Canon SX110 IS [Review]

Sudeep Naik, Feb 20, 2009 1659 hrs IST

A 9 MP camera with 10x optical zoom lens, Will the Canon SX110 IS better its older sibling?

Compact, 10x zoom lens, optical image stabilization, PASM modes, good sharpness, well-implemented face detection, good battery life.

Expensive, too large for a pocket, LCD display washing out in bright light, long flash cycles

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EXPERT REVIEW

Canon's SX100 IS was a huge hit largely due to the fact that it combined an 8 MP CCD with a powerful 10x optical zoom lens without putting a huge dent in the pocket. Now, the SX110 IS comes as its successor and packs a 9MP CCD with the same lens, for more or less the same price. Seems quite a deal doesn't it. Well, the SX110 IS has a lot to prove given its lineage. We at the Tech Labs have put it to test and here's how it performed.

Design

The Canon SX110 IS has the same boxy look but is contoured differently. With dimensions measuring 111 x 71 x 45mm, the SX110 IS is a bit smaller and lighter than its predecessor but still won't fit in your shirt pocket. But the compact nature of the SX110 IS comes at a price. The camera loses slightly on the grip, as the right side has been flattened. Also, the power button has been moved diagonally across. Check the picture below.

It's not all that bad though. The back of the camera features the same buttons set as the SX100 but it loses the "rabbit teeth" like buttons arranged below the LCD in the SX100. It not only improves the looks but offers better access to all features as well. Also, it makes space for the bigger and better 3-inch LCD screen.

I must say the controls are well laid out, and are easy to understand and use. The mode dial is placed comfortably behind the zoom rocker, which has a central shutter release button. The power button is placed just ahead on of the mode dial and is a bit recessed, so you don't accidentally power down the camera instead of clicking a snap.

On turning the mode dial, an intuitive animation on the LCD indicates the change in the shooting mode and also displays the available modes. The modes scroll past with the current selection being highlighted.

The SX100 IS makes use of a scroll wheel that also acts as four-way arrow keys. It has a FUNC SET button in the middle, thus functioning like the five-way D-pad, commonly found on mobile phones. The wheel has a very smooth action, and clicks softly as it turns. However, it can be easy to accidentally bump it into another position as well.

Although the SX110 IS looks well-designed, I do miss the bulky feel of the SX100, especially since the SX110 still can't fit in my shirt pocket.

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USER COMMENTS

I am an an amateur photographer, and wanted to buy a good digi-cam with manual mode since quite some time now. I originally had a pentax P1. Since this purchase, i am extremely glad about the investment i made! The images on lower ISOs comes a little grainy but can be manupalated with the Manual over-ride. Just Amazing!

by Kanwar Brara, Chennai, on Apr 08, 2009 04:04 PM, Report abuse Reply

The ISO tests you guys do is so unprofessional, you guys shoot pics of different ISOs in the same lighting condition, every lighting is different, diff ISOs are meant to be used in different lighting conditions, apart from the fact that there is noise in higher ISOs , the ISO test does not prove anything else

by ravi, bangalore, on Feb 23, 2009 04:59 PM, Report abuse Reply

The ISO tests here are an indication of how well Noise can be suppressed by the camera.

by sam, mumbai, on Mar 03, 2009 07:32 AM, Report abuse

SX110.Pl advise if Powershot A1100 or A2000 models is better. rgds satish

by satish nair, Delhi, on Feb 27, 2009 10:45 PM, Report abuse Reply

i have this camera and it rocks! got it for $200 only from amazon.com, so the biggest -ve is not vaid for me :)

by montylee, delhi (currently California , US), on Feb 23, 2009 10:21 AM, Report abuse Reply

"too large for a pocket?" Is the reviewer a complete retard? It's not MEANT to go into a pocket, for GOD's sake!

by Angad Singh, Los Angeles, on Feb 23, 2009 06:19 AM, Report abuse Reply

SEND US THE PRICE

by SUDHIR JAIN, SAHARANPUR U.P. INDIA, on Feb 22, 2009 10:51 PM, Report abuse Reply

How come TT is getting only cannons along with flop kodaks for reviews? where are the panasonics and sony cameras?