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Canon PowerShot ELPH 130 IS 16.0 MP Digital Camera with 8x Optical Zoom 28mm Wide-Angle Lens and 720p HD Video Recording (Gray) (OLD MODEL)
Brand | Canon |
Model Name | Canon PowerShot ELPH 130 IS |
Maximum Webcam Image Resolution | 16 MP |
Photo Sensor Size | 1/2.3-inch |
Image Stabilization | Optical |
Max Shutter Speed | 15 seconds |
Min Shutter Speed | 15 seconds |
Metering Description | Multi, Center-weighted, Spot |
Exposure Control Type | Program, Movie Digest, Automatic |
Form Factor | Ultracompact |
About this item
- Built in Wi-Fi for wireless transfer of images to social networking sites
- 8X Optical Zoom with 28mm Wide-Angle lens
- 16.0 MP sensor and DIGIC 4 Image Processor and 720p HD video recording
- Smart AUTO with 32 pedefined photo capture settings
- ECO mode for economy power consumption
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This Item Canon PowerShot ELPH 130 IS 16.0 MP Digital Camera with 8x Optical Zoom 28mm Wide-Angle Lens and 720p HD Video Recording (Gray) (OLD MODEL) | Recommendations | dummy | dummy | dummy | dummy | |
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Price | — | $119.99$119.99 | -10% $89.99$89.99 List: $99.99 | $264.99$264.99 | $59.99$59.99 | $479.99$479.99 |
Delivery | — | — | — | Get it as soon as Tuesday, Apr 2 | Get it as soon as Tuesday, Apr 2 | — |
Customer Ratings | ||||||
Zoom | 4.5 | 3.8 | 3.9 | 4.6 | 4.6 | 4.6 |
Picture quality | 4.5 | 3.8 | 3.9 | — | 4.6 | 4.4 |
Easy to use | — | 4.1 | 2.4 | — | 4.5 | 4.3 |
Battery life | 5.0 | 4.1 | — | — | 4.6 | — |
Image stabilization | — | 4.0 | — | 4.6 | — | 4.1 |
Sold By | — | Amazon.com | Amazon.com | New Life Deals | Jckduhan-US | Amazon.com |
display type | LCD | LCD | LCD | LCD | LCD | LCD |
display size | 3 inches | 2.7 inches | — | 2.7 inches | 2.8 inches | 3 inches |
lens type | Wide Angle | Wide Angle | Wide Angle | — | Macro | zoom |
zoom type | Optical Zoom | Optical Zoom | Optical Zoom | Optical Zoom, Digital Zoom | Digital Zoom | Optical Zoom |
shooting modes | Scene | Automatic, Portrait, Landscape, Macro | Easy | — | Automatic, Easy | P, M, Tv, Hybrid Auto, Auto, Standard, Vivid, Neutral, B/W, Sepia, Video Snapshot, Food |
connectivity tech | HDMI, USB | USB | USB | USB | USB | Wireless |
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Product information
Auto Focus Technology | Center, Face Detection, Tracking, Multi-area, Single, Continuous, Live View, Contrast Detection |
---|---|
Display Resolution Maximum | 460000 |
Photo Sensor Size | 1/2.3-inch |
Photo Sensor Technology | BSI CMOS |
Effective Still Resolution | 16 |
Maximum Webcam Image Resolution | 16 MP |
White balance settings | Auto |
Self Timer Duration | 10 seconds |
JPEG quality level | Normal |
Image Stabilization | Optical |
Video Capture Format | AVC |
Video Capture Resolution | HD 720p |
Video Standard | MOV |
Viewfinder Type | Optical |
---|---|
Screen Size | 3 Inches |
Display Type | LCD |
Display Fixture Type | Fixed |
Batteries Required? | Yes |
---|---|
Number of Batteries | 1 Lithium Ion batteries required. (included) |
Are Batteries Included | Yes |
Rechargeable Battery Included | No |
Battery Cell Composition | Lithium Ion |
Battery Description | Lithium Ion |
Battery Weight | 1 Grams |
Battery Life | 190 Photos |
Target Gender | Unisex |
Connectivity Technology | USB, HDMI |
Continuous Shooting Speed | 0.8 |
Wireless Communication Technology | Yes |
Flash Memory Type | SD/SDHC/SDXC |
Memory Slots Available | 1 |
Special Feature | Image Stabilization |
Water Resistance Level | Not Water Resistant |
Skill Level | Professional |
Specific Uses For Product | Photography |
Form Factor | Ultracompact |
Hardware Interface | AV Port |
Audio Recording | No |
Photo Sensor Technology | BSI CMOS |
GPS | Optional |
Lens Type | Wide Angle |
---|---|
Optical Zoom | 8 x |
Digital Zoom | 4 x |
Maximum Aperture | 6.9 |
Minimum Aperture | 3.2 |
Zoom Type | Optical Zoom |
Autofocus Points | 9 |
Camera Lens Description | 28 Mm |
Compatible Mountings | Canon RF |
Focus Type | Auto Focus |
Maximum Focal Length | 224 Millimeters |
Minimum Focal Length | 28 Millimeters |
Expanded ISO Maximum | 6400 |
---|---|
Expanded ISO Minimum | 100 |
Max Shutter Speed | 15 seconds |
Min Shutter Speed | 15 seconds |
Exposure Control Type | Program, Movie Digest, Automatic |
Metering Description | Multi, Center-weighted, Spot |
Shooting Modes | Scene |
Model Name | Canon PowerShot ELPH 130 IS |
---|---|
Brand | Canon |
Model Number | 8191B001 |
Customer Reviews |
4.4 out of 5 stars |
Best Sellers Rank | #167,226 in Electronics (See Top 100 in Electronics) #1,040 in Digital Point & Shoot Cameras |
ASIN | B00AWYN0BU |
Color | Gray |
Included Components | Tripod, Battery |
Assembly Required | No |
Age Range (Description) | Adult |
Processor Description | DIGIC 4 |
Item Dimensions LxWxH | 3.74 x 0.83 x 2.2 inches |
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Item Weight | 133 Grams |
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Product Description
Product Description
Tell your story with style and share it with the world with the beautiful and connected PowerShot ELPH 130 IS. The PowerShot ELPH 130 IS keeps you connected with built-in Wi-Fi® so it's easier than ever to share your images with friends, family and the world. An enhanced feature allows you to post directly from your camera to social networking sites, or upload to CANON iMAGE GATEWAY# for more sharing possibilities. An 8x Optical Zoom with 28mm Wide-Angle lens delivers stunning images in a variety of shooting situations. The 16.0 Megapixel sensor and DIGIC 4 Image Processor offer exceptional performance, reducing noise and enabling sensitivity up to ISO 1600 for amazing performance in low-light.
From the Manufacturer
Style and Power to Share
Tell your story with style and share it with the world with the beautiful and connected PowerShot ELPH 130 IS. The PowerShot ELPH 130 IS keeps you connected with built-in Wi-Fi® so it's easier than ever to share your images with friends, family and the world. An enhanced feature allows you to post directly from your camera to social networking sites, or upload to CANON iMAGE GATEWAY# for more sharing possibilities. An 8x Optical Zoom with 28mm Wide-Angle lens delivers stunning images in a variety of shooting situations. The 16.0 Megapixel sensor and DIGIC 4 Image Processor offer exceptional performance, reducing noise and enabling sensitivity up to ISO 1600 for amazing performance in low-light. If a still photo doesn't do justice to the action, shoot 720p HD video using the dedicated movie button. Smart AUTO makes capturing spectacular images easy with the camera analyzing your subject and applying one of 32 preset modes for the optimal settings. The PowerShot ELPH 130 IS also utilizes the new ECO Mode, which dynamically manages power consumption, yielding more shots per charge and making you sure you stay connected for longer. If the party lasts all night, the PowerShot ELPH 130 IS will be prepared to capture it all.
#One-time registration is required on CANON iMAGE GATEWAY online photo album.
Share Simply From Wherever You Are
Built-in Wi-Fi® allows you to wirelessly transfer your images to social networking sites through CANON iMAGE GATEWAY#; to a PC or upload virtually anywhere on your iOS® or Android™ device* with the free download of the Canon CameraWindow app**
The PowerShot ELPH 130 IS is equipped with enhanced built-in Wi-Fi® for on-the-go convenience when you want to share what you've recorded with friends, family and the whole world. Now enhanced so sharing is easier than ever, the camera can connect directly to both iOS and Android devices* and upload images via the free Canon CameraWindow app** without a computer. Easily post your images to your favorite social networking sites through CANON iMAGE GATEWAY# or save them to the online photo album to share anytime, anywhere. The camera's built-in Wi-Fi® also lets you transfer images and video directly to your computer to update friends and family while you're traveling or out and about. Enhanced Wi-Fi® makes posting in real-time possible, so you can keep everyone up to date with photos even as events unfold. Post to groups, add comments, and edit and upload MOV video files from both iOS and Android devices*. Frequently used devices and accounts are stored in the camera's Wi-Fi® history menu, so you can immediately connect with a simple touch. Share with other Wi-Fi® equipped PowerShot cameras, send images to your computer, and print your photos to Wi-Fi® compatible printers^ on wireless networks. Built-in Wi-Fi® on the PowerShot ELPH 130 IS makes it easier than ever for you to share your creative masterpieces with the entire world.
# One-time registration is required on CANON iMAGE GATEWAY online photo album.
* Compatible with iOS version 5.1/6.0 or later and Android devices version 2.3/4.0 or later. Data charges may apply.
** This software enables you to upload images to social network services. Before uploading images, please be aware that image files may contain privacy related information such as people and places. If necessary, please delete such information. Canon does not obtain, collect or use such images or any information included in such images through this software.
^ Wireless PictBridge certified printer is required.
A Masterpiece of Design and Technology
8x Optical Zoom with 28mm Wide-Angle Lens
The PowerShot ELPH 130 IS houses an 8x Optical Zoom lens in a sleek body, delivering outstanding optical performance and versatility. The zoom starts at 28mm wide-angle and extends to 224mm telephoto (35mm equivalent), covering a wide and highly useful range. The telephoto reach gives you the freedom to capture subjects from afar, while the 28mm wide-angle makes it easy to shoot sweeping landscapes, large groups of people and tall buildings.
High Resolution, Highly Advanced Performance
16.0 Megapixel Image Sensor with DIGIC 4 Image Processor
With the PowerShot ELPH 130 IS digital camera's 16.0 Megapixels of resolution, your images are rich and clear, with textures and tiny details faithfully reproduced even at the long end of the 8x Optical Zoom. This high level of resolution is ideal for creating the largest prints, and allows you the flexibility to blow up and crop any section of an image to express your creativity. The DIGIC 4 Image Processor powers the camera's advanced systems and features, ensuring fast, reliable performance with low battery consumption.
DIGIC 4 Image Processor
Canon DIGIC Image Processors have set the standard for functionality and performance since their groundbreaking introduction in 1999. With each successive generation, DIGIC Image Processors have brought elevated performance and powerful new features to PowerShot digital cameras. The DIGIC 4 Image Processor has ushered in a new level of picture quality and accelerated processing, making possible features such as high-speed continuous shooting, HD video and Face Detection Self-timer.
A Smarter Camera Means Better Photos
Smart AUTO
Photographers of all levels appreciate a camera – especially a go-anywhere compact digital – that takes the hassle out of capturing beautiful images. The PowerShot ELPH 130 IS gives you Smart AUTO – sophisticated Canon technology that makes getting that great shot as simple as pressing the shutter button. Smart AUTO automatically detects scenes by assessing various factors in both the background and the subject. Detected scenes are analyzed using 32 predefined shooting situations. The camera then makes optimal settings to ensure the best possible image capture when shooting still images. Smart AUTO also includes Advanced Subject Detection, which allows the camera to detect and track non-human moving subjects like animals and vehicles. With Smart AUTO, all you have to do is frame your shot and capture away.
Shooting Modes/Special Scene Modes
Smart AUTO The camera automatically selects the best shooting settings for optimal quality based on subjects and environmental factors to provide point-and-shoot simplicity. Program The camera automatically and intelligently selects the aperture/shutter speed combination based on the shooting conditions. Portrait Brings the subject into focus while beautifully blurring the background. Smart Shutter The camera automatically takes the photo when people smile, wink, or get into frame. Low Light For high quality image capture in an amazing range of dimly lit situations. Fisheye Effect Now you can get the fisheye effect – a classic photographic distortion – without a fisheye lens. Miniature Effect Give images a miniature look with an effect that emphasizes perspective by blurring the top and bottom of the image. Toy Camera Effect Simulates photos taken with "toy" or pinhole cameras, darkening the image at the edges to create a vignette effect. Monochrome Choose from three single-tone effects: Black-and-White, Sepia, or Blue. Super Vivid Super Vivid intensifies existing hues, saturating the scene with bright colors. Poster Effect Poster Effect combines several similar shades into one color, turning subtle gradations into eye-catching, scene-popping contrasts. Color Accent Choose to retain a single color in your image while other colors turn monochrome. Color Swap Select a color and replace it with a color you specify for special effects. Snow Shoot clear snow scenes without darkened subjects or an unnatural bluish tint. Fireworks Create brilliant images of skyrocketing fireworks. Long Shutter Use to blur moving subjects for artistic effect, ideal for urban night photography. Stitch Assist Easy-to-use guidelines simplify the shooting of aligned multiple frames that can later be combined (using bundled software) to create panoramic photos. Movie Record video; unwanted scenes can be deleted in playback mode.Gorgeous HD Video From Your Still Camera
720p HD Video
You can shoot high definition video anytime, anywhere right from the pocket-sized PowerShot ELPH 130 IS digital camera. With a simple push of the dedicated movie button, you'll be able to instantly record every moment in motion. 720p HD video is smooth, vivid, and beautifully lifelike, making it an ideal way to capture special memories. In addition to being able to shoot 720p HD video at 25 frames per second, the PowerShot ELPH 130 IS can also shoot 640 x 480 VGA video at 30* frames per second.
*Actual frame rate is 29.97 fps.
Dedicated Movie Button for Easy Video Capture
It's never been easier to shoot videos with a PowerShot digital camera. To make shooting video as natural as snapping pictures, the PowerShot ELPH 130 IS has a dedicated movie button. No need to plan ahead, no need to search through menus on the LCD screen; when you feel a moment would be best captured in 720p HD, simply press the button and recording begins. The camera is always ready to shoot stills or video whenever you want.
Optimal Image Stabilization in Any Situation
Intelligent IS automatically chooses from six different modes to optimize image stabilization for the shooting condition
It's easy to capture clear, steady images with the PowerShot ELPH 130 IS, even in low light without using a tripod. That's because the camera is equipped with Canon's innovative Intelligent IS. The system analyzes camera movement and applies the best shake correction method for the shooting situation – allowing you to focus on framing and capturing your shot. For stills, the system automatically selects among Normal, Panning, Macro (Hybrid) and Tripod IS modes. When shooting video, the system automatically selects among Dynamic, Powered, Macro and Tripod IS modes.
Normal Corrects for a wide range of camera movement when shooting stills. Panning Panning motion is detected so that IS does not interfere with desired camera movement. Macro (Hybrid) Corrects for shift-type camera shake, which typically occurs in macro (close-up) shooting. Dynamic Effective for video shooting at wide-angle focal lengths, eliminating the unwanted shaking that typically occurs while walking. Powered Compensates for hand movement when shooting video at the telephoto end of the zoom range, where camera shake is magnified. Tripod When tripod use is detected, the Image Stabilizer is stopped because it is not needed.A Charge that Lasts as Long as a Memory
New ECO Mode helps reduce power consumption for longer battery life
The PowerShot ELPH 130 IS takes energy conservation to the next level with ECO Mode, which provides more shots per single charge through LCD monitor and camera power management. ECO Mode can be activated for easy power preservation when an outlet is unavailable or the moment is too exciting to put the camera down. ECO Mode quickly wakes the camera from sleep when a button is pressed. With ECO Mode activated to conserve power, you can even stay connected for longer with the built-in Wi-Fi® feature on the PowerShot ELPH 130 IS. When the fun with family and friends runs late into the night, you can be assured your camera can keep up.
Read about our customers' top-rated cameras on our review page: Point-and-Shoot Cameras
Customer reviews
Customer Reviews, including Product Star Ratings help customers to learn more about the product and decide whether it is the right product for them.
To calculate the overall star rating and percentage breakdown by star, we don’t use a simple average. Instead, our system considers things like how recent a review is and if the reviewer bought the item on Amazon. It also analyzed reviews to verify trustworthiness.
Learn more how customers reviews work on AmazonCustomers say
Customers like the quality, zoom and picture quality of the digital camera. For example, they mention that it performs competently, takes good pics and video, and has an 8x optical zoom. That said, they're happy with the value, ease of use, and size. Opinions are mixed on speed and battery life.
AI-generated from the text of customer reviews
Customers like the picture quality of the camera. They mention that it takes good pics and video, and is easy to shoot high quality photos. They also appreciate the clear pictures and fun effects, such as super vivid. The camera is fun to use and makes photo opportunities a breeze. It has good to excellent color rendition, and it's great for selfies.
"...The images are incredibly crisp and clear with good to excellent color rendition at the M1 (medium) resolution setting...." Read more
"...What draws me to Canon is the amazing picture quality and the ability to truly customize settings, almost as with a digital SLR, without the..." Read more
"...are under this program setting and create fun effects such as Super Vivid which makes photos appear very bright (like technicolor) which is really..." Read more
"...I would say that if you are looking for a point and shoot that takes exceptional photos that is easy to use and fits in your pocket...this is your..." Read more
Customers like the quality of the camera. They mention that it takes good pictures and video, it has performed competently, and has no problems with taking pictures. The quality on auto is fantastic, and the pictures are amazing and clear. The camera has performed well in both places and is a nice camera for close quarters and limited lighting.
"...Its full-auto mode gets most shot right without demanding much from the user, while the scene and semi-manual modes allow for creativity and more..." Read more
"...the right amount of necessary features and MP to get you really great quality and also give you options." Read more
"...Pros- Metal construction with metal (not plastic) tripod mount- Ultra Compact- Large 3" screen-..." Read more
"...In good light, performance is very good. For the price, this is not a bad camera." Read more
Customers like the ease of use of the digital camera. They mention that it takes wonderful photos, has a large, easy-to-use LCD screen on back, and is easy for a child to handle. The learning curve was pretty quick, and the controls are simple and logical. The memory card and battery are easy to put in and take out, and it has scratch protection. Overall, most are satisfied with the ease and functionality of the camera.
"...The installation process (software & User's Guide) was relatively easy, and I was able to copy the PDF file to my Google Drive so I will have it..." Read more
"...It's pretty small and light, super easy to use with both a auto setting and a programs setting...." Read more
"...Easy for a child to handle. Red is nice because it's less expensive than the other colors. The small size makes it able to fit into your pocket...." Read more
"...Very happy with the photo quality, screen size, and ease of use...." Read more
Customers like the size of the digital camera. For example, they say it's small enough to fit in their pocket, and convenient enough to carry in their purse. That said, they're happy with the specs, screen size, and weight. Some mention that it has close-up capabilities.
"...It is so small and compact, yet the controls are easy to use and they are responsive.-..." Read more
"...This camera is ultra compact. It's perfect for taking with you on hikes, travel, to parties, events, and for any type of photography...." Read more
"...It's pretty small and light, super easy to use with both a auto setting and a programs setting...." Read more
"...and shoot that takes exceptional photos that is easy to use and fits in your pocket...this is your ticket.Happy shopping!" Read more
Customers appreciate the value of the digital camera. They say it is well worth the price, an excellent investment for an everyday camera, and a great buy for many purposes. Customers also mention that it takes great quality photos for the price and is not a gimmick.
"...The new features that I'll comment on make it definitely worth the money...." Read more
"...Best Buy, and this one has great zoom, fun features, and fast-taking pictures for the price...." Read more
"...Easy for a child to handle. Red is nice because it's less expensive than the other colors. The small size makes it able to fit into your pocket...." Read more
"Awesome camera for the money. It's actually the same price as the older PowerShot and similar older models, so it made sense to upgrade to this one...." Read more
Customers are satisfied with the zoom of the camera. Some mention that it is great, has an 8x optical zoom, and a lens that goes down to F3.2. They also say that the pictures stay clear and that the zoom taking still photos is easy.
"...1. I wanted high resolution and high optical zoom capability. Optical zoom is so important because that governs how much raw info you can capture...." Read more
"...Finally, the 8x optical zoom is amazing. All photos are crisp, sharp, and have excellent lighting. I couldn't ask for more...." Read more
"...around with all the compact cameras at Best Buy, and this one has great zoom, fun features, and fast-taking pictures for the price...." Read more
"...It seems to do well in low and high lighting, and the optical zoom (8X) is great...." Read more
Customers are mixed about the speed of the camera. Some mention they are impressed with the quickness of the shots, and it takes excellent pictures. They say it's well suited for quick shots and easy to travel with or walk and shoot. However, others say that it doesn't do fast/action shots very well, and is very slow. The shutter speed could be just a little faster.
"...So much fun! I does take pictures pretty darn fast from turning on to being able to take a picture...." Read more
"...The write speed to the SDHC card is uncomfortably slow if you are shooting rapidly, and using very high resolution...." Read more
"...I was amazed at how fast it took a picture and stored it. Amazing technology in a tiny camera...." Read more
"...say I LOVE this camera with the small exception that it doesn't do fast/action shots very well...." Read more
Customers are mixed about the battery life of the digital camera. Some mention that it takes beautiful pictures and has an impressive battery life with out flash. However, others say that it doesn't last long if you're planning on shooting 20 second videos and that it started draining the battery when turned off.
"...Battery life is better than I'd expect for such a small cell, have taken a couple hundred photos on the very first charge (about 1 in 10 with flash)..." Read more
"...I could live with the short battery life if it would charge over USB, but its failure to do this makes this item useless to me...." Read more
"...crisp and clear, the flash reloads quickly, and the battery seems to have a very long life...." Read more
"...The battery is rechargeable which is very handy. I received this camera on 2/11 and today is 2/26...." Read more
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A few factors led to my decision:
1. I wanted high resolution and high optical zoom capability. Optical zoom is so important because that governs how much raw info you can capture. Digital zoom is just software and ultimately will result in pixellation.
2. The Wifi capability was intriguing, but not a deal breaker.
3. The price point was well under $200 ($169) and this was far below the MSRP. A note on this - I would have opted for a higher priced camera but this is a second camera to be used on an upcoming trip where I did not want to lug my Canon Rebel EOS and all of its lenses. I would not have chosen an Elph as a primary camera - but for travel, it seemed to be ideal.
4. In keeping with the above, I also wanted something I could drop in my fanny pack or shirt pocket (although I am not likely to do that - shirt pocket that is.)
5. I chose Canon because of familiarity with the brand and generally good experience with an older Elph I bought for my wife, and of course the EOS and lenses.
6. I definitely did not want the touch screen that was offered on some new models simply because - although convenient - they are a royal pain and I often mis-touch the screen requiring go backs, or cancellations and do overs. For a device this size, buttons seemed to be a better choice. I do use the touch screen on my Motorola Razr Droid Maxx and have learned to live with its idiosynchracies. I also read some really negative reviews on the touch screens and didn't want to be a guinea pig.
So, now that you understand what my decision factors were, here is what I have learned experimenting for the past few hours:
PRO
- It is intuitively easy to use, and if you know the menu system on one Canon, you will know it here as well.
- It is so small and compact, yet the controls are easy to use and they are responsive.
- The installation process (software & User's Guide) was relatively easy, and I was able to copy the PDF file to my Google Drive so I will have it while travelling (sans computer).
- The images are incredibly crisp and clear with good to excellent color rendition at the M1 (medium) resolution setting. I usually opt for the highest resolution, but I'll explain why I didn't in the CONS. I would suggest you always opt for the highest resolution you can since you can always reduce an image without losing clarity, but if you choose too low a resolution, you will experience pixellation on digital enlargement.
CONS
- The WiFi capability seems like a really nice feature, but you better not be using Windows XP if you want to WiFi the pics to your computer. You can use a USB connection however. There is a disclaimer in the documentation that the WiFi will only work with Windows 7 or 8. You can however WiFi to your smartphone (Droid or iPhone with the appropriate app from Google Playstore or Apple) and then share pics from there, or upload them to your computer via the cloud.
- The write speed to the SDHC card is uncomfortably slow if you are shooting rapidly, and using very high resolution. The difference between L and M1 is incredible. With the L resolution, you wait what appears to be an interminable time before you can shoot the next picture. It's not really that bad, but it is in the "seconds" range. If it is perceptible enough to be annoying, when testing, it will also be so when out in the field, particularly with action shots.
- It would have been nice if Canon included a memory card in the package, but I understand they are trying to keep the price competitive. I'm sure I paid less for a 16GB card than they would have charged.
- It also would have been nice if Canon had included a case. My wife's older Canon Elph came with a quality leather case. I purchased an after market CaseLogic case for much less than Canon would have charged.
- Battery life - I haven't had an opportunity to really test this yet, but I am a little worried since the User Guide states that I will only get about 200 pics per fully charged battery. Of course there are many variables that contribute to this (i.e., resolution, read/write time to card, ECO mode or not, flash usage or not.) It's almost impossible to predict exactly how well I will do here, so we'll just have to wait and see. My concern is that I am going to Scandinavia and Russia, and while I shouldn't have any difficulty charging the battery with the appropriate voltage adaptors, I will probably buy a second battery so I always have a spare charged.
(CORRECTION: You will not need a voltage adaptor. The charger clearly states 110-240 volts input. You may need physical plug adapters, although most European hotels have "American" outlets for electric shavers, etc.)
- Also note that it took almost two hours to charge the "cold" battery completely. This will probably be shorter when starting with a partially charged battery.
I have not had an opportunity yet to test the myriad of other features, such as the various shooting scenarios, lighting conditions, portrait vs scenic, close up vs panorama. I will test these and report back when I have information with meaningful metrics. If necessary, I will adjust the 5 stars at that time, but for now, I will give Canon the benefit of the doubt based upon my previous experience with the brand.
BOTTOM LINE - I would buy it again, and I am completely comfortable with my decision to not opt for a higher end model with a touch screen.
Hope this has been helpful.
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****Update 1 - 5/18/2013
Well, the learning saga continues. It's sort of an adventure. I actually successfully set up a WiFi connection between the camera and my home network with the target device being my Motorola Razr Droid smartphone.
The basic steps are to download and install the Canon app for your smartphone and configure it with some very simple settings. Then configure the camera with the name of the target device (which you assigned in the previous step.) You then need to scan for WiFi nets from the camera and select the appropriate net, enter the key, and you are pretty much in business. You are then ready to share the pics from the phone via email, Facebook or whatever mechanism or website you choose. Play with it; it won't bite.
After a little juggling with the settings, I actually sent the pictures to the phone. On a scale of 1 to 10 with 10 being the most difficult, I would give this about a 4. Time expended: about 40 minutes. Not bad. And the next time will be even easier.
My next task will be to try to set this up on an open WiFi network somewhere else. I imagine I will have to identify the phone again, and let the camera search the available networks.
I also noticed that it gave me an option to connect to another network which is probably the Canon cloud. The name of the network seemed to identify Canon, the camera model and a sequence number. I haven't tried that yet, but I probably will later.
In addition, I can use the phone as a wireless access point, so I may be able to send pics to the phone without being on a network ... essentially a point-to-point net of two devices, the phone and the camera.
I'm trying to get as much of this exploration done before my trip next month so I don't get frustrated when under pressure. So far, so good. Still five stars!
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This camera is ultra compact. It's perfect for taking with you on hikes, travel, to parties, events, and for any type of photography. The new features that I'll comment on make it definitely worth the money.
First, the ability to resize images brings it in line with other makes, like Sony, that have offered that ability for years now. If you are traveling and running low on memory card capacity, then the resize capability is a lifesaver.
Second, the WiFi feature is great. It requires you to install a program on your computer or an app on your smartphone, and after initial setup, you can transfer images almost instantly from the camera to another device. This is great, as in the past I have taken both my camera and my smartphone with me on travels so that I could take professional shots (with the camera) and shots for social media (with my phone). Not anymore. Now, it's possible to snap amazing photos with this camera, come back to the hotel, and use the establishment's WiFi to transfer photos to your smartphone, then from there to Facebook, emails, etc.
Finally, the 8x optical zoom is amazing. All photos are crisp, sharp, and have excellent lighting. I couldn't ask for more.
If you're on the fence as to which camera is right for you, the Canon PowerShot ELPH 130 is the answer.