Conclusion: We like it

The PowerShot S100 is handily the best ultra-compact camera ever made, and includes full manual controls, HD video, GPS, and a longer lens than its predecessor. Just be prepared to pack a spare battery if you're planning a big outing, and to spend almost as much on this point-and-shoot as you would on a lower end compact interchangeable-lens model. It's worth it though.

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Critic reviews

8.0
7 reviews
  • Image quality
    8.0
  • Video quality
    7.4
  • Battery life
    4.9
  • Design and form factor
    8.1
  • Durability
    8.0
  • Speed (start-up time, lag)
    7.0
  • Ease of use
    8.4

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User reviews

8.7
6 reviews
9.0
PC World Dec 23, 2011

The Canon PowerShot S100 is just about the most capable compact camera we've seen, and it's packed with features that will please both novices and advanced shooters.

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8.0
CNET Nov 17, 2011

The Canon PowerShot S100 is a generally great little camera for advanced shooters who don't mind slowing down a bit from a dSLR.

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8.0
DC Resource Dec 1, 2011

Overall, the PowerShot S100 is a well-designed camera whose best attribute is its image quality. It obviously can't compete with a digital SLR (or mirrorless camera), but it is way better than your typical compact camera.

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7.0
Digital Photography Review Dec 1, 2011

The S100 combines the best qualities of a pocketable point and shoot and an enthusiast compact camera. It provides well thought-out full manual control in a form factor approaching the size of Canon's Elph series.

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7.0
Gizmodo Nov 10, 2011

It's tiny, fast, takes great photos, and has awesome functionality at a very reasonable price. None of that matters if the camera won't turn on. ... If you go for it, keep the battery on the charger, pack a spare, and be ready to babysit—because this camera is not quite grown up.

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9.0
DigitalCameraInfo Nov 11, 2011

Canon once again strikes gold with the PowerShot S100. It’s a camera that fulfills the promise of every ultracompact: to cram an astounding level of power into a tiny, portable body. From now on, it is likely the S100 will be the point-and-shoot by which all others are judged.

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8.0
Imaging Resource Mar 13, 2012

The Canon PowerShot S100 is an excellent pocket camera for photographers. It didn't jazz me as much as the first and second iterations of the line, but I eventually grew to rely on it for quality photos and video when I needed to travel light. It's a certain Dave's Pick, and an excellent...

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8.0
ChrisLeckness

I've used the S100 for about a week now and I have been very impressed with the image quality, ease of use, and the construction of the the camera. The only knock so far is battery life.

8.0
jdepew

Stepping up from Canon SD870is, i was holding out on getting a new S series until the S100 came out as I was spoiled at the wide end range of the 870is. I've previously been very impressed with the low light sensitivity of the S-series as I am huge fan of natural light, and so far have been...

9.0
mayhem

Low light was my main objective- fantastic! Candle light is sufficient. Feels similar to first gen, low cost DSLR. Zoom with stabilization is binocular level quality (better than naked eye). 200+ page manuall, but it is totally familiar to anyone who has used any cannon- auto modes are very...

9.0
pika2000

I love the Canon Powershot S90. It has amazing image quality for its class. The downside is that it can only capture VGA video. I skipped the S95 and thus the S100 is a natural upgrade path for me. It retains almost every design cue from the S90/95. Certain button placements are modified though,...

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