Canon PowerShot SD1100 IS

Discontinued

Reviewed

July 2009

Pros

Pocketable
Optical image stabilization
Manual settings

Cons

Short 3x optical zoom lens
Slow flash recovery
Noisy images above ISO 200

Where to Buy

for $369.98

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The ultra-compact 8-megapixel Canon PowerShot SD1100 IS rivals its bulkier sibling, the Canon PowerShot A1100 IS, for overall versatility and performance. The SD1100 IS's "streamlined chassis," says Danny Palmerlee of PC World, "make for one of the most striking and seemingly durable point-and-shoots around." The SD1100 IS has a shorter 3x zoom with a 38 mm to 140 mm focal range, although it still benefits from image stabilization. Control buttons are flush, not raised, with mixed reviews on ease of use. On the upside, the 2.5-inch, 230,000-pixel LCD monitor packs double the resolution and wide-angle visibility. The optical viewfinder is a power-saving bonus, but like the units on other cheap cameras, isn't totally accurate at framing shots. Overall, the majority of experts and users concur that the Canon PowerShot SD1100 IS is a good value given its small size, pleasing image quality and fast shooting speeds. "It's enough to get you through the day but not so much as to overwhelm you with unnecessary distractions," say the editors at DigitalCamera-HQ.com.

CNET, PC World and DCResource.com offer the most in-depth stand-alone reviews for the Canon PowerShot SD1100 IS. In addition, DigitalCamera-HQ.com provides brief write-ups and links to user reviews on the Internet, while owner reviews at Amazon.com help to confirm expert test results.

Where To Buy

Canon PowerShot SD1100IS 8MP Digital Camera with 3x Optical Image Stabilized Zoom (Blue)
(955 reviews) Buy new: $179.99 23 Used & new from $80.00

Our Sources

1. CNET

Ryan is impressed by the ultra-compact Canon PowerShot SD1100 IS -- especially its great image quality, optical image stabilization, minimal shutter lag and speedy performance. Setbacks include absent aperture and shutter priority controls, a slow recycle time and image noise at higher ISO settings.

Review: Canon PowerShot SD1100 IS, Philip Ryan, March 5, 2008

2. DCResource.com

"All things considered, the PowerShot SD1100 IS ELPH is a quality ultra-compact camera," says Jeff Keller. The addition of optical image stabilization is a welcome upgrade, and combined with the SD1100 IS's fast performance and good image quality, it's Keller's top pick for a sub-$200 model.

Review: DCRP Review: Canon PowerShot SD1100 IS Digital ELPH, Jeff Keller, Updated Jan. 25, 2009

3. DigitalCameraHQ.com

Reviewer Andrew Skinner likes the Canon PowerShot SD1100 IS for its fast start-up time and minimal shot-to-shot delays. However, like other budget cameras, image noise picks up at higher ISO settings. Despite the drawback, Skinner says it "keeps pace with the competition and is an excellent choice for a casual photographer."

Review: Canon Powershot SD1100 IS Review: A Little Style, A Lot of Functionality, Andrew Skinner

4. Amazon.com

With more than 900 customer reviews to its credit, the Canon PowerShot SD1100 IS rates as one of the most popular cameras at Amazon.com, with one user describing it as an "excellent pocket camera to capture impromptu moments." Other owners aren't as thrilled, especially those who've encountered the "dreaded" lens error message that renders the camera useless.

Review: Canon PowerShot SD1100IS, Contributors to Amazon.com

5. PC World Details/Subscribe

Palmerlee praises the Canon PowerShot SD1100's design and image quality, which he calls "outstanding." Minor quibbles include limited manual controls and "cumbersome" face-detection technology.

Review: Canon PowerShot SD1100 IS, Danny Palmerlee, April 15, 2008

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Canon PowerShot SD1100 IS Review

Canon PowerShot SD1100 IS