Canon PowerShot S100 Review

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Review posted 12/7/2011

Quick Take
Pros
  • Solid metal Build
  • Awesome f/2.0 - f/5.9, 5x zoom lens
  • New 12-Megapixel sensor creates larger and still very impressive images
  • A slew of easy-to-use custom shooting settings
  • Full manual control with Neutral Density filter for unmatched control from a compact camera
  • Capable Smart Auto mode
  • Top-notch 3.0-inch LCD screen
  • Cool and handy control ring mounted around lens bezel
  • Outstanding high ISO performance for a camera of this size
  • Upgraded to full 1080p HD video capture
  • Cool in-camera HDR mode
  • Increased burst mode speeds over past 2 models
  • Added GPS capabilities
Cons
  • Noticeable aberrations in some sample images
  • Weaker flash (falls off very fast when using the zoom)
  • New features consume a lot of power and can be tough on the camera's battery
  • $430 price tag is not for everyone
Bottom Line
Once again Canon has improved on an already powerful and easy to use digicam. With a full set of upgraded hardware and outstanding quality, this is a wonderfully powerful camera with amazing quality. Read more in our Full Conclusion.
PowerShot_S100_silver_angle_1000x756.jpgReplacing last year's PowerShot S95, we have the Canon PowerShot S100.  While many of the features remain the same, the biggest changes here are the upgrade from a 10-megapixel CCD to a 12.1 megapixel CMOS sensor and the all new DIGIC 5 image processor. CMOS allows for full HD 1080p video recording and the DIGIC 5 is all about speed and quality imagery.  The S100 is capable of high speed bursts of up to 8 frames.  Also, Canon's built in HS SYSTEM works with the DIGIC 5 and the CMOS sensor to allow for cleaner and more accurate photographs, reportedly all the way up to ISO 6400.

Helping keep images free of blur is Canon's Intelligent IS (Image Stabilization).  The camera automatically chooses between six different modes (Normal, Macros, Panning, Dynamic, Powered, and Tripod).  The S100 also has the ability to shoot in either JPEG and/or RAW file formats.  And, the camera automatically collects latitude and longitude data with its built in GPS -- this data can be used for geo-tagging your pictures or with the included map utility software.

Canon Powershot S100 Features:
  • 12.1 megapixel CMOS
  • 3.0" LCD
  • Built-in GPS
  • 5x Wide Angle Opitcal Zoom (24-120mm)
  • Fast f/2.0 maximum aperture at wide angle
  • DIGIC 5 image processor
  • HS SYSTEM
  • Full 1080p HD video capture
  • High-speed Burst HQ
  • Intelligent IS
  • Low-light performance up to ISO 6400
  • HDMI out
  • New Rubber grip
  • Shoots in RAW
  • Li-ion battery pack (good for up to 200+ photos)
  • Memory card slot accepts SD/SDHC/SDXC type memory cards
  • Eye-Fi compliant
The Canon PowerShot S100 is available now with a MSRP of $429.99 USD; color choices include black and silver. See our buy box below for the most current online pricing at various retailers.

What's in the Box?:
  • PowerShot S100 Body (Black or Silver)
  • Battery Pack NB-5L
  • Battery Charger CB-2LX
  • Wrist Strap WS-DC11
  • USB Interface Cable IFC-400PCU
  • Digital Camera Solution CD-ROM

Additional Product Views:
PowerShot_S100_Black_angle_1000x729.jpg

Next: Specifications

Visitors of Steves can visit the stores below for real-time pricing and availability. You can also find hot, soon to expire online offers on a variety of cameras and accessories at our very own Camera Deals page.