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I am interested in buying a compact camera with the feel of an SLR but small enough to fit in my bag instead of carrying my canon 550d around, I am considering the canon s95 or Olympus pen e-pl1 (half price at the moment)
what would be a better option?
I don't know about the Pen. I own a Canon 5D II and a 1D II and have had a few compacts in the past all were rubbish. I'm pretty fussy. I'm mega impressed with the S95. You would not be disappointed with that little camera. It is so small and slim and it is phenomenal.
I had a similar problem a while ago, but for me it came down between the S95 and the G12. I went for the G12 in the end and I love it. The slightly bulkier body and the easy access controls make it a real joy to use - the image quality is outstanding too. Given the S95 is the same camera within a different shell and with different user controls I doubt you'll be dissappointed.
I have to say though that you 2 choices are poles apart in so many ways. Personally, I wouldn't describe the PEN as a compact in anyway...
Adam
I think for me, the LX5 was the best "compromise" between the cameras - the smallest with flash hotshoe, better battery life than the S95, and still pocketable (just). With the Pen I found that I could pocket them if I put the lens in one pocket and the camera in another, but I didn't like the idea of taking the lens off all the time. Battery life on the LX5 is also better than the S95, but it depends what you want really. If size is a priority and you need to put your jeans pocket then the S95 is the smallest.
This might help?
http://www.ephotozine.com/article/panasonic-lx5-vs-canon-s95-vs-nikon-p300-15928
Josh raises another good camera into the mix. For me the LX5 was just non intutive - I found the canon models much easier to get my head around - perhaps as I'm a canon dslr user. Just goes to show the importance of having a bloody good play with each option in a store before you buy.
Quote: Yes you should shortlist the G12, especially as you intend carrying the camera in your handbag
The G12 is not going to have a size advantage, its a no brainer the EPL1 is far better and cheaper at £299 and includes a free spare battery.
http://www.warehouseexpress.com/buy-olympus-e-pl1-black-digital-camera-plus-14-4...
Quote: The G12 is not going to have a size advantage
Huh? I'm simply saying that someone considering Canon's S95 (like the OP) should also consider the G12 (virtually the same camera but more SLR-like than the S95)
Quote: I am interested in buying a compact camera with the feel of an SLR but small enough to fit in my bag instead of carrying my canon 550d around
There's not that much in it sizewise
Pen 114.6 x 72.2 x 41.5mm Weight (g) 296
G12 112.1 x 76.2 x 48.3mm Weight (g) 355
S95 100 x 58 x 30 mm Weight (g) 193
The deals on m4/3 are very good at the moment, the epl1 is about 30 quid cheaper than an s95 and about a 100 quid cheaper than a g12 and there`s not a huge difference in size or weight.
EPL1
Size 114.6 x 72.2 x 41.5mm
Weight (g) 296 (without battery and lens)
G12
Size 112.1 x 76.2 x 48.3mm
Weight (g) 355 (without battery)
The S95 is a camera that will truly fit OK in your shirt pocket, the G12 is more for large trouser posckets or (preferably) a jacket pocket. The PEN may be comparable in size as long as you don't put a lens on it. The pancake lenses will not add much but the zooms do.
You have to decide what you want - the Pen (or the Lumix G series) give a great quality 'SLR type' camera without the bulk of a camera like the 5D, whereas the s95 is designed to be a pocketable compact.
Quote: The PEN may be comparable in size as long as you don't put a lens on it. The pancake lenses will not add much but the zooms do
Lol, it just goes to show.
The pen lenses including the zoom kit lens is tiny 
Quote: The pen lenses including the zoom kit lens is tiny
Agreed.
Funnily enough, I was trying out a friend's Pen yesterday which was fitted with a small zoom.
Once it was switched off and everything stored away, it fitted in the pocket of my (average sized) jeans easily.
Quote: Once it was switched off and everything stored away, it fitted in the pocket of my (average sized) jeans easily
The new lenses are collapsable, a clever idea that works well.
The video is pretty good as well.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fnZjvFbm42w&feature=relmfu
http://www.imdb.com/video/imdb/vi2618427161
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