Canon PowerShot SX110 IS (black)
Manufacturer: Canon USA Part number: 3190B001
- More product information:
- Editors' review
- User reviews
- Specifications
- Product series
- Accessories
- Manufacturer info
- Bottom Line:
- Though it's certainly a good, inexpensive megazoom camera, some aspects of the Canon PowerShot SX110 IS fall a bit short of its predecessor.
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Where to buy
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|---|---|---|---|---|
| Amazon.com Marketplace |  | In stock | Enter zip code to get total price: Price +Tax +Shipping =Total price | as of 12/08/2009 |
CNET editors' review
Canon PowerShot SX110 IS (black) price range: $312.48
- Reviewed by: Joshua Goldman
- Edited by: Lori Grunin
- Reviewed on: 12/12/2008
- Released on: 02/01/2008
The good: First-rate photo quality; full set of manual exposure controls.
The bad: No optical zoom in movie capture; slippery body; spotty performance.
The bottom line: Though it's certainly a good, inexpensive megazoom camera, some aspects of the Canon PowerShot SX110 IS fall a bit short of its predecessor.
It's very easy to see the appeal of the 9-megapixel Canon PowerShot SX110 IS. It's a reasonably priced, relatively compact megazoom camera with features for casual and seasoned users alike. It also takes great photos for its class. However, as a replacement for the SX100 IS it's a disappointment: Canon didn't address any of the problems we raised with that model, and some aspects of performance even worsened.
One of the SX110 IS's biggest lures is its compact size for a megazoom. It measures 4.4 inches wide by 2.8 inches high by 1.8 inches deep and weighs 10.4 ounces and will fit comfortably into a jacket pocket or uncomfortably in a jeans pocket. The optically stabilized 10x f2.8-4.3 36-360mm zoom lens is responsible for most of that weight. Though slightly smaller than the SX100 IS, the SX110 IS remains large enough that it should be easy to hold securely, but its grip is shallow and the body is slippery. Encased in plastic, the SX110 IS nevertheless feels quite solid and sturdy. A door on the bottom covers an SDHC card slot and battery compartment. Unlike most AA-powered megazooms that use four batteries, the SX110 IS is powered by only two, and battery life feels relatively short. You'll want to pick up some rechargeable NiMH batteries for sure.
With the screen now 0.5-inch larger than the SX100's at 3 inches, the PictBridge, face detection, and display and menu buttons once below the LCD have been shuffled a bit. Face detection, display, and menu buttons join the dedicated exposure compensation button above and below the navigational scroll wheel instead of below the LCD. This actually works better since it puts everything under your thumb. The wheel surrounds a Func button and has top, bottom, left, and right pressure points for ISO sensitivity, focus (manual and macro), flash, and drive mode; unfortunately, it retains its all-too-easy-to-change-settings responsiveness. The PictBridge button is now relegated to the far left corner above the screen, while a playback button sits between the right side of the LCD and the slight indent of a thumb rest.
Since the release of the SX100 IS, many megazoom cameras have expanded to a full complement of manual and semimanual exposure modes, flash and exposure compensation, and metering modes, so it's no surprise that the SX110 IS is still fully stocked in that department. There's also the de rigueur handful of scene modes, plus a decent face detection mode that lets you scroll through found faces to select one. It still takes longer to use than simply picking a face and focusing on it.
You do forgo an electronic viewfinder, support for add-on lenses, and a hot shoe with the SX110 IS vs. much of the competition, though I doubt many potential users would really miss any of them. More irritating is the underdeveloped movie capture. While other manufacturers are at least attempting to improve video capabilities, the SX110 IS supports only 30fps VGA without optical zoom and only mono sound.
Though the SX110 IS gets decent marks overall for speed, it does have some borderline performance issues that earned it some ratings demerits. It wakes and shoots in 2.3 seconds, which is typical of megazooms. Its shutter lag for high- and low-contrast scenes--0.5 second and 0.7 second, respectively--are typical for this class, too. However, shot-to-shot times are noticeably slow at 2.1 seconds without flash and jump to 5.1 seconds once you enable the flash. Burst shooting is better, running at 1.3 frames per second. Finally, the LCD is good, but not terrific, and not always easy to see in bright sunlight.
What the camera sacrifices in speed, however, it makes up for in photo quality, even at higher ISOs. Noise starts to show at ISO 400, and at ISO 800 photos have a mottled look, but loss of detail is relatively minimal. Characteristic of megazooms, the lens has some barrel distortion--a surprising amount, given the relatively narrow-angle lens--as well as minor pincushioning, but photos look sharp without looking oversharpened. There's a bit of magenta and purple fringing, but it's only really noticeable in outdoor shots with extreme contrast. Overall it renders excellent exposure and color.
Despite its arguably best-in-class photo quality, the Canon PowerShot SX110 IS's spotty performance, disappointing movie capture, and occasionally frustrating design keep us from giving it an unqualified recommendation.
(Shorter bars indicate better performance)
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Typical shot-to-shot time | |
Shutter lag (dim) | |
Shutter lag (typical) |
(Longer bars indicate better performance)
User reviews
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Best bang for the buck out there!
by TheInspector on October 28, 2008
Pros: Hi-res plus high zoom with image stabilization that flat out works. Huge view screen allows you to see your work clearly. Lots of nice shooting options, including full manual control. Face recognition is a good feature - it seems to work very well.
Cons: Not many that I can think of. If you want a real camera, but can't or don't want an SLR, this unit gives excellent pics, great control if you want to get creative and all for a reasonable price. It might be a bit large, a small point in my opinion.
Summary: I was looking for something to take over from my trusty old Nikon AF600 (yes, a film camera!) and I did not like the current rash of point and shoot ...
Summary: I was looking for something to take over from my trusty old Nikon AF600 (yes, a film camera!) and I did not like the current rash of point and shoot trinkets. I wanted something I could learn to use - to become a better picture taker. I think I found it with the SX110 IS.
8 out of 11 users found this user opinion helpful.
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I will start with the bottom-line. An excellent camera!
by jmagnin2 on February 19, 2009
Pros: please see bottom-line summary
Cons: please see bottom-line summary
Summary: With that said, there are a couple of things you should know when un-boxing the system. First of all, the measly 32mb memory card you receive is just about worthless. ...
Summary: With that said, there are a couple of things you should know when un-boxing the system. First of all, the measly 32mb memory card you receive is just about worthless. Plan on purchasing a 8gb card. They can be had for about $15 and if you take many photos or any videos you will be glad you did.
Also, my camera's video setting came out of the box in the "compact" mode, which in my option produces unusable video. Change it to the standard video/640 30fps (page 89 in the User Guide). While this still will not provide you with HD video, it is acceptable for causal shooting. However, the included 32mb memory card will only hold about 15 seconds of video at this setting.
Now for the important part. For the price point, this camera would be extremely hard to beat! The features are numerous and quite amazing. I took a picture of an object so far away I could hardly make it out, at full optical and digital zoom and the results were unbelievable. However, I must say I did enhance the photo a bit in Photoshop. You could probably do the same in just about any photo software program, even the one that comes with the camera.
I can't say I found any "cons" with this camera. Since I take causal and semi-professional photographs in my web designing business, I wanted a camera that was compact yet provided excellent results. If I wasn't concern with the size, I would have likely purchased a SX10 IS or XS1 IS, but for what I need the SX110 IS is more than adequate.
However, as others have mentioned the camera does eat a steady supply of batteries. Either buy your AAs in bulk or goes the rechargeable route. I didn't call the camera's energy requirement a con, because I like the big, bright and beautiful LCD and other power hungry features. For me, it is a reasonable tradeoff.
I would highly recommend this camera and I wish you happy shooting!4 out of 5 users found this user opinion helpful.
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excellent photos, marvelous zoom
by chavief on March 16, 2009
Pros: Great photos, lots of manual and fun settings, and most importantly: fantastic zoom.
Cons: a little sluggish sometimes when switching modes, the automatic flash mode sometimes washes people out.
Summary: I bought this camera specifically for the zoom and I am not disappointed. Like all my canon cameras, the photo quality is excellent.
Summary: I bought this camera specifically for the zoom and I am not disappointed. Like all my canon cameras, the photo quality is excellent.
2 out of 2 users found this user opinion helpful.
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GREAT FAMILY OR VACATION CAMERA
by COWBELL on January 1, 2009
Pros: GREAT PICTURES AND VIDEO( SEE BELOW), JUST THE RIGHT SIZE OPTICAL ZOOM, IN CAMERA RED EYE FIX, NICE 3inch LCD
Cons: IT DOES TAKE THE FLASH 5 TO 8 SEC. TO RECHARGE.
Summary: THE BATTERYS (YOU HAVE TO USE HIGH POWER RECHARGEABLE 2500 TO 2900 nAH. BATTERYS OR ENERGIZER LITHIUM BATTERYS.) I HAVE THE SX 100 ALSO, AND USING THESE I HAVE NO ...
Summary: THE BATTERYS (YOU HAVE TO USE HIGH POWER RECHARGEABLE 2500 TO 2900 nAH. BATTERYS OR ENERGIZER LITHIUM BATTERYS.) I HAVE THE SX 100 ALSO, AND USING THESE I HAVE NO BATTERY PROBLEMS. ALSO WHEN POSSIBLE TURN DOWN THE BRIGHTNESS CONTROLL ON LCD. PICTURES ARE VERY GOOD BUT DO NOT USE THE AUTO ISO SHIFT IT JUST THROUGHS YOU UP INTO THE HIGH ISOs AND WILL MAKE PICYURES GRAINY. ALLSO REMEMBER TO HOLD THE SHUTTER BUTTON HALFWAY DOWN AND GIVE THE CAMERA A SEC. TO FOCAS, MAKE SURE IMAGE STABILZER IS SET TO CONTINUOUS OR SHOOT ONLY MODE, I USE CONTINUOUS... USE A GOOD HIGH SPEED SD CARD 2 OR 4 gig AND REMBER TO FORMAT IT. I JUST USE AUTO 95% OF THE TIME . I HOPE THIS WILL BE HELPFULL...
2 out of 2 users found this user opinion helpful.
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Could be great, power problems make it mediocre
by jccbroker on March 25, 2009
Pros: Read all the reviews for all the standards - Canon delivers on all of what it's capable of when you're looking for "value" or as one wrote "bang for the buck."
Cons: Read the specs under "POWER":
"Battery
* Supported Battery AA
* Supported Battery 2 x AA Alkaline battery ( Included ) , 2 x AA NiMH rechargeable battery ( Optional )Summary: Now Google the product - you can't swing a dead cat without seeing that Canon should've pulled this from the shelves and fixed this problem.
I've had ...Summary: Now Google the product - you can't swing a dead cat without seeing that Canon should've pulled this from the shelves and fixed this problem.
I've had to send this to the factory twice - Canon NEVER acknowledged that any specific battery needed to be used or there was a widespread issue. First recommendation was use a pencil eraser to clean the battery power connectors, otherwise send it in. Rec'd it back with a note "tested, fixed." Put generic 2500 nah AA batteries in, powered for 3 seconds and died. Sent back for a 2nd service. Meanwhile Canon service continued to play blind, deaf and dumb to the obvious issue. I just received a phone call from a Canon service rep (NO return # provided!) which simply pointed out that the camera will "ONLY work with Canon nickel batteries" -- AHEM -- so why wasn't this disclosure made at the point of purchase, why would Canon sell the product with this design limitation in the first place, and why when sent for service, did they provide this "discovery" so late in the process?
Canon lost a Canon customer.2 out of 3 users found this user opinion helpful.
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compact zoom, good pics, poor video and flash recharge
by rebecca1831 on December 22, 2008
Pros: Finally, a compact canon with a 10x zoom! It takes good pics as expected from a canon.
Cons: Video capability is poor, optical zoom does not work in video mode; videos are grainy. The flash takes several seconds to recharge - meanwhile, the screen goes blank.
Summary: I purchased this camera to replace my S2. It's much more compact and uses only 2 batteries, so it is lighter. The video capabilities are not even comparable. Do ...
Summary: I purchased this camera to replace my S2. It's much more compact and uses only 2 batteries, so it is lighter. The video capabilities are not even comparable. Do not purchase this camera if you plan to use it for video at all - only the digital zoom works in video mode and the video is very grainy... it's useless. Using only 2 batteries is great, but they don't last very long. When shooting photos that require the use of the flash, the camera takes several seconds to charge the flash. The screen goes black while the flash is recharging and it does not have a viewfinder, so you just have to sit and stare a a black screen... you can't try to set up your next shot... it's very frustrating. I decided to return this camera and go to the sx10 instead... it's bulkier and uses 4 batteries, but it is a much better choice for someone who wants a good optical zoom, uses the video capabilities and takes pictures which require the use of the flash.
2 out of 3 users found this user opinion helpful.
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Best Point & Shoot Digital I've had.
Pros: Excellent macro focusing. Flash intensity control, something that was lacking in the Panasonic Lumix cameras I've owned.
Cons: The SD card slot is in the same area as the batteries.
Summary: I think this is the best value for the cash investment. It is a superior to its peers by other manufacturers. Get a good tripod for long exposures.
Summary: I think this is the best value for the cash investment. It is a superior to its peers by other manufacturers. Get a good tripod for long exposures.
2 out of 3 users found this user opinion helpful.
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great camera
by chef27615 on October 19, 2008
Pros: large 3" display,
a SLR like menu choice,
10X zone works great advantage to some
high quality out put as a canon shouldCons: bigger than a normal Point n' Shoot camera
use of AA batteries, what were they thinking?
noise during higher ISO at night shoot.
Can not adopt a bigger lens!!!!!Summary: This is the camera I will take with me, if I want to travel without the full pack of my SLR setup. the pictures I have taking was loaded up ...
Summary: This is the camera I will take with me, if I want to travel without the full pack of my SLR setup. the pictures I have taking was loaded up on flickr.com, under the Canon PowerShot SX110 IS, seattle.
4 out of 8 users found this user opinion helpful.
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An absolutely fantastic Camera
by yardplanner on July 20, 2009
Pros: takes great pictures it has replaced my regular slr camera its easy to take backpacking easy to use and i love the IS feature works great well balanced camera worth every penny runs on AA batteries which is really nice no more expensive batteries
Cons: the surface is a little slick so you need 2 pay attention while handling it no biggy though i just keep a wrist strap on it. oh and it came with a 32 mb card OMG 7 pics it'll hold LOL give me a break but again easy fix
Summary: Bottom-line this camera will do all U want it 2 and more its worth the money easy to use point and shoot just buy a couple extra one or 2 ...
Summary: Bottom-line this camera will do all U want it 2 and more its worth the money easy to use point and shoot just buy a couple extra one or 2 GB cards offf eBay is the cheapest place stick with name brand though less hassles you wont regret it
1 out of 1 users found this user opinion helpful.
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worst i acan say is this camera rocks
Pros: great zoom, great lcd screen awsome options,easy to use great photos, captures with great time for me with hs sd card
Cons: havent found any in 3 months
Summary: this camera cost a bit more then most but its well worth the price, i would but this camera agian, it has yet so dissapoint me, i even tapped a ...
Summary: this camera cost a bit more then most but its well worth the price, i would but this camera agian, it has yet so dissapoint me, i even tapped a basketball game with it without any issuesI LOVE IT
1 out of 1 users found this user opinion helpful.
Specifications
- Manufacturer: Canon USA
- Part number: 3190B001
- Description: From a 10x optical zoom lens to advanced Canon technology that automatically gives you the best shot, the 9.0-megapixel PowerShot SX110 IS packs impressive value. Advanced Face Detection technology automatically sets focus, exposure, flash and white balance for beautiful portraits and group shots. Sharp, steady close-ups are easy with the powerful zoom and Canon's Optical Image Stabilizer technology. The slim and modern-looking SX110 IS is sized to go everywhere, and you'll never miss a detail with the big, bright LCD screen.
General
- Product Type Digital camera - Compact
- Width 4.4 in
- Depth 1.8 in
- Height 2.8 in
- Weight 8.6 oz
- Enclosure Color Black
Main Features
- Resolution 9 megapixels
- Color Support Color
- Optical Sensor Type CCD
- Total Pixels 10,300,000 pixels
- Effective Sensor Resolution 9,000,000 pixels
- 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, Landscape, Kids & pets, Night scene, Portrait mode, Night snapshot, High sensitivity
- Special Effects Sepia, Vivid, Neutral, Black & White, Custom Effect
- Image Stabilizer Optical
- Max Shutter Speed 1/2500 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 Manual, Program, Automatic, Shutter-priority, Aperture-priority
- Exposure Compensation ±2 EV range, in 1/3 EV steps
- Face Detection Yes
- White Balance Custom, Presets, Automatic
- White Balance Presets Cloudy, Daylight, Fluorescent, Tungsten light
- Digital Video Format AVI
- Still Image Format JPEG
- TV Tuner None
- Video Capture AVI - 640 x 480, AVI - 320 x 240, AVI - 160 x 120
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 JPEG 3456 x 2592, JPEG 2816 x 2112, JPEG 2272 x 1704, JPEG 1600 x 1200, JPEG 640 x 480, JPEG 3456 x 1944
Camera Flash
- Camera Flash Pop-up flash
- Flash Modes Auto mode, Fill-in mode, Slow synchro, Flash OFF mode, Red-eye reduction
- Red Eye Reduction Yes
- Effective Flash Range 1.6 ft - 10 ft
- Features AF illuminator, Flash +/- compensation
Lens System
- Type Zoom lens - 6 mm - 60 mm - F/2.8-4.3
- Focal Length 6 mm - 60 mm
- Focal Length Equivalent to 35mm Camera 36 - 360 mm
- Focus Adjustment Automatic
- Auto Focus TTL contrast detection
- Min Focus Range 19.7 in
- Macro Focus Range 1-50cm
- Lens Aperture F/2.8-4.3
- Optical Zoom 10 x
- Zoom Adjustment Motorized drive
- Lens Construction 9 group(s) / 10 element(s)
- Features Aspherical lens, Built-in lens shield
Additional Features
- Self Timer Yes
- Self Timer Delay 2 sec, 10 sec
- Additional Features DPOF support, Direct print, Face detection, Audio recording, Histogram display, Resizing an image, PictBridge support, 16:9 widescreen mode, In-camera red-eye fix, USB 2.0 compatibility, Digital image rotation, RGB primary color filter, Camera orientation detection
Viewfinder
- Viewfinder Type None
Display
- Type LCD display - TFT active matrix - 3 in - Color
- Display Form Factor Built-in
- Display Format 230,000 pixels
Digital Player (Recorder)
- Type None
Microphone
- Type Microphone - Built-in
- 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 Remote Capture, Canon ZoomBrowser EX
System Requirements for PC Connection
- Operating System Support MS Windows XP, MS Windows Vista, Apple Mac OS X 10.3.x - 10.4.x
- Peripheral Devices USB port, CD-ROM drive
Miscellaneous
- Microsoft Certifications Certified for Windows Vista
- Included Accessories Wrist strap
- Cables Included A/V cable, USB cable
Battery
- Supported Battery AA
- Supported Battery 2 x AA Alkaline battery ( Included ), 2 x AA NiMH rechargeable battery ( Optional )
Environmental Parameters
- Min Operating Temperature 32 °F
- Max Operating Temperature 104 °F
- Humidity Range Operating 10 - 90%
Product series
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Canon PowerShot SX110 IS (black)
Manufacturer: Canon USA
Specs: 9 megapixels, 10 x, 3 in LCD display, 32 MB - SD Memory Card
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Canon PowerShot SX110 IS (silver)
Manufacturer: Canon USA
Specs: 9 megapixels, 10 x, 3 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
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