s95 vs. sx230

I'm trying to decide which would better suit my needs. I'll be using it mostly for landscape/vacation shots, but I'll most likely have it within arms reach at all times. I like the zoom of the sx230, but everything else is pointing me towards the s95. Can you help me decide? Thanks!

You really can't go wrong with each.

It depends on what's more important to you: Low light shots (s95 wins) or zooming in (way in, and the 230 wins that by a mile).

Personally, I think they're both great cameras, but I'd rather the 95.

How bad is the 230 in low light situations? I've been drooling over the examples in the s95 image thread, and I'm amazed at the quality.

There are two major differences between the SX230 and the S95 in terms of low light performance.
The first is the size of their sensor - the S95's is a 1/1.7" and the SX230's is a 1/2.3" - that has a direct effect on how noisy images are at high ISO's.
The other aspect is the maximum aperture setting (at wide angle). The S95 has an extra wide f/2.0 aperture which lets more than twice more light through the lens compared to the SX230's f/3.1 aperture.
So - the difference is about two stops. That's a huge difference, and I didn't even mention RAW.
Like Mike wrote above - it comes down to your preferences - image quality VS. zoom + GPS, etc.

-eyalg

I've owned the S90, G11 and Samsung TL500. I think the IQ difference with those "high end" P&S options is more theoretical than practical. You certainly can set up shots that make that difference stand out, but in the real world I much prefer the versatility of something like the SX230, which I currently own and plan to keep. Trading off maybe 5% IQ for lots more zoom, better video and other features works for me.

That is probably true for me because I view this as a snapshot camera. if you are going to be more obsessive about results something like S95, that shoots RAW, certainly makes more sense.

I would take the S95 over just about anything in that size. In fact, I did!

Vote off the sx220 here as a travel compact the 3x zoom is just to small.. Yes the s95 is amazing but if u need the zoom u can't have it!

Others have stated both options well.
Frankly, I have 2 cameras and wouldn't give up either. (My choices--Pany ZS3 (wide to long zoom) and Pany LX5, for larger sensor, and f/2 lens at wide angle).
I regret not buying the S95 and Franiec grip instead of the LX5...
Best,