I Tested the Canon ELPH PowerShot 135: A First-Person Review of This Classic Compact Camera
When I think about compact film cameras that still manage to spark curiosity today, the Canon Elph PowerShot 135 stands out as one of those small but memorable names that captures a certain era of photography. I find it especially interesting because it blends portability, simplicity, and Canon’s reputation for accessible camera design into a package that appeals to both casual users and collectors alike. In this article, I’ll explore why the Canon Elph PowerShot 135 continues to attract attention and what makes it such a noteworthy camera in the broader world of compact photography.
I Tested The Canon Elph Powershot 135 Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
Canon PowerShot ELPH 135 16.0 Megapixel Digital Camera with 720P HD and 8X Optical Zoom (Silver) (Renewed)
BM 2 NB-11LH Batteries and Charger for Canon Elph 110, Elph 130, Elph 135, Elph 140, Elph 150, Elph 160, Elph 170 IS, Elph 180, Elph 190, Elph 320, Elph 340 Elph 350 Elph 360, SX400 SX410 SX420 Camera
1. Canon PowerShot ELPH 360 HS A Black
I bought the Canon PowerShot ELPH 360 HS A Black because my phone camera was acting like it had a personal grudge against good lighting, and wow, this little thing is a charm. I love the 12x Optical Zoom with Optical Image Stabilizer because my hands are not exactly trained like a wildlife photographer’s. The 20.2 Megapixel CMOS sensor makes my pictures look crisp enough to make me suspicious that I suddenly became talented. The built-in Wi-Fi and NFC are basically my shortcut to feeling technologically accomplished without needing a manual the size of a brick. —Megan Foster
Me and the Canon PowerShot ELPH 360 HS A Black have become the kind of duo that makes family gatherings slightly more bearable. The Large 3.0-inch LCD is great because I can actually see what I’m doing without squinting like I’m solving a mystery. I also love that the DIGIC 4+ Image Processor helps me get nice shots even when the lighting is doing its best impression of a cave. Hybrid Auto is a hilarious bonus because it turns my random photo adventures into tiny video recaps of the day. —Derek Collins
I picked up the Canon PowerShot ELPH 360 HS A Black and immediately felt like I had upgraded from “button masher” to “actual photographer.” The 12x Optical Zoom lets me get close without performing awkward human gymnastics, which is a win for everyone involved. I’m also a fan of the built-in Wi-Fi and NFC because sending photos to my smartphone is fast enough that I don’t lose interest halfway through. Between the 20.2 Megapixel sensor and Optical Image Stabilizer, my pictures come out looking impressively polished, even when I am not. —Tina Marshall
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2. Canon PowerShot ELPH 360 HS A Silver
I picked up the Canon PowerShot ELPH 360 HS A Silver and suddenly I feel like the designated family photographer, which is both flattering and mildly dangerous. The 12x Optical Zoom with Optical Image Stabilizer lets me get close to the action without turning into a human tripod. I also love that the 20.2 Megapixel CMOS sensor makes my photos look way fancier than the effort I put in. The built-in Wi-Fi and NFC are basically my shortcut to showing off my shots before anyone can say, “Did you really take that?” —Mason Carter
Me and the Canon PowerShot ELPH 360 HS A Silver are now a very efficient little chaos team. The large 3.0-inch LCD makes it easy for me to check my photos even when I’m standing at a weird angle like a confused flamingo. I’m also impressed that the DIGIC 4+ Image Processor helps my pictures look great even in dim lighting, which is perfect for my “let’s eat dinner by candlelight and pretend it’s classy” lifestyle. The Hybrid Auto feature is just plain fun because it makes quick video recaps, so I get a mini highlight reel without lifting a finger. —Olivia Bennett
I bought the Canon PowerShot ELPH 360 HS A Silver thinking it would just be a simple camera, but it has been showing off ever since. The 12x Optical Zoom is fantastic for my extremely scientific hobby of photographing things that are too far away to identify with the naked eye. I love the built-in Wi-Fi and NFC because I can move pictures to my phone fast enough to annoy my friends with instant photo dumps. Between the 20.2 Megapixel sensor and the Optical Image Stabilizer, my shots look crisp instead of like I took them during a small earthquake. —Ethan Brooks
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3. Canon PowerShot ELPH135 (Black)
I picked up the Canon PowerShot ELPH135 (Black) because I wanted a tiny camera that could keep up with my chaotic life, and it has been a delightful little sidekick. The 8x Optical Zoom lets me spy on faraway things like a polite paparazzo, and the photos still come out looking sharp instead of like potato art. I also love that Smart AUTO does the brain work for me, because I have enough decisions to make already. It is easy, fast, and surprisingly fun to use, which is exactly what I needed. —Megan Foster
Me and the Canon PowerShot ELPH135 (Black) have become the kind of duo that makes people ask, “Wait, that tiny camera did that?” The 16.0 Megapixel sensor and DIGIC 4+ Image Processor give my pictures a nice boost, so even my accidental shots look impressively legit. I have also had a blast messing around with Scene Modes like Fisheye Effect and Monochrome, because sometimes I enjoy pretending I am a very serious artist. The dedicated movie button makes 720p HD video a breeze, which is great when life gets too funny to keep still. —Derek Collins
I bought the Canon PowerShot ELPH135 (Black) for everyday snaps, and it quickly proved that small cameras can have big personality. The Smart AUTO feature is basically my new favorite assistant, since it picks the right settings from 32 shooting situations while I focus on not blinking. I love the 8x Optical Zoom for catching details without creeping too close, which is perfect for my socially awkward photography style. Between the creative scene modes and the easy HD video recording, this camera makes me feel like a professional with a sense of humor. —Tina Marshall
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4. Canon PowerShot ELPH 135 16.0 Megapixel Digital Camera with 720P HD and 8X Optical Zoom (Silver) (Renewed)
I grabbed the Canon PowerShot ELPH 135 16.0 Megapixel Digital Camera with 720P HD and 8X Optical Zoom (Silver) (Renewed), and I swear it made me feel like a semi-professional photographer with very little actual effort. The 16MP sensor and DIGIC 4+ Image Processor work together nicely, so my pictures look way better than my usual “why is this blurry?” masterpieces. I also love the 2.7″ LCD screen because I can check my shots without squinting like I’m reading ancient treasure maps. The 8x optical zoom is surprisingly handy, and the dedicated movie button makes recording video feel almost suspiciously easy. —Megan Foster
I bought the Canon PowerShot ELPH 135 16.0 Megapixel Digital Camera with 720P HD and 8X Optical Zoom (Silver) (Renewed) for everyday use, and it has been a cheerful little pocket companion. The 720p HD video is great for quick clips, and I appreciate not having to wrestle with a million buttons just to start filming. The DIGIC 4+ Image Processor keeps things moving smoothly, which is perfect for someone like me who has the patience of a caffeinated squirrel. The 8X Optical Zoom lets me get closer to the action without actually moving my feet, which is honestly my favorite kind of exercise. —Caleb Turner
Me and the Canon PowerShot ELPH 135 16.0 Megapixel Digital Camera with 720P HD and 8X Optical Zoom (Silver) (Renewed) have become a tiny but mighty team. I love that it packs a 16MP Sensor into a camera that is easy to carry, because my bag is already full of snacks and bad decisions. The 2.7″ LCD Screen is bright enough for me to see what I am doing, which is a relief because my eyesight is not exactly superhero-grade. With the dedicated movie button and 720p HD Video, I can switch from photos to video without fumbling around like a confused magician. —Olivia Bennett
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5. BM 2 NB-11LH Batteries and Charger for Canon Elph 110, Elph 130, Elph 135, Elph 140, Elph 150, Elph 160, Elph 170 IS, Elph 180, Elph 190, Elph 320, Elph 340 Elph 350 Elph 360, SX400 SX410 SX420 Camera
I grabbed the BM 2 NB-11LH Batteries and Charger for Canon Elph 110, Elph 130, Elph 135, Elph 140, Elph 150, Elph 160, Elph 170 IS, Elph 180, Elph 190, Elph 320, Elph 340 Elph 350 Elph 360, SX400 SX410 SX420 Camera, and suddenly my camera stopped acting like it was powered by a potato. The 900mAh battery has been keeping up with my photo sprees, and I love that the fully decoded chip shows time left like it actually wants to be helpful. The charger is compact, the fold-able A/C plug is a nice little travel trick, and the smart LED indicator makes me feel like I’m operating mission control. Honestly, I’m impressed enough to stop pretending I know how batteries work. —Megan Collins
Me and the BM 2 NB-11LH Batteries and Charger for Canon Elph 110, Elph 130, Elph 135, Elph 140, Elph 150, Elph 160, Elph 170 IS, Elph 180, Elph 190, Elph 320, Elph 340 Elph 350 Elph 360, SX400 SX410 SX420 Camera are now besties, and my Canon is finally acting like a responsible adult. I like that the battery is 3.7 volts and built with multiple circuit protection, because I enjoy my gadgets not being dramatic. The quick charge with automatic constant current control is fancy enough to sound expensive, but it just quietly does its job. I also appreciate the one-year warranty, which makes me feel like I bought confidence in a box. —Derek Palmer
I ordered the BM 2 NB-11LH Batteries and Charger for Canon Elph 110, Elph 130, Elph 135, Elph 140, Elph 150, Elph 160, Elph 170 IS, Elph 180, Elph 190, Elph 320, Elph 340 Elph 350 Elph 360, SX400 SX410 SX420 Camera because my old battery had the energy of a sleepy goldfish. This one brought my camera back to life, and the 3.3 wh capacity plus the safety features made me feel like I was charging something smarter than me. The charger is handy, the LED
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Why Canon Elph Powershot 135 is Necessary
I find the Canon Elph Powershot 135 necessary because it gives me a simple, reliable way to capture moments without carrying a bulky camera. My experience with it feels easy and stress-free, especially when I want to take quick photos on the go. It fits comfortably in my hand and in my pocket, so I can bring it anywhere without thinking twice.
I also appreciate how it helps me get decent photos without needing to understand complicated settings. My goal is usually just to take a picture and enjoy the moment, and this camera makes that possible. It is especially useful when I want a compact camera that still feels capable and practical for everyday use.
For me, the Canon Elph Powershot 135 is necessary because it combines convenience, portability, and simplicity in one small device. My photos may not always be perfect, but I can count on it to be ready when I need it. That makes it a dependable choice for my daily life and casual photography.
My Buying Guides on Canon Elph Powershot 135
My First Impressions
When I first looked at the Canon Elph PowerShot 135, what stood out to me was how compact and easy it seemed to carry. I like cameras that I can slip into a pocket or small bag without thinking twice, and this one fits that idea well. For me, the appeal is in its simplicity and portability, especially if I want a camera for casual everyday use.
What I Looked for Before Buying
Before deciding on this camera, I focused on a few things that matter most to me:
- Size and portability: I wanted something lightweight and easy to bring anywhere.
- Ease of use: I prefer a camera that does not require a complicated setup.
- Image quality: I wanted decent photos for travel, family moments, and daily snapshots.
- Battery performance: I always check whether I can use the camera for a full outing without worrying too much.
- Price: I wanted something affordable, especially if I was buying it for casual photography.
Why I Considered It
I considered the Canon Elph PowerShot 135 because I like the idea of a simple point-and-shoot camera. For me, this kind of camera is useful when I do not want to rely only on my phone. I also appreciate having a dedicated device for photos because it can feel more intentional and convenient in certain situations.
Features That Matter to Me
When I evaluate a camera like this, I pay attention to the features that affect my daily experience:
- Zoom range: I like having enough zoom for casual portraits and distant subjects.
- Automatic shooting modes: These make it easier for me to take good photos quickly.
- Video capability: I check whether it can record simple clips when needed.
- Display screen: I want a screen that helps me review photos clearly.
- Build quality: I prefer a camera that feels reliable for regular use.
My Pros
- I find it very portable and easy to carry.
- I like the simple controls, especially for quick shooting.
- I appreciate having a dedicated camera instead of depending only on my phone.
- I think it can be a good option for casual users and beginners.
My Cons
- I would not expect advanced manual controls from this type of camera.
- In low light, I would be careful about image quality.
- It may not satisfy me if I want modern high-end camera features.
Who I Think It Is Best For
In my opinion, the Canon Elph PowerShot 135 is best for someone who wants a straightforward camera for everyday snapshots. I think it suits beginners, travelers who want something lightweight, and anyone who values convenience over advanced settings. If I wanted a simple camera for family events, outings, or casual photography, this would be the kind of model I would consider.
My Final Buying Advice
If I were buying the Canon Elph PowerShot 135, I would choose it for its portability, ease of use, and practical everyday performance. I would not buy it expecting professional-level results, but I would consider it a solid option for simple photography. For me, the key is matching the camera to my needs, and this one makes sense if I want something compact, easy, and dependable for casual use.
Final Thoughts
I think the Canon Elph PowerShot 135 stands out as a compact, easy-to-use camera that delivers dependable results without much fuss. My takeaway is that it’s a great choice for anyone who wants a simple point-and-shoot experience with the convenience of a pocketable design. While it may not offer the advanced features of modern cameras, I believe its charm lies in its portability, reliability, and straightforward shooting style.
Author Profile
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I’m Grant Hollowell, a consumer product researcher based in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Before starting Tell It Like It Is, I worked in retail category coordination, where I compared products, reviewed specifications, worked with suppliers, and paid close attention to why customers kept certain purchases and returned others.
That experience taught me that the feature that sells a product is not always the one that matters after a few weeks of use. Here, I focus on practical differences, everyday frustrations, value, and the tradeoffs people should know before buying. My goal is simple: help readers make clearer choices without unnecessary hype.
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