Canon PowerShot S100 Digital ELPHCanon packs 2 megapixels and a 2x optical zoom into the "smallest digicam on the planet!"<<Shutter Lag & Cycle Time Tests :(Previous) | (Next): Camera Modes & Menus>> Page 8:Operation & User InterfaceReview First Posted: 6/20/2000 |
Operation and User Interface
As we mentioned earlier, we found the S100's user interface very straightforward
and relatively uncomplicated, but just a little wearing. Most of the camera's
functions are controlled by the control buttons on the top and the back panel,
while settings such as exposure mode, white balance, exposure compensation,
etc. are controlled through the LCD based Record menu. Rather than scrolling
through pages, you scroll through menu items by repeatedly pressing the Menu
button. This was the trickiest part of the menu system, but was quickly figured
out by glancing through the manual. Our only complaint here is that changing
menu settings is a little tedious, with a lot of screens to scroll through.
We generally like to see more external controls and less reliance on the LCD
monitor. For example, it's a lot faster to change the exposure compensation
by hitting a button a couple of times than fishing through a multi-screen menu
system. That said, we are pleased to see that a fair range of camera modes and
features are controlled externally, such as the flash, self-timer and macro
modes.
Shutter Button
Located on the top panel and encircled by the zoom lever, this button sets focus
and exposure when halfway pressed and fires the shutter when fully pressed.
Zoom Lever (Index Display and Playback Zoom Control)
Located on top of the camera and featuring a small tab for easy turning, this
lever controls the optical and digital telephoto when the camera is in Record
mode. In Playback mode, the lever pulls up a nine image index display (when
pushed to the wide angle end) and zooms into captured images (when pulled to
the telephoto end).
On/Off Button
Also located on top of the camera, but to the left of the shutter button, this
button powers the camera up and shuts it down. When the camera is powered on,
the lens extends outward into its operating position. Likewise, the lens retracts
back into the camera body when the camera is switched off.
Mode Switch
Located on the top right of the back panel of the camera, this switch slides
back and forth between Record and Playback modes.
CF Open Latch
Located on the right side of the back panel, this switch opens the CompactFlash
card slot.
Display Button
Located beneath the LCD monitor on the back panel, this button turns the LCD
display on and off.
Menu Button
Located to the left of the Display button, this button accesses the LCD menu
system in Record and Playback modes.
Macro/Infinity Button (Right Arrow Key)
Located to the left of the Menu button, this button cycles between Macro, Infinity
Focus and normal camera modes while in Record mode. In both Playback and Record
menus, this button acts as the right arrow key to navigate through menu items.
In Playback mode, this button scrolls through captured images.
Continuous/Self-Timer Button (Left Arrow Key)
Located to the left of the Macro/Infinity Focus button, this button cycles through
Single, Continuous and Self-Timer shooting modes while the camera is in Record
mode. In both Playback and Record menus, this button serves as the left arrow
key to navigate through menu items. In Playback mode, it scrolls through recorded
images.
Flash Button (Set Button)
Located beneath the bottom left corner of the LCD monitor, this button cycles
through the following five flash modes:
- Automatic - The camera determines when to fire the flash based
on existing light levels.
- Redeye Reduction - The camera fires a small pre-flash before
the full flash to reduce the occurrence of Redeye in pictures of people.
- Forced On - The flash always fires, regardless of lighting
conditions.
- Forced Off - The flash never fires, regardless of lighting
conditions.
- Slow-Synchro - The flash is used with a slow shutter speed to allow more ambient light into the exposure.
In both Playback and Record menus, this button serves as the "OK"
to select menu options and return to the main display.
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