Canon PowerShot SD110 Digital Camera Review

Color (6.37)
With heavy marketing emphasis on the camera's DIGIC image processor, the PowerShot SD110 is designed for color accuracy and vibrant reproduction of tones. Unfortunately, on this model, the DIGIC processor appears to be more hype than substance, as the SD110 only received a 6.37 overall color score. The chart below breaks down the SD110's color reproduction into 24 color tones; the outer square represents the camera's produced tones, while the interior square displays the color corrected variation of the camera's colors, and the small vertical rectangle in the center represents the ideal.

The chart below displays the Canon PowerShot SD110's color reproduction capabilities by contrasting the produced tones with their corresponding ideal. The circles are used to represent the camera's produced colors, while the linked square is the ideal. The distance between the two indicates the margin of error for that tone; the greater the distance between the circle and square, the less accurate the camera is at replicating the color.

While many Canon cameras are known for their strong color reproduction, the SD110 falls drastically short of the ideal. The DIGIC processor is not much use to the SD110's users, who will have to settle for embellished, over-saturated variants of the scenes. The SD110 appears to be designed for the beginner or snapshot user who is not as concerned with image quality or color accuracy as shooting ease.

Still Life Scene
Below is a shot of our delightful still life scene photographed with the Canon PowerShot SD110.

Click on the above image to view a full resolution version (CAUTION: the linked file is very large!)

Resolution / Sharpness (2.29)
With 3.3 total and 3.2 effective MP possible out of the camera's 1/2.7-inch CCD, the Canon PowerShot SD110 is armed to produce images with strong resolution and sharpness. We test the resolution of cameras by taking a series of exposures of our ISO resolution chart and importing the images into Imatest Imaging Software to determine the actual number of recorded pixels used to form the image. Since most manufacturers market and categorize their cameras by the number of pixels composing their largest frame size, it is important to note our testing method contrasts the detected pixels in the image with the camera's largest image size in pixels. We do this to create a means of comparison for the various cameras, regardless of pixel capabilities. When this is conducted, cameras that recorded 70-79% of its advertised megapixel count are perceived as 'good' performers, while cameras that record 80-89% is viewed as 'very good' and anything exceeding 90% is 'excellent' and quite rare.

The Canon PowerShot SD110 recorded images with 2.29 megapixels of resolution; this is 73% of its marketed capabilities and a good score. This score indicates, given ample lighting and optimal conditions, the SD110 will capture crisp, clean images will sharp edges and enhanced detail.

Noise - Auto ISO (1.87)
The 1.87 overall automatic ISO noise score the Canon PowerShot SD110 received is one of the poorest noise scores we have ever recorded from conducting our noise tests. For any point-and-shoot camera, automatic handling of noise is essential to the quality of the final image. Without the opportunity for the user to alter settings, automatic ISO mode is designed to grant the user the cleanest image without alteration of settings. In this mode, the SD110's inability to handle noise counteracts the camera's strong resolution capabilities and will alienate many potential point-and-shoot buyers.

Noise - Manual ISO (2.21)
For all cameras that include variable ISO settings, we test the amount of noise produced by the camera at each offered ISO rating. We put the results into a regression analysis to determine an overall manual ISO noise score. The results are graphed below, with the horizontal X-axis representing the ISO ratings and the vertical Y-axis representing the produced noise.

While the SD110's manual noise score does exceed the camera's meager auto ISO performance, the 2.21 manual ISO score is nothing to be proud of either. Barring some extreme defect in the model we tested, the SD110 seems incapable of controlling noise levels and it is nearly impossible to recommend. Although I found the camera to be comfortable to hold, easy to use, and capable of decent 'resolution,' I would not suggest purchasing it because of the amount of produced noise at each ISO setting. This is something I have noticed in many non-SLR cameras produced by Canon and it continues to be a major detraction of many of their compact models.

Speed / Timing
Start-up to First Shot (7.15)
When the user presses the power button, the Canon logo (or the startup image of choice) appears on the LCD screen and the lens protrudes. After 2.85 seconds elapse, the Canon PowerShot SD110 can take its first shot. This is relatively quick for a point-and-shoot imager and will grant some opportunity for immediate capture.

Shot to Shot Time (8.72)
Many factors play into the speed of this camera's shot to shot time. The Quick Shot mode must be activated through the Recording menu. The Continuous shooting mode must be activated through the Function menu. Once these steps are completed, turn the LCD screen off and pray the viewfinder has a moment of accuracy. Only when the camera shoots under these conditions can it produce a shot every 0.56 seconds. In the normal mode, it takes 1.28 seconds between shots. Overall, it’s better to make preparations before the action happens.

Shutter to Shot Time (8.04)
Press the shutter release and tell everyone to keep on smiling. The SD110 takes 0.48 seconds to capture the shot. But this shutter lag is actually smaller than most compact cameras in its price range; props to Canon for catering to the demands of consumers.