The Imaging Resource
Quick Review
Canon PowerShot SD110 Digital ELPH Camera
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Good, 3.2-megapixel CCD | |
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4x6, 5x7, 8x10 inches | |
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Introduction
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The Canon PowerShot SD110 Digital ELPH is one of the newest members of Canon's popular, diminutive digital camera line. In both the film and digital worlds, the tiny, high-style Canon ELPH models have been wildly popular. Long a popular brand for APS film cameras, the Canon Digital ELPHs brought the compact size and styling to the digital world, beginning with the original PowerShot S100. The Canon PowerShot SD100 Digital ELPH updated the line by adopting the SD memory card format; now the Canon SD110 adds the Print/Share button, making a very popular gem of a camera a little easier to use with PictBridge printers. Because this is more of an internal upgrade, this review will echo much of my original SD100 review. If you're familiar with that model, you can save yourself some time by skipping most of the text here, jumping down to the Test Images section and proceeding from there.
Slightly smaller than many preceding Canon Digital ELPH models, the PowerShot SD110 features the same great looks and sharp design that are the ELPH signature. Very compact and quick on the draw (thanks to a smooth retractable lens design), the PowerShot SD110 is a convenient point-and-shoot digital camera with a handful of extra exposure features for a little added flexibility. With the lens retracted, the Canon SD110's front panel is flat and pocket friendly, and its all-metal body rugged and durable. Equipped with a 3.2-megapixel CCD, the SD110 captures high quality images, suitable for printing snapshots as large as 8x10 inches. Smaller image sizes are also available for email transmission or Web applications, and a movie mode captures short video clips with sound.
The Canon SD110 features a 2x, 5.4-10.8mm zoom lens, equivalent to a 35-70mm zoom on a 35mm camera (a fairly common 2x zoom range). Aperture is automatically controlled, but the maximum setting ranges from f/2.8 at full wide angle to f/3.9 at full telephoto. A maximum 3.2x digital zoom option increases the SD110's zoom capability to 6.4x, but keep in mind that digital zoom decreases the overall image quality, as it simply crops out and enlarges the center pixels of the CCD image. Image details are thus likely to be softer with digital zoom. Focus ranges from 1.5 feet (47 centimeters) to infinity in normal AF mode, and from 3.9 inches to 1.5 feet (10 to 47 centimeters) in Macro mode. An Infinity fixed-focus mode is also available. The SD110 employs a sophisticated, nine-point AiAF (Artificial Intelligence Autofocus) system to determine focus, which uses a broad active area in the center of the image to calculate the focal distance (a feature I've been impressed with on many ELPH models and hope to see continued). Through the Record menu, you can turn AiAF off, which defaults the autofocus to the center of the frame. Also built-in to the SD110 is an AF assist light, which aids the focus mechanism in low light. For composing images, the SD110 offers a real-image optical viewfinder, as well as a 1.5-inch color LCD monitor. The LCD reports a fair amount of camera information, but excludes exposure information such as aperture and shutter speed. In Playback mode, a histogram display reports the tonal distribution of a captured image, useful in determining any over- or under-exposure.
Because the ELPH line capitalizes on ease of use, exposure control is typically automatic to increase the line's appeal to point-and-shoot users. The SD110 doesn't waver from this trend, but does provide a handful of manual adjustments, plus several enhancements to the PictBridge direct print functionality. Another enhancement, called QuickShot, allows users to take a very fast picture without having to wait for the camera to focus. The camera just switches to infinity and fires. The Mode dial on the rear panel controls the main operating mode, offering Playback, Auto, Manual, and Movie modes. Shutter speeds range from 1/1,500 to 15 seconds, with the one- to 15-second end of the range only available in Long Shutter mode (which also automatically invokes a Noise Reduction system to eliminate excess image noise in longer exposures). In straight Auto mode, the camera controls everything about the exposure except for file size, flash, etc. Manual mode provides more hands-on control, with White Balance, Exposure Compensation, ISO, and some creative effects. Camera operation is straightforward, as you typically just point and shoot most of the time. Pressing the Shutter button halfway sets focus and exposure, and the small LEDs next to the optical viewfinder let you know when the camera is ready to take the picture.
The SD110 uses an Evaluative metering system by default, which means that the camera divides the image area into zones and evaluates each zone to determine the best overall exposure. A Spot metering option ties the exposure to the very center of the frame, and is useful for off-center or high contrast subjects, letting you pinpoint the exact area of the frame to base the exposure on. There's also a Center-Weighted metering option, which bases the exposure on a large area in the center of the frame. Exposure Compensation increases or decreases the overall exposure from -2 to +2 exposure equivalents (EV) in one-third step increments. A White Balance option offers Auto, Daylight, Cloudy, Tungsten, Fluorescent, Fluorescent H, and Custom (manual) settings. The SD110 also offers a creative Photo Effects menu, which adjusts sharpening, color, and saturation. Sensitivity equivalents include 50, 100, 200, and 400 ISO settings, as well as an Auto adjustment. The SD110's built-in flash operates in Auto, Forced On, Suppressed, Red-Eye Reduction, and Slow-Synchro modes. You can also lock the flash exposure in the same way you can lock normal exposure. Pressing the Shutter button halfway and keeping it pressed initiates the exposure lock, signaled by two beeps and activating an "FEL" icon in the LCD monitor until the Shutter button is released or fully pressed.
A two- or 10-second self-timer option counts down by flashing a small LED on the front of the camera before firing the shutter, giving you time to duck around the camera and get into your own shots. Stitch-Assist mode is the SD110's panoramic shooting mode, which lets you shoot as many as 26 consecutive images. The series of images can then be "stitched" together into a single panoramic frame with the accompanying software. The SD110 also has a Movie Record mode, which records moving images with sound for as long as three minutes per clip, depending on the resolution setting and amount of memory card space. (Movies are recorded at either 640 x 480, 320 x 240, or 160 x 120 pixels.) Finally, a Continuous Shooting mode captures a series of consecutive images (much like a motor drive on a traditional camera), at approximately 2.2 frames per second, for as long as the Shutter button is held down. The actual frame rate varies with the resolution setting, with the total number of images also depending on the amount of memory card space and file size.
The My Camera settings menu lets you customize camera settings to a specific theme. Everything from the startup image to operating sounds can be assigned to a theme, either one of the pre-programmed themes or one downloaded from the camera software or stored on the memory card. The SD110 also lets you record short sound clips to accompany captured images, via the Sound Memo option, great for lively captions to vacation photos or party shots.
The SD110 stores images on SD memory cards (hence, the "SD" in its name). A 16MB card accompanies the camera, but I recommend picking up a larger capacity card, at least 64 megabytes, so you don't miss any shots. The camera utilizes a rechargeable lithium-ion battery pack for power, which accompanies the camera, along with the necessary battery charger. Because the SD110 does not accommodate AA-type batteries in any form, I strongly advise picking up an additional battery pack and keeping it freshly charged. The optional AC adapter is useful for preserving battery power when reviewing and downloading images, and actually uses a "dummy" battery that inserts into the camera's battery compartment. A USB cable and interface software are also packaged with the camera, for downloading images to a computer and performing minor organization and corrections. Two software CDs provide the necessary drivers and editing software, both compatible with Windows and Macintosh platforms. One CD holds Canon's Digital Camera Solution Disk version 12.0 and the other features ArcSoft's Camera Suite version 1.2. Finally, an A/V cable connects the SD110 to a television set, for reviewing and composing images. The SD110 is Digital Print Order Format (DPOF) compatible, with detailed print settings in the Playback menu. Canon offers a selection of direct-connect printers as well, which simplifies printing even more.
Basic Features
- 3.2-megapixel CCD.
- Real-image optical viewfinder.
- 1.5-inch color TFT LCD monitor.
- 2x, 5.4-10.8mm lens, equivalent to a 35-70mm lens on a 35mmcamera.
- Maximum 3.2x digital zoom.
- Automatic exposure control, with Long Shutter mode for longerexposures.
- Shutter speeds from 1/1,500 to 15 seconds.
- Maximum aperture of f/2.8 to f/3.9, depending on lens zoomposition.
- Built-in flash with five modes.
- SD memory card storage, 16MB card included.
- Power supplied by a rechargeable lithium-ion battery pack(charger included) or optional AC adapter.
- ArcSoft Camera Suite 1.2, Canon Digital Camera software, and USBdrivers included for both Windows and Mac platforms.
- New Print/Share button.
Special Features
- Movie mode with sound.
- Continuous Shooting modes.
- Stitch-Assist panorama mode.
- Infinity and Macro focus modes.
- Customizable "My Camera" settings.
- Two- or 10-second Self-Timer for delayed shutter release.
- Sound Memo option for recording captions.
- Spot, Center-Weighted, and Evaluative exposure metering.
- White balance (color) adjustment with seven modes, including aCustom setting.
- Photo Effect menu for color adjustment.
- Adjustable ISO setting.
- DPOF (Digital Print Order Format) compatibility.
- USB cable for connection to a computer (driver softwareincluded).
- A/V cable for connection to a television set.
Recommendation
The Canon ELPH series of digicams continues to be a popular option for many consumers, given its tiny size and reputation for great quality. The PowerShot SD110 Digital ELPH updates the line with special features designed to ease printing direct from the camera, and sports a 3.2-megapixel CCD for high resolution images. Although exposure control is mainly automatic, the availability of exposures up to 15 seconds and adjustable ISO increases the camera's exposure versatility a great deal. Plus, the uncomplicated user interface makes novices and more advanced amateurs alike feel at home, with enough variable exposure control to make both happy.
With the same sharp design and a slightly smaller size than preceding members of the ELPH line, the SD110 features the characteristic ELPH styling that has proved so popular among consumers. The compact size is perfect for quickly stashing in a pocket or purse without worrying about damaging the rugged, all-metal body (though if you want to maintain that gorgeous finish, you'll want to put it in a protective case first, because it does scratch). The retracting lens is a smart design that keeps the camera front completely flat when the camera is off, underscoring the camera's pocket friendly design, while an automatic lens cover means you don't have to worry about smudging the lens or losing a lens cap. Measuring 3.3 x 2.2 x 0.9 inches (85 x 56 x 24 millimeters), the SD110 should easily fit into the average shirt pocket. The camera weighs 5.8 ounces (165 grams) without battery or memory card.
Several distinctive ELPH features identify the front of the SD110, with the lens off-center slightly toward the right, and viewfinder and flash just above it. A light emitter, next to the optical viewfinder, serves multiple purposes, including autofocus assist, red-eye reduction, and the self-timer countdown. The camera's telescoping lens moves into place quickly when the camera is powered on, and retracts fully within the camera to maintain a flat profile. Just beneath the flash is the camera's tiny microphone. A small notch from the wrist strap eyelet is about all the finger-grip provided, although the accompanying wrist strap should provide a little more security.
The Shutter button, Zoom lever, and Power button are all on top ofthe camera, protruding slightly from the surface.
On the right side of the camera (as viewed from the rear) the wrist strap attachment eyelet stands alone.
The opposite side of the camera simply holds the USB and A/V outputjacks, protected by a snug rubber cover.
The remaining camera controls are on the rear panel, along with the optical and LCD viewfinders. Lining the bottom edge of the LCD monitor are the Set, Menu, Display, and Function buttons, with a multi-functional Four-Way Arrow pad just to the right of these. A Mode dial in the top right corner accesses Playback, Auto, Manual, and Movie camera modes. Directly above the Four-Way Arrow pad is the camera's speaker. Two LED lamps next to the viewfinder report camera status, lighting to indicate when focus is set or the flash is fully charged. The only external difference from the SD100 is found here: They moved the speaker up a quarter inch and included the Print/Share button. This button glows blue when the camera is connected to a printer or computer.
The SD110 features a nice, flat bottom panel, which holds the metal tripod mount and the battery/memory card compartment. I don't usually like to see the tripod mount so far over to the side of the camera because the weight of the camera, placed off-center on the tripod head, can overly stress the mount threads. Given the SD110's tiny size and the solid metal tripod socket (kudos for that), this may not be a concern. One consequence of having the tripod socket so close to the edge though, is that the camera may not rest level on some tripod heads. (Again, a minor concern, since you can usually just tilt the tripod head to align the camera however you'd like.) Inside the compartment, the battery and SD memory card slots line up side by side. The locking compartment cover slides open and then outward, with a small, rubber flap in its center. This flap covers a hole in the compartment cover that accesses the connector jack in the "dummy battery" used in the AC adapter kit. (Like many other Canon digicams, the SD110's AC adapter scheme employs a dummy battery that fits into the battery compartment, and which provides a plug for the AC power converter's cable.)
The SD110's user interface is straightforward and relatively uncomplicated, with the same menu setup and basic control layout as the rest of the current ELPH series. Most of the camera's functions are controlled by buttons on the top and rear panels, while a handful of settings are controlled through the LCD-based Record menu. A Function menu provides faster access to basic settings like image size, quality, and exposure compensation, without the need to sift through menu screens. The LCD menu system itself is quite efficient, as you view menu items organized in tabs instead of through a series of pages. Additionally, the Setup and My Camera menus are always available, regardless of the camera mode. With the instruction manual in-hand, it shouldn't take more than a half an hour to an hour to get comfortable with the camera.
Record
Mode Display: In any record mode, the LCD display shows either the
image area with no information, the image with a limited information display,
or no display at all. Pressing the Display button cycles through the available
displays. When the information display is active, it reports resolution and
image quality settings, the number of available images, Record mode, orientation,
and a handful of exposure settings (although not aperture or shutter speed).
Playback
Mode Display: Playback mode also offers three display modes, including
the image only, the image with information, and the image with expanded information
and a histogram. You can also display as many as nine thumbnail images at a
time on-screen with the index display mode, or zoom in on captured images to
check fine details, focus, or framing.
External Controls
Shutter Button: Located on the top panel, this button sets focus and exposure
when halfway pressed and fires the shutter when fully pressed. If the Self-Timer
is activated, a full press of the Shutter button triggers the countdown.
Zoom Lever: Surrounding the Shutter button on thecamera's top panel, this lever controls the optical and digital zoomin any record mode. In Playback mode, the wide-angle end activatesan index display, while the telephoto setting zooms in on capturedimages for closer inspection of fine details.
Power Button: To the left of the Shutter button on the camera's top
panel, this button turns the camera on or off.
Mode Dial: Tucked in the top right corner of the rear panel, this
dial controls the camera's operating mode, offering the following selections:
- Playback Mode: Replays captured images andmovies, with options for image management and printing.
- Automatic Exposure Mode: Places the camera in charge ofall exposure decisions, with the exception of image size/quality,flash mode, macro focusing, and the Self-Timer.
- Manual Exposure Mode: Provides more exposure control, suchas Exposure Compensation and White Balance settings. The camera stilldetermines the shutter speed and aperture settings however.
- Movie Mode: Captures moving images with sound, with amaximum recording time of three minutes (depending on theresolution setting and available memory card space).
Four-Way Arrow Pad: This four-way rocker button is adjacent to
the lower right corner of the LCD monitor, and serves multiple functions. In
any Settings menu, the arrow keys navigate through menu selections. In Record
mode, the top arrow cycles through Evaluative, Center-Weighted, and Spot metering
modes. The left arrow controls Macro and Infinity focus modes, and cycles back
around to the normal AF mode. The right arrow accesses the camera's flash modes,
cycling through Automatic, Forced On, Forced Off, Red-Eye Reduction, and Slow-Sync
settings. Finally, the down arrow key activates the Self-Timer and Continuous
Shooting modes, or returns to the normal exposure mode.
In Playback mode, the right and left arrow keys scroll throughcaptured images and movie files. When you zoom in on an image, allfour arrows pan the view.
Function / Erase Button: To the left of the arrow pad, this control
activates the Function menu in any record mode. The following options are available:
Exposure
Compensation: Increases or decreases the exposure from -2 to +2 exposure
equivalents (EV) in one-third-step increments.- Long Shutter: Accesses longer shutter times, from one to 15 seconds. (Only appears when enabled through the Record menu, and is accessed by pressing the Set button while the Exposure Compensation option is highlighted.)
- White Balance: Controls the color balance of images. Options are Auto, Daylight, Cloudy, Tungsten, Fluorescent, Fluorescent H, and Custom (manual setting).
- ISO Speed: Sets the camera's sensitivity to Auto, or to 50, 100, 200, or 400 ISO equivalents.
- Photo Effect: Enables Vivid Color (high color saturation), Neutral Color (low color saturation), Low Sharpening, Sepia, or Black-and-White picture effects.
- Compression: Sets the JPEG compression to Superfine, Fine, or Normal.
- Resolution: Specifies the image resolution. Still image resolutions are 2,048 x 1,536; 1,600 x 1,200; 1,024 x 768; and 640 x 480 pixels. Movie resolutions are 640 x 480, 320 x 240, and 160 x 120 pixels.
In Playback mode, this button calls up the single-image erase menu, which deletes the currently-displayed image (unless write-protected).
Display Button: On the left side of the Function / Erase button,
this button turns the LCD image and information displays on and off. In Playback
mode, this button controls the information display only, and activates a histogram
display of the captured image.
Menu Button: Nestled between the Set and Display buttons, this
button accesses the LCD menu system in both Record and Playback modes.
Set Button: Directly beneath the lower left corner of the LCD display,
this button confirms menu selections and changes. If Long Shutter mode has been
enabled, pressing this button while the Exposure Compensation option of the
Function menu is highlighted displays the Long Shutter setting.
Print/Share Button: The only physical addition to the SD110 from the SD100
model is the Print/Share button, used for activating uploads to Windows computers
or connections to Exif Print enabled printers. The button glows blue when ready
to print or transfer images, and flashes blue when printing or transferring
images.
Camera Modes and Menus
Movie Mode: Records short movie clips with sound, at either640 x 480, 320 x 240, or 160 x 120 pixels. The actual amount ofrecording time varies with the resolution setting and amount ofmemory card space, but the longest clip time is three minutes. Ahandful of exposure controls are available in this mode, althoughoptions like flash mode, Continuous Shooting, and digital zoom aredisabled.
Manual Exposure Mode: Restricts the camera's control toshutter speed and aperture only, letting you adjust the digitalzoom, flash mode, image quality, shooting method (Single,Continuous, or Self-Timer), Macro mode, Infinity Focus mode,Exposure Compensation, White Balance, Photo Effect, Metering, and ISO.
Automatic Exposure Mode: Places the camera in charge of allexposure settings. You can select only the digital zoom option, certainflash modes, the self-timer, and Macro mode.
Playback Mode: This mode allows you to scroll through captured images and movies, write-protect images, view a nine-image index display, zoom into a captured image, delete unwanted images, rotate images, and set up images for printing on DPOF compatible devices.
Record Menu System: Accessed by pressing theMenu button in Automatic, Manual, Stitch Assist, and Movie modes(some options are not available in all modes). Three menu tabsappear, one for Record, Setup, and My Camera sub-menus.
Record Menu:
Quick
Shot: Turns new Quick Shot option on or off. Quick Shot allows
camera to fire without bothering to confirm focus. Camera defaults to infinity
and fires.
- AiAF: Turns on the AiAF focus system. If switched off, the camera bases autofocus on the center of the frame.
- Self-Timer: Sets the Self-Timer countdown to two or 10 seconds.
- AF Assist Beam: Turns the AF assist light on or off. If on, the light automatically activates in low lighting.
- Digital Zoom: Enables the digital zoom function, which is engaged by zooming past the optical zoom range. Also disables digital zoom.
- Review: Turns the instant review function on or off, or sets the amount of time that the captured image is displayed on the screen from two or 10 seconds. (Still images only.)
- Long Shutter: Activates Long Shutter mode, so that it appears in the Function menu.
- Stitch Assist: Enables Stitch Assist mode (the SD110's panoramic
shooting mode), and lets you choose a shooting direction (to the right or
the left). After pressing the Set button to start the sequence and taking
the first shot, blue grid lines appear in the LCD monitor to help you line
up each subsequent shot. Exposure is locked for the sequence which ends when
you press the Menu button. The final series of images can be stitched together
as one image on a computer via the accompanying software. (Secondary
screen)
Setup Menu:
Mute:
Turns the camera's beep sounds on and off.
- Volume: Individually sets Startup, Operation, Self Timer, Shutter, and Playback volumes. (secondary screen)
- LCD Brightness: Adjust the brightness of the LCD backlight. (secondary screen)
- Power Saving: Toggles the camera's automatic shutoff function, which turns off the camera after a length of inactivity. Also sets display shutdown time between 10 seconds and 3 minutes. (secondary screen)
- Date/Time: Sets the camera's internal calendar and clock. (secondary screen)
- Format: Formats the CompactFlash card, erasing all files (even those marked for write-protection). (secondary screen)
- File No. Reset: Resets file numbering with each new CompactFlash card. If disabled, the camera continues numbering in sequence, regardless of memory card.
- Auto Rotate: Toggles Auto Rotate feature on and off.
- Distance Units: Sets the manual focus indicator to Meters/Centimeters or Feet/Inches.
- Language: Sets the camera's menu language to one of 12 choices. English is the default setting. (secondary screen)
- Video System: Sets the camera's video-out signal to conform to NTSC or PAL timing.
My Camera Menu
Theme:
Selects a common theme for each My Camera menu settings item. Four options
are available, the first one being Off. When a theme is selected, all of the
following settings automatically adjust to that theme.
- Start-Up Image: Sets the startup image when you turn on the camera to: Black screen, Canon logo, Canon logo with sunset, and nature scene. You can also apply your own image using the Canon software.
- Start-Up Sound: Sets the startup sound when you turn on the camera to: No sound, Musical tone (1), Musical tone (2), or Birds chirping. You can also apply your own sounds using the Canon software.
- Operation Sound: Sets the sound when any control or switch is use (except the Shutter button). Options include no sound, Beep, Musical tone, and Chirp.
- Self-Timer Sound: Sets the sound that signals you when the shutter release is two seconds away. Options include no sound, Fast beeps, Telephone ring, and Howling.
- Shutter Sound: Sets the shutter sound that you hear when you depress the Shutter button (there is no shutter sound in Movie mode). Options include no sound, Shutter sound, Musical Tone, and Bark.
Playback Menu System: Accessed by pressing the Menu button in Playback
mode, the Playback menu also has subject tabs for the Setup and My Camera menus.
Since these were described above, I won't repeat them here.
Playback Menu:
Protect:
Marks the current image for write-protection, or removes write-protection.
Protected images cannot be deleted or manipulated, except through card formatting,
which erases all files. (secondary
screen)- Rotate: Rotates the current image 90 degrees clockwise. (secondary screen)
- Sound Memo: Records a short sound clip to accompany a captured image. (secondary screen)
- Erase All: Erases all files on the memory card, except protected ones. (secondary screen)
- Slide Show: Automatically plays all captured images in a slide show. (secondary screen)
- Print Order: Determines how many copies of the current image will be printed, with options for creating an index print, imprinting the date and time, and imprinting the file number. (secondary screen)
- Transfer Order: Select images for downloading to your computer.
Print
Connection: When you connect the SD110 to a PictBridge printer, a new menu
option is enabled, allowing easy print to a number of basic paper sizes, all
without a computer. A special icon appears in the upper left hand corner, with
the word SET right next to it, telling you that to adjust settings, you should
press the Set button. You can select not only the size and type of paper, but
you can also crop the pictures right in the camera. If you only print one size,
full frame, you need only press the Print/Share button and printing of the current
image begins immediately.
In the Box
Packaged with the PowerShot SD110 are the following items:
- Wrist strap.
- Video cable.
- USB cable.
- 16MB SD memory card.
- NB-3L lithium-ion battery pack.
- Battery charger.
- ArcSoft and Canon Digital Camera Solution Disk software CDs.
- Operating manual and registration card.
- Large capacity SD memory card.
- Additional NB-3L lithium-ion battery pack.
- AC adapter kit.
- Small camera case.
See camera specifications here.
Cycle times, shutter lag, battery life, etc. can be found here.
- Canon PowerShot SD110 user reviews on PriceGrabber.com
- Canon PowerShot SD110 user review on PC PhotoREVIEW
Test Images
See the full set of my sample pictures
and detailed analysis here.
The thumbnails below show a subset of my standard test images. Click on a thumbnail
to see the full-size photo.
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Test Results
In keeping with my standard test policy, the comments given here summarize only my key findings. For a full commentary on each of the test images, see the PowerShot SD110's "pictures" page.
Not sure which camera to buy? Let your eyes be the ultimate judge! Visit our Comparometer(tm) to compare images from the PowerShot SD110 with those from other cameras you may be considering. The proof is in the pictures, so let your own eyes decide which you like best!
As with all Imaging Resource product tests, I encourage you to let your own eyes be the judge of how well the camera performed. Explore the images on the pictures page, to see how SD110's images compare to other cameras you may be considering.
- Color: Excellent color. As I've become accustomed
to with Canon cameras, the SD110 delivered excellent color throughout my testing.
Colors were bright and accurate, although I did think that strong additive
primary colors (red, green, blue) tended to come out a little oversaturated.
The white balance system worked very well, although its Auto option had a
lot of trouble with the incandescent lighting of my Indoor Portrait test.
In that test though, the SD110's Incandescent and Manual white balance settings
did a very nice job. Skin tones were good, and it's really hard to find much
fault with the SD110's color in any of the test images.
- Exposure: Better than average exposure accuracy.
On most shots, the SD110 required either the same or less exposure compensation
than did other cameras I've tested. In the studio, I boosted the exposure
on the DaveBox target slightly, but in hindsight think I'd have done better
to leave it alone, as the resulting image is a little bright-looking, even
though nothing is blown out on it. Outdoors, the SD110 required a fair bit
less exposure compensation on the Outdoor Portrait shot than most cameras,
while indoors, the +1.0 EV I used for the Indoor Portrait shot was about average
for that test. The SD110's native contrast is a little high, but it did a
surprisingly good job with the strong highlights of the Outdoor Portrait test.
Overall, a very good exposure system.
- Resolution/Sharpness: Average resolution for a 3-megapixel
camera, slightly softer than the best full-sized 3-megapixel models. The
SD110 turned in about an average performance on the "laboratory"
resolution test chart for its three megapixel resolution. It started showing
artifacts in the test patterns at resolutions as low as 600 lines per picture
height, in both horizontal and vertical directions. I found "strong detail"
out to about 1,050 lines horizontally, 950 lines vertically. "Extinction"
of the target patterns occurred around 1,250 lines.
- Closeups: A moderately small macro area with good detail.
Flash almost throttles down enough, but coverage is a little uneven. The
SD110 did pretty well in the macro category, capturing a minimum area of 3.32
x 2.49 inches (84 x 63 millimeters). Resolution was high, and detail was strong
in the coins, brooch, and dollar bill. Details were well-defined, especially
in the tonal differences of the larger coin. The two left corners of the frame
were a little soft, corner softness being a common failing in digicam macro
shots. (The amount here is typical.) Exposure was a little bright, but color
was about right. The SD110's flash almost throttled down for the macro area,
resulting in a hot spot in the upper left corner and falloff in the two lower
corners and edge. (Not bad really, you might need to use external illumination
for the closest macro shots, but anything beyond six inches or so should be
fine.)
- Night Shots: Excellent low-light performance, with good
focusing, color, and exposure. The SD110 has a maximum shutter time of
15 seconds, which helps the camera capture bright images even in very low
lighting. In my testing, the SD110 produced clear, bright, usable images down
to the 1/16 foot-candle (0.67 lux) limit of my test, with good color at all
four ISO settings. Noise was quite low at the 100 and 50 ISO settings, becoming
apparent at ISO 200. At ISO 400, noise is higher, but still not too bad. (After
the results I saw in the Indoor Portrait test I was expecting to see more
noise here. It's possible that the better color balance on this light source
helped the blue-channel nose though, and also that the long-exposure anti-noise
processing helped as well.)
- Viewfinder Accuracy: A tight optical viewfinder, very
slightly loose LCD monitor. The SD110's optical viewfinder is quite tight,
showing only about 82 percent frame accuracy at wide angle, and about 79 percent
at telephoto. The LCD monitor fared a little better, though it was actually
just slightly loose, showing slightly more of the frame than what made
it into the actual shot. Given that I like LCD monitors to be as close to
100 percent accuracy as possible, the SD110's LCD monitor does pretty well,
as it comes very close to exactly 100 percent, but the optical viewfinder
could use some help.
- Optical Distortion: Lower than average barrel distortion,
very little chromatic aberration. Optical distortion on the SD110 is a
little less than average at the wide-angle end, where I measured an approximate
0.6 percent barrel distortion. The telephoto end fared even better, as I measured
only 0.2 percent pincushion distortion. Chromatic aberration is quite low,
showing only very faint coloration on either side of the target lines. (This
distortion is visible as a very slight colored fringe around the objects at
the edges of the field of view on the resolution target.)
- Shutter Lag and Cycle Time: Like most compact digicams, a bit
on the slow side. As is the case with most compact digicams, speed isn't
the PowerShot SD110's strong suit. It's definitely on the slow side of average
in terms of full-autofocus shutter delay, but is quite fast when the camera
is prefocused by half-pressing and holding down the shutter button before
the exposure itself. Cycle time isn't too bad at just under two seconds per
shot, for the first 5 shots in large/fine mode, and continuous mode shooting
is reasonable at just over one frame/second for five frames. Overall, not
the first choice for sports, but not horribly slow. (I really would like to
see better shutter lag numbers though.)
- Battery Life: Pretty good battery life for a compact model. Because it uses a custom AC power connector, I wasn't able to perform my usual direct measurements of the SD110's power consumption. I did test how long it would operate in its worst-case power drain mode (capture mode, with the LCD on), and found that it ran 103 minutes on a freshly-charged battery. While this is pretty good for a compact digicam model, I still highly recommend purchasing a second battery at the same time as the SD110, so you can keep a fully-charged spare on hand during any extended outings
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