Model Design / Appearance (7.0)
As the first camera in Canon’s SX line, the PowerShot SX100 IS combines design features from the budget A-series and the higher-end mid-range zoom compacts. Unlike its big brothers, the PowerShot G9 and PowerShot S5 IS, the SX100 IS doesn’t have a chunky body.
The PowerShot SX100 is more akin to the budget A-series cameras. The SX100 IS has a smaller frame size, comparable to the A720 IS and A650 IS, with a smooth hand grip. The SX100 IS ditches the optical viewfinder found on the A-series but adds a pull-up flash like the S-cameras. For consumers used to slim-bodied point-and-shoots, the Canon SX100 IS may look big-boned in comparison. For users who have owned compact cameras, however, the Canon SX100 IS is tiny in comparison. Overall, the SX100 IS has indistinctive looks. There are no flashy features in the body design — everything is strictly functional.
Size / Portability (6.5)
The PowerShot SX100 IS measures 4.28 x 2.81 x 1.84 inches. The camera can’t fit in a jeans pocket. Weighing 9.35 ounces, the SX100 IS isn’t lightweight, especially when compared to cameras with shorter 3x zooms. However, it is more portable than cameras with 18x zoom lenses. It should be easy enough for vacationers and soccer parents to stow in a backpack, purse, or camera case.
Handling Ability (7.75)
Point-and-shooters will appreciate the ergonomic right hand grip that allows for shooting for long periods of time. SLR shooters, however, will wish a textured gripping surface was used instead of the smooth plastic. The back also lacks any Braille-like dots or a textured surface for additional thumb support. Instead, the camera has a slight divot for the thumb. The LCD is far enough away from the edge of the camera that users can comfortably shoot using both hands.
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Control Button / Dial Positioning / Size (7.25)
 Building off the design and layout of its S-series models, Canon has applied a rotating control dial to the back of the SX100. Similar to an iPod selection dial, the rotary control dial on the SX100 allows users to easily oscillate through menus or images, and select options using the function/set button in the center. Although the rotary dial helps speed up selection through long menu lists, it is too sensitive, often missing the selection intended by the user. The rotary dial would be much better if Canon had included a touch sensitivity control.
The back surface is lined with four rectangular buttons: Print, Face Detection, Display, and Menu. The buttons on top of the camera include the power button, mode dial, shutter, and zoom lever, and are easy to identify and access.
Even with the rotary control dial, new users should be able to control the camera easily after some practice.
Menu (7.0)
The look of Canon’s menus is consistent throughout its entire line of point-and-shoots. Brand loyalists will enjoy that fact, as they can easily navigate through Canon menus. The tabbed menus have a gray background with white text. They are navigated using the rotary dial.
The following is the Function menu, which includes frequently used controls.
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Function Menu
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White Balance
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Auto, Day Light, Cloudy, Tungsten, Fluorescent, Fluorescent H, Custom
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My Colors
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Off, Vivid, Neutral, Sepia, B/W, Custom Color
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Flash Output
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Adjusts intensity of the flash
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Metering
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Evaluative, Center Weighted Avg., Spot
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Compression
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Superfine, Fine, Normal
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Image Size
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8M, 5M, 3M, 2M, 0.3M, Postcard, Widescreen
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The following is the complete Record menu:
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Record Menu
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AF Frame
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Center, Face Detect
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AF Frame Size
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Normal, Small
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Digital Zoom
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Off, 1.6x, 2.0x, Standard
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Red Eye
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On/Off
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Self-Timer
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Custom, Set
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MF-Point Zoom
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On, Off
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Safety MF
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On, Off
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AF Mode
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Single, Continuous
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AF-assist Beam
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On, Off
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Review
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Off, 2-10 seconds, Hold
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Review Info
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Off, Detailed, Focus Check
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Disp. Overlay
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Off, Grid Lines, 3.2 Guide, Both
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IS Mode
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Off, Continuous, Shoot Only, Panning
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Date Stamp
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On, Off
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Set Print/Share button
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Not assigned, White Balance, Custom White Balance, Digital Tele-converter, Disp. Overlay, Display Off
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The Setup menu includes the standard settings for LCD adjustments and formatting. Users can also change the volume for settings such as start up or shutter click, or simply mute the camera depending on the shooting situation.
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Setup Menu
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Mute
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On/Off
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Volume
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Start-up Vol 1. (5 levels)
Operation Vol. (5 levels)
Self-Timer Vol.(5 levels)
Shutter Volume (5 levels)
Playback Vol. (5 levels)
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Start-Up Image
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On, Off
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LCD Brightness
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(sliding scale)
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Power Saving
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Auto Power Down (On, Off), Display Off (1 min., 2 min., 3 min., 10 sec., 20 sec., 30 sec.)
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Date/Time
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Set Date/Time
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Format
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Low Level Format (check/uncheck), Cancel, OK
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File Numbering
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Continuous, Auto Reset,
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Create Folder
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Create New Folder (check/uncheck)
Auto Create (off, daily M-S, monthly)
Time
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Auto Rotate
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On, Off
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Distance Units
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m/cm, ft/in
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Lens Retract
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1 minute, 0 seconds
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Language
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English, German, French, Dutch, Danish,
Finnish, Italian, Norwegian, Ukrainian, Swedish, Spanish, Russian, Portuguese, Greek, Polish, Czech, Hungarian, Turkish, Chinese, Korean, Arabic, Romanian, Japanese
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Video System
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NTSC/PAL
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Print Method
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Auto, PictBridge
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Reset All…
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Reset settings to default? (Cancel, OK)
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The Canon SX100 IS, like many Canon cameras, has an effective menu system that is logical, organized, easy to navigate… and a bit dull-looking.
Ease of Use (7.0)
The Canon PowerShot SX100 IS shows a good balance between the average point-and-shoot and the advanced mid-range compact. The SX100 IS is portable but still sturdy. With a logical, although outdated, menu system and easy-to-use button controls, first time shooters should be able to use the camera with relative ease. The camera also includes live preview for white balance controls and color filters so users can see how their changes will affect photos before pressing the shutter button. Users should be pleased with the easy-to-use camera, whether they’re looking to upgrade from a 3x zoom or seeking an SLR backup.
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