Canon PowerShot SX100 IS: Review

Posted to Digital Cameras 2009-11-03

Canon PowerShot SX100 IS Review:

If you are looking for a compact digital camera that focuses more on quality than speed, then look no further than the Canon PowerShot SX100 IS. This bulky yet compact addition to the PowerShot series provides excellent 8-megapixel stills that are automatically enhanced by the integrated DIGIC III Image Processor. So no matter the weather or environment, you can be assured that every shot will turn out nearly perfect every time. The disadvantage to such superb quality is the downtime between shots, but if quality is your focus then time does no matter.

This model measures 4.28 x 2.81 x 1.84 inches and weighs a hefty 9.35 ounces. The Canon PowerShot SX100 IS is much more compact than similar digital cameras, but it is still a little bulky for quick shooting. This camera comes with built-in flash, 10x optical zoom, 4x digital zoom, and optical image stabilization to capture those best moments. It also has an automatic ISO range of up to 1600 and an autofocus lens with a shutter speed of 15-1/2500 sec. This is not a speed performance camera- users may find the unusually slow downtime between shots to be frustrating. But if speed is not too important to you, then by all means you will definitely want to consider the Canon PowerShot SX100 IS.

Rating:

3.6 out of 5

Quality

Over ninety percent of consumers who have purchased this camera have been satisfied, and there is no question why. The picture quality is superb, although warm-up and processing time between shots is slower than average. Shots have an equal quality at most zoom levels, but low-light stills are somewhat poor in quality. Pictures are supported by the DIGIC III Image Processor, which allows users to utilize automatic enhancements and it's 18 shooting modes. Despite a poor battery life, this camera can take a good number of 8-megapixel stills.

Value

Although you may find similar digital cameras for less than the Canon PowerShot SX100 IS, very few come with the quality and size that this model offers. It is very flexible and compatible, allowing high-quality pictures to be stored on either SD or MMC memory cards. The camera shoots recordable video and audio, in addition to stills. There is also a Print/Share button for easy use with your PictBridge-compatible device. Overall, first time camera operations are a breeze. The picture quality, combined with user-friendliness, makes this model valuable to most users.

Summary

Although the Canon PowerShot SX100 IS is a little bulky for a compact digital camera, it is still a great accessory to take on trips and family events. If you need a high-quality camera that features great enhancements (including face detection), then this is definitely the one to consider. The SX100 IS is not flawless, however, as it lacks speed and battery life. If those negatives don't bother you so much, then by all means, give this Canon a try.

Pros

Great quality- shoots breathtaking 8 megapixel stills
Versatile- shots up to ISO 1600 at 10x optical/4x digital zoom

Cons

Compact- a little on the bulky side
Needs power- short battery life
Slow- image processing and warm-up time frustrate