Canon PowerShot SD1100 IS (Silver)
Manufacturer: Canon USA Part number: 2508B001
- More product information:
- Editors' review
- User reviews
- Specifications
- Product series
- Accessories
- Manufacturer info
- Bottom Line:
- Canon's SD1100 IS adds optical image stabilization to last year's hit SD1000, while delivering just as impressive image quality.
Read more
Where to buy
| store | customer rating | inventory | tax & shipping | price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Amazon.com Marketplace |  | In stock | Enter zip code to get total price: Price +Tax +Shipping =Total price | as of 12/08/2009 |
 |  | In stock | as of 12/08/2009 Refurbished |
CNET editors' review
Canon PowerShot SD1100 IS (Silver) price range: $159.95 - $244.95
- Reviewed by: Philip Ryan
- Reviewed on: 03/05/2008
The good: Great image quality; minimal shutter lag; speedy performance; optical image stabilization; face detection; optical viewfinder.
The bad: No manual exposure controls; slow flash recycle time.
The bottom line: Canon's SD1100 IS adds optical image stabilization to last year's hit SD1000, while delivering just as impressive image quality.
One of the most popular cameras of last year wasn't a big fancy digital SLR, or a pimped-out superzoom, it was Canon's somewhat understated Powershot SD1000. Its combination of a nice, though not extravagant, feature set, small size, and relatively low price proved quite appealing to camera buyers. This year, with the PowerShot SD1100 IS, Canon has updated the aesthetic design, switched to a slightly different zoom range, and most importantly, added optical image stabilization. Of course, they've also raised the resolution to 8 megapixels from last year's 7.1 megapixels and refined some of the camera's other features.
Last year's model evoked the design of the original film Elph with its black circle around the camera's lens and squared-off edges. This year, Canon brought this model back in line with more recent designs without abandoning its elfin status and is offering it in silver, blue, brown, pink , and gold. The tweaked design is just slightly thicker than last year's and sports rounded edges and a slightly curved indent on the right-hand side that provides a perfect nook for a middle finger when gripping the camera. As with last year's model, Canon places all buttons on the right half of the body. A slider lets you switch among still image capture, video recording, and playback. Other than three dedicated buttons for Menu, Display, and Direct Printing, the only other control is the circular four-way rocker with a Function/Set button in the middle.
Canon doesn't include manual exposure controls in its Digital Elph line, but you will find an ample array of preset scene modes and some features that make automatic shooting simpler. As with a lot of compact cameras, the SD1100 IS includes face detection. This year, Canon has extended this function to let it set not only focus and exposure, but also flash output and white balance, so the camera should be less likely to blow out the details on your friend's face with the flash and should be better able to keep skin tones neutral in varied light sources. To help combat confusion when setting ISO, the SD1100 IS includes Motion Detection Technology, which raises the ISO setting if there is a moving subject when you have the camera set to High ISO Auto mode. By raising the ISO, the camera can shoot at a faster shutter speed to freeze the action.
While some cameras have been switching to wider-angle lenses, Canon includes a 38-to-114mm-equivalent f/2.8-to-4.9 3X optical zoom lens in the SD1100 IS in contrast to last year's 35-to-105mm lens. The change in focal lengths doesn't make for much of an effective difference, though we did notice more distortion at the SD1100 IS's 38mm setting than we did at the SD1000's 35mm setting. Canon did add optical image stabilization, however, which should help if you often shoot stationary objects in low light. Since the lens isn't all that wide, you might find the optical viewfinder helpful to bring the camera a bit further back when trying to frame a shot, or in situations where you don't want to have the bright LCD turned on.
Though it has a responsive shutter, the SD1100 IS took longer than its predecessor between shots and its flash took too long to recycle. The camera was quick to start up, taking 1 second from pressing the power button to until it captured its first JPEG. Thereafter, it took 2.1 seconds between JPEGs with the flash turned off, making it more than a half second slower than the SD1000. With the flash turned on, the camera took 3.5 seconds between shots, which is more than a second slower than its predecessor. Shutter lag measured a very impressive 0.4 second in our high-contrast test and an even more impressive 0.7 second in our low-contrast test, which mimic bright and dim shooting conditions, respectively. Continuous shooting yielded a none-too-impressive 0.8 frame per second, again a step down from the SD1000's 1.7 fps.
Image quality from the SD1100 IS is quite nice for a camera of its class. Its automatic white balance does a good, but not perfect, job of neutralizing colors under a variety of light sources. It adds a bit of warmth to incandescent-lit shots and a touch of green to fluorescent, but does a great job in natural daylight. The camera's tungsten setting did a good job of neutralizing the harsh yellow cast of our tungsten hot lights. While noise isn't completely nonexistent at ISO 80, you'll have to look quite closely to find any at this lowest sensitivity or at ISO 100, and both settings offer pleasingly sharp images with plenty of shadow detail. By ISO 200 you'll start to notice noise, especially in shadows, though there is still plenty of sharpness to the images. At ISO 400, noise still isn't over the top, and there is a surprising amount of sharpness, though I saw a noticeable roll-off in shadow detail. Things get precipitously worse at ISO 800, though you still might be able to get a decent 4x6-inch print under ideal circumstances. By ISO 1,600, images look as if they're shot during a hailstorm. I suggest staying below ISO 800 whenever possible.
Given the success of the SD1000, I was surprised that Canon let the camera's shot-to-shot time slide with the SD1100 IS. They make up for it a bit by adding optical image stabilization and keeping the impressive image quality of its predecessor. Despite my whining, the SD1100 IS is still a very nice camera, and if you're going to make a trade-off anywhere, I'd rather wait a bit longer between shots than sacrifice image quality or shutter lag. As long as you don't mind the long flash recycle time, Canon's SD1100 IS makes a great choice for a relatively inexpensive ultracompact camera. If optical image stabilization doesn't mean that much to you though, you should probably see if you can find still find the SD1000, since you can get it at a very nice discount if there are still any available.
(Shorter bars indicate better performance)
 |
Typical shot-to-shot time | |
Time to first shot | |
Shutter lag (low-contrast) | |
Shutter lag (high-contrast) |
(Longer bars indicate better performance)
User reviews
-
-
Over-Rated Preliminary Reviews
by Eppy1 on May 20, 2008
Pros: Beautiful Outdoor Pictures, Vivid colors, Stylish, Compact
Cons: Annoyingly slow, poor flash, poor indoor shots
Summary: Just bought the SD1100IS to replace a 1-1/2 year old Casio Exilim EX-Z850 that I broke. I checked out all of the reviews for this new Canon model and ...
Summary: Just bought the SD1100IS to replace a 1-1/2 year old Casio Exilim EX-Z850 that I broke. I checked out all of the reviews for this new Canon model and was impressed with the comments. But after receiving the camera and using it for a few weeks I am beginning to have my doubts. In fact, right now I would happily trade it in to have my Casio Exilim back!
1. Slow, slow, slow - the setup time for every shot, particularly indoor shots, is really annoying. My Casio was ready in about half the time. Taking quick sequenced indoor shots with a flash is not realistic.
2. Grainy image on viewing screen for any nightime indoor shots.
3. Severely under-powered flash - I thought I read some reviews that gave it an OK rating at 10 feet...I have not had much luck farther than about 8 feet. Many flash shots were severely darkened by lack of light...and often the flash only covered a portion of the image leaving faces dark and everything else in the photo bright.
4. Used it the second week I had it for a wedding - roughly half of the shots had to be thrown away...you don't get a lot of opportunities at a wedding. Things move along at their own pace. So walking down the aisle, every other shot was blurry, or out of focus. Getting a low light shot was trying at best, even with proper "best shot" settings.
5. Face Recognition software worked sometimes, and other times drove me crazy as it would not lock in anywhere near the faces....I eventually shut it off.
6. The pictures - well yes it does take nice pictures...if you're willing to put up with a very annoying camera. Maybe I'll get more used to it over time. I just can't afford to have so many bad shots among the good ones.
7. Software is very good, uploading and sorting is easy, can print right from the camera without a PC (yes, you need a printer).
8. Right now, I think a 7 is the best rating I can squeeze out for this camera.9 out of 13 users found this user opinion helpful.
-
Awesome camera that blew me away!
by y2jweir on April 27, 2008
Pros: Amazing picture quality with stunning color! With great sharpness, along with great color picutes almost look 3D.
Cons: I wish the camera had manual focus, if it does I can't find it.
Summary: This is a great small, cool, and medium weight camera. I looked around online, read a lot of reviews. I was replacing an old (4-5yr) Fujifilm camera. I was looking ...
Summary: This is a great small, cool, and medium weight camera. I looked around online, read a lot of reviews. I was replacing an old (4-5yr) Fujifilm camera. I was looking at a different Canon, but saw this one in the store. I was so blown away by how clear, sharp, and colorful the pictures were that I bought it on the spot. After I got home, I spent about an hour or so playing with it and working through the different settings. There a lot of different settings that allow you to take a lot of cool different pictures. I found the settings to be really easy to learn, as I never read the manual. I would really recommend this great little camera to anyone. The only thing I wish it had was the manual focus option, but that isn't a big deal. I also like that this camera has some weight to it, and doesn't just feel like a plastic P.O.S. Should you buy this camera, you will not regret it.
4 out of 6 users found this user opinion helpful.
-
I could not ask for more.
by TropiGal on September 6, 2008
Pros: I am a casual camera user who wants photos for blog, not print quality. Canon 1100 takes great pix indoors and out. It is easy to use. I was impressed when shots holding camera in one hand and driving 70mph with the other were focused.
Cons: After 6 days, no cons. I researched cameras for 6 weeks & couldn't decide. Friend recommended Ritz where reps know cameras. Got personalized help, able to see shots I took in store looked on PC. Slghtly more expensive but includes free lessons.
Summary: For the casual user, this is a great little camera. I am picking four stars only because I know that many cameras offer more options that will please more experienced ...
Summary: For the casual user, this is a great little camera. I am picking four stars only because I know that many cameras offer more options that will please more experienced shutterbugs than I am.
2 out of 2 users found this user opinion helpful.
-
Great little camera for just about anyone
Pros: Easy to use, takes great pictures, fits perfectly just about anywhere and takes very little room!
Cons: Flash recycle time
Summary: I got this camera to replace my ancient digital camera in order to take pictures for selling items. This is a great little camera, stores tons of pictures on the ...
Summary: I got this camera to replace my ancient digital camera in order to take pictures for selling items. This is a great little camera, stores tons of pictures on the cards and is super easy to use. I will be taking it with me on vacation soon along with the full Digital SLR for the quick shots. This is a fabulous and easy to use camera that takes great shots. I do find that sometimes I have to turn off the flash for better indoor pictures but that isn't a bad thing. And the cats don't always see it coming so I can get great candid shots! The video part is great but I've not used it much. I've seen the quality on my brother's older version which is very good and expect this to be just as good.
2 out of 3 users found this user opinion helpful.
-
Great camera for the novice like myself.
by robbinh00d on March 29, 2009
Pros: Good image quality. Lens pops out and goes back in REALLY fast which is what I wanted. Video quality is awesome at 30fps. Can use a 4gb SD card which fits right in your laptop. Menus are relatively user friendly. Slips in your pocket perfectly.
Cons: Autofocus can take a second or two to get there. Doesnt really bother me as I'm a total novice. I just wanted a camera small enough to put in my pocket. I dont like the integrated battery thingie. I'd rather be able to use rechargeable AA batts.
Summary: I know NOTHING about photography, nor do I care. I was able to steal this for about $130 so I got it because I was in desperate need of a ...
Summary: I know NOTHING about photography, nor do I care. I was able to steal this for about $130 so I got it because I was in desperate need of a digicam. The video quality is awesome on this thing. Saves as .avi files so you can compress any way ya like afterwards. Image quality is good. Only thing is, the model right after this one utilizes the SDHC cards. That way you can use the larger SD cards like 32gb, or 64gb...plenty of space for the longest home videos.
1 out of 1 users found this user opinion helpful.
-
excellent photos, even with flash
by chavief on March 16, 2009
Pros: excellent photos in daylight or with flash, easy to use, lots of fun settings, slim and light, inexpensive
Cons: can't think of anything!
Would like a better zoom, but for this price, who can complain?Summary: I got this camera (in blue) to supplement my Canon PowerShot XS 10 IS which is too big to lug around every day or to parties. The SD1100IS takes amazing ...
Summary: I got this camera (in blue) to supplement my Canon PowerShot XS 10 IS which is too big to lug around every day or to parties. The SD1100IS takes amazing photos, and most importantly, the flash never washes people out. Excellent buy. And it's really pretty in blue!
1 out of 1 users found this user opinion helpful.
-
Great snapshot camera with good movie mode for the web
by tomwarner on March 10, 2009
Pros: The camera is small and relatively tough. It is a great choice for pics and movies headed for the web. At under $130 it is a good deal. Recharge time for the rechargeable battery is around 1 1/2 hours - not bad.
Cons: Not many manual controls. Battery life is liveable. Not a lot of cons for a camera with tons of features and a somewhat low cost.
Summary: The toughness and small size makes this camera (last year's model) a good buy for less than $130 (what I paid). This is a good quality snapshot camera. It ...
Summary: The toughness and small size makes this camera (last year's model) a good buy for less than $130 (what I paid). This is a good quality snapshot camera. It is not a camera that comes close to competing with a DSLR, so don't think that a camera like this can come close. However, it is a lot of camera for the $$.
1 out of 1 users found this user opinion helpful.
-
For an inexpensive point and shoot, it's AMAZING
by Ms_Miranda on February 27, 2009
Pros: quality of pictures, face detection, self-timer, set up of buttons
Cons: depending on which type of picture you set it up for, they can be dicolored. this just requires setting it up right first
Summary: Had a Sony CyberShot before this, and man am I glad it broke. This camera takes much better quality pictures, a lot of them look professional. I like that the ...
Summary: Had a Sony CyberShot before this, and man am I glad it broke. This camera takes much better quality pictures, a lot of them look professional. I like that the controls aren't on a dial at the top, that is something that annoys me. Flash is good, had multiple self timers which I use a lot. The only real issue I have had with it is when I insert the memory card into my comp and resize etc. the pics, when I put it back into the camera, those pics I changed have an error message-but thats probably my own fault.
1 out of 1 users found this user opinion helpful.
-
Amazing Camera! Got it yesterday.
by KittenKat300 on February 19, 2009
Pros: Great pictures, good setting options, LCD is perfect, long battery life, Great size and flash.
Cons: None so far
Summary: I find that the camera is a "bang for the buck" and this is that time of year when all the new cameras come out, so this was a last ...
Summary: I find that the camera is a "bang for the buck" and this is that time of year when all the new cameras come out, so this was a last chance.
1 out of 1 users found this user opinion helpful.
-
What more could I ask for?
by mommydrst on September 28, 2008
Pros: I love almost everything about this ultra compact camera.
Cons: Long flash recycle time.
Summary: I have not had any bad experiences with this product. I have had many cameras through the years and I have found this camera to be the best! The photo ...
Summary: I have not had any bad experiences with this product. I have had many cameras through the years and I have found this camera to be the best! The photo quality is awesome!
1 out of 1 users found this user opinion helpful.
Specifications
- Manufacturer: Canon USA
- Part number: 2508B001
- Description: Color communicates. It introduces you before you say a word, making the PowerShot SD1100 IS Digital ELPH the ultimate image-maker. Five fashion-forward hues expressed in pure aluminum add a new burst of excitement to Canon's Perpetual Curve design. Of course, a camera that brings out the best in you also delivers Canon's most advanced technology features. Call it style with substance, for a new level of picture-taking pleasure.
General
- Product Type Digital camera - Compact
- Width 3.4 in
- Depth 0.9 in
- Height 2.2 in
- Weight 4.4 oz
- Enclosure Color Swing silver
- Body Material Aluminum
Main Features
- Resolution 8 megapixels
- Color Support Color
- Optical Sensor Type CCD
- Total Pixels 8,300,000 pixels
- Effective Sensor Resolution 8,000,000 pixels
- Optical Sensor Size 1/2.5 in
- Light Sensitivity ISO 80, ISO 100, ISO 200, ISO 400, ISO 800, ISO 1600, ISO auto
- Digital Zoom 4 x
- Shooting Modes Frame movie mode
- Shooting Programs Snow, Beach, Indoor, Sunset, Foliage, Aquarium, Fireworks, Color swap, Underwater, Kids & pets, Color accent, Digital macro, Portrait mode, Stitch assist, Night snapshot
- Special Effects Sepia, Vivid, Neutral, Vivid Red, Vivid Blue, Vivid Green, Black & White, Positive Film, Darker Skin Tone, Lighter Skin Tone
- Image Stabilizer Optical
- Max Shutter Speed 1/1500 sec
- Image stabilizer feature Optical stabilization helps prevent blurry pictures, especially for handheld cameras at slow shutter speeds or when using high optical zoom.
- Min Shutter Speed 15 sec
- Exposure Metering Spot, Evaluative, Center-weighted
- Exposure Modes Program, Automatic
- Exposure Compensation ±2 EV range, in 1/3 EV steps
- Face Detection Yes
- White Balance Custom, Presets, Automatic
- White Balance Presets Cloudy, Daylight, Tungsten light, Fluorescent light (cool white), Fluorescent light (warm white)
- Digital Video Format AVI, MJPEG
- Still Image Format JPEG
- Continuous Shooting Speed 1.3 frames per second
- TV Tuner None
- Video Capture AVI - 640 x 480 - 14 sec - With 32MB card, AVI - 640 x 480 - 27 sec - With 32MB card, AVI - 320 x 240 - 38 sec - With 32MB card, AVI - 160 x 120 - 189 sec - With 32MB card
Memory / Storage
- Flash Memory 32 MB Flash - SD Memory Card
- Supported Flash Memory MultiMediaCard, SD Memory Card
- Floppy Drive None
- Digital Storage Media None
- Image Storage Super-fine JPEG 3264 x 2448 : 8 - With 32MB card - 3.4 MB, Fine JPEG 3264 x 2448 : 14 - With 32MB card - 2.1 MB, Normal JPEG 3264 x 2448 : 29 - With 32MB card - 980 KB, Super-fine JPEG 2592 x 1944 : 11 - With 32MB card - 2.5 MB, Fine JPEG 2592 x 1944 : 20 - With 32MB card - 1.4 MB, Normal JPEG 2592 x 1944 : 41 - With 32MB card - 695 KB, Super-fine JPEG 2048 x 1536 : 18 - With 32MB card - 1.6 MB, Fine JPEG 2048 x 1536 : 32 - With 32MB card - 893 KB, Normal JPEG 2048 x 1536 : 64 - With 32MB card - 445 KB, Super-fine JPEG 1600 x 1200 : 29 - With 32MB card - 1 MB, Fine JPEG 1600 x 1200 : 52 - With 32MB card - 558 KB, Normal JPEG 1600 x 1200 : 99 - With 32MB card - 278 KB, Super-fine JPEG 640 x 480 : 111 - With 32MB card - 249 KB, Fine JPEG 640 x 480 : 171 - With 32MB card - 150 KB, Normal JPEG 640 x 480 : 270 - With 32MB card - 84 KB, Super-fine JPEG 3264 x 1832 : 11 - With 32MB card - 2.6 MB, Fine JPEG 3264 x 1832 : 18 - With 32MB card - 1.5 MB, Normal JPEG 3264 x 1832 : 19 - With 32MB card - 736 KB
Camera Flash
- Camera Flash Built-in flash
- Flash Modes Auto mode, Fill-in mode, Slow synchro, Flash OFF mode, Red-eye reduction
- Red Eye Reduction Yes
- Effective Flash Range 1 ft - 11.5 ft
- Features AF illuminator, Flash +/- compensation
Lens System
- Type Zoom lens - 6.2 mm - 18.6 mm - F/2.8-4.9
- Focal Length 6.2 mm - 18.6 mm
- Focal Length Equivalent to 35mm Camera 38 - 114 mm
- Focus Adjustment Automatic
- Auto Focus TTL contrast detection
- Auto Focus Points (Zones) 9
- Min Focus Range 11.8 in
- Macro Focus Range 3-50cm
- Lens Aperture F/2.8-4.9
- Optical Zoom 3 x
- Zoom Adjustment Motorized drive
- Lens Construction 5 group(s) / 6 element(s)
- Features Aspherical lens, Built-in lens shield
Additional Features
- Self Timer Yes
- Self Timer Delay 2 sec, 10 sec
- Additional Features AF lock, DPOF support, Direct print, Face detection, Audio recording, Date/time stamp, Built-in speaker, Cropping an image, Histogram display, Resizing an image, Exif Print support, PictBridge support, USB 2.0 compatibility, Digital image rotation, Digital noise reduction, In-camera red-eye removal, Motion Detection Technology, Camera orientation detection
Viewfinder
- Viewfinder Type Optical - Real-image zoom
- Viewfinder Color Support Color
Display
- Type LCD display - TFT active matrix - 2.5 in - Color
- Display Form Factor Built-in
- Display Format 230,000 pixels
Digital Player (Recorder)
- Type None
Microphone
- Type Microphone - Built-in
- Microphone Technology Electret condenser
- Microphone Operation Mode Mono
Connections
- Connector Type 1 x USB, 1 x Composite video/audio output
- Expansion Slot(s) 1 x SD Memory Card
Software
- Software Canon PhotoStitch, Canon ImageBrowser, Drivers & Utilities, Canon ZoomBrowser EX
System Requirements for PC Connection
- Operating System Support MS Windows Vista, MS Windows XP SP2, Apple Mac OS X 10.3 - 10.4, MS Windows 2000 SP4 or later
- Peripheral Devices USB port, CD-ROM drive
Miscellaneous
- Carrying Case None
- Microsoft Certifications Certified for Windows Vista
- Included Accessories Wrist strap
- Cables Included 1, 1 x A/V cable, USB cable
Power
- Power Device Battery charger - External
Battery
- Supported Battery Canon NB-4L
- Supported Battery 1 x Li-ion rechargeable battery - 760 mAh ( Included )
Environmental Parameters
- Min Operating Temperature 32 °F
- Max Operating Temperature 104 °F
Product series
-
Canon PowerShot SD1100 IS (Pink)
Manufacturer: Canon USA
Specs: Ultracompact, 8 megapixels, 3 x, 2.5 in LCD display, 32 MB - SD Memory Card
-
Canon PowerShot SD1100 IS (Gold)
Manufacturer: Canon USA
Specs: Ultracompact, 8 megapixels, 3 x, 2.5 in LCD display, 32 MB - SD Memory Card
-
Canon PowerShot SD1100 IS (Brown)
Manufacturer: Canon USA
Specs: Ultracompact, 8 megapixels, 3 x, 2.5 in LCD display, 32 MB - SD Memory Card
-
Canon PowerShot SD1100 IS (Blue)
Manufacturer: Canon USA
Specs: Ultracompact, 8 megapixels, 3 x, 2.5 in LCD display, 32 MB - SD Memory Card
-
Canon PowerShot SD1100 IS (Silver)
Manufacturer: Canon USA
Specs: Ultracompact, 8 megapixels, 3 x, 2.5 in LCD display, 32 MB - SD Memory Card
Accessories
Manufacturer info
- Canon USA
- Manufacturer profile
- Browse Canon USA products on Shopper.com
-
- Website: http://estore.usa.canon.com/
- Address:
One Canon Plaza, Lake Success, NY 11042 - Phone: 516-328-5000
- Email: mediacontact@cusa.canon.com
%20-%20Compare%20prices,%20reviews,%20user%20opinions%20-%20Shopper.com&srcUrl=http://shopper.cnet.com/digital-cameras/canon-powershot-sd1100-is/4014-6501_9-32826179.html){kind=small}