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  • BLOG

Canon S100 Review

  • Overview
  • Alternatives
  • Canon S100

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    Main Features

    • 12MP - 1/1.7-inch CMOS Sensor
    • ISO 80 - 6400
    • 24-120 mm F2.0-5.9 Zoom Lens
    • Optical Image Stabilization
    • 3.00" Fixed Type Screen
    • 2.0fps continuous shooting
    • Built-in GPS
    • 198g. 99 x 60 x 28 mm
    • Replaced Canon S95
    • Replaced by Canon S110
    CHECK PRICE
    CHECK PRICE

    Canon S100 Overview

    Launched in December 2011 , Canon PowerShot S100 is a 12.0MP Small Sensor Compact camera with a 1/1.7-inch (7.44 x 5.58 mm ) sized CMOS sensor, built-in Image Stabilization and 5.0x zoom 24-120 mm F2.0-5.9 lens. Canon replaced the older Canon S95 with this model and later S100 was replaced with Canon S110. Follow the links to compare these cameras in detail:
    Compare Canon PowerShot S100 vs Canon S95
    Compare Canon PowerShot S100 vs Canon S110

    Canon S100 Review - Click for Table of Contents

    1. Overview
    2. Pros and Cons
    3. Sensor and Photography Features
    4. Physical Specs
    5. LCD and Viewfinder
    6. Connectivity, Storage and Battery
    7. Video
    8. Other Features
    9. Lens
    10. Photography Type Scores
    11. Alternatives
    12. Popular Comparisons
    13. Frequently Asked Questions
    14. Detailed Specifications

    Canon S100 is a member of Canon's Small Sensor Compact class cameras. Below you can see the latest models in this class and how their main specs have changed with each new model.

    Canon Small Sensor Compact Series History
    Model Release Date Sensor Max FPS Dimensions Weight
    Canon S200
    Compare
    2014 10.0MP - 1/1.7' 2.0 fps 100 x 59 x 26mm 181g
    Canon N100
    Compare
    2014 12.0MP - 1/1.7-inch fps 105 x 68 x 36mm 289g
    Canon S120
    Compare
    2013 12.0MP - 1/1.7-inch 12.0 fps 100 x 59 x 29mm 217g
    Canon G16
    Compare
    2013 12.0MP - 1/1.7-inch 12.0 fps 109 x 76 x 40mm 356g
    Canon N Facebook ready
    Compare
    2013 12.0MP - 1/2.3-inch 2.0 fps 79 x 60 x 29mm 195g

    Check the link below to compare specs of the latest cameras in this series side by side:
    Canon S200 vs N100 vs S120 vs G16 vs N Facebook ready


    **This post contains affiliate links and I will be compensated if you make a purchase after clicking through my links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

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    Canon S100 PROs and CONs Review

    Now let's get in to more details of our Canon S100 review by analysing its specs and features and listing out its pros and cons compared to average competitor cameras in its class.

    PROs
    Image Stabilization
    Full HD Video
    Built-in GPS
    RAW Shooting
    Face Detection Focusing
    461k dots LCD Resolution
    198g Light Body
    Manual Focusing
    Manual Exposure
    24mm Wide Angle Lens
    Fast 2.00 Lens at Wide
    240fps High Speed Video
    AE Bracketing
    Report a correction

    Buy Canon S100 from AMAZON or B&H PHOTO


    CONs
    No Wireless Connection
    No Articulating Screen
    No External Flash Shoe
    No Touch Screen
    No Built-in Viewfinder
    Low Resolution Sensor: 12.0MP
    Only 9 Focus Points
    Slow Continuous Shooting: 2.0fps
    Low Battery Life: 200 shots
    No Environmental Sealing
    Slow Lens at Tele: f5.90
    Poor Low Light image quality

    Report a correction


    Canon S100 Physical Specs
    Canon S100 weighs 198 g (0.44 lb / 6.98 oz) and has external dimensions of 99 x 60 x 28 mm (3.9 x 2.36 x 1.1″). Considering that the average weight of Compact type cameras is 188g, its weight is about average in its class. With a thickness of 28mm, it also has an average thickness.
    Weight Comparison

    Compact Cameras

    Canon S100
    Min
    Average
    Max
    Thickness Comparison

    Compact Cameras

    Canon S100
    Min
    Average
    Max

    Here is the front and top view image of Canon S100 with the dimensions:

    Canon S100 Body Size Dimensions
    Front and Top View External Dimensions and Size of Canon S100 Camera Body


    In order to give you a better idea about the real life size of Canon S100, we have added an image of how it looks next to a credit card and an AA type battery.


    Canon S100 Body Size Compared to a Credit card and a Battery
    Physical size of the Canon S100 Body Compared to a Credit Card and an AA Battery


    Now let's compare Canon S100 size with the camera that it replaced: Canon S95. Canon S100 is 1mm narrower and 2mm thinner than Canon S95 but it is also 2mm taller.


    Canon S100 vs Canon S95 Camera Size Comparison - Front View
    Comparison image of Canon S100 and Canon S95 Size, Weight and External Dimensions - Front View

    Below you can find the comparison of the weight and thickness of Canon S100 with its main competitors:

    Canon S100 Size Compared to Main Competitors
    Model Weight vs S100 Thickness vs S100
    Canon PowerShot S100 Camera Canon S110
    Compare
    198g equal weight 27mm 1mm thinner
    Canon PowerShot S100 Camera Canon S95
    Compare
    195g 3g lighter 30mm 2mm thicker
    Canon PowerShot S100 Camera Canon S120
    Compare
    217g 19g heavier 29mm 1mm thicker
    Canon PowerShot S100 Camera Canon S90
    Compare
    195g 3g lighter 31mm 3mm thicker
    Canon PowerShot S100 Camera Sony RX100
    Compare
    240g 42g heavier 36mm 8mm thicker
    Canon PowerShot S100 Camera Canon G12
    Compare
    401g 203g heavier 48mm 20mm thicker
    Canon PowerShot S100 Camera Canon S200
    Compare
    181g 17g lighter 26mm 2mm thinner
    Canon PowerShot S100 Camera Canon G9 X II
    Compare
    206g 8g heavier 31mm 3mm thicker

    Weather Sealing

    Canon S100 doesn't have any environmental sealings on its body so you got to be extra careful to protect it against water and dust. If you shoot under these conditions very often, consider checking Top Compact Cameras with Weather Sealing page.

    Canon S100 Lens

    Canon S100 features a 24-120 mm F2.0-5.9 5× zoom lens. This camera offers exceptional wide angle capacity thanks to 24mm focal length on the wide end, while 120mm on the tele end means that the medium telephoto angle is also well covered, only lacking the reach for wildlife and sports.

    Wide Coverage

    Compact Cameras

    S100
    Widest - Olympus TG-850 iHS
    Average
    Telezoom

    Compact Cameras

    S100
    Longest - Canon SX520 HS
    Average

    Providing a max aperture of f2.00 at 24mm, this lens is remarkably fast on wide end, but max aperture of f5.90 at tele end makes is really slow at longer focal lengths.

    Max Aperture at Wide

    Compact Cameras

    S100
    Fastest - Leica D-Lux 6
    Average
    Max Aperture at Tele

    Compact Cameras

    S100
    Fastest - Ricoh GR Digital IV
    Average

    S100 is equipped with Optical image stabilization system which is very handy especially at lower shutter speeds. Canon S100's lens also has a Manual Focus Mode.

    Canon S100 Sensor and Photography Features

    Canon S100 has a 12.0MP 1/1.7-inch (7.44 x 5.58 mm ) sized CMOS sensor and features Digic 5 processor. You can shoot at maximum resolution of 4000 x 3000 pixels with aspect ratios of 1:1, 5:4, 4:3, 3:2 and 16:9. S100 has a native ISO range of 80 - 6400 and it can save files in RAW format which gives you a wider room for post processing.

    Canon S100 is not the highest resolution Small Sensor camera. GoPro Hero9 Black with its 23.0MP sensor is leading in this class. Check the comparison of Canon S100 vs GoPro Hero9 Black or take a look at Highest resolution Compact cameras list.

    Canon S100 DxOMark Sensor Scores

    DxOMark is a benchmark that scientifically assesses image quality of camera sensors. Canon S100 sensor has been tested by DxO Mark and got an overall score of 50 for its image quality. You can find the details of their analysis of Canon S100 here.

    Let's look at how the size of the Canon S100's 1/1.7-inch sensor compares with other standard sensor sizes.

    Canon S100 Sensor Size Comparison
    Comparison image of Canon S100 Sensor Size with other standard sensors



    Canon S100 LCD

    Canon S100 has a Fixed Type 3.00-inch LCD screen with a resolution of 461k dots. Both the screen size and the screen resolution is up to the standards of this class.



    Canon S100 back view and LCD

    Unfortunately Canon PowerShot S100 doesn't have a Selfie friendly screen. If this feature is important for your shooting style, check here the list of Best Compact Cameras with Selfie Friendly LCD screen.


    S100 doesn't have a viewfinder and no option for external viewfinder. Lack of a viewfinder can be problematic especially under strong light where visibility of LCD screens goes down dramatically. If you need a Compact camera with a built-in viewfinder in a similar price range, consider Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS100 (Lumix DMC-TZ100) (Compare) or Nikon Coolpix P7800 (Compare).
    Alternatively, check here the list of all Compact cameras with viewfinder..

    Canon S100 Connectivity, Storage and Battery

    You can connect S100 to compatible devices via its HDMI port or USB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec) port.

    Canon S100 Battery

    Canon S100 is powered by NB-5L battery which provides a battery life of 200 shots according to CIPA standards. Considering that the average battery life of Compact type cameras is 256 shots, Canon S100 has a short battery life for its class so we strongly recommend S100 owners to invest in some extra batteries.

    Battery Life Comparison in Small Sensor Compact Cameras

    Canon S100
    Min
    Average
    Max

    Fujifilm X30 with its 470shots is the model with longest battery life among Small Sensor Compact cameras. Check the comparison of Canon S100 vs Fujifilm X30 or take a look at Longest Battery Life Compact cameras list.

    Canon S100 Features Compared to Main Competitors
    Model Max Video Battery Life Wi-fi Bluetooth NFC
    Canon PowerShot S100 Camera Canon S110
    Compare
    1920 x 1080 200shots Yes No No
    Canon PowerShot S100 Camera Canon S95
    Compare
    1280 x 720 shots No No No
    Canon PowerShot S100 Camera Canon S120
    Compare
    1920 x 1080 230shots Yes No No
    Canon PowerShot S100 Camera Canon S90
    Compare
    640 x 480 shots No No No
    Canon PowerShot S100 Camera Sony RX100
    Compare
    1920 x 1080 330shots No No Yes
    Canon PowerShot S100 Camera Canon G12
    Compare
    1280 x 720 370shots No No No
    Canon PowerShot S100 Camera Canon S200
    Compare
    1280 x 720 200shots Yes No No
    Canon PowerShot S100 Camera Canon G9 X II
    Compare
    1920 x 1080 235shots Yes Yes Yes

    Canon S100 Video Features

    With Canon S100, you can record your videos at a highest resolution of 1920 x 1080 at 24 fps and save in H.264 and Motion JPEG formats. Full HD resolution of Canon S100 will be adequate in most of the situations. But if you are after the highest resolution videos available, see our list of Top Cameras with 4K (Ultra-HD) Video.

    High-Speed Video

    S100 features a high speed mode where it captures videos at 240fps which helps to create slow motion videos. If you shoot a video at a frame rate of 240fps and play it back at 24fps, the video will be 10x slower and longer than normal.

    S100 has a built-in Stereo microphone but no speaker. On the other hand, Canon S100 doesn't have any connections for external microphones and headphones. If you need a Compact camera with external microphone connectivity, consider Nikon Coolpix P7000 or Samsung PL120 in a similar price range.

    Also read:

    • Best Compact Cameras with Microphone Port
    • Best Compact Cameras with Headphone Port

    Canon S100 Other Features

    Max Shutter speed

    Canon S100 can shoot continuously at max speed of 2 fps and has max shutter speed of 1/2000 sec.

    Flash

    Unfortunately S100 doesn't have an external flash shoe so you are limited with the built-in flash.

    Focusing

    Canon S100 features a Contrast Detection autofocusing system. The AF system has 9 points to choose from.

    Canon S100 also features Face detection AF where it intelligently detects the faces in the frame and locks the focus automatically.

    What type of Photography is Canon S100 Good for?
    In this section, we review and score Canon S100 in 5 different photography areas.

    Canon S100 for Portrait Photography

    Canon S100 has a score of 43 for Portrait Photography which makes it an AVERAGE candidate for this type of photography. If Portrait is important for you, we recommend you to check our Top Compact Cameras for Portrait Photography list.
    Image Stabilization
    RAW shooting capability
    Manual Focus Mode
    Manual Exposure Mode
    Average Resolution Sensor: 12.0MP
    Small 1/1.7" (7.44 x 5.58 mm) sensor
    No External Flash Shoe
    No Built-in Viewfinder
    Not so good Ergonomics&Handling

    Read the details of how we scored Canon S100 for Portrait Photography

    Canon S100 for Street Photography

    Canon S100 has a score of 78 for Street Photography which makes it a GOOD candidate for this type of photography. If you are looking for a camera that is better suited to Street Photography, we recommend you to check our Top 10 Compact Cameras for Street Photography list.
    Manual Focus Mode
    Live-view
    Face-Detection Focusing
    Image Stabilization
    Fast Lens at Wide: f2.00
    24 mm - Good Wide Angle Coverage
    RAW shooting capability
    Small Body
    No Built-in Viewfinder
    Small 1/1.7" (7.44 x 5.58 mm) sensor

    Read the details of how we scored Canon S100 for Street Photography

    Canon S100 for Sports Photography

    Canon S100 has a score of 24 for Sports Photography which makes it a POOR candidate for this type of photography. If Sports We strongly recommend you to check our Top Compact Cameras for Sports Photography list and consider these alternatives over theS100.
    Manual Exposure Mode
    Manual Focus Mode
    Image Stabilization
    RAW shooting capability
    Average Max shutter speed: 1/2000s
    120 mm Tele Lens
    Slow Continuous Shooting: 2.0fps
    Environmental Sealings
    9 Focus Points
    Poor Battery Life: 200 shots
    Not so good Ergonomics&Handling
    No Built-in Viewfinder
    No External Flash Shoe
    Slow Lens at Tele: f5.90

    Read the details of how we scored Canon S100 for Sports Photography

    Canon S100 for Daily Photography

    Canon S100 has a score of 71 for Daily Photography which makes it a GOOD candidate for this type of photography. If you are looking for a camera that is better suited to Daily Photography, we recommend you to check our Top 10 Compact Cameras for Daily Photography list.
    Compact Body
    198g
    RAW shooting capability
    5.0X Optical Zoom
    Small 1/1.7" (7.44 x 5.58 mm) sensor

    Read the details of how we scored Canon S100 for Daily Photography

    Canon S100 for Landscape Photography

    Canon S100 has a score of 33 for Landscape Photography which makes it a POOR candidate for this type of photography. If Landscape We strongly recommend you to check our Top Compact Cameras for Landscape Photography list and consider these alternatives over theS100.
    Manual Exposure Mode
    Manual Focus Mode
    Built-in GPS
    24 mm - Good Wide Angle Coverage
    RAW shooting capability
    Average Resolution Sensor: 12.0MP
    Small 1/1.7" (7.44 x 5.58 mm) sensor
    No Environmental Sealings

    Read the details of how we scored Canon S100 for Landscape Photography
    Canon S100 Alternatives
    In this section, we analyse how Canon S100 compares with other Compact cameras within a similar price range.
    Read a more detailed analysis of Canon S100 alternatives.

    Popular Comparisons of Canon S100

    Here is the eight most popular comparisons of Canon S100 amongst Camera Decision readers.

    Canon S110
    Canon S110
    Compare
    Canon S95
    Canon S95
    Compare
    Canon S120
    Canon S120
    Compare
    Canon S90
    Canon S90
    Compare
    Sony RX100
    Sony RX100
    Compare
    Canon G12
    Canon G12
    Compare
    Canon S200
    Canon S200
    Compare
    Canon G9 X II
    Canon G9 X II
    Compare

    Canon S100 Alternatives in Cameras

    It would also be interesting to compare Canon S100 with Cameras. Below we have listed 4 highest ranked cameras in Canon S100's price range.

    Canon S100 Conclusion and Scores

    Currently, Canon S100 has an Overall Score of 50/100 which is based on our evaluation of 69 different technical parameters. Our scores are dynamically updated whenever a new camera is added to our database or when we change our ranking algorithm and the maximum score is always 100. Canon PowerShot S100 is ranked #55 out of 631 in Compact cameras (Top 20 Compact), and ranked #500 out of 1242 in all Cameras (Top 20 Overall).

    #500 out of 1242 in Top Ranking Cameras
    #55 out of 631 in Top Ranking Compact Cameras
    #28 out of 262 in Top Ranking Small Sensor Compact Cameras
    #89 out of 740 in Top Ranking Small Sensor Sensor Cameras
    #363 out of 536 in Lightest Compact Cameras with Small Sensor sensor(198g)
    #217 out of 917 in Top Ranking Cameras with Fixed Type Screen

    Main Scores
    Imaging
    Features
    Value for Money
    Portability
    Overall Score
    Check our Smart Finder Tool to filter, sort and compare all digital cameras.

    Frequently Asked Questions about Canon S100
    Does the Canon S100 have Image Stabilization?
    Does the Canon S100 have RAW support?
    Does the Canon S100 have Weather Sealing?
    Does the Canon S100 have built-in GPS?
    What is the Max ISO of Canon S100?
    What is the Sensor Size of Canon S100?
    is the Canon S100 a Full Frame (FF) camera?
    Does the Canon S100 have Touch Screen?
    Does the Canon S100 have built-in Wireless?
    What is the Max Continuous Shooting Speed (fps) of Canon S100?
    What is the Weight of Canon S100?
    What are the Dimensions of Canon S100?
    Canon PowerShot S100 Detailed Specifications

    General
    Brand Canon
    Model Canon PowerShot S100
    Announced 2011-12-22
    Body Type Compact
    Lens
    Manual Focus
    Lens Mount fixed lens
    Lens Focal Range 24-120 mm (5×)
    Max Aperture F2.0-5.9
    Macro Focus Range 3cm
    Screen
    Screen Type Fixed Type
    Screen Size 3.00"
    Screen Resolution 461k dots
    Live View
    Touch Screen
    Viewfinder
    Viewfinder None
    Viewfinder Resolution no electronic viewfinder
    Viewfinder Coverage n/a
    Viewfinder Magnification n/a
    Photography Features
    Min Shutter Speed 15s
    Max Mechanical Shutter Speed 1/2000s
    Continuous Shooting 2.0 fps
    Shutter Priority
    Aperture Priority
    Manual Exposure Mode
    Exposure Compensation Yes
    Custom White Balance
    Image Stabilization
    Built-in Flash
    Flash Range 7.00 m
    Max Flash Sync 1/2000s
    Flash Modes Auto, On, Off, Red-Eye, Slow Sync
    External Flash
    AE Bracketing
    WB Bracketing
    Exposure Modes
    Multi-Segment
    Average
    Spot
    Partial
    AF-Area
    Center Weighted
    DxO Sensor Scores
    DxO Overall Score 50
    DxO Color Depth 20.7
    DxO Dynamic Range 11.6
    DxO Low Light ISO 153
    Report a correction

    Sensor
    Sensor Type CMOS
    Sensor Size 1/1.7-inch
    Sensor Dimensions 7.44 x 5.58 mm
    Sensor Area 41.52mm2
    Sensor Resolution 12 megapixels
    Max Image Resolution 4000 x 3000
    Max Native ISO 6,400
    Min Native ISO 80
    RAW Support
    Autofocus
    AF Touch
    AF Continuous
    AF Single
    AF Tracking
    AF Selective
    AF Center
    AF Multi Area
    AF Live View
    AF Face Detection
    AF Contrast Detection
    AF Phase Detection
    Number of Focus Points 9
    Number of Cross Focus Points Unknown
    Video Features
    Video Resolutions 1920 x 1080 (24 fps), 1280 x 720 (30 fps) 640 x 480 (120, 30 fps), 320 x 240 (240, 30 fps)
    Max Video Resolution 1920 x 1080
    Video Formats H.264, Motion JPEG
    Microphone Port
    Headphone Port
    Connectivity
    Wireless Connectivity Eye-Fi Connected
    HDMI
    USB USB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec)
    Physical
    Environmental Sealing
    Water Proof
    Dust Proof
    Shock Proof
    Crush Proof
    Freeze Proof
    Weight 198g
    Physical Dimensions 99 x 60 x 28mm
    Battery Life 200 shots
    Battery Type Battery Pack
    Battery Model NB-5L
    Other Features
    Self Timer Yes (2 or 10 sec, Custom)
    Timelapse Recording
    GPS Built-in
    Storage Type SD/SDHC/SDXC
    Storage Slots 1


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