The landscape of photography is an ever-changing one; in
fact, smartphones are now seen as the definitive all-in-one gadget as they are
well-suited for capturing casual moments without much hassle. Does that spell
trouble for the average point and shoot (PNS) camera? While it’s true that the
average smartphone is far more accessible for candid shots, dedicated compact
cameras will prevail because they offer far better performance, controls,
battery life and are almost as pocketable as smartphones.
The IXUS range is well-known for its style-driven and
solidly-built cameras, and the 1100 HS takes over the 1000 HS as Canon’s
flagship compact. In the nutshell, the 12.1-megapixel 1100 HS is a touch-screen
compact with 12x zoom capabilities, an additional Smart Auto mode (auto detects
the best scene mode), a 3.2-inch 461k-pixel touchscreen, a DIGIC 4 processor
and high sensitivity CMOS sensor.
The 1100 HS comes with minimal physical controls, most of
which are nested along the top face of the camera
Turn the camera to its back and you will notice that it
is completely devoid of controls save for a tiny matte playback button. The
bulk of the action takes place on the camera’s 3.2-inch, 461k-dot PureColor II
LCD touch screen and top profile. While it isn’t an AMOLED screen, the screen
performs admirably, showcasing good color reproduction and decent viewing
angles under bright sunlight.
By and large, the Canon IXUS 1100 HS is meant to be a
simple and fuss-free point and shoot camera. In other words, users will often
find themselves shooting in Auto mode. There are features that clearly pander
to a snapshot crowd like new filters (toy camera, miniature), a Smart Shutter
mode and an all-new Movie Digest mode that allows users to record a 3-second
movie clip per still shot taken. Accompanied with 12x zoom functionality and an
extensive battery life (7-8 hours of frequent shooting), the 1100 HS appears to
be a good all-purpose camera to put your cash on.
The camera managed a decent resolution score of 1,600 LPH
for both horizontal and vertical on our charts. Its ISO performance is typical
of a PNS camera; images are clean at ISO200, with noise and smudging of details
making an appearance from ISO400 onwards. Nonetheless, photos are still very
much usable till about ISO800. otherwise, color production is brilliant and
auto-focusing is speedy and accurate.
The Canon IXUS 1100 HS is a delightful all-round point
and shoot camera, right from its sturdy and well-constructed exterior to its
innards. We wouldn’t quite call it affordable, but its 12x optical zoom, good
color production, decent noise and resolution performance, extensive battery
life and bright 3.2-inch 460K touchscreen contribute towards an overall
positive shooting experience (and less buyer’s remorse). Some might find the
touchscreen experience slightly disarming, but the simple and intuitive user
interface makes up for things.
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At a glance
CCD Sensor: 1/2.3-inch
Megapixels: 12.1
megapixels
Dimensions:
99.0x58.9x21.9mm
Weight: Approx
206g (including batteries and memory card)
Price: $529
Specifications
CDD Sensor: 1/2.3-inch
back-illuminated CMOS
Optical zoom: 12x
Optical Zoom
Sensitivity: Auto,
ISO 100 / 200 / 400 / 800 / 1600 / 3200 (in P mode)
Metering: Evaluative,
Center-weighted average, Spot
Focus mode: Single,
Continuous (only available in Smart Auto mode), Servo AF/AE, Touch AF
Lens: Focal
length: 12x zoom: 5.0 (W) – 60.0 (T)mm (35mm film equivalent: 28 (W) – 336
(T)mm
LCD: 3.2-inch,
461,000 dots, TFT color (with wide viewing angle), Touch Panel
Shutter: 1 –
1/4000 sec. (factory default) 15 – 1/4000 sec. (total range – varies by
shooting mode)
Continuous shooting: Approx
3.3 shots/sec, High-speed Burst (3.0MP): Approx 7.8 shots/sec, (until memory
card becomes full)
Memory card type: SD,
SDHC, SDXC
Battery:
Rechargeable Li-ion Battery NB-9L Pack
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Verdict: 8.5
Physique: 8.0
Features: 8.5
User-friendliness: 8.0
Performance: 8.5
Value: 8.5 |
