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

Connectivity
Software (6.75)
The Canon PowerShot SX100 IS comes with the easy-to-use ZoomBrowser EX 6.0 for Windows and Macintosh operating systems. On the left side of the screen interface, users can control what editing functions or tasks to use by pulling down on columns using the tabs. Below that is the Last Acquired Image section, which easily allows you to manage what folders to store your pictures in. There are two ways to view your folders in this program: Favorite Folders or All Folders.

ZoomBrowser

Once you’ve selected a picture to preview, the top tool bar in the browser allows you to view the image separately, rotate it, or view it in a slide show. The properties tab also allows users to view the details about their photo, such as image size, brightness/contrast, or even to add a comment or give a star rating. The star rating system allows users to tag photos according to preference, and helps expedite sorting and review. 

Tool bar


Properties Tab

Additional software packaged with the camera includes Image Browser 6.0 and Photo Stitch 3.2 (for Macintosh) and Photo Stitch 3.1 and Camera TWAIN Driver 6.8 (for Windows).

Jacks, Ports, Plugs (5.0)
On the right side of the Canon PowerShot SX100 IS are three ports tucked underneath a flip door: DC-in, AV-out for monaural sound and NTSC/PAL viewing on televisions, and a USB 2.0 mini B-jack for computer and printer connection.

Direct Print Options (7.0)
Users can pre-select favorite photos before going to the pharmacy print kiosk or home printer. Users can select single images or all images, choosing how many of each picture to be printed with or without date and file information. Users can choose a standard print size or an index print, much like a proof sheet.

The SX100 IS is compatible with PictBridge-enabled printers with USB 2.0 ports, including the Canon CP and SELPH Compact Photo Printers. By pressing the dedicated print/share button, the camera automatically starts printing when connected.

Battery (4.75)
The Canon PowerShot SX100 IS accepts AA batteries, a feature normally reserved for entry-level cameras. AA compatibility allows users to conveniently buy more AA batteries during vacation. The camera box comes with two Panasonic AA alkaline batteries that can capture a reported 140 shots per charge. The PowerShot is also compatible with AA-sized Ni-MH batteries for up to 400 shots per charge.

Battery/Memory

Memory (2.0)
While most cameras have a few megabytes of on-board memory, the Canon PowerShot SX100 IS has no internal memory. Users who forget to pick up an extra memory card at the time of purchase will be out of luck when trying to take the first few pictures with their new camera. Users will have to purchase external memory. The SX100 IS accepts SD, SDHC, MMC, MMC Plus Card, and HC MMC Plus Card media.

Other Features (4.0)
Stitch Assist – Stitch Assist is a tool for making wide panoramic photos. Users can take a series of photos that are then linked together in one photo composite using the included PhotoStitch software.

Create Folder – For large volumes of photos, Canon includes a “Create Folder” function in the Setup menu that allows users to sort pictures by single days, days of the week, or by month. Competitors’ cameras sometimes include an automatic calendar view via Playback, but the Create Folder is just as effective, although it takes a few more steps.