- 3.2 megapixel resolution produces prints up to 11 x 14 inches
- World’s smallest retractable 2x optical zoom lens with 3.2x digital zoom
- Smallest digital Elph yet; captures video clips with sound up to 3 minutes
- Included 16 MB Secure Digital (SD) card
- Powered by rechargeable lithium-ion battery; connects with Macs and PCs via USB port
Product Description
With the PowerShot SD100, you’ve got the best of both worlds – the compact size and high style of the Digital ELPH series plus the higher resolution of a 3.2 Megapixel camera. It’s the combination you’ve been looking for!PowerShot SD100 is the very first Digital ELPH to offer compatibility with SD technology. You’ll experience expanded capacity and high-speed writing from a memory card that’s the size of a postage stamp. With 3.2 megapixels of imaging power, your pictures will impress you and everyone else with their clarity, depth and brilliant color. The genuine Canon optical zoom lens and seamlessly integrated digital zoom give you the power to close in on the shot you want every time. The camera’s Wide Area 9-point AiAF system gives you the freedom to place your subject anywhere in the frame, confident that it will be accurately, automatically focused every time. Record movie clips up to 3 minutes long, then play them back right away. Clips up to 30 seconds long can be recorded with spectacular 640 x 480 VGA quality. Photo Effects including Vivid, Neutral, Low Sharpening, Sepia and Black and White give you easy, high-impact creative control over your photography. Whether they were taken horizontally or vertically, your images will show up correctly oriented in playback mode and on your computer.Amazon.com Product Description
With the Canon PowerShot SD100, you’ve got the best of both worlds–the compact size and high style of the Digital ELPH series plus the higher resolution of a 3.2-megapixel camera. The PowerShot SD100 also features a 2x digital zoom, 9-point artificial intelligence autofocus (AiAF) for accurate, automatic focus, and movie mode with sound.
Optics and Resolution
The PowerShot SD100 offers a 3.2-megapixel CCD sensor that produces images up to 2048 x 1536 pixels for photo-quality 8 x 10 inch prints or medium-quality 11 x 14 enlargements. Other resolution modes include 1600 x 1200, 1024 x 768, and 640 x 480. The 2x zoom lens has a focal length of 5.4-10.8mm (equivalent to 35-70mm in 35mm photography). It also incorporates a 3.2x digital zoom for a total 6.4x zoom. The PowerShot SD100 also features Canon’s nine-point AiAF system for focusing accuracy, shutter speeds of 15 to 1/1,500 second, and fast sequence shooting at a rate of 2.2 frames per second (fps).
Movie Mode
In addition to taking still photos, the SD100 can also record up to 3 minutes of video with sound. It has three resolution settings: 640 x 480 (VGA), 320 x 240, and 160 x 120. You can record for up to 30 seconds per clip at 640 x 480, or 3 minutes at the lower resolutions. Note that you cannot use the optical zoom when in movie mode. The included 16 MB memory card can hold 13 seconds of video at the highest setting.
More Features
The SD100 starts up quickly, taking under 2.5 seconds to extend the lens and prepare for shooting. The built-in flash has auto, red-eye reduction, on/of, and slow sync modes and has an approximate 10-second recycle time.
Canon’s DIGIC (DIGital Imaging Core) processor ensures excellent color rendition and white balance for every shot, as well as super-fast auto focusing, noise-free imaging, and advanced flash exposure performance.
- 1.5-inch LCD with real image zoom viewfinder
- Shooting Modes: Auto, Program, Manual, Stitch Assist, Movie
- Photo Effects: Vivid Color, Neutral Color, Low Sharpening, Sepia, Black & White
- Continuous shooting mode: 2.2 shots per second with LCD and Large/Fine mode off
- Self timer with 2 and 10 second options
Printing
Canon has introduced a series of printers designed to work directly with its lineup of digital cameras. Using these printers, no computer is required–simply connect the camera to the printer and start printing. Printers include Canon’s bubble jet direct printers i900D and i960, and card photo printer CP-200 and CP-300. Of course, photos from your camera can also be printed on any home computer system with an inkjet printer, sent off for online processing, or simply enjoyed on your computer screen.
Storage and Transfer
Images are stored on Secure Digital (SD) or MultiMedia (MMC) memory cards; a 16 MB SD card is included. When shooting in Large/Normal mode, you can store 30 images on the included memory card. Images can be downloaded to either a Mac or PC via USB 1.1, which means the camera can be connected to any USB-based Windows Me/2000/XP and Mac OS 8.6 or later computer without installing any software.
Power and Size
The camera is powered by a rechargeable lithium-ion battery (NB-3L, included). It measures 3.35 by 2.20 by 0.94 inches and weighs 5.82 ounces (excluding battery).
What’s In The Box
This package includes the PowerShot SD100 digital camera, 16 MB Secure Digital memory card, rechargeable lithium-ion battery (NB-3L), battery charger (CB-2LU), USB and AV cables, and wrist strap. It also comes with ArcSoft Camera Suite and Digital Camera Solutions CD-ROMs with imaging software and USB drivers for Windows and Mac.
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Canon PowerShot SD100 3.2MP Digital ELPH Camera w/ 2x Optical Zoom
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the sd100 delivers a stylish, ultracompact camera but with only 2x optical zoom and very limited manual controls.
pros:
- very good resolution, especially for a 3MP ultra-compact.
- good color response.
- good reliable metering.
- no color cast when using flash.
- low noise at ISO 50 (keep in mind that ISO 50 for this camera is actually ISO 100 for everyone else; likewise, ISO 100 is in reality closer to ISO 200, etc)
- 9-point AiAF.
- the LCD monitor (1.5″) is bright and has an anti-reflective coating – gives good live preview and review even in well lit situations.
- shooting priority play mode (a half-press of the shutter release always returns to shooting).
- fast shot-to-shot times.
- fairly good startup time, especially for an extending lens camera.
- as with most canon digicams, the sd100 feels solid.
- USB connectivity.
- good battery life, although i would recommend carrying a spare since canon’s batteries are proprietary.
- ultracompact: 3.3 x 2.2 x 0.9 in, weighing only 6.5 oz.
- has continuous shooting function, which you don’t normally find in ultra-compacts.
- 15 second night exposure ability.
- long movie clips possible at VGA mode (up to 3 minutes including audio).
cons:
- limited 2x optical zoom.
- very few manual controls – no aperture priority, no shutter priority, no manual focus (this is okay if all you want is a point and shoot).
- average macro performance.
- you’ll need to remove from tripod to open the battery compartment or replace the SD card.
- very small mode dial.
- the supplied 16MB SD card is inadequate – be prepared to shell out a few more bucks for at least a 256MB card.
- proprietary battery – again, a few more bucks for a spare.
- case tends to show fingerprints.
the sd100′s mission in life is to take nice pics with as small and light a footprint as possible. on the nice picture category, it delivers. however, there are at least two other cameras that are smaller, have better optical zoom (3x vs the canon’s 2x) and have a wider feature set: the pentax optio s and casio ex-z3. as much as i like canon digicams, i would recommend these two over the sd100.
i hope this helps you with your buying decision. peace.
Rating: 3 / 5
The SD100 is the newest itineration of the digital Elph series, but certainly it is not the most up-to-date digicam around. The original digital Elph was the S100 (I still have that one), and quite a few Sxxx models have been issued between the time that one came out and now.
This one gets the SD designation to denote its use of a Secure Data memory card, which is a very small card with a tiny lever that prevents the card’s data from being accidently erased or overwritten. Frankly, I think it’s much ado about nothing; I’ve never had a problem erasing my files by accident and I resent the fact that I needed a new card reader to accommodate this slight alteration. Of note, however, almost all SD cams will accept MultiMediaCards (MMCs) happily.
Anyway, in true Canon style, the optics here are good and the body is well constructed and attractive. The controls are fairly intuitive and (proprietary) battery use is above average.
The resolution is a more than adequate 3.2 megapixels.
The Achilles Heel of the SD100 however is the far too short (2X) optical zoom, the same power found on the original S100 nearly 5 years ago. You are much less likely to find a use for 3.2 megapixels (versus 2 megapixels) than you would be to find many photo opps where you’d wish you had a more competent zoom.
All things considered, in this price range and assuming compactness appeals to the Elph buyer, I’d say the Pentax Optio and the Minolta Dimage are both better cameras than the Canon SD100.
Rating: 4 / 5
If you are looking for a camera to replace a traditional film camera, the SD-100 is it. I’m an avarage user and this is what I’ve found:
PRO:
1. Small size. Easy to carry in a pocket or purse.
2. Decent Zoom
3. Burst mode for taking a series of quick pictures.
3. Movie mode…WITH SOUND!
4. Intuitive controls
5. Supplied Cannon software makes transferring photo’s a breeze.
CON:
1. Expect to buy a memory card. The 16MB supplied with the camera is useless.
2. Red-eye. Even with the red eye reduction turned on, you still get some red eye. It’s mildly annoying, but you can fix it on the computer easily.
3. Mysterious small halo. Must be a function of the lens. occasionaly you will get this small halo in a picture. Doesn’t happen often.
4. A second battery is highly reccomended.
The only people who will complain about this camera are high-end photographers. They’ll whine about everything. “Zoom is tiny” “Aperature control” “Lack of filter”. Crybabies the whole lot of them.
If you are a normal person, you’ll love this camera. Point, shoot, done.
Rating: 4 / 5
Most Canon digital cameras still use the CompactFlash memory card. CompactFlash is much thicker and larger than the Secure Digital card used in the SD100 (this model). It’s cheaper per-megabyte, but is slower and draws more power. Canon is doing a good thing by using the increasingly dominant SD format in this dimunitive digital camera.
Function-wise this camera is a good point-and-shoot replacement. You won’t find many manual controls (beyond the usual exposure comp, white balance, flash control, and a few other common controls), but it’s a good “pick up and snap away” camera. 2X optical zoom is rather inadequate for any semi-serious photographers who travel a lot, but ok if you just carry this to events and parties.
Picture quality is much better than my first-generation S100 digital elph camera from a couple years ago. I still find the exposure a bit on the underside and the color tone a bit on the cold side. If you want top-notch picture quality, consider the 4-MP Canon S400 which has excellent image quality and color balance.
In summary, this is a very capable digital camera in a great form factor. It’s light and easy to carry, and does a fine job as long as you don’t do serious photogrpahy with it.
Rating: 5 / 5
After a long research, I decided to purchase the Canon IXUS II (or SD100 in some countries) as my first digital camera. As a background, I am generally a point-and-shoot person with aspirations to take up photograpgy as a more serious hobby. I’ve been using it extensively for about two months now, and here’s what I think are the good and bad points of the camera:
GOOD POINTS
1. Amazing picture quality for OUTDOOR shots – Pictures are sharp and crystal clear. The photos produced are exactly like what I saw with my own eyes.
2. Small, slim and solid – Can fit in my pocket easily. Now I can take it everywhere and ready to take a snapshot whenever I feel like it. It opens a whole new possibilities.
3. Relatively easy to use – The buttons layout are spot on, everything important is within reach of your thumb or index finger. On-screen menus are logical and easy to use. For advance features, I still need to read the manual though.
4. Movie quality is generally good. All movies I took plays well (with good sound) on the camera’s LCD and and also on my 29″ TV. The sound playback on the camera is quite loud and can be heard even in noisy areas.
5. Fast operation – fast starting up time and time between shots, you wont notice any delays. Transferring images to PC is also relatively fast.
6. Battery life is okay, I managed to took 68 shots (plus a hell lot of picture playback on LCD and on TV) before the battery died.
7. Great LCD display. Sharp images and good colour reproduction. Can be seen easily in bright sunlight.
BAD POINTS
1. Average (on the borderline of poor) INDOOR picture quality. Every photo I took that uses the flash turns out ugly. The photos have this unnatural yellow glow (from the flash) on the subject, and the background becomes very dark, even though the room was evenly lit in real life. The best that I could do is to use Manual, and set the Exposure to -1 2/3, White Balance to Tungsten, and set the Effects to Neutral, and ISO to 50. That manages to turn my indoor pictures from ugly to bearable. The other alternative is to take indoor shots with flash off, as suprisingly it produces good pictures. But you need to use a tripod to get sharp images, which isn’t always convenient. I’m really dissapointed with the indoor performance of this camera. None of the glowing reviews I read in my research highlighted this problem.
2. Low battery indicator only shown on screen when the battery is on the verge of dying. If you don’t have a spare battery and you are outside, your camera would be useless until you get back and recharge the battery.
3. Need to take out the battery to recharge.
4. Only 2x optical zoom.
5. Movies has a limit of 30 seconds per clip. You can fill up the whole memory card with movies, but it has to be in a series of 30s clips. You can’t take one long continous movie shot.
6. Once you downloaded your movie shots to PC, and you deleted the movie from your camera, you cant upload the movie back to your camera. You can upload still images back to your camera, but not movies.
7. The bundled Canon software is not the best, nor is it the easiest to use.
Conclusion: A great all round compact camera that is easy to use, and takes excellent outdoor shots. If you can live with average indoor shots, then buy this. Otherwise, I would recommend Sony Cybershot as it can take much much better indoor shots compared to this camera. I give this camera 2.5 stars.
Rating: 3 / 5