Canon PowerShot A1100 IS Review

Introduction:
Canon PowerShot is a series which includes variety of camera models, each of which emphasizes a specific functioning aspect. The new A1100 IS focuses on operational simplicity and low price! The camera price ranges between $ 140-150 and it also includes some of the features found commonly in top end models, such as the moderate view finder, DIGIC 4 image processor, 4X digital zoom, etc.

The camera is one of the prominent basic models launched by Canon. Manufacturers have used simple and slim body design for the new PowerShot A1100 IS. The camera features most of the commonly used AUTO modes for image capturing and offers less manual controls, to maintain its operational simplicity.

Details:
Cano PowerShot A1100 IS is the improved version of the prelaunched PowerShot A1000 IS. The camera uses very clear and uncomplicated body structure and is available in four attractive tones, namely gray, blue, pink and green. The curvy bulge on the right side of the body is notable. This bulge is due to the bulky AA batteries and it also offers the user excellent grip on the camera. The camera includes a lens having focal length 6.2-24.8 mm with lens aperture of F/2.7-5.6. It is capable of producing 4X optical zoom with motorized drive adjustment.

The PowerShot A1100 IS primarily focuses on minimizing the price. The manufacturers have succeeded in fetching the camera price as low as $140. The feature list of PowerShot A1100 IS is filled by keeping in mind its price, still we can find some of the intelligent features in this list. The PowerShot A1100 IS offers you whopping 12.1 megapixel image resolutions with 4X optical zoom and optical image stabilizer. The handling simplicity theme of the camera demands most of the operations to be accomplished automatically. Hence the camera provides less number of manual controls for adjusting the image quality attributes, special effects and so on. Instead, it uses different smart AUTO modes, which automatically adjusts the setting to suit the scenery type.

Other highlight of A1100 IS is the DIGIC 4 image processor. This processor uses face detection technology with self timer. This assists the user for capturing flawless frames of the moving objects. The camera includes 2.5” high quality LCD for better understanding of the frame. However the battery life is somewhat underrated and may disappoint the experienced users.

Bottom Line:
One can describe the new Canon PowerShot A1100 IS as one of the middle range cameras, which try to offer advanced functionality with operational ease and low price. The camera is slim, lightweight and capable of producing good quality images. The camera uses advanced DIGIC 4 image processor and tries to achieve faster image processing, still we can observe notable time lag between shot to shot. Moreover the performance may still degrade on regular outdoor use. Strictly speaking, the camera is meant for domestic uses, wherein the user can be a novice and may not be an expert. The bottom line says, Canon PowerShot A1100 IS is an inexpensive model with overall satisfactory performance.

The overall rating for the camera is 3.5/5.