DP Review posted some samples from a production canon G11, with a few high iso shots. The iso 1600 shots look usable, unlike the g10.
Even the 3200 shots aren't that scary.
From this initial look, it seems like it was a good decision to drop the res in favor of image quality.

I saw those samples, and I too, am impressed. there are some things you can't do with a big-honkin' DSLR. The little G11 looks like a REAL DSLR replacement in a small package. there will still be issues with responsiveness, and the resolution isn't that high, and it's focus control is still slowish, but for a pcket cam, that thing looks FANTASTIC. The S90 seems to match the quality in an even smaller size.

I think maybe my G9 is developing some dead pixels...actually, it really has started to show some problems at highish ISOs (800 or so). It puts a thin blue vertical line in the mid-right section of the image. Oh Darn! Now which one, G11 or S90? The G11 supports underwater enclosures and would be an excellent camera for diving and use around water.

The S90 has a Canon u/w housing as well.

I wonder how its flash would do underwater?

Poorly, I would imagine ... but it will serve as a nice master for optically-triggered TTL strobes ... like the Inon S-2000s ...

Underwater, the G9/G10 internal strobe was only good for small subjects within about 10-12 inches of the port.

this guy is the GOD EMPEROR of using the G9 internal strobe underwater ...

http://www.flickr.com/photos/brianmayes/

Do you mean to say that he is using the G9 flash for these underwater shots. If the G9 can do that, the G11 will be fantastic.

yes ... and yes!!!