Overview
The Canon Powershot SX100 IS is a super zoom digital camera. It has 8 megapixels and a 10x optical zoom lens. Where the Powershot SX100 IS differs from many other similar cameras is that it is smaller in size. Despite this it still has a good range of features, including manual exposure. I can see this camera appealing to someone who enjoys photography and is interested in learning about the subject without wishing to become an expert.
Main Features
Megapixels:
Zoom:
LCD Screen:
Dimensions:
Weight:
8
10x
2.5 inches
108.7 x 71.4 x 46.7m
266g
Macro:
HD Movies:
Manual Controls:
Batteries:
Memory Cards:
1cm
No
Yes
AA
SD/SDHC
Image Quality - See Sample Images Below
Outdoor Scenic Shots in Good Light
Taking into account the time of the year The Powershot SX100 IS gets off to a good start. The photo was taken on a cold day and so it is understandable that you do not see the same warm blue colour in the sky that cameras I tested during spring and summer managed to produce. With the sun low in the sky sun glare also presents a problem. This camera handles it well enough.
The most impressive feature of the photo is the sharpness levels. They are someway above average, suggesting that the SX100 IS will produce crisp photos with plenty of definition.
With the lens zoomed right out this test is where many cameras produce a very softly focused photo. The Powershot SX100 IS does well. It is only at the most distant points where focusing starts to break down. I also like the vivid colours in the sky.
Digital cameras with longer zoom lenses suffer from purple fringing. This is where a purple line is added to light coloured objects when the zoom is fully or nearly fully extended. The Powershot SX100 IS copes fairly well with the problem, although some fringing is still evident. Sharpness levels are above average once again.
Portraits
With a built in face detection setting the camera has no problem producing sharply focused portraits. The photo was taken on a cloudy day, so I used the white balance setting of cloudy to add some extra colour.
With the flash unit popping up away from the camera the chance of red eye is reduced. In fact in my test shot there was not any showing at all. The picture is once again noticeably sharper than many cameras manage. There is also plenty of light in the photo. The fact that the light is evenly distributed suggests a powerful flash unit.
This is one of the best examples of my indoor portrait without flash so far. It is a relatively new test, but the Powershot SX100 IS produces a photo that is sharper and lighter than most cameras I have tested managed. This means that as long as the light is not too low you do have an alternative to using the flash.
Macro, Colours and Noise
Canon digital cameras take some of the best close up shots. The Powershot SX100 IS continues this trend with a sharp and bright photo.
I like the colours that have been produced in my test shots. They are strong enough for my taste, but do not overpower each photo.
Although noise does show in the photo the quality of my test shot is better than I am used to seeing. As shown in the indoor portrait without flash the camera is capable of performing well when the light is not perfect.
At this level picture quality is seriously on the wane. I would suggest this setting should only be used in an emergency.
Summary
My set of test photos is some way above average. As with other Canon digital cameras it is the sharpness of the images that really catches my eye. The camera also performed well indoors.
Style
The Powershot SX100 IS is more compact than many super zoom digital cameras. It is still too large to fit into a pocket, but does provide an alternative to larger super zooms. With a grip on the front it is a little like a small SLR camera. It is available in silver and black.
Shutter Lag Times
Single Shot
Five Shots
Single Shot With Flash
Five Shots With Flash
0.33 seconds
7.72 seconds
1.98 seconds
22.53 seconds
Ease of Use
With manual controls and a decent range of features the Powershot S100 IS is unsurprisingly not as easy to use as a more standard model. It does have a fully automatic mode. This can be used as you get to know the camera.
Points I Like
Picture quality - features - indoor photos - picture sharpness
Where it Could Improve
Shutter lag with flash - build quality - no viewfinder
Verdict
The Canon Powershot SX100 IS is a winner, although I do have concerns about shutter lag when the flash unit is on. The all important picture quality is very good, as I would expect from a Canon digital camera. The camera also has a good set of features.
Product Shots
Front View
Back View
Top View
Sample Menus
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Related Pages
Canon Powershot SX100 IS Review Canon Powershot SX100 IS Specification Canon Powershot SX100 IS Sample Images Canon Powershot SX100 IS Features
Review Date
November 2007
