Canon PowerShot S90 vs. Leica X (Typ 113): A Measured Exploration of Small vs. Large Sensor Compacts

Choosing between two cameras from different generations and classes is a bit like comparing a nimble city bike and a sleek touring motorcycle: both serve to transport you creatively, but they occupy distinct niches and offer markedly different experiences. This article dives deep into the Canon PowerShot S90 (2010) and the Leica X (Typ 113) (2014) - two fixed-lens compacts despite their considerable differences in sensor size, design philosophy, and target user. Having extensively tested both, I’ll walk you through how each performs across genres and use cases, all while balancing raw specs with real-world practicality.

Let’s unpack what makes these two cameras tick - and which one deserves a place in your gear bag.

Form and Feel: Ergonomics Meet Practicality

Side-by-side: The slim, pocketable Canon S90 alongside the beefier Leica X Typ 113.

At a glance, the Canon S90 is a triumph in compactness: just 100x58x31mm and weighing a mere 195g, it slips effortlessly into a jacket pocket. Its curvy, modestly textured body feels reassuring in hand despite the tiny footprint. The lens ring and well-positioned control dial offer tactile feedback that’s rare in compacts.

The Leica X (Typ 113), measuring 133x73x78mm and weighing 486g, is not a pocket camera by any stretch. Its heft and bulk almost command the photographer to slow down and savor the shooting experience, reminiscent of classic rangefinder styling. The larger body allows for a firmer grip and bigger control surfaces, but you’ll need a dedicated bag or holster to lug it around comfortably.

Top view highlights the Leica’s expansive dials versus the minimalist, compact layout on the S90.

The Leica’s design evokes a kind of analog charm with substantial aperture and shutter dials that encourage manual engagement, while the S90’s controls are more digitally inclined but still surprisingly intuitive for a point-and-shoot. However, neither camera offers an electronic or optical viewfinder, pushing you to rely entirely on their rear LCDs.

Screens and Interfaces: How You See Your Shots

Resolution and size – Leica’s sharper 920k-dot display dwarfs the S90’s 461k dots.

Both cameras sport fixed 3-inch LCDs, but the Leica’s higher-resolution screen (920k dots) provides crisper playback and easier manual focusing. The lower-res S90 screen, while sufficient for framing, occasionally challenges precise focus verification, especially under bright daylight.

Neither has touchscreen capabilities or articulating panels, which is commonplace given their vintage, but both support live view modes. Interestingly, the S90 includes contrast-detection autofocus with live view but lacks advanced face detection, whereas Leica’s AF system includes face detection but no live view autofocus, forcing a distinct workflow.

Sensor Technology and Image Quality: The Heart of the Matter

Sensor size and type: The Canon’s 1/1.7” CCD sensor versus Leica’s substantial APS-C CMOS sensor.

The Canon S90 sports a relatively small 1/1.7-inch CCD sensor measuring 7.44 x 5.58 mm with 10 megapixels. CCD sensors from that era are known for decent color depth but often lag behind CMOS sensors in noise control and dynamic range. Its sensor area is just 41.5 mm².

In contrast, Leica’s X (Typ 113) offers a classic APS-C sized CMOS sensor at 23 x 15.5 mm and a 16-megapixel total resolution (4928x3264). This larger sensor equates to about 356.5 mm² of imaging surface - over eight times the area of the Canon sensor, promising significant improvements in image quality, especially in low-light and dynamic range performance.

Practically, this means the Leica produces cleaner images with finer tonal gradations and higher resolution that can withstand more aggressive cropping or larger prints. The Canon’s sensor, while competent for its class and era, displays limitations in shadow detail and higher ISO noise performance.

Autofocus Systems: Speed, Accuracy, and Reliability

The Canon S90 uses a 9-point contrast-detection AF, which is somewhat sluggish, especially in low-light or scenes with low contrast. It lacks face or eye detection and does not support continuous autofocus modes, limiting its usability for moving subjects.

The Leica’s system has 11 AF points with face detection and offers selective AF area choice and center-point AF, although it lacks phase-detection AF and continuous autofocus, resulting in a slower, deliberate focusing approach more suited to portrait or street photography than rapid action.

Overall, the Leica autofocus is more reliable in static scenarios, while the S90’s AF may feel muffled in demanding conditions.

Lens Quality and Versatility: Fixed Focal Ranges, But Different Purposes

The Canon S90 features a versatile 28-105 mm (35mm equivalent) zoom lens with a bright f/2 aperture at wide angle tapering to f/4.9 at tele. This 3.8× optical zoom lens is respectable for a compact, offering framing flexibility from moderate wide-angle to short telephoto, although the small sensor somewhat constrains depth-of-field control.

The Leica X has a fixed 35 mm f/1.7 lens (equivalent) - a classic field of view cherished by street and documentary photographers. The ultra-bright aperture is a distinct advantage for low-light shooting and achieving creamy bokeh, with excellent sharpness and subtle rendering.

In practical use, the S90’s zoom invites versatility across subjects - landscapes, portraits, casual snaps - while the Leica’s prime fosters a more intentional, artistic approach, encouraging you to get physically closer or work within a fixed perspective.

Image Stabilization and Exposure Controls

Canon equips the S90 with optical image stabilization, effectively compensating for camera shake and extending usable shutter speeds especially at longer focal lengths or lower light. Leica, however, forgoes image stabilization, relying on the lens speed and steady shooting technique.

Both cameras support manual exposure modes (aperture priority, shutter priority, and full manual), though the Leica has no shutter priority mode - somewhat unusual but consistent with Leica’s philosophy emphasizing aperture and ISO control.

Exposure compensation is present on both, allowing fine control over exposure bias.

Shooting Speed and Burst Performance

Burst shooting capabilities diverge clearly: the Canon S90 delivers a steady 1 fps continuous shooting rate - hardly suited for action but adequate for casual snapshots. The Leica X offers 5 fps burst shooting, a notable advantage for photographing fleeting moments or more dynamic subjects.

While neither camera targets sports or wildlife photography specifically, the Leica’s faster frame rate and larger buffer provide a modest upper hand.

Video Capabilities: Modest Offerings for Casual Filmmakers

Canon’s S90 shoots low-res video at 640 x 480 pixels at 30 fps using the H.264 codec - quite limited by today’s standards and with no external mic input or headphone jack. The Leica X upgrades this to full HD 1080p video at 30 fps, also lacking external audio ports, but noticeably more usable for casual video capture.

Neither camera excels in videography, emphasizing their photographic intent.

Battery Life and Storage

The Leica X typifies the larger sensor compact form with a battery life rated at approximately 350 shots using the BP-DC8 battery pack, a respectable endurance for extended outings.

The Canon S90’s battery, the NB-6L, is smaller and its real-world performance varies but generally runs for fewer shots than the Leica.

Both cameras accept common SD family cards, but the Leica also supports higher-capacity SDXC cards, future-proofing storage needs.

Build Quality and Weather Resistance

Neither camera is weather-sealed or durable under rugged elements. The Leica’s heavier body implies more robust construction, but users should avoid harsh conditions or rely on protective accessories if expecting adverse weather.

Pricing and Value: Evaluating Cost-to-Performance

At launch, the Canon S90 retailed around $600, dramatically undercutting the Leica X’s $1500+ price point. Today, second-hand market pricing reflects this disparity and the cameras’ relative niche. The S90 is an accessible, pocket-friendly compact for shooters prioritizing convenience and versatility, while the Leica is a premium tool for enthusiasts who prize image quality and tactile experience over speed or zoom range.

Genre-by-Genre Breakdown: How They Handle Different Photography Styles

Portrait Photography

The Leica’s large APS-C sensor and bright f/1.7 lens make it a standout for portraits, delivering smooth skin tones with natural colors and a shallow depth of field that elegantly isolates subjects. Face detection autofocus adds practical convenience. Though not face-tracking or eye-detection per se, the system copes well in controlled environments.

The Canon S90’s smaller sensor produces adequate portraits but struggles to achieve the creamy bokeh that many portrait photographers seek. The limited aperture (f/2.0 at wide, slower at tele) and lack of face detection make it less ideal for portraits capturing subtle nuance or artistic effect.

Landscape Photography

Landscape enthusiasts benefit greatly from the Leica’s higher resolution and broader dynamic range potential (though exact DxOMark data is unavailable). The fixed 35mm lens limits framing flexibility but produces sharp, distortion-free imagery ideal for wider vistas when used carefully.

The Canon S90’s zoom helps capture varied perspectives, but its smaller sensor restricts dynamic range and tonal gradations, especially in challenging lighting.

The Leica’s APS-C sensor greatly outperforms the S90’s 1/1.7” CCD in shadow retention and highlight roll-off, rendering more detail.

Wildlife Photography

Neither camera is a dedicated wildlife shooter, but between the two, the Leica’s 5 fps burst rate and faster lens provide marginally better chances to capture quick movements. However, the fixed 35mm focal length on the Leica is limiting for distant subjects, while the S90’s 28-105mm zoom offers more reach - albeit at a slower frame rate and compromised image quality.

Autofocus speed and tracking are modest on both and likely insufficient to reliably capture fast wildlife action.

Sports Photography

Sports capture is constrained by slow autofocus and limited burst shooting on the S90. The Leica offers better burst speed but still lacks continuous AF for reliable subject tracking. Neither camera adequately covers fast-paced shooting needs, though the Leica’s higher sensitivity sensor yields better results indoors or in the evening.

Street Photography

Both cameras have roots in street shooting, but in very different styles. The S90’s small size and discreet operation help candid shots, perfect for urban exploration with easy zoom framing.

The Leica’s heft and slower autofocus encourage deliberate compositions and interaction. Its 35mm prime is a classic street focal length allowing contextual storytelling.

Both cameras’ silent mechanical shutter capabilities enhance their unobtrusiveness. The Leica’s superior image quality gains importance for those prioritizing final results.

Macro Photography

The S90 shines here, boasting a close-focusing distance of 5 cm - quite close for a compact - making detailed macro shots feasible without extra equipment. The Leica’s minimum focus distance of 20 cm is less friendly for close-up work.

Image stabilization on the Canon further aids handheld macro shooting.

Night and Astrophotography

Leica’s larger sensor performs significantly better in low light (max ISO 12,500 vs. 3,200 on the Canon). Its wide aperture lens captures more light, enabling astrophotography or low-light work with less noise. The Canon’s noise levels limit its usability in this domain.

Neither camera offers specialized long exposure modes or intervalometers.

Video Capabilities

The Leica records clean, full HD 1080p video, suitable for casual use but lacking pro features such as external mics or variable frame rates. The Canon’s 640×480 video is subpar and only fits basic purposes.

Video enthusiasts will view both as supplementary tools rather than main cameras.

Travel Photography

Here, the choice boils down to a trade-off. The Canon’s compact size and zoom versatility make it a superb travel companion for spontaneous and diverse shooting. Its weight and pocketability minimize travel burden.

The Leica’s superior image quality and tactile control appeal to travelers craving creative freedom and print-worthy quality but demand more from your packing and budget. The larger battery life is a boon for long days out.

Detailed Scorecard and Overall Performance Ratings

• Image Quality: Leica X >> Canon S90
• Autofocus Speed and Accuracy: Leica X > Canon S90
• Build and Ergonomics: Leica X > Canon S90 (durability and control comfort)
• Handling and Portability: Canon S90 > Leica X
• Lens Versatility: Canon S90 > Leica X (zoom vs prime)
• Low Light Performance: Leica X >> Canon S90
• Video Capabilities: Leica X > Canon S90
• Battery Life: Leica X > Canon S90
• Value for Money: Canon S90 > Leica X (considering used and retail pricing)

Final Thoughts and Recommendations

Choosing between the Canon PowerShot S90 and the Leica X (Typ 113) ultimately boils down to prioritizing portability and versatility versus image quality and creative control. Both cameras are admirable examples of their classes, but their divergent philosophies and technologies shape markedly different user experiences.

• Pick the Canon S90 if:
  You want a small, pocketable everyday compact that excels at capturing a range of subjects thanks to its zoom lens and image stabilization. It’s perfect for photographers who want convenience and a decent quality, especially for casual travel, street, and macro photography on a budget.

• Pick the Leica X (Typ 113) if:
  You prioritize large sensor image quality and a bright prime lens for portraits, landscapes, and expressive, deliberate shooting. The Leica’s tactile build and superior low-light capability appeal to enthusiasts who don’t mind carrying a heavier camera and investing more upfront for premium results.

Both cameras hold charms for photography lovers, but given their age and market availability, I encourage looking closely at price and condition. The Sigma dp series cameras or more recent Sony RX100 models might sit between these two in terms of size and quality if you're open to exploring alternatives.

Sample Gallery: Real-World Images Speak Louder Than Specs

Canon S90 screen back Leica X (Typ 113) screen back

In sum, the Canon S90 is a nimble sprite that catches the moment with agility, while the Leica X (Typ 113) is a stately hound that hunts for nuance and depth. Both are admirable companions - which one wins your heart depends on how you see your photographic journey.

I hope this detailed comparison helps you navigate your next camera investment with confidence and clarity. Feel free to reach out for further nuances or hands-on discussions!