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Canon Powershot S110 2.1MP 8MB CF 2X Optical/2.5DLG Zoom

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Canon PowerShot S110

December 18, 2001

WHAT'S HOT: In a field awash in cheap-feeling plastic-encased competitors, the PowerShot S110 is a design marvel. Its squared-off stainless-steel case, about the size of a pack of cigarettes, stands flush on nearly all surfaces (the lens retracts beneath a protective cover). Lens specifications are even carved into the metal. The only modification we'd make would be to add a protective cover over the LCD on the back (but we haven't seen that in any other camera).

A photo-stitching mode helps you line up images so you can easily combine them to make panoramas. In addition, the S110 takes surprisingly good AVI movies--they are smoother than some we've seen from other cameras. It captures audio as well, but it doesn't have a speaker, so you can't hear anything on camera playback. The optical viewfinder is quite large and easy to see through.

The camera comes with a tiny, rechargeable lithium ion battery and a space-saving recharger that's the same size and shape as the camera. Instead of a cord, the electrical prongs fold into the recharger, so it's easy to stuff into a bag.

Canon's manual is heavily illustrated, with frequent use of arrows to show which buttons to push. It has an index, too. A separate manual covers the software in detail.

WHAT'S NOT: The S100's teeny size may be deceiving: It sucks down battery power like a teenager does chocolate shakes. We got only 131 shots (46 minutes) out of a single charge. In comparison, Canon's PowerShot A20 held out for 179 shots, or 62 minutes. The camera with the best battery life in the sub-$500 category, the Kodak DX3900, took 389 shots, or 2 hours and 15 minutes. You can't use AAs with the S110, either; extra rechargeable batteries cost $50 apiece.

The included 8MB CompactFlash memory card doesn't hold many pictures; we'd expect a larger card for $399 (though most people would probably buy an extra card even if the card were double the size). We'd also like a longer zoom than the 2X the S110 provides (but we're aware that's asking a lot in a case this small).

The camera's small case makes it easy to tote, but sacrifices usability. Some people will likely need to use both hands; it's difficult to manipulate the zoom button while holding the camera with one paw. Microscopic menu buttons combined with a small (1.5-inch) LCD make selecting options a bit trying.

The buttons are laid out in a somewhat confusing arrangement: To enter the menu system, you hit a Menu button (second button from the right in a row of five); to navigate, you press forward and back buttons (second and third from the left). To choose an option, press a Set button (first button on the left). We'd be more comfortable with a more typical setup--Menu on the left, Set button on the right. Some of the settings are buried a bit deeper in the menus than we'd like, too--the resolution and compression settings are two levels deep, or four levels if you're in the manual mode, and it takes three steps to delete a picture (you can't delete a shot in shooting mode).

The camera's manual mode only allows two adjustable settings--preset white-balance values and exposure compensation, and you can't adjust those settings in any other mode. You don't get aperture- or shutter-priority modes, for example, and you cannot lock the exposure or focus manually.

WHAT ELSE: Despite the lack of sophisticated controls, the PowerShot S110 takes above-average pictures. In our test shots, it distinguished red from orange well, no small feat among sub-$500 cameras. Smaller prints showed accurate, evenly distributed colors and sharp detail, though larger prints betrayed the camera's low 2.1-megapixel maximum resolution. For example, our test image of a cropped portion of text looked blurry even at the largest type size.

The camera relies on only one master LCD screen, rather than two as most other models do. As a result, you must change all settings from within that one LCD--though in a power-saving gesture, you can turn off the image in the screen and still adjust the settings. The LCD is a bit grainy, especially in low-light conditions, but its brightness is about average. An external light aids focusing.

UPSHOT: The PowerShot S110 is an exquisitely machined camera that takes attractive snapshots. However, its size demands some compromises, and other cameras, such as Kyocera's $599 FineCam S3, offer nearly the same exotic construction with higher resolution.

SUMMARY

Canon PowerShot S110

2.11 megapixels, 1600 by 1200 maximum resolution, 35mm-70mm focal range (35mm equivalent), f2.8-f10 aperture range, shutter speeds from 1 second to 1/1500 second, optical and LCD viewfinders, USB and video connections, 8MB CompactFlash media, one rechargeable battery, 8.1 ounces with batteries, ArcSoft PhotoImpression and VideoImpression, Canon RemoteCapture 1.4, and PhotoStitch 3.1 software. One-year parts and labor warranty, toll-call support for 11 hours on weekdays.

$399
800/652-2666
www.powershot.com

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User Reviews From Around the Web

Reviewed by: DianeBeck

Strengths: The compact size is wonderful for carrying in your purse or around your neck. The metal case has proven to be the plus for accidental drops. It hasn't failed me as yet because of one drop on sidewalk.

Weaknesses: The camera had to be replaced within the 1 yr warranty. LCD display quit altogether. Problems getting it through warranty. Poor Zoom clarity,inside action photos are not an option.

Overall: Quality is good but outdated for the present time. However, the camera is still working well at this time. Outside pictures are outsstanding!!I will be looking for an upgrade soon.
Reviewed by: Laurence

Strengths: Size, quility of images, ease of use, fun to use

Weaknesses: No manual control; only sensitive to 150 ASA/ISO (and then only in low light: standard sensitivity is 100ASA/ISO

Overall: This is an excellent more or less point and shoot camera with some really sophisticated features. It is as suited to a new photographer as it is to a more seasoned one. The 2 megapixel images are suitable for enlargement up to 7" X 5" and even at 10" X 8", with the right subject, it holds its own. The auto-focus is highly accurate, the colour rendition is superb and the design is thoughtful As a general compact portable camera, it is brilliant. It will not replace my Canon AE1, my Olympus OM1 or my Minolta 404 systems, but it is enormous fun to use for non-critical work and what you lose in terms of direct control at the time of shooting, you can compensate for (a little) with the right software on your PC. Highly recommended!
Reviewed by: wilburnkim

Strengths: metal body, auto lens cover, ease of use in auto mode, image quality

Weaknesses: small original card, long shutter delay at times

Overall: This was my first digital and we have loved it. It was stolen last week so I am shopping for a new camera. (finding reviews useful so wanted to add ours) Will either buy an S40 or the S330. The software was OK, but I don't use it. Get a reader and a USB 2.0 card. Absolutely flies moving files. Took approx 500 shots. Wife liked it because of small size. Battery was good for about three events (visit aunt's house, trip to zoo, etc). I didn't use the LCD viewer to conserve battery. It eats it up quick. Bought a non-brand 48M CF card. Due to small size had all accessories in the bag when it was stolen, so thieves got a fully functional camera, charger, case and micro-tripod. I paid $300. Looking to pay about the same this time. I have compared images to three other cameras, Nikon Cool Pic 990, Minolta Dimage 7, and some other smaller Nikon. Only the Dimage images looked any better, but then it was mostly the better flash on that unit that made the difference.
Reviewed by: TerryD

Strengths: Compact, durable, takes first rate pictures. The battery has never run down while in use.

Weaknesses: Awkward menu at times (a small complaint). Bundled software is uninspired.

Overall: I have 5 cameras, and this is the one I use the most. It is nearly flawless in operation, and 5x7 prints made from its jpegs look exactly like photographs. The color and white balance is always perfect. The battery lasts all day without charging. I use a PCMCIA adapter for the CompactFlash cards, so that I can copy jpegs directly from the cards to my PC. The camera just takes great pictures. I wish my Nikon 35mm was as good at exposure selection... Oh, and CompactFlash cards are among the cheapest camera memory there is, so I have LOTS of it. The S110 has many features that I'll never use, but I love this camera!
Reviewed by: lrenteria

Strengths: Pocket size, excellent picture quality, easy to use and Bright LCD screen.

Weaknesses: No battery indicator. No free carrying case.

Overall: This tiny camera is really great,take great pictures and easy to operate, I can carry it everywere, very good portability, functional design and elegant. It's virtually indestructible compared to the plastic models. The video feature and Canon PhotoStitch software are fantastic! I definitely recommend this camera.

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