This book, a complete guide to the operation and features of the Canon PowerShot S95, is a follow-up to the author's earlier guides to advanced compact digital cameras, including the Leica D-Lux 4 and D-Lux 5, and the Panasonic Lumix LX3 and LX5. The new book, like the earlier ones, explains all operations, features, menus, and controls of the camera in clear language, providing guidance not only about how to accomplish things with the camera, but when and why to use certain features. The book does not assume any specialized knowledge by the reader, but adopts a patient and helpful tone in explaining topics such as autofocus, manual focus, depth of field, aperture priority, shutter priority, HDR (High Dynamic Range) photography, and RAW files.

The book's more than 170 color photographs provide illustrations of the camera's controls and menus, and also include examples of the various types of photographs that can be taken using the many creative settings of the camera, including the My Colors settings, which let the photographer alter the color processing of images; the Scene mode, with settings that are optimized for various subjects, including landscapes, portraits, and underwater shots; and special features such as the Smart Shutter and Miniature Effect options.

In addition, the book goes beyond the realm of everyday photography, and provides introductions to more advanced topics such as infrared photography, street photography, macro photography and creating 3D (three-dimensional) images that can be viewed with conventional red and blue 3D glasses.

The book also includes a full discussion of the video recording abilities of the PowerShot S95, which can record high-definition (HD) video with stereo sound.

In three appendices, the book provides information about accessories available for the camera, sets forth a list of useful web sites and other resources for further information, and includes a section with helpful "quick tips" that give particular insights into how to take advantage of the camera's advanced features in the most efficient ways possible.

The book includes a detailed Table of Contents and a full Index, so the reader can quickly find needed information about any particular feature or aspect of the camera.