I used the term “advanced point-and-shoot” in describing two of the digital cameras I have remaining in my photographic arsenal. The industry calls such things “prosumer” or “enthusiast.” Decoding the buzz-words, it implies that these models are aimed at a sweet spot between professionals and tyros — user-friendly and reasonably priced, but with features catering to folks who understand photography and want something more than entry-level.
I’m your huckleberry.
The Canon PowerShot G-series cameras always filled that bill. Then there was the S-series — true compacts, as easy to slip into a pocket as a pack of Marlboro Reds, yet boasting nearly as many features as the Gs.
Mine is a PowerShot S95. Like my G12, it was introduced in 2010, and I bought this one secondhand in 2012 (when everyone had to have The Next Big Thing, the S100).
The S95 is, for all intents and purposes, a shrunken, pocketable G12, 10MP and all.
MSRP in 2010 was $400. Two years later, pre-S100, street price was under $250. I paid less than $200 for my S95, used but pretty minty.
Now, on the used market, you can pay $300 or more for an S95 in excellent condition. This model has stood the test of time — it’s held its value despite 15 years of evolving technology.
I know professionals who still don’t leave home without a Canon PowerShot S95 (or S100) in their pocket. It’s that good.
Sunday morning, it was time to put my own S95 through its paces around the cabin.
The shots I’ve taken with the 60D, G12 and S95 the last few days are pretty much the same, and that’s intentional. They’re not meant to be Pullitzer-worthy or suitable for framing. It’s all about testing the gear’s functions, seeing how well the images hold up to editing, and re-acquaining myself with it all.
I’ve really enjoyed the process. And I was expecting yesterday’s exercise to wrap it up.
Thing is, I just stumbled upon another digital camera, buried deep in a storage tote. It’s the tiniest of them all.
I’ll charge its batteries, clean it up, test it and see how it goes. Stay tuned.
My phone is almost always on me, of course. Here are a couple of photos I snapped with the Samsung near the picnic table yesterday morning.
Take care of yourselves, Patriots. Stay calm. Stay sharp. Stay free.
#WiseUp #LibertyOrDeath #Ungovernable