The Canon PowerShot S95 compact digital camera was launched pretty much in the same time-frame as the IXUS 1000 HS we've talked about earlier, so it should come as no surprise that we've also been able to take it for a very quick spin, getting the chance to experience live its low-light shooting features and enhanced manual control options.

A successor to the PowerShot S90, the new model offers improved handling, greater levels of manual control, HD movie capabilities, the HS System and Hybrid IS, all of which work very well together in order to provide users with good quality shots in just about any conditions, including those when the amount of available light is far from OK.

Following in the footsteps of its predecessors, the new camera also sports an improved lens Control Ring, enables the adjustment of various shooting settings such as ISO (in 1/3 stop increments), shutter speed, aperture, focus and exposure compensation – providing a satisfying and tactile experience.

The finishing is also worth mentioning, the material making up the outer layer of the case being identical to that used in the company's high-end DSLR cameras (the EOS 7D, to be precise).

Offering even higher levels of customization, the PowerShot S95 features a custom setting that allows the user to pre-set the function of both the lens Control Ring and the rear Multi-Control Dial in various shooting modes.

A dedicated shortcut button can also be configured to provide instant access to pre-selected functions, offering the photographer easy access to settings during shooting.

The handling of the Multi-Control Dial has also been redesigned following feedback from owners of the preceding model.

The dial now features a more pronounced ‘click’ mechanism, preventing any unintentional changes to settings.

Furthermore, the positioning of the ‘Ring Func.’ and ‘On/Off’ buttons has been revised, providing greater all-round operation in everyday use.

The device also sports a bright, f/2.0, 28mm wide-angle lens that features 3.8x optical zoom, and, as mentioned before, Canon’s HS System, which is a combination of a high-sensitivity 10.0 Megapixel CCD sensor and powerful DIGIC 4 processing, offering an impressive level of low light performance.

The HS System enables the camera to support a maximum ISO of 3200 at full resolution and works to reduce the occurrence of noise at all ISO speeds for high quality images.

Users can also set their own parameters in Auto ISO mode, with the ability to limit the maximum ISO speed they want to employ during shooting.

Other important features worth mentioning include the 720p HD 24fps movie recording with stereo sound, as well as the Auto HDR function, which make the PowerShot S95 quite a serious performer, despite of its small form factor.