Canon Camera PowerShot S100 Review: Still Worth It in 2025?

Looking for a compact camera that fits in your pocket but delivers DSLR-like results?

 The Canon camera PowerShot S100 might surprise you. Despite being released over a decade ago, the S100 continues to earn praise for its impressive performance in a lightweight, travel-friendly design. It’s part of Canon’s iconic PowerShot “S” series, known for packing advanced manual controls and image quality into pocket-sized bodies.

The PowerShot S100 carved a space between basic point-and-shoots and bulky DSLRs—offering full manual control, RAW image support, and excellent low-light capabilities. Whether you’re a beginner looking for an upgrade from smartphone photography, or a professional needing a solid backup camera, the S100 still holds its ground in 2025.

In this guide, you’ll learn What makes the Canon Camera PowerShot S100 unique.

Canon PowerShot S100 Overview

The Canon PowerShot S100 is a premium compact digital camera that balances portability with performance. It was designed for users who want creative control and excellent image quality without the bulk of a DSLR.

Key Features

• 12.1MP CMOS Sensor – Delivers detailed, vibrant photos with low noise, even in low light.
• 5x Optical Zoom (24–120mm) – A versatile wide-angle zoom lens for landscapes, portraits, and everything in between.
• Full HD 1080p Video – Capture smooth, high-resolution video with stereo sound.
• DIGIC 5 Image Processor – Offers faster shooting, better noise reduction, and improved color accuracy.
• Built-in GPS Tagging – Automatically geotags your photos—a feature still appreciated by travelers.

Design & Build

The PowerShot S100 was built with both form and function in mind. Its sleek aluminum body feels solid and premium, yet remains incredibly compact, making it a true pocket-sized performer.

• Compact & Lightweight – Weighing just 198g, it’s perfect for travel or everyday carry.
• Control Ring Interface – A customizable control ring around the lens provides intuitive access to settings like aperture, ISO, or zoom.
• Minimalist Design – Simple yet professional, with an understated matte finish and discreet branding.

This balance of portability, performance, and manual control is why the S100 is still sought after in 2025 by hobbyists and minimalist shooters alike.

Performance Review

The Canon PowerShot S100 may be compact, but when it comes to performance, it punches well above its weight. From sharp daytime captures to surprisingly clean low-light shots, the S100 proves it’s not just another point-and-shoot. In this section, we break down how it performs acrossphotography, video, and battery usage based on real-world use.

Image Quality

Despite being released years ago, the S100 still delivers impressive photo quality—especially in well-lit conditions.

• Real-World Photo Samples
  The 12.1MP CMOS sensor paired with Canon’s DIGIC 5 processor produces crisp images with excellent dynamic range and color accuracy. Details hold up well, even at full resolution, making it ideal for travel or street photography.
• Low-Light Capability
  Thanks to its f/2.0 lens (at wide angle) and high ISO performance, the S100 can handle indoor and nighttime scenes better than many newer smartphones. Noise is well-controlled up to ISO 800, and RAW shooting helps you recover details in post.
• White Balance Accuracy
  Auto white balance is generally accurate, handling mixed lighting conditions with ease. Manual options and presets offer flexibility for advanced users.

Video Performance

For casual videographers, the S100 is more than capable of capturing high-quality clips—though it does show its age in some areas.

• Stabilization Test
  Optical Image Stabilization works well for handheld shooting, especially when walking slowly or panning. While not gimbal-smooth, it’s good enough for vlogs or quick travel shots.
• Audio Quality
  Built-in stereo mics pick up clear audio in quiet environments. However, there’s no external mic input, which may limit more serious use.
• Full HD Sample Clips
  It records in 1080p at 24fps, delivering rich detail and smooth motion. Footage holds up surprisingly well even in today’s 4K era for casual or YouTube-ready videos.

Battery Life

Battery life is decent but not stellar—typical for cameras in this size class.

• Number of Shots Per Charge
  Expect around 200 shots per full charge, or roughly 45–60 minutes of continuous video recording. If you’re planning a full-day shoot, a spare battery is highly recommended.
• Tips to Extend Battery Life
  • Disable GPS when not needed
  • Reduce screen brightness
  • Use sleep mode between shots
  • Carry a backup NB-5L battery

Comparison & Alternatives

If you’re considering the Canon PowerShot S100, it’s natural to ask: How does it stack up against similar compact cameras in Canon’s lineup? Let’s compare it with two popular alternatives—the Canon PowerShot S110 and the Canon PowerShot G9 X—to help you make an informed choice.

Canon PowerShot S100 vs S110 vs G9 X

Canon PowerShot S110

The S110 is essentially an S100 with Wi-Fi and a touchscreen but loses the built-in GPS. It’s a better pick if wireless transfer and ease of control are more important to you than geotagging. Image and video quality are nearly identical.

Canon PowerShot G9 X

With a larger 1-inch sensor and newer DIGIC 6 processor, the G9 X delivers noticeably better image quality, especially in low light. It’s more modern with touchscreen controls and a minimalist body—ideal for smartphone upgraders or minimalist vloggers. However, its zoom range is shorter compared to the S100.

Is the Canon PowerShot S100 Still Worth Buying in 2025?

Despite being over a decade old, the S100 still holds value for certain users:

 Pros:

• Great for Travel: Compact, pocketable, with GPS for geotagging photos.
• RAW Shooting: Gives beginners room to grow in post-processing.
• Budget-Friendly: Often available at much lower prices than newer models.
• Manual Controls: Ideal for learning photography basics without bulk.

 Availability in the Used Market

• You’ll primarily find the S100 on eBay, MPB, KEH Camera, and local marketplaces.
• Look for low shutter count and battery health when buying secondhand.
• Consider checking for firmware updates and availability of NB-5L spare batteries.

Where to Buy the Canon PowerShot S100

Although discontinued by Canon, the PowerShot S100 is still widely available on the used and refurbished market, often at very reasonable prices. Here’s where you can find it:

• Amazon
  Search for Canon PowerShot S100 used or refurbished. Many sellers list models in good or excellent condition, often with warranties.
• B&H Photo Video
  Known for high-quality gear and trusted refurb options. You can set alerts for restocks of rare models like the S100.
• eBay
  A popular choice for both auctions and Buy It Now deals. Look for listings with clear condition descriptions and seller ratings over 98%.
• KEH Camera
  Specializes in used photography equipment, with detailed grading, warranties, and return policies — great for peace of mind.
• Local Camera Stores
  Many shops offer used gear or trade-in sections. These can be goldmines for clean, low-use PowerShot models at competitive prices.

 Pro Tip: Always check shutter count, battery condition, and lens clarity before purchasing a used model.

Real-World Use Cases for the Canon PowerShot S100

Despite its age, the S100 remains a versatile compact camera that suits a wide range of use cases. Here’s where it still shines in 2025:

• Travel Photography
  Lightweight and pocketable with a wide-angle lens and GPS tagging — great for adventurers who want to stay light while documenting their journeys.
• Beginners Transitioning from Smartphones
  With manual controls and RAW format support, it’s a fantastic entry point for smartphone photographers who want more creative control without complexity.
• Lightweight Backup for Pros
  Professionals often keep an S100 in their bag as a discreet backup or scouting cam, especially for fast location shoots or behind-the-scenes captures.
• Street Photography
  Its small size makes it ideal for candid, unobtrusive shooting — plus, the control ring offers manual finesse without attracting attention.

FAQ: Canon PowerShot S100 – Everything You Need to Know

Is the Canon PowerShot S100 a good camera?

Yes, the Canon PowerShot S100 is still a solid compact camera for casual photography, especially for travel and street shooting. Despite being over a decade old, it offers:

• A 12.1MP CMOS sensor
• Full manual controls
• RAW shooting support
• Built-in GPS It’s compact, intuitive, and produces surprisingly high-quality images, especially in good lighting conditions.

How much is the Canon S100 camera?

The Canon PowerShot S100 is no longer sold new, but you can find used or refurbished units priced between $85 to $180 USD, depending on the condition and seller. Prices may vary on:

• Amazon
• eBay
• KEH Camera
• B&H Used Market

What year did the Canon PowerShot S100 come out?

The Canon PowerShot S100 was released in September 2011. It replaced the S95 in Canon’s premium compact lineup and was among the first in the series to include:

• Built-in GPS
• DIGIC 5 processor
• Full HD 1080p video

How old is the Canon PowerShot S100?

As of 2025, the Canon PowerShot S100 is 14 years old. While dated, it’s still popular among hobbyists and travelers looking for an affordable, pocketable camera with decent manual control and image quality.

How many megapixels is the Canon PowerShot S100?

The S100 features a 12.1-megapixel 1/1.7″ CMOS sensor, optimized for low-light performance and capable of capturing images in RAW and JPEG formats.

What is the Canon PowerShot S100 Digital ELPH?

There’s no official Canon model called “PowerShot S100 Digital ELPH.”
This confusion comes from Canon’s different naming conventions:

• PowerShot S100 refers to the premium compact camera from 2011.
• ELPH refers to another compact series (e.g., Canon ELPH 100 HS). These are separate lines with different designs and performance specs.

Canon PowerShot S100 not taking photos or flash not working — what’s wrong?

This is a common issue on older units. Here are possible causes and fixes:

• Battery Drain: Weak batteries can prevent the camera from fully engaging the shutter or flash.
• Flash Disabled: Check flash settings in the menu; ensure it’s not set to “Off.”
• Lens Error or Sensor Fault: If videos work but photos don’t, the issue may lie with the shutter mechanism or image processor.
• Firmware Reset: Perform a factory reset to rule out settings errors.
• Repair: If hardware-related, contact Canon support or a camera repair shop.

Where can I find the Canon PowerShot S100 manual?

You can download the official Canon S100 user manual (PDF) from:

• Canon USA Support Site
• Manualslib Search for “Canon PowerShot S100 Manual PDF” for direct links.

Canon PowerShot S100 sample photos — where to view?

To see real-world images captured by the S100:

• DPReview Gallery
• Flickr
• Imaging Resource Sample Gallery These platforms host user-submitted images showcasing low-light, landscapes, portraits, and macro examples.

Conclusion

The Canon PowerShot S100 may be older, but its features still make it a strong contender for everyday shooters and travelers.

Looking for a high-performance compact camera without breaking the bank? Revisit the Canon PowerShot S100 and rediscover quality on a budget.