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Introduction
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01.Physical Tour
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02.Color and Resolution
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03.Noise and Video
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04.Speed and Timing
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05.Components
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06.Design / Layout
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07.Modes
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08.Control Options
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09.Image Parameters
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10.Connectivity / Extras
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11.Overall Impressions
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12.Conclusion
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13.Sample Photos
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14.Specs / Ratings
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15.Comments
Canon PowerShot SX110 IS
Previous: Page 5
ComponentsNext: Page 7
ModesModel Design / Appearance (6.00)
The Canon PowerShot SX110 IS feels a bit like something out of Fisher-Price, but not in a bad way. It's a bit big, a bit clunky, kinda bulky. But at the same time, it feels resilient, like you might be able to kick it down the stairs and have it come out fine (but please don't try). It's not particularly beautiful, and it won't win any style contests, but it feels like it'll last, and that's important.
Size / Portability (7.00)
The camera is 4.34 inches wide, 2.77 inches high and 1.76 inches deep (11.06cm wide, 7.02cm high and 4.45cm deep) with the lens fully retracted, and weighs 8.64oz (245g). As we said above, it's a bit big, but it's light enough that the weight won't be a problem. It's not going to fit in your pants pocket, that's for sure, but it will in a coat or bag very easily.
Handling Ability (7.00)
For all its size, the SX110 is pretty easy to handle. It's large enough that you have plenty to grip onto, and you don't feel like a stray breeze will unceremoniously rip it from your hands, but it's also not so heavy that you'll have any trouble lugging it around.
The SX110 IS's size makes it easy to handle.
Control Button / Dial Positioning / Size (9.75)
The controls are all placed extremely well on the PowerShot. The mode dial on the camera's top adjusts with a satisfying click, yet is easy to rotate. The zoom controls feel accurate, as do the four buttons above and below the control dial. This dial is the feature that's really sold us on this camera. It functions in a similar manner to an iPod's clickwheel. You can either rotate it to scroll through settings, or press in one of the four cardinal directions to use it like a four-way pad. The controls are large enough that you never feel cramped, and they all have distinct shapes, so you probably won't press the wrong one by accident. Pressing the Playback button with the camera off will power it up without extending the lens, an efficient solution for eager image browsers. It doesn't save much time, but it's enough that you can appreciate it. Since the button is slightly recessed, it's not likely to be hit accidentally either.
Using the control wheel makes menu browsing easy.
Canon cameras usually have a series of tabs for each group of settings, each with a single page of choices to avoid time-consuming scrolling to reach additional choices. For the SX110, Canon uses uncharacteristically lengthy menus, since the control dial lets you zip through the menus incredibly fast, and saves you from the frustration usually associated with this style of menu.
The Function menu is a quick menu accessed by pressing the Func. Set button, providing quick access to some of the most commonly used options on the camera such as white balance, metering and image size.
Record menu has most of the other photography related settings. This is where you go to fiddle with focus types, digital zoom and flash settings.
Set Up has the slightly boring but important choices. Power saving, date and time, energy saving, file naming conventions and the like.
Play menu lets you edit, erase and transfer files, and is also where you set up slideshows. Unsurprisingly, it's only available while in Playback mode.
Print is another menu only accessible while in Playback mode, this single page of options is devoted to selecting the number of prints you want for each image when using direct print order forms (DPOF).
Ease of Use (7.00)
The PowerShot SX110 IS is actually very easy to use. For complete beginners there's an Easy mode, which takes all the control from your hands, and then on to Automatic, Program or Manual if you know what you're doing. All the buttons are clearly labeled with easily identified icons, the menu is laid out logically, and the controls are precise. This really is a camera that can be given to almost anyone, and regardless of their level of knowledge, they'll be able to use it.
Shop for the Canon PowerShot SX110 IS
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