Canon PowerShot S100 Digital Camera - Silver (12.1MP, Ultra Wide Angle, 5x Zoom) 3.0 inch LCD

Have read a lot of mixed comments elsewhere about the S100 but most of the negative ones seem to be by people who look at their computer screen more than through a lens! Have owned several Canon (primarily) dSLRs, IXUSx and Powershots and have to say this is the best small camera so far used. The feature-set is extensive and allows a high degree of manual override (although as others have pointed out, any exposure which is between 1to15sec causes ISO to default to 80 regardless of setting. This can be irksome in some more specialist situations, although in others its quite useful), customization plus a host of automatic\creative options for both still and video. I particularly like the HDR function which is subtle rather than dynamic, but definitely needs a steady hand\tripod - for true HDR though, auto-bracketing and post processing will still be necessary. Also, using the customizable 'O' ring around the lens makes for quick adjustment depending on mode and is pleasantly intuitive. It is worth reading the DPReview review ([...]) for its lab test etc. Apparently some of the pre-release models had focus shift due to lens misalignment, but not found this, in fact the lens seems pretty constant across its range . The camera shines in low light (not literally) and found the results better than on the well regarded Olympus XZ-1 (which is also a great camera, but owning an E-P3 already didn't tempt me). The JPG engine works well as does noise reduction, but RAW is there when needed. The only negative is battery life, even with GPS switched off, which usually requires a re-charge after 3-4 hours of shooting\fiddling. I got a second battery (non-Canon) to compensate but have noticed that after a couple of full charges, battery life seemed to improve a bit - not sure if it needs to self-calibrate?

Of the 3 cameras I have been tempted by recently - Olympus XZ-1, Fuji X10 and S100, the latter was the ONE. I have wanted something that would replace a beloved Powershot G11 in a smaller form factor and this is it.

Sadly I couldn't purchase directly from Amazon (at the time of writing due to availability constraints) so had to bite the bullet at a local high street store for the higher RRP price - actually handling one was the decider!

I had been putting off upgrading my Fuji F30 for many years as I did not think that anyone had yet managed to best its low light capabilities. I had been interested in the s90 and the s95 for some time but never really felt it was worth the upgrade. I finally bought the s100 for its video capabilities as much as its photographic ones in order to capture those family moments when my 60D wasn't to hand, or inappropriate. My main reservation was the reportedly low battery life, being used to a very long battery life on the F30.

I have to say I'm impressed all round. The video is superb, actually seems to be better than my 60D. Size and handling is perfect, and that ring is really useful. Image quality in bright sunlight is comparable with SLR images, and the low light capability is on par with my F30 (ie class leading). I find the extra focal length helpful as well, although its only really worth using in sunshine as its f 5.9 at the long end. Finally the battery life is actually quite acceptable. I havn't run out yet, despite shooting video and photos quite actively for a large part of the day.

Comes highly recommended.

I have been looking for a good second camera to use when my Nikon D7000 is just too cumbersome to take out. I also do a lot of running so having something small and practical but could give good quality images was essential. I have owned an X100 and that is a brilliant camera but limited by the fixed lens. I also looked at the Canon G12 and Nikon P7100 but they do not fit easily into a pocket or the waistband of my day sack. So after a bit of research I discovered the Canon S100 - it is excellent in almost every respect if you get it for the right reasons.

It is not an X100 but can compete easily with the G12/ P7100/ X10. For those who usually use a DSLR you will not be disappointed with the images - there is little noise up to ISO 800 and the quality of the images is excellent. The camera comes with all the software necessary to process RAW images and organise your files. Startup is very quick and the auto focus is also very quick. There is a tracking mode which can deliver some good results. The optical zoom range is good enough for most situations that you would be using this camera for. There is a manual mode where both shutter and aperture can be altered however the aperture will automatically adjusted when you use the zoom - so no fully manual mode. I have to say this was not a big disadvantage for me but clearly may put others off. The battery life is pretty poor as with no view finder you are reliant on the LCD screen. You can expect to get about 200 - 250 photos out of one battery if you don't spend too long viewing your shots.

For those who just want a high end point and shoot the auto mode is very good. The dial around the lens is a great idea and is solidly built, like the rest of the camera. Even though the body is a lot smaller than an X100 the controls that are on the back are easier to use. The mode selection dial and lens ring click reassuringly when used and the in-camera functions are easy to use and find after a couple of practices. Although it is small and looks like a normal compact point and shoot you know you have something a little special when you are using it. It is not a DSLR and it will not give you the quality of a full sensor sized camera. It will however fit in your pocket which means you will never be without a camera so you will always be able to capture a shot and get it developed up to A4/ A3 size. If you want an advanced point and shoot for high quality images that you can genuinely take anywhere when a DSLR is impractical then this is the camera for you.