Canon Elph SD1100 – Gadget Fav
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I thought long and hard before declaring a favorite gadget, but I think my little Canon Elph SD1000 has to be “the one.” Not only does the new model come in pink, and I’ve been itching to review a pink gadget, but it’s a staple in my grab-and-go purse.
As you see in the post title, I’ve updated the name to the model you can now buy but the review will discuss the 1000 that I have. You’ll see as I post, I’m primarily a geek on two fronts–computers and cameras. I’m finally in the market for a DSLR – I’ve been pining for one for years – but this little guy will remain my faithful companion.
There are three main reasons for this – quality, size and price. This little guy is a trooper. I throw him in my purse and he never disappoints. He’s always by my side ready to catch the quirky, the unexpected, and the fun. Right now I carry the smallest purse ever and he tucks neatly inside with my wallet, iPhone and keys. And unlike most of my gadgets, I’ve had this guy for three years and I’m not itching to trade him in for a newer, shinier and better model. He still does his work really well.
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- My beloved purse pal
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- On the fly pictures are easy – say hello to my little friend!
I know I know, the iPhone is on my short list of favorite gadgets. But the Canon is so impressive for as small as it is. And everyone who touches this little shutterbug wants to have one. I have three friends who have either bought or plan to buy one after playing with it for a few minutes.
It’s dead simple to get great photos. You can be as point and shoot as you like and it won’t disappoint. It has tons of little pre-settings for common situations – low light, kids and pets, and the macro is pretty amazing. It’s a 7.1 megapixel (the 1100 upgraded to 8 megapixel) and consistently delivers sharp bright photos in even the most challenging conditions. Are there times when a bigger better model should step in and take charge? Sure. But this guy goes everywhere I go and I don’t even have to think about it.
When I think about the days of lugging around my old Minolta X-700 (cover its ears because I still love it and it’s in my closet), there’s just no comparison. That one was heeavy, and I needed a few different equally heavy lenses to do what this little guy can do. Of course the X-700 is a film camera and was much more versatile than the Elph, but I didn’t take nearly as many photos with the big old guy because well, he was cumbersome.
Now here’s why my first camera review isn’t about the DSLR I have been coveting. This little Elph SD1000 is an every person camera. It doesn’t matter if you know absolutely nothing about taking pictures, this guy will deliver the goods for you. I can put this in the hands of any friend and they’ll get quality pictures from him.
It’s as simple as power on, zoom with the little switch, and press the button. It feels good in your hands – the chassis is metal and has a quality, sturdy feel. It’s literally about the size of a deck of playing cards, and it takes a small rechargeable battery that’s good for about 300 pictures before it gives up.
A friend who thinks she’s kind of mentally challenged when it comes to photography (and she’s not if she’s reading this!) took this gorgeous picture of the Mackinaw Bridge with her copy of the SD1100 and I think it’s a stunner. It’s easy and fun to use, it’s easy to download pictures (especially with iPhoto) and it’s petite and cute.
The only thing that would make it better is if this model came in pink. Just after I bought it, as always, they did come out with a color version but I didn’t want to spend the extra money for it. So lucky you reader, you can get this pretty in pink model.
Speaking of money, how much will this little baby set you back? As little as $249 depending on the color; the pink SD1100 is only $299 at Amazon. I’d recommend adding an extra battery for just in case and the leather case so that it doesn’t get too beat up in the bottom of your bag. And with that you’re good to go!
