Size Does Matter: Why the Canon PowerShot S95 Is More Popular than the Panasonic Lumix LX5

These days it’s much easier to find digital SLR cameras for prices that won’t break the bank, but for plenty of people interested in purchasing a camera, the bulky size and heavy weight of an SLR is a major turn-off. Fortunately, there are compact, pocketable cameras available that offer real photographic controls and features. This year’s most popular pocket cameras are the Canon S95 and the Panasonic LX5, these rival cameras are battling it out again after the 2009-2010 year showdown between the Canon S90 and the Panasonic LX3 – with the LX3 taking the crown.

However, critics and consumers alike seem to be flaunting the Canon S95 as their champion for 2010-2011 year, which raises the question: Why have the tables turned, Why has the Canon PowerShot S95 taken the lead in sales against the Panasonic Lumix LX5?

 It may be the S95’s giant sensor, a.59 inch diagonal sensor, 88 percent larger than most pocket cameras paired with its amazingly fast f/2.0 lens which allows more light in. Face it, the reason many end up breaking down and purchasing a DSLR despite its obtrusive weight and size is for its large light sensor that allows for sharp shots in low-light situations without having to use the flash. The S95 sensor and lens make this possible.

And yet, similarly, the LX5 also offers similar features that can produce brilliant, sharp shots in low-light places as well. Additionally, the LX5 lens even offers more favorable qualities when compared to S95 lens because it is both faster and wider than the latter.

So this still raises our question: Why the S95 over the LX5 if both pocketable cameras can offer similar picture quality results especially when taken in low-light situations? It looks like it could boil down to the physical. And it appears that most find the physical qualities of the S95 more desirable than the LX5. 

This goes back to the reason many people avoid the DSLR camera: the size and weight. The S95 is both smaller and lighter than the LX5. Additionally, the LX5 has a detached lens cap, a fussy feature that most don’t have time for.

Since Jan. 2011, prices for the Panasonic LX5 have dropped about 20% since the cameras release, however, prices for the more popular Canon S95 have remained at either retail price or above retail price since its release.

Get the Canon PowerShot S95 Digital Camera >>>>

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Written by Allie Dee.

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