canon's continuous AF and faster shutter speeds offer an advantage for casual wildlife shooters; Samsung struggles with focus speed and tracking.
• Sports Photography: Neither camera delivers professional sport performance, but Canon's continuous shooting and tracking modes are comparatively preferable.
• Street Photography: Samsung’s slimmer body aids discretion, but Canon’s better AF and image quality make it overall superior despite marginally larger size.
• Macro Photography: Canon offers dedicated close-focus capability; Samsung provides no explicit macro support.
• Night/Astro Photography: Canon’s sensor and longer exposure are conducive to low-light work; Samsung cannot compete here.
• Video Capabilities: Canon supports Full HD and various frame rates; Samsung only records 720p video without advanced options.
• Travel Photography: Canon balances compactness, battery life, and image quality well; Samsung’s limited features may frustrate demanding travelers.
• Professional Workflows: Neither camera supports RAW image files or offers advanced workflow features; Canon is still more conducive to quality output.

Final Thoughts and Recommendations

In weighing the Canon Elph 115 IS against the Samsung ST90, the former emerges as the more technically capable and versatile camera outright, albeit at a higher price point and with slightly increased dimensions. Its superior sensor technology, optical image stabilization, advanced autofocus, and full HD video recording align better with a broad range of user demands, from casual portraits to travel and low-light photography.

The Samsung ST90, while an extremely compact and affordable option, presents notable compromises in autofocus, sensor performance, user interface, and lack of video capabilities that constrain it largely to daylight, casual snapshot use.

Who Should Choose the Canon Elph 115 IS?

• Enthusiasts seeking reliable image quality without bulk
• Users wanting better low-light and video performance
• Casual professionals needing straightforward but capable travel gear
• Those who value fast autofocus and versatile macro options

Who Might Consider the Samsung ST90?

• Absolute budget buyers prioritizing maximum portability
• Casual shooters happy with point-and-shoot simplicity in bright conditions
• Photographers who place a premium on minimal camera size over image quality or advanced features

Photography equipment selection ultimately hinges on matching gear strengths to individual creative goals. While both models represent dated technology by current standards, understanding their precise capabilities and limitations ensures users make informed choices rather than impulse decisions.

With this exhaustive comparison and practical insights, you are well-equipped to navigate between these two ultracompacts based on your precise photographic ambitions.

For visual reference and to aid further decision-making, please consult the integrated images accompanying each section which illustrate comparative physical dimensions, controls, sensor units, user interface, sample image quality, overall performance scores, and genre-specific competencies.