Canon PowerShot SD1100 IS (Silver)

May 20, 2008 10:49

3.5/5
Just bought the SD1100IS to replace a 1-1/2 year old Casio Exilim EX-Z850 that I broke. I checked out all of the reviews for this new Canon model and was impressed with the comments. But after receiving the camera and using it for a few weeks I am beginning to have my doubts. In fact, right now I would happily trade it in to have my Casio Exilim back!

1. Slow, slow, slow - the setup time for every shot, particularly indoor shots, is really annoying. My Casio was ready in about half the time. Taking quick sequenced indoor shots with a flash is not realistic.

2. Grainy image on viewing screen for any nightime indoor shots.

3. Severely under-powered flash - I thought I read some reviews that gave it an OK rating at 10 feet...I have not had much luck farther than about 8 feet. Many flash shots were severely darkened by lack of light...and often the flash only covered a portion of the image leaving faces dark and everything else in the photo bright.

4. Used it the second week I had it for a wedding - roughly half of the shots had to be thrown away...you don't get a lot of opportunities at a wedding. Things move along at their own pace. So walking down the aisle, every other shot was blurry, or out of focus. Getting a low light shot was trying at best, even with proper "best shot" settings.

5. Face Recognition software worked sometimes, and other times drove me crazy as it would not lock in anywhere near the faces....I eventually shut it off.

6. The pictures - well yes it does take nice pictures...if you're willing to put up with a very annoying camera. Maybe I'll get more used to it over time. I just can't afford to have so many bad shots among the good ones.

7. Software is very good, uploading and sorting is easy, can print right from the camera without a PC (yes, you need a printer).

8. Right now, I think a 7 is the best rating I can squeeze out for this camera.

- Eppy1

December 14, 2008 01:51
Terrible
0.5/5
Very displeased with the longevity of Cannon cameras. Good video quality does not compensate for a 2 months lifespan. A waste of money.

- liubhs02

April 27, 2008 07:50

4.5/5
This is a great small, cool, and medium weight camera. I looked around online, read a lot of reviews. I was replacing an old (4-5yr) Fujifilm camera. I was looking at a different Canon, but saw this one in the store. I was so blown away by how clear, sharp, and colorful the pictures were that I bought it on the spot. After I got home, I spent about an hour or so playing with it and working through the different settings. There a lot of different settings that allow you to take a lot of cool different pictures. I found the settings to be really easy to learn, as I never read the manual. I would really recommend this great little camera to anyone. The only thing I wish it had was the manual focus option, but that isn't a big deal. I also like that this camera has some weight to it, and doesn't just feel like a plastic P.O.S. Should you buy this camera, you will not regret it.

- y2jweir

October 8, 2008 02:07

4.5/5
I got this camera to replace my ancient digital camera in order to take pictures for selling items. This is a great little camera, stores tons of pictures on the cards and is super easy to use. I will be taking it with me on vacation soon along with the full Digital SLR for the quick shots. This is a fabulous and easy to use camera that takes great shots. I do find that sometimes I have to turn off the flash for better indoor pictures but that isn't a bad thing. And the cats don't always see it coming so I can get great candid shots! The video part is great but I've not used it much. I've seen the quality on my brother's older version which is very good and expect this to be just as good.

October 1, 2008 10:46

4.5/5
this camera has gone everywhere with me. hiking thru central turkey, trains all over Europe, hiking in the rockies, friends wedding, my sisters bday party etc. its managed to take one or two amazing pictures in every location, even a couple low light shots in the Aegean that blew away everyone i showed.

- FYBsomething

September 28, 2008 10:13

4.5/5
I have not had any bad experiences with this product. I have had many cameras through the years and I have found this camera to be the best! The photo quality is awesome!

- mommydrst

September 6, 2008 07:12

4.0/5
For the casual user, this is a great little camera. I am picking four stars only because I know that many cameras offer more options that will please more experienced shutterbugs than I am.

- TropiGal

May 19, 2008 04:07

3.5/5
What happened to the SD-40 form factor? 3.7 oz - small - more rectangular - narrower than this one - took great pictures - in multiple colors - what happened to it? Sold for more than this one does.....

- bruscol

August 29, 2008 06:46

4.5/5

- rahulbasu16