Canon Powershot SD1100 IS Review



Features & Controls
The SD1100 IS features a 3x (38-114mm in the 35mm format) f/2.8-4.9 all-glass aspherical zoom lens. When powered down, the lens is retracted inside of the body and a built in shutter closes to protect the lens. With Canon's Optical Image Stabilization technology (OIS), users have the flexibility of actually shooting at shutter speeds 2-3 stops lower than would otherwise be possible. This camera features multi-mode Image Stabilization - users can choose between Continuous IS (always active), Panning IS (active when vertical camera shake is detected) and a "Shoot Only" IS mode (active when the shutter is pressed all the way.)
An advanced TTL AiAF 9-point autofocus system permits the camera to automatically select the primary
subject even when off-center. Focusing range is 1.0 ft. (30cm) to infinity in normal mode and macro
coverage is 1.2 in.- 1.6 ft./3-50cm. The autofocus is light-assisted and works properly even in the dark.
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The built in flash offers Auto, Red-eye Reduction, Auto Red-eye Correction, Flash On, Flash Off (FE lock,
Slow Synchro). Flash range is 12 in. - 11 ft./30cm - 3.5m (Wide angle), 12 in. - 6.6 ft./30cm - 2.0m
(Telephoto) when sensitivity is set to ISO Auto. The focus-assist lamp also serves as the red-eye
reduction lamp.
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The optional HF-DC1 external flash can be used with the SD1100 IS to double the flash range
of the built-in flash.
Compact and elegantly designed, the High-Power Flash HF-DC1 complements your PowerShot perfectly and
requires no accessory shoe. With a strong light output and wide angular field, it delivers proper
illumination up to approximately 23 feet at ISO 100, f2.8. The flash fires in synchronization with the main
flash, and output is adjusted accurately and automatically.
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You can frame your pictures with the color LCD or to save precious battery power you
can use the optical eye-level finder. This is a coupled viewfinder with approx. 80-85%
coverage. It has no dioptric adjustment. Next to the finder are two LEDs
that indicate the flash and focus status.
![]() On the back is a large 2.5-inch "PureColor LCD II" monitor which can be used for framing, review and changing settings. Advanced features include new multi-level coating that reduces glare, a protective layer which resists scratches, smudges and fingerprints as well as a "Quick-bright" function which switches the brightness to the highest setting by pressing the DISP button for 1 second. When shooting in dark lighting, the LCD is automatically brightened to make it easier to frame and focus on the subject.
Controls on the back: Mode Switch with positions for Camera, Move and Play. The Print/Share button allows
you to easily print and transfer images to your computer (Windows users only). The 4-way controller lets
you navigate menus and select images during playback. In record mode you press "Up" to change ISO
sensitivity (rotate in playback), press "Right" to change flash modes, press "Down" to change the drive
mode (image delete in playback) and press "Left" to change the focus mode. In the center is the FUNC./SET
button, which accepts menu selections as well as gives you access to the Function shortcut menu. The DISP
button turns the color LCD on/off and controls the amount of data displayed on it. The MENU button calls up
and dismisses the menus. At the top left you can also see the built-in speaker.
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On top you can see the power On/Off button and the shutter release button with
the zoom controls mounted around it. The zoom lens control also functions as the magnify and
index buttons in playback mode.
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The AV Out handles the monaural audio and video signal which can be connected to your TV
set with the supplied cables. The high-speed USB 2.0 port for image and movie download.
The USB port can also be used for direct printing to any
PictBridge compatible photo printer.
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The Powershot SD1100 IS is equipped with a card slot that supports use of SD, SDHC, MMC, MMC+ or HC (High
Capacity) MMC+ cards, and comes with a 32MB SD. Shown here with a OCZ 4GB Class 6 SDHC card - see the
tables below for the approximate storage capacity.
Approximate Storage Capacities![]() ![]() ![]()
The SD1100 IS comes with a Canon NB-4L 3.7v 760mAh lithium rechargeable battery pack. Canon claims the
NB-4L can power the SD1100 for up to 240 shots or 360 min. of continuous playback on a single charge (using
CIPA Standard.) The supplied rapid charger plugs directly in the wall socket and charges the battery "out
of the camera" which is very handy if you have a second battery (highly recommended!) The normal
charging time is approx. 90 minutes.
Battery Life![]() ![]() The optional Waterproof Case WP-DC22 (WP-DC5 shown above) allows you to take the SD1100 IS underwater up to a depth of 40 meters (~130 feet). It is also ideal for using your camera in any weather condition, at the beach or on the ski slopes. |
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