Canon PowerShot SX100 IS

Review summary: Although the Canon PowerShot SX100 IS is a little bulky for a compact digital camera, it is still a great accessory to take on trips and family events. If you need a high-quality camera that features great enhancements (including face detection), then ...

Pros: Great quality- shoots breathtaking 8 megapixel stills, Versatile- shots up to ISO 1600 at 10x optical/4x digital zoom

Verdict: The Canon PowerShot SX100 IS is much more compact than similar digital...

Review summary: The Canon PowerShot SX100 IS ($299) is a compact, low-cost ultra zoom camera. It offers many of the features found on the PowerShot S5 IS (see our review), for $100 less. The main differences between the SX100 and the S5 are with regard to lens power ...

Pros: Very good photo quality (though see issues below) ; Good value for the money ; 10X optical zoom lens with optical image stabilization ; Fairly sharp 2.5" LCD with good low light and outdoor visibility ; Full manual controls, plus plenty of scene modes ...

Cons: Noticeable detail loss from noise reduction above ISO 200 (in low light) and ISO 400 (in good light) ; highest sensitivities not usable ; Redeye a big problem (though you can remove it in playback mode) ; Weak, slow-to-charge flash ; No multi-point ...

Verdict: Despite using half the number of batteries, the SX100's battery life numbers are just 10% below those of its big brother, the PowerShot S5. In the group as a whole, the SX100's battery life is about 15% above average

Review summary: A versatile pocketable camera that's easy on the budget

Verdict: The name SX might first make you think of an automobile, but, this is the name of a Canon's new camera that combines the popular 'A' series with the powerful and versatile 'S' series. Its appearance is not quite eye-catching and Canon has gone with a ...

Review summary: Canon's plastic PowerShot range may not be as fashionably styled as its metal-build IXUS family, but these cameras are generally better value for money while offering a fairly comprehensive feature set.

Verdict: The Canon PowerShot SX100 IS is a sensible, inexpensive option for those who want that big zoom power without having to embark on a steep learning curve.