Capturing Memories with Canon PowerShot A1100 IS: A Review

The Canon PowerShot A1100 IS is a user-friendly camera that boasts exceptional image quality, easy navigation, and numerous features—making it an ideal option for photography enthusiasts. In this review, we will dive into the features and benefits of the Canon PowerShot A1100 IS, including its amazing image stabilization technology, high-resolution sensor, and user-friendly interface.

Written by Victor Chan | Updated: Mon May 01 2023

Canon PowerShot A1100 IS article cover photo

Key Features

Feb 18 2009

Announced

12 megapixels

Resolution

BrandCanon
Sensor Type1/2.3-inch
SensorCCD
Weight150g
MSRP$199USD

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Overview of the PowerShot A1100 IS

Photography enthusiasts are always on the lookout for a user-friendly camera that can deliver impressive results. And, the Canon PowerShot A1100 IS undoubtedly fits the bill. Known for its exceptional image quality, the Canon PowerShot A1100 IS is packed with features that make it a go-to camera for those who love to capture memories. Whether you're taking photos of your family, friends, or your travels, the Canon PowerShot A1100 IS has everything you need to take stunning photos. In this review, we'll take a closer look at the Canon PowerShot A1100 IS and explore its amazing features, so you can decide if this camera is the right one for you.

Canon PowerShot A1100 IS Pros and Cons

Now, we will look more closely at our review of the Canon PowerShot A1100 IS camera. We will see what it can do and compare it to other cameras like it. We will tell you what's good about it and what's not so good. This way, you'll know if it's the camera for you!

Pros

High-resolution images
Optical Image Stabilization
Face Detection Technology
Easy to use interface
Compact design
Affordable price

Cons

Limited zoom range
No manual controls
Slow autofocus
No HD video capture
Mediocre low-light performance
Small LCD screen

Build and Construction

Body and dimensions

Canon PowerShot A1100 IS

Weather sealed
Dimensions95 x 62 x 31mm
Weight150g
Thickness31mm
Weight
Min
Avg
This
Max
Thickness
Min
Avg
This
Max

Weather Sealing

The Canon PowerShot A1100 IS is not sealed against water and dust, so it's important to be careful when using it in such conditions. If you often shoot in environments with water or dust, it's recommended to check out another camera with weather sealing.

Design and Handling

Main design features

View FinderOptical (tunnel)
Screen TypeFixed Type
Screen Resolution115k dots
Body typeCompact

Suitable for:

PhotographyAbove Avg.
VideographyAbove Avg.
TravelAbove Avg.

LCD Screen

This camera has a fixed type 2.50" screen, with a display resolution of 115k dots. This makes the Canon PowerShot A1100 IS not as suitable for those looking for a vlogging camera as you cannot view yourself while shooting selfies easily. Unfortunately, the camera does not have a touch screen, which may make it less user-friendly.

Viewfinder

PowerShot A1100 IS includes a optical (tunnel) viewfinder with no electronic viewfinder of resolution with a coverage of n/a and a magnification of n/a. This feature enhances the camera's suitability for outdoor photography in bright conditions.

Image Quality

Canon PowerShot A1100 IS has a 12MP sized CCD sensor. You can shoot at maximum resolution of 12 pixels. Canon PowerShot A1100 IS has a native ISO range of 80 - 1600 which can be boosted to null - null.

Key Features

Feb 18 2009

Announced

80 - 1600

ISO Range

Sensor1/2.3-inch
Extended ISOnull - null
Max resolution4000 x 3000 pixels

DXO Sensor Scores

Overall

not tested

Color Depth

not tested

Dynamic Range

not tested

Low Light ISO

not tested

DXO mark sensor scores

The DXOmark rankings indicate that the Canon PowerShot A1100 IS camera has excellent color depth performance, which refers to the number of colors the sensor can distinguish. Additionally, its dynamic range is also excellent, allowing it to retain high amounts of details in both bright and dark areas of a scene. The camera's low light ISO performance is excellent, which is an important factor to consider if you plan to use it in dimly lit indoor environments or at night. Overall the image quality of the PowerShot A1100 IS is excellent

Crop Factor

Camera crop factor (or focal length multiplier) refers to how a camera's sensor size affects the apparent field of view of a lens. Crop factor is determined by comparing the size of a camera's sensor to that of a full-frame sensor, which is a standard reference size for camera sensors.

Size comparison

Medium FormatFull FrameAPS-C (Sony, Nikon)

Crop factor calculator

Crop factor

1x

Full frame equivalent

24mm

This camera: 1/2.3-inch

24mm

850100150200

Connectivity, storage, battery

StorageSD/SDHC/MMC/MMCplus/HD MMCplus
Battery Life
Battery Model2 x AA
HDMI
USD
Wireless Connectivity

Storage

The Canon PowerShot A1100 IS supports SD/SDHC/MMC/MMCplus/HD MMCplus with 1 slots for storage. This may suffice for everyday use. However, for professional applications such as wedding photography, it is not recommended as a memory card malfunction could lead to the loss of all footage.

Battery

The Canon PowerShot A1100 IS uses the 2 x AA model of undefined. This is rated for undefined shots which is high. If you intend to take photos or record videos for an extended period, it might be a good idea to bring along additional batteries.

Photography Features

Flash

The Canon PowerShot A1100 IS has built in flash which is great for event photography and in low light situations. However it lacks an external flash shoe, which limits you to using the built-in flash.

Shutter

The Canon PowerShot A1100 IS boasts a maximum mechanical shutter speed of 1/1600s, which is ideal for shooting fast-moving subjects in bright environments, such as in sports photography. Faster shutter speeds enable you to freeze the action and capture every detail, making it easier to get the perfect shot.

With a continuous mechanical shutter speed of n/a or an electronic shutter speed of n/a, this camera is not capable of capturing the perfect moment more easily, making it not as suited for wedding, sports, and wildlife photography. Higher shutter speeds make it easier to capture fast-paced action, ensuring that you never miss the perfect shot.

Autofocus

The Canon PowerShot A1100 IS includes contrast detection autofocus (AF), with 9 number of focus points.

While contrast detection is generally more accurate and precise, phase detection autofocus is faster and more effective in most situations, particularly when photographing moving subjects.

Phase detection autofocus works by dividing the incoming light into pairs and then analyzing how they intersect on the camera's sensor. This method allows the camera to determine not only if a subject is in focus but also the direction and distance needed to adjust the focus to achieve perfect sharpness.

On the other hand, contrast detection autofocus works by analyzing the contrast of an image and adjusting the focus until the highest contrast is detected. While this method is very accurate, it can be slow, especially in low light conditions or when photographing moving subjects.

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FAQ

What is the sensor size of the Canon PowerShot A1100 IS?

The Canon PowerShot A1100 IS features a CCD sensor

Is the Canon PowerShot A1100 IS weather sealed?

No the PowerShot A1100 IS does not have weather sealing.

When was the Canon PowerShot A1100 IS announced?

The Canon PowerShot A1100 IS was announced on Feb 18 2009

Does the Canon PowerShot A1100 IS have in-body image stabilization?

Yes the PowerShot A1100 IS does have in-body image stabilization that can compensate for camera shake, making it easier to shoot handheld in low light conditions.

What is the ISO range of the Canon PowerShot A1100 IS?

The PowerShot A1100 IS has a native ISO range of 80-1600, which can be expanded to ISO null-null for even greater sensitivity in low light conditions.

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