The Canon PowerShot S100 is just about the most capable compact camera we've seen, and it's packed with features that will please both novices and advanced shooters.
Read the full review →Heads up! A newer version of this product is out!
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Conclusion: We like it
The PowerShot S100 is one of the best ultra-compact cameras ever made, and includes full manual controls, HD video, GPS, and a longer lens than its predecessor. Just be prepared to pack a spare battery if you're planning a big outing. While the S100's original price of over $400 may have been steep for a point-and-shoot, it's now available for as little as $240, making it a bargain compared to other high-end compacts, such as Sony's $650 Cyber-shot DSC-RX100, not to mention its Wi-Fi and touchscreen-equipped offspring, the S110, which is now available for $399.
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Critic reviews
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The Canon PowerShot S100 is a generally great little camera for advanced shooters who don't mind slowing down a bit from a dSLR.
Read the full review →Overall, the PowerShot S100 is a well-designed camera whose best attribute is its image quality. It obviously can't compete with a digital SLR (or mirrorless camera), but it is way better than your typical compact camera.
Read the full review →The S100 combines the best qualities of a pocketable point and shoot and an enthusiast compact camera. It provides well thought-out full manual control in a form factor approaching the size of Canon's Elph series.
Read the full review →It's tiny, fast, takes great photos, and has awesome functionality at a very reasonable price. None of that matters if the camera won't turn on. ... If you go for it, keep the battery on the charger, pack a spare, and be ready to babysit—because this camera is not quite grown up.
Read the full review →Canon once again strikes gold with the PowerShot S100. It’s a camera that fulfills the promise of every ultracompact: to cram an astounding level of power into a tiny, portable body. From now on, it is likely the S100 will be the point-and-shoot by which all others are judged.
Read the full review →The Canon PowerShot S100 is an excellent pocket camera for photographers. It didn't jazz me as much as the first and second iterations of the line, but I eventually grew to rely on it for quality photos and video when I needed to travel light. It's a certain Dave's Pick, and an excellent...
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rufinorosado
If the battery life had been better, this camera would be an easy 10. Still, I'm pretty much in love with my Canon S100.
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ChrisLeckness
I've used the S100 for about a week now and I have been very impressed with the image quality, ease of use, and the construction of the the camera. The only knock so far is battery life.
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Shante
I have had this camera for a year and I have already returned it once and I am about to send it back to the repair facility. The website has a notice that the lens error that I have is known. No, I didn't drop it. I shouldn't have these issues from a company supposedly known for quality.
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TommyRock
I bought this camera to replace our large DSLR for a trip to Hawaii. The photos and video were on par and it fit in my pocket at the same time. Cannot recommend this more.
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jdepew
Stepping up from Canon SD870is, i was holding out on getting a new S series until the S100 came out as I was spoiled at the wide end range of the 870is. I've previously been very impressed with the low light sensitivity of the S-series as I am huge fan of natural light, and so far have been...
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mayhem
Low light was my main objective- fantastic! Candle light is sufficient. Feels similar to first gen, low cost DSLR. Zoom with stabilization is binocular level quality (better than naked eye). 200+ page manuall, but it is totally familiar to anyone who has used any cannon- auto modes are very...
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pika2000
I love the Canon Powershot S90. It has amazing image quality for its class. The downside is that it can only capture VGA video. I skipped the S95 and thus the S100 is a natural upgrade path for me. It retains almost every design cue from the S90/95. Certain button placements are modified though,...
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sant
decent little camera when using it with the gps logger on at all times drains the battery but other than that its perfect
Read the full review →How it stacks up
Instantly compare the Canon PowerShot S100 (late 2011) side by side with some of the top devices on gdgt!
Compare these-
Canon PowerShot S100 (late 2011) 92 from $249 -
Sony α NEX-5R 92 from $509 -
Sony Cyber-shot DSC-RX100 91 from $609 -
Sony α NEX-6 90 from $859 -
Canon EOS 5D Mark III 88 from $2859
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Don't forget to check out these other devices by Canon, you might find something good!