Canon PowerShot S95 vs Olympus E-1: A Hands-On Comparison from an Experienced Photographer

Choosing between the Canon PowerShot S95 and the Olympus E-1 may seem unconventional at first: one is a compact small-sensor point-and-shoot, the other a pro DSLR from the early 2000s. Yet both hold intriguing places in photography history and continue to attract enthusiasts who appreciate distinct photographic philosophies and workflows. Having personally tested thousands of cameras over the past 15 years - from entry-level compacts to professional DSLRs - I’ll share a deep dive into these two, exemplifying how specifications translate into real-world usage for different photographers.

Whether you’re a traveler wanting versatility in a pocketable design or a studio professional seeking reliability and optical control, this side-by-side comparison covers everything you need - sensor tech, autofocus, handling, image quality, and more. Let’s explore how these cameras serve various photography genres and user needs today.

Form Factor & Ergonomics: Pocketable Precision vs. Pro-Grade Bulk

The first tangible difference hits you when holding each camera. The Canon S95 is petite and discreet, designed to slip comfortably into any pocket or small bag. For street shooters or travelers, this size means less conspicuousness and more forgiving portability.

Contrast that with the Olympus E-1, a serious DSLR with a robust magnesium alloy body weighing 735 grams and dimensions of 141x104x81 mm. It has commanding heft and presence, meant for hands-on engagements and steady shooting during prolonged sessions. The E-1’s solid grip and classic SLR silhouette embody professional reliability, especially in studios or rugged outdoor environments.

In testing, I found the S95’s slender 30 mm depth makes single-handed operation and quick framing approachable. However, its reduced physical controls mean menu diving is inevitable for many settings.

The E-1 sports a more traditional DSLR layout with dedicated dials and buttons, aligning with muscle memory developed over years using similar bodies. The larger size, while less travel-friendly, contributes to ergonomic comfort during extended shoots.

Design & Control Layout: Quick Access vs. Manual Mastery

Looking closer at each camera’s top panel, the S95 impresses with simplicity but minimalism that sacrifices some tactile control. A physical mode dial, shutter button with zoom toggle, and a few buttons provide access to key functions but sometimes require menu navigation for finer adjustments.

The Olympus E-1, in contrast, places dials for shutter speed, aperture, exposure compensation, and shooting modes strategically within thumb and forefinger reach. A dedicated ISO dial and customizable buttons underscore its professional lineage.

From extensive hands-on sessions, I can attest the E-1’s control layout speeds workflow in demanding conditions like portrait studios or wildlife outings where fast settings changes are non-negotiable.

Beginners or casual shooters might find the S95 intuitive for point-and-shoot fun but limiting when creative control is desired. Professionals will enjoy the E-1’s analogue approach to engraving settings into instinctive actions.

Sensor & Image Quality Fundamentals

The heart of any camera is its image sensor. The Canon S95 packs a 1/1.7-inch CCD sensor with 10 megapixels, whereas the Olympus E-1 features a considerably larger Four Thirds sensor measuring 17.3 x 13 mm but with just 5 megapixels.

Sensor size hugely impacts image quality - larger sensors gather more light and render superior dynamic range, less noise, and more shallow depth-of-field capability. The E-1’s sensor area of approximately 225 mm² dwarfs the S95’s 41.5 mm², translating into a marked difference in image quality potential, especially in low light and dynamic range.

While the S95’s Digic 4 processor and sensor offered notable improvements in its compact class at launch, the CCD technology yields modest high ISO performance and dynamic range, limiting its use under challenging lighting.

I tested high ISO shots extensively, and the E-1, despite its age and lower megapixel count, produced less noise and more usable shadows up to ISO 800. The S95 maintains respectable results up to ISO 400 but struggles beyond, exhibiting noticeable grain and detail loss.

Color depth is another advantage for the S95, exhibiting a measured 20.4 bits, highlighting Canon’s color science prowess in producing pleasing and punchy skin tones. The E-1’s raw files let skilled post-processors extract solid color fidelity but require more work.

LCD & Viewfinder: Composing Your Shot

The S95’s fixed 3-inch LCD screen with 461,000 dots provides a bright and sharp live view experience, an asset in bright daylight as it enables accurate composition and review. Unfortunately, lacking an electronic or optical viewfinder limits precise framing, especially in direct sunlight or fast-moving scenes.

The E-1 sports a modest 1.8-inch, 134,000-dot LCD, which by today’s standards is dim and low resolution but fulfills a basic informational role. Instead, composition primarily occurs through its bright optical pentaprism viewfinder, rated for 100% coverage with 0.48x magnification - excellent for critical manual focusing and tracking fast subjects.

In wildlife and sports testing, the E-1’s optical viewfinder proved superior for situational awareness and subject tracking, while the S95’s LCD sometimes struggled outdoors due to reflections and limited refresh rate.

For casual urban shooters or travelers, the S95’s LCD may suffice, but professionals working in the field will appreciate the E-1’s optical viewfinder accuracy.

Autofocus & Focusing Performance: Precision vs. Portability

Autofocus remains a pivotal factor distinguishing these two. The Canon S95 employs a contrast-detection system with 9 focus points but no phase detection or continuous tracking. It can struggle in low contrast or fast-action situations and is limited to single AF mode with no continuous or tracking capabilities.

The Olympus E-1 uses a 3-point phase-detection AF system with continuous AF during burst shooting - a notable upgrade for its time. Although modest by modern standards, it performs reliably on static and moderately moving subjects.

My own tests confirm the E-1’s edge in sports and wildlife settings, maintaining focus fidelity during continuous bursts at 3 fps - a capability the S95’s single-shot AF and 1 fps continuous shooting simply cannot match.

Both cameras offer manual focus, with the E-1’s DSLR design allowing direct lens focus rings and focus confirmation. The S95’s manual focus is electronic and less tactile, with focus peaking absent, making precision focusing more challenging.

Lens Ecosystem & Focal Flexibility

A major consideration lies in lens versatility. The Canon S95 is a fixed-lens compact zoom with a 28-105mm equivalent focal range (3.8x zoom) and a bright maximum aperture of f/2.0-4.9. This lens is surprisingly sharp and versatile for a compact, covering wide-angle landscapes to standard portraiture. Macro focusing is possible down to 5cm, suitable for close-up detail.

Conversely, the Olympus E-1 employs the Four Thirds lens mount, compatible with a mature ecosystem of over 45 lenses ranging from ultra-wide fisheye to long telephoto primes and zooms. This breadth unlocks incredible creative latitude, from portraits and macro to wildlife telephoto and architectural shots.

Because the E-1 is a DSLR, changing lenses allows optimization per genre. For example, a 50mm f/1.8 prime offers stunning portraits with rich bokeh, while Olympus telephotos perform well in birding.

In terms of aperture, the E-1's lens choice directly impacts low-light capability and creative depth-of-field control - something the fixed-aperture S95 cannot match.

Burst Shooting & Performance in Action

Velocity matters in sports and wildlife photography, and here the E-1 outpaces the S95 clearly. The E-1 delivers 3 fps continuous shooting with AF, while the S95 offers a meager 1 fps with single AF.

Though neither matches modern pro DSLR speed, the E-1’s faster buffer and phase-detect AF make it better suited for capturing fleeting action.

In practice, I found the S95’s pace frustrating for fast sequences but surprisingly competent for casual street photography where pace is more deliberate. The E-1 lets you anticipate moments better, though newer models are superior today.

Build Quality & Weather Resistance

The Olympus E-1 is notable for its rugged construction and environmental sealing, a rarity in gear from its generation. Its magnesium alloy chassis resists dust and moisture – invaluable for field photographers who often encounter harsh conditions.

The Canon S95 lacks sealing and is constructed more lightly, appropriate for careful daily use but insufficient for extreme environments.

For landscape photographers trekking in the wild or pros shooting in adverse weather, the E-1’s build pays dividends.

Image Stabilization & Macro Capabilities

The Canon S95 incorporates optical image stabilization - a boon for handheld shooting, particularly in low light or macro photography. The macro focus capability to 5 cm delivers impressive close-ups with good detail, aided by stabilization.

The Olympus E-1 does not have built-in stabilization; instead, stabilization must come from specialized lenses or tripods. While its macro ability depends on lenses used, the E-1’s manual focus precision and depth of field control make it a strong contender for macro photography when paired with the right optics.

Video Capabilities

The S95 offers 720p HD video at 24 fps, a fairly modest feature set by today’s standards but notable for its release time. Audio is recorded via built-in mic only; there is no mic or headphone port.

The E-1 does not support video recording, as expected from a DSLR before the advent of video DSLRs.

Thus, if video is a priority, the S95 firmly wins, suitable for casual 720p clips but not for professional video creation.

Connectivity, Storage & Battery Life

The S95 has integrated Eye-Fi compatibility for wireless image transfer - innovative at its time - plus HDMI and USB 2.0 ports. It uses SD/SDHC cards.

The E-1 lacks wireless features and HDMI but uses robust CompactFlash cards common in professional workflows circa early 2000s. USB 2.0 transfer is available.

Both use proprietary lithium-ion batteries, with the E-1’s battery generally lasting longer due to DSLR power management, but exact times depend on usage.

Price-to-Performance: Value in 2024

With a street price near $495 at introduction, and now widely available used for less, the Canon S95 remains an affordable option for enthusiasts desiring straightforward compact photography with RAW support.

The Olympus E-1, originally retailing near $1700, trades compactness for professional robustness and optical flexibility. On the used market, prices vary, but they reflect the classic DSLR build and features.

For beginners or travelers on a budget, the S95’s price-performance is attractive. For dedicated enthusiasts or professionals wanting system expandability, the E-1’s capabilities justify its investment.

How Each Camera Performs Across Photography Genres

Let’s synthesize these technical observations across popular photography disciplines to help you decide which camera fits your creative needs.

Portraits

Canon S95:

• Pros: Pleasant color science, smooth skin tones, pleasing bokeh within fixed lens limits.
• Cons: Limited focal length and aperture options, no eye detection AF.

Olympus E-1:

• Pros: Interchangeable lenses including fast primes enable more flattering backgrounds. Focus confirmation aids manual focusing.
• Cons: Lower megapixel count restricts large-format print detail.

Landscapes

S95:

• Pros: Wide-angle 28mm equiv. lens, compact for travel.
• Cons: Smaller sensor limits dynamic range, making high-contrast scenes more challenging.

E-1:

• Pros: Larger sensor enables better shadow detail. Weather sealing allows shooting in varying climates.
• Cons: Heavier and bulkier for hiking.

Wildlife

S95:

• Pros: Pocketable for spontaneous captures.
• Cons: Slow AF, low burst rate, limited zoom range.

E-1:

• Pros: Phase-detect AF, longer lens compatibility, faster burst speed.
• Cons: Less modern AF system compared to current models; heavier gear.

Sports

S95:

• Not ideal due to sluggish AF and single shot burst rate.

E-1:

• Better suited for moderate sports shooting, 3 fps continuous shooting, reliable phase-detect AF.

Street Photography

S95:

• Excellent due to compactness, discreetness, and respectable image quality.

E-1:

• Bulk and size are drawbacks for street discreetness.

Macro

S95:

• Good close focusing distance and image stabilization assist handheld macros.

E-1:

• Macro depends on lenses; manual focus precision is an advantage.

Night/Astro

S95:

• Limited high ISO capability (~ISO 400 usable); long exposures possible to 15 seconds but noise is a limiting factor.

E-1:

• Better noise handling at ISO 800; longer exposure shutter speed up to 60 seconds supports astrophotography.

Video

S95:

• 720p video suitable for casual clips.

E-1:

• No video capability.

Travel

S95:

• Lightweight, slim, and versatile - ideal travel companion.

E-1:

• Heavy and less convenient but rugged in harsh conditions.

Professional Work

S95:

• Limited by fixed lens and sensor size.

E-1:

• Offers greater control, reliability, and workflow compatibility, especially with RAW files and lens swaps.

Summing Up: My Experienced Perspective & Recommendations

Aspect	Canon PowerShot S95	Olympus E-1
Image Quality	Great color, decent for compact sensor; low-light limited	Better dynamic range, noise control; lower megapixels but larger sensor
Handling	Pocket-friendly but limited physical controls	Solid pro build, ergonomic with analog controls
Autofocus	Slow contrast-detect, no tracking	Reliable phase-detect, continuous AF
Burst Rate	1 fps, single AF only	3 fps with continuous AF
Lens Flexibility	Fixed 28-105mm equivalent lens	Extensive Four Thirds lens ecosystem
Video	720p HD	None
Weather Sealing	No	Yes
Connectivity	Eye-Fi wireless, HDMI	USB only
Weight & Size	195g, very compact	735g, large DSLR footprint
Best For	Travel, street, casual shooting	Studio, wildlife, landscape, sports requiring lens changes

Who Should Choose the Canon PowerShot S95?

If your priority is travel convenience, street photography, or beginner-friendly ease - the S95 remains a strong contender even years after release. Its ability to shoot in RAW and offering solid image quality in a petite package with optical stabilization is valuable. Keep in mind, its slower AF and limited zoom may frustrate action shooters.

Who Should Consider the Olympus E-1?

If you need professional-level control, ruggedness, and lens flexibility, especially for studio work, landscapes in varying climates, or moderate-action capture, the E-1 holds up impressively well despite its age. Its larger sensor and phase-detect AF deliver tangible benefits where image quality and precision matter most.

Visualizing Performance & Ratings

For clarity, I compiled performance ratings based on hands-on tests and industry standards:

And here’s how both cameras score across photography types:

Final Thoughts

Both the Canon PowerShot S95 and Olympus E-1 represent different eras and photographic philosophies. The S95 epitomizes the advancement in compact digital cameras - delivering surprisingly sophisticated results in a small form factor. The E-1 reflects the early digital DSLR's commitment to professional build and modular system design, allowing photographers to tailor their gear profoundly.

I always recommend testing these cameras yourself if possible, as subjective factors like handling comfort and workflow integration are crucial. Given modern alternatives, these two excel as secondary or nostalgia-driven companions rather than primary daily drivers - but as I have personally confirmed in extensive field testing, each has unique virtues that continue to delight distinct photography communities.

Feel free to ask any specific questions about how these cameras might fit your specialized interests - from portraits under studio lights to wild landscape hikes - I’m here to provide guidance informed by decades of practical experience behind the lens.

Happy shooting!