Canon PowerShot S90 vs Olympus FE-45: A Detailed Comparison for Enthusiasts and Pros

When exploring compact cameras, even models launched over a decade ago can still offer valuable insight into photographic fundamentals that range-bound consumers and enthusiasts appreciate. Today, we dive deep into a face-to-face comparison of the Canon PowerShot S90 and the Olympus FE-45 - two small sensor compacts from around 2010 and 2009, respectively. Despite their age, these cameras represent important milestones in portable photography and serve as useful reference points for newcomers and budget-conscious photographers.

Our analysis is grounded in extensive hands-on testing experience, robust technical breakdowns, and real-world usage scenarios. Whether you're a beginner seeking an affordable point-and-shoot, a street photographer wanting discretion, or a casual traveler prioritizing convenience, this comparison offers expert perspectives to inform your purchasing decision.

Getting to Know Your Cameras: Key Specs at a Glance

Starting from the basics, both the Canon S90 and Olympus FE-45 fall into the category of small sensor compacts with fixed zoom lenses. However, their design philosophies and technical implementations differ considerably.

Handling and Usability: Ergonomics and Controls

The physical design and controls can significantly influence the user experience, especially for prolonged shooting.

Canon S90: A Compact with Pro Ambitions

The S90’s body is robust and comfortably sized, featuring an intuitive layout designed to engage serious photographers. Its 100 x 58 x 31 mm footprint and 195 g weight strike a balance between portability and control, with enough heft to offer stability. The top panel includes dedicated dials and buttons enabling quick adjustments to shutter speed, aperture, ISO, and exposure compensation - vital for those who want creative control on the go.

Olympus FE-45: Simplified and Lightweight

In contrast, the FE-45 prioritizes convenience and simplicity, weighing only 142 g and measuring 94 x 62 x 23 mm. Its streamlined controls and lack of manual focus or exposure modes reflect its beginner-oriented design. The smaller, lower resolution 2.5-inch screen is adequate for framing and browsing but lacks the clarity needed for critical focus checks.

These differences are captured well in the top view design comparison:

The S90’s dedicated dials on the top right underscore its manual-friendly approach, while the FE-45 limits controls to basic settings.

Ergonomics Verdict: If you value responsive, tactile controls that let you craft images your way, the Canon S90 excels. If weight and straightforward operation dominate your preferences, the FE-45 is the lightweight companion.

Sensor Technology and Image Quality: Understanding the Core

At the heart of the camera’s performance lies the sensor, which dictates resolution, dynamic range, and low-light behavior.

Sensor Size and Impact

The S90’s 1/1.7" sensor, measuring 7.44 x 5.58 mm and totaling 41.52 mm², is significantly larger than the FE-45’s 1/2.3" sensor (6.08 x 4.56 mm, 27.72 mm²). Larger sensor size translates to:

• Better light-gathering, enhancing low-light sensitivity and noise performance.
• Increased dynamic range, yielding richer tonal gradations.
• Shallower depth of field capability, enabling attractive subject isolation.

Both cameras use CCD sensors, common in this era, known for delivering pleasing color and detail though not as noise-efficient at high ISO compared to modern CMOS sensors.

Resolution and Detail

Though both feature 10 MP sensors, effective resolution in real-world images depends on sensor size and image processing engine. The Canon’s Digic 4 processor contributes to better detail retention and color fidelity.

The following graphic provides a visual reference to their sensor dimensions:

Image Quality Test Results

Based on DxOMark data and our own testing:

The Canon S90 clearly outperforms in measurable image quality factors, especially dynamic range and low light sensitivity.

Autofocus and Shooting Performance: Speed and Accuracy

Autofocus systems shape your ability to capture sharp photos, especially in fast-moving or low-light conditions.

Canon S90’s Autofocus

• Contrast-detection AF with 9 focus points.
• Single AF mode only; lacks continuous or subject tracking.
• Capable of accurate focus in moderate light.
• Manual focus ring enables precise control - a rarity in compact cameras.

Olympus FE-45’s Autofocus

• Single-point contrast-detection.
• No manual focus capability.
• Basic and slower autofocus performance, especially under dim lighting.

For continuous shooting, the S90 captures just 1 frame per second - adequate for casual shooting but limiting for action. The FE-45 does not specify burst mode performance and is generally slower.

Image Stabilization: Optical vs Digital

Canon equips the S90 with optical image stabilization (OIS). This hardware-based system compensates for shake before the image hits the sensor, enabling sharper images at slower shutter speeds and smoother video.

Olympus uses digital stabilization in the FE-45. It crops and processes images post-capture to reduce blur - effective but usually less capable than optical methods and may degrade image quality.

For handheld and low-light photography, the S90’s OIS provides a clear advantage.

Display and Interface: Viewing and Navigating Your Shots

The rear LCD is your main interface for composing, reviewing, and adjusting camera settings.

• Canon S90: 3.0-inch fixed touchscreen with 461k-dot resolution, offering crisp, bright images even outdoors. The DIGIC 4 processor coupled with the higher res screen makes menu navigation and image viewing more satisfying.

• Olympus FE-45: Smaller 2.5-inch screen with 230k dots. Adequate for basics but struggles under bright light and provides limited detail for manual focusing or exposures.

Lens and Optics: Flexibility and Creative Potential

The lenses define framing and depth-of-field possibilities.

The Canon’s brighter maximum aperture at the wide end (f/2.0 vs f/3.1) allows more light in, facilitating lower ISOs and better subject isolation with shallow depth of field. This is pivotal for portrait and night shooting.

Real-World Shooting Across Genres

Now that we've dissected the specs, let's connect them to practical use across popular photography styles.

Portrait Photography

• Canon S90: High marks for skin tone reproduction, thanks to the larger sensor and Digic 4 processing. The f/2.0 aperture lets you isolate subjects with attractive bokeh. Manual focus ring can aid in creative manual focusing on eyes.

• Olympus FE-45: Smaller sensor and slower lens impact image quality and bokeh separation. Good for casual snapshots but less creative control.

Landscape Photography

• Canon S90: Better dynamic range (11 EV) preserves shadow and highlight details. 10 MP resolution sufficient for moderate enlargements.
• Olympus FE-45: Modest dynamic range and smaller sensor reduce detail and tonal richness in challenging light.

Weather sealing is absent in both, limiting outdoor professional use in adverse conditions.

Wildlife Photography

• Canon S90: 28-105 mm lens provides limited telephoto reach, but stabilizer and manual focus are assets. Autofocus speed is moderate; suitable for static subjects.
• Olympus FE-45: Shorter zoom and slower AF limit wildlife applications.

Sports Photography

• Neither camera supports high frame rates or fast autofocus tracking. S90’s 1 fps burst is slow for action.

Street Photography

• Olympus FE-45: Smaller size and lighter weight make it discreet for candid shots.
• Canon S90: Slightly larger but controls enable creative flexibility.

Macro Photography

• Both offer 5 cm close-focus, but the S90’s manual focus and larger sensor help produce sharper, more detailed macro images.

Night and Astro Photography

• Canon’s higher max ISO (3200) and better low-light performance provide a meaningful edge. Its lens speed and optical stabilization enable cleaner, sharper night shots.

Video Capabilities

• Both limited to 640x480 resolution video, with Canon’s H.264 compression producing more efficient files than Olympus’ Motion JPEG. Neither supports modern HD or 4K video.

Travel Photography

• The FE-45’s lightweight build and simple operation make it a handy travel companion.
• The S90 sacrifices portability for superior image quality and creative options.

Professional Workflows

• Canon supports RAW shooting, crucial for post-processing flexibility.
• Olympus FE-45 lacks RAW support, restricting professional-grade editing.

Connectivity, Storage, and Battery Life

• Both cameras rely on USB 2.0 for data transfer, with no wireless connectivity.
• Storage differs: Canon uses SD/SDHC cards widely available today; Olympus uses xD-Picture Cards or microSD, with xD now obsolete - consider compatibility.
• Battery life details are sparse, but the S90’s NB-6L battery supports reasonable shooting volumes.

Value and Pricing: What Do You Get for Your Budget?

At launch, the Canon S90 commanded near $600, reflecting its advanced feature set. The Olympus FE-45 entered at roughly $130, targeting beginners and casual users.

Price to Performance:

• The S90 excels in image quality, manual controls, and versatility. Its higher price aligns with a serious photographer’s needs.
• The FE-45 serves best as an entry-level snapshot tool, with value in portability and simplicity.

Side-by-Side Summary: Strengths and Weaknesses

What the Scores Say: Overall and Genre-Specific Rankings

The Canon S90 enjoys respectable scores, reflecting its balanced performance:

Breaking down performance across photography types reveals:

The FE-45 is not scored officially but falls behind in advanced uses.

Sample Gallery: Seeing Is Believing

To visualize what these specs translate to, here are side-by-side sample images across genres, demonstrating differences in color, sharpness, and depth of field.

Canon S90 screen back Olympus FE 45 front Olympus FE 45 screen back

Final Thoughts: Which Camera Is Right For You?

Choosing between these two depends on your priorities:

• Choose the Canon PowerShot S90 if:

  • You want greater creative control with manual exposure and focus.
  • Image quality, including low-light and dynamic range, matters.
  • You shoot portraits and landscapes, requiring creative lens speed and sensor size.
  • You need RAW support for editing flexibility.
  • You can accommodate the slightly larger size and budget.

• Choose the Olympus FE-45 if:

  • Portability and budget are your primary concerns.
  • You want a simple point-and-shoot without a complex interface.
  • Casual snapshots, travel, and everyday use are your focus.
  • You accept the compromise of smaller sensor and fewer advanced features.

Getting Started with Your Choice: Tips and Accessories

Regardless of your pick, maximize performance by:

• Investing in quality SD or microSD cards (preferably Class 10 or higher).
• For the S90, consider filters or a protective case to augment lens versatility.
• For travel, lightweight straps or cases protect and ease handheld shooting.
• Explore tutorials focused on manual exposure to unlock the S90’s full potential.
• Experiment with macro and portrait settings leveraging lens sharpness.

Closing Notes: Learning through Hands-On Experience

Our comprehensive tests affirm that technology and design shape photographic freedom. The Canon S90’s professional-inspired ergonomics and larger sensor create opportunity for creative growth. The Olympus FE-45 is a reliable, straightforward camera that can serve beginners well.

We encourage you to handle both cameras if possible before buying. Feel their ergonomics, try live view autofocus, and assess how their images meet your expectations. Real-world experience remains the best guide for choosing gear that supports your creative vision for years to come.

Happy shooting, and explore your photographic journey with confidence!