Canon PowerShot SD110 Digital Camera Review

Auto Mode (7.0)
Most compact cameras are designed with the point-and-shooter in mind. The SD110 is no different, as is obvious with its easy automatic mode. The user can still access features such as the self-timer and quick shot mode in the recording menu, which is convenient. When the Function button is pressed, the user can access and change the image compression and image size. However, the other settings accessed by that button (ISO, white balance, etc.) are grayed out and cannot be used. All of the options on the four-way dial are available, including the flash, metering, and shooting modes.

Movie Mode (5.5)
The Movie mode is easy to access; it resides on the main mode switch. The Movie mode can record in three resolution settings: 640 x 480, 320 x 240, or 160 x 120. The highest setting can only record 30 seconds at a time; the other two can record up to 3 minutes, despite the size of the memory card put in the camera. The Canon SD110 records at just 15 frames per second for all selectable resolutions, which is a bit slower than most movie modes and will not reproduce fluid motion video for rapid movement within the frame.

Drive / Burst Mode (7.0)
The Canon PowerShot SD110 does not shoot quickly in its normal mode. Within the Recording menu, there is a Quick shot option. The user manual describes this function as the chance to "reduce shutter lag time to capture those fleeting ‘photo opportunities.’" But who wants any shutter lag time, ever? I recommend keeping the Quick shot mode engaged. Aside from that, there is the Continuous shooting mode, which can be engaged by pushing the bottom portion of the four-way controller. The Continuous shooting mode can shoot 2.2 images a second in the Large/Fine mode with the LCD monitor turned off.

Playback Mode (7.5)
The Playback mode on the canon PowerShot SD110 is easily accessible with the mode switch. Pictures can be viewed in several forms in this mode: Single (histogram display available), Index (nine thumbnails), and Slide show. Individual pictures can also be magnified up to 10x. Sound memos can also be recorded with the photos; the camera will record up to 60 seconds of audio with the pictures.

Custom Image Presets (0.0)
With its selection of presets, the Digital ELPH parts from its compact camera counterparts. While the current trend for most point-and-shoot cameras includes a plethora of custom image options, the Canon PowerShot SD110 defies convention and does not include any designated scene settings. The closest included elements are Macro and Landscape shooting modes, available by pushing the left portion of the four-way controller.