Canon PowerShot Elph 135 (119.99 USD) is a compact camera that features a 16-megapixel CCD sensor image sensor, and an 8x zoom lens. It's almost identical to the PowerShot Elph 140 IS. The 140 IS will not set the world ablaze, but it is an option if your budget is tight. The Sony Cyber-shot DSC -WX80 is a better option if you have the budget. It features a modern CMOS sensor image sensor with integrated Wi-Fi. The Editor's Choice compact, another Canon PowerShot N100 (at Amazon) is, however, quite expensive.
Editor's note: The review was based upon the Canon PowerShot Elph 140 IS with optical image stabilization. There are no differences in the stabilization system. Similar performance can be expected. The 140 IS was used to capture the sample images.
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Design and Features
It measures 2.1x3.8x0.9inches (HWD), and only 4 oz. The Elph 135 retains its attractive exterior. It is also available in two-tone gray, silver, black, silver, red, silver or purple and gold. Although it is slimmer than the Panasonic Lumix DMCXS1 (at Amazon). It measures 2.1x3.7x0.7 inches and weighs 3.1 ounces.
Although the lens has an 8x zoom, unlike compact cameras such as the Elph 150 IS or most modern compacts, the 28mm field of view (full frame equivalent) at the broad end is what it covers. This lens is moderately wide and will work well for most situations. However, it's not as broad as other lenses (24mm or 25mm). With an aperture of f/3.2 for wide angles and f/6.9 for zooming in, the 8x zoom ratio covers 28 to 224mm.
It is rare to find physical controls. On the top plate are the shutter release, power and zoom knobs. The rear buttons are all large and easy to press—they include image playback and delete controls, a movie record button, the Menu button, and a help button that launches an in-camera shooting guide. A four-way directional pad is available with a Func./Set button at the center and directional buttons that change the mode of the camera, the flash and the information on the LCD.
The Func./Set button launches the overlay menu. If you're shooting in Auto mode its functionality is limited—it only gives you control over the self-timer, drive mode, and image and video quality settings. You have more control over the settings for image capture if you use Program mode. You can also adjust the exposure compensation, white balance and ISO. You can also choose from a variety of preset scenes, such as those that allow you to capture snowy or low-light conditions and even fireworks.
Rear display measures 2.7 inches and has a resolution of 230k dots. This is a bit low considering the screen's small dimensions. The back of the camera can make images that are great on a computer display look soft. This type of display is used by most budget cameras, though there are some exceptions. Olympus VR-340 (Amazon: $249.00) is one. It has a 3 inch display and a resolution of 460k dots.
The Elph 135 doesn't have any sophisticated features. The Elph 135, however, does not have the Creative Shot mode Canon uses in their higher-end cameras like the Elph340HS ($199.00 Amazon). Wi-Fi functionality. An Eyefi Mobi memory card ($12.99 on Amazon) can be added to the camera for instant image sharing. However, if your budget allows, it's worth upgrading to a more compact model with Wi-Fi. If you are looking for Wi-Fi, the Sony WX80 is an older model that is selling at a little less than the Elph 135
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Conclusions and Performance
Elph 135 can start and shoot in a mere 1.4 seconds. It can focus in a matter of 0.2 seconds and takes a picture every 1.3 seconds when in continuous shooting mode. This is quite normal for a compact camera. You might consider purchasing the Canon PowerShot SX600HS at Amazon. It's slightly slower than the 1.6 second start, but can focus in just 0.1 seconds and fires continuously at 1.6 fps.
Imatest was used to test the sharpness 16 megaixel images taken by Elph 135. The test was successful. It exceeded the requirement of 1,800 lines per image height to be considered sharp. The center-weighted score is 1,948 lines. There is some softness around the edges, as is normal for compact cameras, but 1,730 lines in the middle of the image are a bit too soft. It lacks optical stabilizer, which is a standard feature in compact cameras. Digital stabilization can be used to stabilize shots but they are not nearly as efficient as optical ones.
Imatest can also check images for noise. This could affect image quality or introduce unwanted graininess at higher ISOs. At its lowest ISO 100 setting, the 16-megapixel CCD sensor shows noise levels of 1.8 percent. This is a little high. However, a close inspection of photographs taken on an NEC MultiSync PA271W ($999.00 Amazon) shows that the shimmering effect often associated with CCD image sensor CCDs doesn't appear to be a problem. The ISO 100 setting is very good for detail.
However, the ISO 200 settings are a bit less than ideal. There is a slight loss in detail at ISO 400, however the fine lines of our test scene remain separate. At ISO 800, they start to blur together and at ISO 1600 the images begin to blur. The Elph 150 IS 20-megapixel image quality is better. The images are more noisy (2.4 percent ISO 100), and they lose more detail quickly than the Elph 150 IS. Higher ISOs will be better served by cameras that use CMOS-based image sensors. One is the Sony WX80. It keeps noise below 1.5 percent in ISO 400, and only 1.6 percent at ISO 800.
QuickTime formats allow for video recording at up to720p25 resolution. It is grainy and doesn't produce smooth motion like cameras recording in 60p or 30p. While the lens zooms in and outside while it records, there is some audible noise from the sound system as it moves. It will be difficult to shoot handheld video footage without optical stabilization. Expect it to be more jittery than cameras that have optical stabilization. The right-hand side has a small USB port, but this is it. A battery compartment contains the SD/SDHC/SDXC slot and an external charger.
The Canon PowerShot Elph 135 is not recommended due to the absence of optical image stability and the loss of savings you will experience if that feature is removed. You can upgrade to the Elph 140 IS for $10 (about the cost of two morning coffees). Although the 140 IS doesn't have the most features, it can still do a good job even in bright sunlight. The Sony Cyber-shot WX80, which has a CMOS sensor for better noise control and can also record video at 1080i60, is worth a closer look if you have the budget.
The Canon SX600 HS is also available at $250. It includes Wi-Fi and Canon's Creative Shot mode. The N100 is our Editors Choice compact. The N100 is a substantial $350, however it comes with a wider aperture lens and larger image sensor. This gives the compact a huge low-light advantage and includes the same premium features as the SX600.