If you need a solid, reliable, and stylish point-and-shoot ultracompact digital camera that produces high-quality images, then the new Canon PowerShot SD1100IS may be right for you.I am an advanced amateur photographer and own 2 Canon digital cameras (G2 and 20D). Both have served me well over the years but recently I have found myself needing a decent ultracompact camera that I can easily carry with me at all times for unexpected photo-ops.
Other current Canon models that I also researched before my purchase of the "bohemian brown" SD1100IS included the SD950IS and the SD1000.
Here is my take on the SD1100IS:
Strengths:
8MP CCD sensor with DigicIII processor (excellent resolution images with good dynamic range)
Solid construction (most of body made of anodized aluminum)
Feels sturdy and well-balanced in the hands
Easy to use (logical user-interface) with minimal need to consult owner's manual for basic operation
Multiple shooting modes to fit variety of situations (action/sports mode is a glaring omission but read section below to see possibly why)
Advanced metering system with accurately exposed pics in even "tricky" situations (great balance of highlights and shadows)
Tack-sharp images (much more so with sufficient lighting and use of built-in flash)
Macro mode can result in stunning close-ups with outstanding level of detail
Optical IS feature helpful when shooting in either low-light conditions with flash off or at telephoto lengths
Fast start-up with acceptable shutter-lag (when not using flash)
Bright 2.5" LCD monitor (100% coverage, 230k pixels) made of polycrystalline silicon; fairly scratch-resistant (can't vouch if this applies to keys and coins)
Optical viewfinder (though only a tiny peephole, it is essential when LCD glare and washout become an issue shooting in bright sunlight or when LCD cannot be used as battery power is nearly depleted)
Camera made in Japan (at least those from the 1st shipment; this easily may be subject to change)
Limitations:
Lack of manual control over aperture, shutter speed, and focusing (for the obssessive control-freaks)
Noise is noticeable beginning at ISO 400 (ISO 800 still useable but probably for only 4x6 images; ISO 1600 mostly unuseable)
Fastest shutter speed is 1/1500 sec (not fast enough to stop action for some sporting activities)
Auto-focus speed inadequate to follow fast-moving subjects
Shutter-lag accentuated with flash on (precious Canon moments lost while waiting for flash to recharge)
Cannot adjust focus or optical zoom while shooting in movie mode (focus is fixed for distance selected at first frame, and digital zoom is permitted instead, resulting in significant image quality deterioration)
Battery/memory card cover and hinge made of plastic (no safety latch that needs to be de-activated first before sliding cover out, in order to prevent accidental opening)
Minor vignetting and chromatic aberration (albeit, difficult not to expect from compact p&s)
Pincushion and barrel distortion at the extremes of the focal lengths
No RAW shooting mode
Battery power in camera mode with LCD monitor on is mostly as advertised, allowing for approximately 240 images. If your budget permits, I recommend investing in a few spare batteries as backups and replacing the supplied 32MB memory card with a pair of 4GB SDHC memory cards--vital purchases if you plan to use the movie mode frequently.
Overall Impression:
Even with some serious limitations inherent to virtually all digital cameras in this class, I am recommending the Canon PowerShot SD1100IS. It does what it's supposed to do. This camera allows one to take beautiful photographs in an ultracompact, reliable, and elegant device that is both easy and fun to use.
[UPDATE: Since this review, Canon has recently announced 3 new ELPH models that will be released soon....in time for Grad & Dad's Day: the PowerShot SD770IS, SD790IS, and SD890IS. All are redesigned 10MP digital cameras with Optical Image Stabilizer. The saga of the MP race continues. If the same sensor is found in these units as their predecessors and without improving the noise reduction technology, then adding a few more MP can potentially result in noisier images. We'll have to wait and see. The most intriguing of the bunch appears to be the SD790IS, which replaces the SD750 by adding the very useful Optical IS feature and showcasing flat control buttons. Hopefully, the QC has been remedied on this unit as many consumers experienced the dreaded "lens error" nightmare. The SD890IS replaces the SD850IS and may appeal to vacationers and wildlifers needing more reach at the telephoto end. The SD770IS seems a bit curious as it may be in direct competition with the new SD1100IS (which is the natural successor to the wildly popular SD1000); it has 2 additional MP but the feature set appears at first glance to be nearly identical to the less expensive SD1100IS. I would've preferred to have seen upgrades to the SD870IS and the SD950IS, but those will be rolled out undoubtedly later this year....conveniently before the Holidays.
SD770IS: 10MP, 3X Optical zoom (35-105mm), 2.5" LCD monitor, Optical viewfinder, ISO 1600, MSRP $299.99.
SD790IS: 10MP, 3X Optical zoom (35-105mm), 3" LCD monitor, no Optical viewfinder, ISO 1600, MSRP $349.99.
SD890IS: 10MP, 5X Optical zoom (37-185mm), 2.5" LCD monitor, Optical viewfinder, ISO 1600, MSRP $399.99.]
Here's my breakdown of the ten bestselling Digital Elph models. Any of the first six are superb choices:
1ST PLACE: SD1100 IS (The camera on this page)
An update to the SD1000 (see below), this 2008 8MP beauty adds image stabilization, a slightly longer zoom (38-114 mm), another MP of photo size and a small indent on the right side for a better grip. Plus it comes in colors! My daughter has a blue one and uses it every single day. During school days the image stabilization made a real difference in her on-the-bus shots. With that heavy of use hers has gotten scratched up a bit, but the marks are small and hardly noticeable.
2ND PLACE: SD870 IS
The ELPH to buy if you want a wide-angle lens. Slightly thicker than the SD1100 IS, this 8MP model doesn't have an optical viewfinder which makes it tough to use in bright sunlight, otherwise there's little not to love. My husband uses one as a comp camera, to compose shots for the travel guide "The Complete Guide to Walt Disney World."
3RD PLACE: SD770 IS
Just released in May, this 10 MP model is, in a way, an update of the SD1100 IS (see above). I rate it lower because it has a plastic body and doesn't come in colors. On the other hand, it has a longer battery life than the 1100 and features an improved LCD screen that is very easy to view. As for photo quality, I can't tell the difference.
4TH PLACE: SD950 IS
There's a lot to like in this 12.1 MP camera. First off, it's gorgeous. The body, though a little thick, is titanium. An upgrade to the SD850 IS (see below), it has a 3.7x zoom lens and adds manual controls as well as the ability to stitch together panoramic images. The only reason I don't rate it higher is the price.
5TH PLACE: SD890 IS
Want a long zoom lens? Here's your baby, a 10 MP model with a 5x zoom. Also has the new bright LCD screen and all the other 2008 Canon goodies. The most expensive Canon PowerShot ELPH.
6TH PLACE: SD790 IS
With the same 10 MP image sensor and 3x zoom lens as the SD770 IS, this new model stands out only for its larger 3-inch LCD display and, as a result, lack of optical viewfinder. The rear controls are different, too, with a flatter design that uses fewer buttons.
7TH PLACE: SD1000
In my opinion there's no reason to buy this 7.1 MP model. Released in 2007, it's been replaced by the SD1100 IS (see above). The SD1000 is a fine camera but it doesn't have image stabilization, a key feature of the 2008 lineup.
8TH PLACE: SD850 IS
The ancestor to the SD890 IS, this 8 MP Elph combines a 4x zoom and 8 MP photo size with an image stabilizer. Every button, dial and switch has a quality feel. Slighter larger than the other models here, it is a little tougher to pop in and out of your pocket, but if you have larger hands it may be just what you are looking for.
9TH PLACE: SD800 IS
This 7.1 MP predecessor to the 870 doesn't focus well at its edges when set at its widest angle. Still, it's good training for someone who wants to compose like a pro.
10TH PLACE: SD750
The 2007 PowerShot flagship offers a light meter that adjusts for facial brightness, 17 shooting modes, some first-rate movie features and red-eye correction -features that were innovative a year ago but are common in Canon's 2008 models. No image stabilization; no optical viewfinder.
Buy Canon PowerShot SD1100IS 8MP Digital Camera with 3x Optical Image Stabilized Zoom (Blue) Now
I have been using a Powershot I2 IS for the last 3 years. Very good camera with a fantastic 12X Zoom. However, I wanted a camera to carry in my pocket. So many times I just didn't feel like dragging a large camera with me to various parties or events. This camera fills the bill. I carry it everywhere.The pictures it produces are stunning. The 8MP 3X zoom produces a picture that you can crop to the point that you get almost the same picture as you would have with the 5MP 12X zoom lense (my opinion). The movie feature is wonderful too, even better than the I2 IS.
The camera feels great in your hand with a solid, quality feeling. If you have used Canon cameras before the menus are very intuitive. I would not have purchased this camera (or any camera for that matter) if it did not have the Image Stabilization feature. This is especially a must as you get older.
By the way there is an advantage to the Brown color: If you have to use the optical view finder outside, the camera itself produces minimum glare for you eye to see more clearly through the small opening. The color also makes the LCD playback pop. And as a bonus, it really gives the camera a luxury look, you have to see it in person to appreciate the color.
I recently took it to a monthly card party and everyone went wild over it. So much so that one person sat right down at the computer and ordered one! If you want a sub-compact, pocketable camera that takes great pictures, I highly recommend the Canon SD1100IS.First about the SD1100 and later in the review, a comparison between Canon SD series cameras.
The former Canon PowerShot SD1000 7.1MP Digital Elph Camera with 3x Optical Zoom (Silver) was the perfect tiny camera that you could slip into your shirt pocket and bring out at a moment's notice and begin clicking away. No wonder it has been Canon's top selling model! It was almost perfect except it did not have image stabilization like some other Canon cameras. And now with the SD1100IS Canon has added it's motion detection technology to this tiny camera which will make your shots less blurry, especially in low light.
Other enhancement over SD1000 is a slightly rounded styling which feels more comfortable in the hand and gives you a better grip. You can also choose from fun colors Bohemian brown anyone?
I have several Canon cameras and I use them regularly, but once again the SD1100 gets a lot of use as it's easy to carry in your tighter jean pocket/shirt pocket.
What else is nice about the SD1100 IS?
Basic picture taking:
It takes excellent outdoor shots and has a satisfactory low light performance for its size. The face detection and auto white balance in the frame help expose faces correctly. It has a viewfinder in case the sun is too bright and an anti-reflective 2.5" screen. You can also use your high capacity SD cards in this baby.
Creative features:
With this camera you can get creative with "My Colors" features. The Color Accent mode where you keep any one color in the picture while the rest is black and white helped frame a blue sky, blue sea and blue jeans in a b/w group shot. Cool! There are options to swap colors and also take b/w or sepia pics. Read the manual and you'll discover even more fun features.
The Scene modes are tried and tested and help you take the best picture. I love "foliage" which brings out the greens or autumn colors. "Fireworks" freezes the bursts of firecrackers in the sky in perfect spheres. "Aquarium" helped me take wonderful shots of fish, before this mode all I got was my flash reflecting on the glass of the tank. The others modes indoor, beach, snow, kids/pets have been useful too.
Making videos:
The video mode takes movies in 3 different sizes and it has a time lapse video function. You can set the camera to record at intervals. I used it to capture sun's ascent from sunrise to mid morning and the video looks fabulous. You can even use the creative colors modes while taking video. The image stabilization helps in the video mode eliminating jerky shots.
The bottom line? This is a great camera it's take-along-everywhere tiny, it's got a ton of creative features and takes great pictures, it also comes in fun colors. It's the one to get!
EXTRA READING FOR THOSE WHO ARE STILL NOT SURE...
If you want the perfect balance between image quality, features, size, layout and last but not the least the price, here is my 2 cents worth. (I own 4 SD cameras and have done some research using all of these for the same picture at the same location.)
Image Quality: Top slot goes to the cameras in the 800/900 series. The image quality of SD1100 is a notch below.
Layout and controls: The controls are better on the 800/900/700 series compared to SD1100 as you have a separate instant replay button which is very useful to switch between shoot and replay mode. I LOVE this feature as it saves me a lot of time while shooting. It's so much better than the rubber slider on this 1100 model.
Screen size: This camera has a 2.5" screen with a viewfinder while some other models offer 3 inch screen but are missing the viewfinder. I prefer the larger screen as the extra .5" makes composing shots much easier. I have NEVER missed the viewfinder yet, even in bright sunlight.
Camera Size: SD1100 is the winner here as it's the tiniest. The SD750/770/790 are almost as compact but 800s/900s are bigger.
If picture quality is important for you go for the 800/900 series. If smaller size, with nice picture taking capability is important look at the 700 series. If you want the tiniest, convenient camera which takes pretty good shots at a bargain price go for this SD1100.
Note: For some additional thoughts click on the comments.Canon PowerShot SD1100IS 8MP Digital Camera with 3x Optical Image Stabilized Zoom (Brown)
I own and am a huge fan of the Canon Digital Rebel SLR and think that it takes great pictures. Unfortunately, there are times when a larger camera with all of it's accessories and lenses can be prohibitive. In preparation for an upcomming event where I would be a participant as well as spectator, I realized that I would be unable to carry around my Rebel.
So, I spent several days reading different reviews before deciding on the Canon PowerShot SD 1100. I must stress that the fact that I already owned a Canon played no part in my decision. I did not settle on the SD 1100 out of brand loyalty. I must have read more than 30 or 40 different "professional" reviews of various cameras before picking this one.
I have only had this camera for a couple of days, and haven't yet used it at the event for which it was purchased, but I must say that I am extremely pleased with this camera. The most common negative comment in reviews of this camera is that it does not offer a wide variety of manual settings. I have to agree that if you are looking for a camera to launch your career as a professional photographer, this may not be the best choice for you.
The camera is ultra compact without feeling cheap. It is well designed, well made, full featured, takes great photos under a variety of conditions and exceeds all of my expectations for a more "portable" alternative to my full sized SLR. I cannot think of a single negative thing to say about this camera and I cannot imagine why somebody wouldn't be extremely happy with this purchase.
I also recommend buying the case advertised as an accessory for this model as it has a belt loop that allows you to carry it safely and securely on your belt instead of in your pocket.
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