Cute, huh?!

One thing about the the Canon s90 continues to frustrate me, and evidently some professional reviewers also as noted at the conclusion of this article.

In my case, I’ve ruined some photos because the camera changed the ISO without my knowledge and consent. Initially, I couldn’t figure out why.

I’ve taken several photos and a good number were unusable because the camera had, unbeknownst to me, changed to ISO 3200. Hey, the s90 does very well at most high ISO settings but ISO 3200 generally sucks.

Finally it dawned on me that it was the rear Control Dial that was changing the ISO. The Control Dial rotates easily, too easily, on my camera and it can rotate if you touch it while taking or previewing photos. For some who keep their camera turned on, the dial may move if the camera is carried via a neck-strap.

Initially, I couldn’t understand why the Control Dial changed the ISO setting. There is no where in the menus to assign a function to it, like you can with the front Control Ring and the rear Shortcut button.

Functions automatically assigned to Control Dial

Then I read page 98 in the manual. I did read the manual but somehow missed this.

Functions are automatically assigned to the Control Dial, depending on which function is assigned to the Control Ring. I primarily use P Mode and had set the Control Ring to Exposure Compensation. When the Control Ring is set to EC, the dial automatically is set to adjust ISO (even if the Shortcut button is set to ISO).

Oh, great.

Serious flaw

I personally consider this scenario a serious flaw. First, as already pointed out, the Control Dial moves too easily. When you should be concentrating on composing and exposing shots, you have to think instead about keeping your fingers away from the dial or constantly keep an eye on the lower right-hand corner of the LCD to monitor the setting.

s90 with a twist

Obviously, I can’t keep the Control Ring set to Exposure Compensation. I’ve now switched it to ISO. When the Ring is assigned to ISO, the Control Dial is set to Exposure Compensation. At least, if the dial moves, I can more readily see if the exposure changes on the LCD.

I’ve also inserted a twist, as shown in the accompanying photo. Looks terrible, but it stops the Control Dial from inadvertently moving while not interfering with other functions such as changing the flash mode and  self-timer.

I hope Canon comes up with a firmware solution to this though I doubt it. Maybe future S cameras will get it right. Too bad for those of us who paid over $400 for the current model.

To keep or return the s90

I’ve personally decided not to return the s90 because I like the image quality and high ISO performance.  I’ll  just learn to live and work with the Control Wheel. But there are others like me who consider the problem so annoying that they’ve returned the camera.

It’s important to point out that there are s90 owners who do not consider the free-wheeling Control Wheel a problem.  They’ve described ways to hold the camera to avoid touching the wheel. Personally, I consider most of them very non-intuitive. I’ve owned over a dozen digital cameras, and used plenty of others. The s90 is the only one I’ve had to fuss with in this manner.

If you’re considering the s90, think about how much you are willing to babysit a new camera.

Update: a good solution to the control wheel problem

For those who have problems with the control wheel, consider purchasing the custom grip for the s90 made by Richard Franiec. I’m very enthusiastic about it because I can now take photos without having to worry about the wheel moving! [Read why]

What reviewers say about the s90 Control Dial

“…Canon’s trademark spinning rear controller can be as frustrating as ever.” cnet.uk

“The ring surrounding the controls is far too loose, and I find myself constantly adjusting exposure compensation when I don’t actually mean to.” Luminous Landscape

“(The Control Dial) moves much too freely and can result in accidental changes.” cnet reviews

The Control Wheel: ”likely to change in just a light touch;” “a sloppy feel.” Impress Watch (translation)

Visit Gail’s pbase gallery for sample photos taken with the Canon s90.