Canon PowerShot SX100 IS Digital Camera Review

by Karen M. Cheung
Published on October 31, 2007

Navigation
Intro	Testing/Performance
Components	Design / Layout
Modes	Control Options
Image Parameters	Connectivity / Extras
Overall Impressions	Conclusion
Sample Photos	Photo Gallery
Specs / Ratings

The Canon PowerShot SX100 IS joins the small yet growing breed of mid-range zooms in portable point-and-shoot bodies. Equipped with an optically stabilized 10x zoom lens, the PowerShot SX100 IS is targeted to soccer parents and Generation X-ers who want a camera with a long zoom at an affordable price. The 8-megapixel camera is outfitted with a Digic III image processor with an upgraded face detection system, a 2.5-inch LCD screen, and manual controls. The PowerShot SX100 IS retails for $299.99.

Physical Tour

Front (7.5)
The Canon PowerShot SX100 IS resembles Canon A-series cameras with its slightly bulging right hand grip and trademark label printed across it. There isn’t any sort of padding on the grip but the camera feels solid and comfortable in your hands.

At the center of the camera is the 10-inch optical zoom lens that extends to expose the plastic tiers when activated. The specs “Canon Zoom Lens 10x IS” and “6.0-60.0mm 1:2:8-4.3” are located on the rim of the lens.

Unlike A-series point-and-shoots, the PowerShot SX100 IS does not have an optical viewfinder. On top of the lens is the flash that must be manually opened. There is a circular light on the right of the camera body that serves as a red-eye reduction lamp, self-timer lamp, and an AF-assist beam.

The “10x Optical Zoom” logo is printed on the top left side of the camera body next to two small microphone holes. An “8.0 Mega Pixels” label is at the bottom right of the camera body.

Back (7.75)
The back of the PowerShot SX100 IS looks different from Canon’s A-series cameras. The SX100 leaves off the optical viewfinder that characterizes the A-series models, leaving slightly more room for the 2.5-inch LCD monitor.

Underneath the LCD screen is a row of four buttons. The first button is the print/share button for direct transfer from the camera to computer or printer. The second is the face detect button, which activates the face-finding system for auto exposure and focus. The last two buttons are for the display and menu options.

To the right of the LCD screen is the control panel. There is a circular play button, labeled with a blue icon. Below that is a new rotary control dial that selects ISO, Focus, Flash, and Drive mode. The control dial employs a scrolling mechanism, Canon’s nod to MP3 players, with a center function/set button at the center. Below the dial is the exposure button. To the right is a curve design that serves as a slight thumb rest.

Left Side (7.0)
On this side is a battery holder that stores the lithium-ion battery coin (CR 1220), which is responsible for storing the camera’s date and time data.

Right Side (7.0)
A wrist strap mount and a plastic terminal cover with a rubber extension latch are located here. Inside the terminal cover is an AV-out slot for audio and video output, a USB 2.0 digital terminal for a computer connection to download images from the camera, and a DC-in power input terminal to recharge the camera.

Top (8.0)
On the left side are 12 camera speaker holes arranged in the shape of a rhombus. Just above the speaker is a slight downward-sloping indent that serves as a place to rest your left index finger when shooting. You can see the contours of the camera’s design from this angle. It has many more curves to it than the Canon PowerShot A-series cameras. In the center is the flash, labeled “Image Stabilizer,” which can be opened and closed manually depending on the camera’s needs for the picture. On the top right is the shutter release button with a surrounding zoom lever. The on/off power button is just left of that. Below the on/off button is the mode dial, with ridges that allow you to snap modes into place quite easily.

Bottom (5.0)
The left side of the bottom is thicker than the right side because of the extended grip. Here you will find the battery cover and lock that house two AA batteries and a memory card slot. Off the axis of the lens is a tripod socket.