Canon Powershot SD100 Review

Click to take a QTVR tour of the SD100

The PowerShot SD100 is the world's smallest and lightest digital ELPH camera. The new PowerShot SD100, with its ultra-compact size and new white-platinum finish crafted in stainless steel, represents the ultimate in portability, durability and elegance. Now, more than ever, consumers can easily and securely carry their ELPH digital camera everywhere they go, and with 3.2 megapixels they are assured the highest quality images for making prints as large as 8.5x11-inches.

The size of the PowerShot SD100 was made possible through the process of miniaturization, beginning with its new optical lens design so small it can literally hide under a U.S. dime, to the extremely small built-in flash unit and new condensed battery. In addition, the PowerShot SD100 is the first Canon digital camera to exclusively record all images to a Secure Digital (SD) Memory card, allowing even further miniaturization of the camera for greater portability. And a new waterproof housing for the PowerShot SD100 even allows photographs to be taken up to 130 feet underwater.

The PowerShot SD100 Digital ELPH is approximately 15% smaller in volume and 8% lighter than the current PowerShot S230 model. The new SD100 offers the same high quality features and functions as the S230 including Canon's exclusive DIGIC Image Processor which helps achieve higher picture quality and improves existing camera features, most notably its ability to capture up to 3 minutes of video at resolutions up to 320 x 240, 30 seconds for 640 x 480 pixels. In addition, the new camera uses Canon's exclusive iSAPS technology to enhance the speed and performance of the camera's autofocus, auto exposure and auto white balance functions while a 9-point AiAF autofocus system makes focusing quick and easy, even with off-center subjects.

Three different sized prints from miniature stickers to wallets to 4x6-inch are possible with the new printers. The CP-300, with its optional battery pack and compact size, makes creating beautiful color prints fast and simple from wherever the photographs themselves are created. The combination of PowerShot SD100 and CP-300 takes the entire photographic process and puts it in your suitcase, or briefcase.

Powershot SD100 Features

• 3.2 Megapixel CCD imager for up to 2048x1536 pixel images
• 2x optical 35-70mm f/2.8-3.9 zoom
• 1.5" color LCD with up to 10x playback zoom
• Ultra-compact and durable stainless steel body (3.3 x 2.2 x 0.94 in.)
• Advanced TTL AiAF nine-point autofocus system
• Program AE automatic and Manual exposure modes
• Movie mode w/sound 640x480 30 secs/320x240 3 minutes
• 2.5fps Continuous exposure mode
• Evaluative metering on focus point or Spot
• Stitch Assist mode for perfect panoramas
• Exposure compensation: +/-2EV in 1/3-step increments
• White Balance: Auto, 5 presets or Custom
• Photo Effects: Low Sharpening, Vivid Color, Neutral, Sepia and B&W
• Low-light focus assist illuminator
• Shutter speeds of 15 seconds to 1/2000 second
• Auto noise reduction with 1.3 sec or longer shutter speeds
• Selectable ISO settings from 50 to 400
• Voice memo (up to 60 secs) can be attached to images
• Intelligent Orientation sensor
• Builtin microphone and speaker
• Lithium rechargeable battery and charger included
• Direct print to CP-100/200/300 and other Canon printers
• USB connectivity for PC and Mac
• Secure Digital (SD) card storage
• Optional Waterproof Case

Physical Views

The SD100 compared to a standard CD disc.

The ultra-compact Powershot SD100 and the Pentax Optio S

Powershot SD100 Specifications