The latest PowerShot S series compact
has something of a tradition to uphold
The S110 is the latest advanced PowerShot
compact and it carries all of the hallmarks established in previous models
while adding extra functionality to bring it in line with competing advanced
compacts. There are several elements of the S110 that remain unchanged in
comparison to its predecessor - the SIOO. The new model features a 5x optical
zoom with an eye-catching maximum aperture of f/2. The lens also features
Canon's 4-stop Intelligent IS system.
The S110 features a relatively large
1/1.7in CMOS sensor with an effective resolution of 12.1MP. The good news is
that the S110 remains capable of capturing Raw images as well as JPEGs, while
it also offers HD video capture at full 1080p resolution. All of this
functionality is supplemented by full PASM shooting control, as well as scene
modes and full auto control.
Alongside the impressive sensor and lens
combination sits Canon’s DIGIC 5 processor and HS system, offering a maximum
sensitivity that now sits at ISO 12,800 at full resolution and a high-speed
continuous burst mode of up to 10 frames per second, although this only has a
capacity of a maximum of 10 frames.
Although many of the elements of the
specification remain unchanged in comparison to the camera's predecessor, Canon
has ensured that certain areas have progressed in order to keep the camera in
line with its competition. One such area is the model’s LCD screen - although
it maintains the 3in, 461k-dot specification found on the previous two
generations of the model, it now features capacitive touchscreen technology as
well.
The PowerShot S110 also now incorporates Wi-Fi
technology. Although it’s not as complete as that found in some other compacts,
it still offers a host of functionality that photographers will find useful,
including direct sharing, print and back-up straight from the camera.
Design
There’s an awful lot to like about the
PowerShot S110 when it comes to design. Despite its compact dimensions, the
model feels like a serious bit of kit and oozes quality from every angle. This
is best felt on the three main control points of the camera - the mode dial on
the top plate, the control ring on the camera’s front and the function dial on
the camera’s rear. All three of these points of contact have been re-engineered
in comparison to previous models in the range, and as a result feel much
sturdier than before. They also offer more resistance than previously, and are
thus less likely to be knocked accidentally when shooting.
The rear of the camera has been slightly
altered in relation to its predecessor as well - the top right and the rear
plate now features a much larger rubberized thumb rest which offers a
pleasingly secure grip of the camera.
The
S110’s excellent design doesn’t just benefit the camera on a cosmetic level, as
several of the design features really aid the camera’s performance
Performance
The S110’s excellent design doesn’t just
benefit the camera on a cosmetic level, as several of the design features
really aid the camera’s performance.
One of the hallmarks of this design aiding
performance is the front command dial which encircles the model’s lens. This
can be adjusted to offer quick access to a wide range of functionality, from
more intuitive shutter or aperture control to exposure compensation or ISO
settings.
As mentioned previously, the S110 now
features an LCD with capacitive touchscreen technology. The touchscreen is
intuitive and offers much of the same functionality photographers are now
becoming accustomed to having in their smartphones.
As
mentioned previously, the S110 now features an LCD with capacitive touchscreen
technology.
The touch AF system performs well in
general, and the same can be said of the model’s focus system on the whole.
There is a noticeable delay when it comes to writing Raw files, although it
isn’t so bad as to impinge on the shot-to-shot speed because invariably the
buffer has cleared by the time you’re ready to take the next shot.
Image quality
The S110 once again delivers a level of
image quality that impresses across the board. Images straight out of the
camera display a rich tonal range and an even balance between shadows and
highlights, as well as shadow and highlight detail in contrasty scenes.
The
minimum focusing distance is 3cm, and the S110 can decide for itself when to
switch to macro mode
Exposure and white balance are both
reliable, with the S110 rarely stumbling in this regard. Reliability is also
evident with regards to the camera’s white balance system although one
potential criticism could be that colors do err towards the flat side, but a
host of on-board color presets can rectify this.
While the 5x optical zoom lens may prove a
little short for some users, what it does mean is that sharpness is of an
impressive level throughout the focal range. There is slight evidence of
fringing in areas of extreme contrast, although not to the extent that it is
detrimental to image quality.
Verdict
The S110 is a model that oozes quality. It
offers excellent images, fantastic handling and significant additions to its
specification. It's not perfect, and with a premium price-tag any flaws become
somewhat more significant, but if you’re looking for an enthusiast compact or
DSLR companion, Canon’s S series remains a great starting point in your search.
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Specifications
§ 12MP
1/1.7" Canon CMOS sensor
§ 24-120mm
equivalent F2.0-5.9 lens, 4-stop 'Intelligent IS'.
§ DIGIC
5 processor
§ ISO
80-12800
§ Touch-sensitive
3" 460k dot PureColor II G screen
§ Built-in
Wi-Fi
§ RAW
format recording
§ Built-in
3-stop Neutral Density filter
Pros
§ Excellent
images
§ Solid,
improved design
§ Great
handling
§ Worthwhile
additions to specification
Cons
§ Far
from the cheapest advanced compact on the market
§ Not
the most advanced Wi-Fi functionality
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