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Canon PowerShot S100 Digital ELPH Canon packs 2 megapixels and a 2x optical zoom into the "smallest digicam on the planet!" Select a topic Reference: Datasheet PowerShot S100 Sample Images --------------------------------- 1. Intro and Highlights 2. Executive Overview 3. Design 4. Viewfinder 5. Optics 6. Exposure & Flash 7. Shutter Lag & Cycle Time Tests 8. Operation & User Interface 9. Camera Modes & Menus 10. Image Storage & Interface 11. Video, Power, Software 12. Test Results & Conclusion --------------------------------- Print-Friendly Review Version Additional Resources and Other Links Reader Comments on PowerShot S100 Review --------------------------------- Digital Camera Comparometer (TM) --------------------------------- <-- Digital Cameras (Home) <-- Digital Camera Reviews Index <<Viewfinder :(Previous) | (Next): Exposure & Flash>> Page 5:Optics Review First Posted: 6/20/2000

Optics
For optics, the S100 features a 5.4 to 10.8 mm zoom lens (equivalent to a 35 to 70 mm lens on a 35mm camera) with a maximum aperture setting of f/2.8 at wide angle and f/4.0 at full telephoto. The AiAF (artificial intelligence autofocus) function uses a broad metering field in the center of the image to calculate the focal distance and is very precise, especially with subjects slightly off center. (Which might be missed by more conventional autofocus designs.) In normal mode, focus ranges from 22 inches (57 cm) to infinity and from four to 22 inches (10 to 57 cm) in macro mode. The S100's optical zoom is controlled by the zoom switch on top of the camera and provides a smooth zoom actuation, although the S100's lens seems to favor a number of specific focal lengths. This "preferred zoom" behavior is fairly common among cameras we've tested, and slightly annoying when you're trying for very precise framing. On the other hand, you can usually just step forward or back slightly to get things exactly right, so it isn't an insuperable obstacle. A 2x and 4x digital telephoto feature is enabled through the Setup menu and accessed by zooming past the optical zoom range with the zoom lever. Digital zoom on the S100 ELPH works the same as on a number of Canon's other digicams, and differently from most others we've seen: With the digital zoom enabled, as you zoom out, the lens will move through its full zoom range, stopping at the 2x position (the limit of the optical zoom). The digital zoom then engages, doubling the apparent size of the image, and the lens simultaneously returns to its 1x position. This leaves you with a 2x zoomed image, and the lens ready to deliver another 2x of smooth zooming. The effect is probably more intuitive than other approaches requiring an explicit action to engage the digital zoom, and it's also very clear when the digital zoom function is operating. The cost though, is a noticeable pause as the lens racks back to the 1x position. As with any digital zoom function, remember that image quality suffers somewhat from the enlargement, with sharpness decreasing in direct proportion to the degree of "digital zoom". Macro mode is controlled by the Macro/Infinity Focus button on the back panel. One press sets the camera for macro photography and a second press sets the focus at infinity. The third press puts the camera back into normal photography mode. The Infinity Focus mode is a nice plus, allowing a little faster shooting since the camera isn't having to determine focus.