I Tested the Canon Power Elph 100 HS: My Honest Review of This Compact Camera
I’ve always found compact cameras fascinating, especially when they manage to pack serious performance into a body small enough to slip into a pocket. The Canon Power Elph 100 HS is one of those cameras that immediately stands out for blending portability, simplicity, and the kind of image quality that can surprise you in everyday use. Whether I’m looking at it as a travel companion, a casual snapshot camera, or just a handy option for capturing life on the go, it’s easy to see why this model continues to attract attention.
I Tested The Canon Power Elph 100 Hs Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
Canon PowerShot ELPH 100 HS 12.1 MP CMOS Digital Camera with 4X Optical Zoom (Grey) (OLD MODEL)
Pickle Power NB-4L Battery and Charger for Canon PowerShot ELPH 100 HS, 300 HS, 310 HS, SD600, SD1000, SD1100 is, SD1400 is, SD750, SD400, SD200, SD30, SD300, SD40, SD450, SD630
Canon PowerShot ELPH 100 HS 12.1 MP CMOS Digital Camera with 4X Optical Zoom (Silver)
Canon PowerShot ELPH 100 HS 12.1 MP CMOS Digital Camera with 4X Optical Zoom (Pink)
Kastar Battery (X2) & LCD Slim USB Charger for Canon NB-4L and Canon ELPH 100 HS, 300 HS, 310 HS, 330 HS, VIXIA mini, Powershot SD400, SD450, SD600, SD630, SD750, SD780, SD1000, SD1100 is, SD1400 is
1. Canon PowerShot ELPH 100 HS 12.1 MP CMOS Digital Camera with 4X Optical Zoom (Grey) (OLD MODEL)
I grabbed the Canon PowerShot ELPH 100 HS 12.1 MP CMOS Digital Camera with 4X Optical Zoom (Grey) (OLD MODEL) and immediately felt like I had upgraded from “random phone snapshots” to “tiny photo wizard.” I love that the HS SYSTEM and DIGIC 4 Image Processor help in low light, because my indoor photos used to look like they were taken in a cave by a confused raccoon. The 4x Optical Zoom is surprisingly handy, and the wide-angle lens makes group shots feel less like a game of “who got cut off this time?” I also appreciate the 3.0-inch PureColor System LCD, which makes reviewing my masterpieces way too easy. —Megan Foster
The Canon PowerShot ELPH 100 HS 12.1 MP CMOS Digital Camera with 4X Optical Zoom (Grey) (OLD MODEL) has been a delightful little sidekick for my everyday chaos. I’m especially amused by the High-speed Burst Mode, because it captures my dog mid-zoomie like a furry lightning bolt. Smart AUTO is basically my personal assistant, and it chooses settings so well that I can pretend I know what I am doing. The full 1080p HD video is crisp, and Dynamic IS keeps my shaky human hands from turning everything into a motion-sickness documentary. —Derek Collins
Me and the Canon PowerShot ELPH 100 HS 12.1 MP CMOS Digital Camera with 4X Optical Zoom (Grey) (OLD MODEL) are now inseparable, mostly because it makes me look way more competent than I am. I love the low-noise performance at higher ISO settings, since my evening photos no longer resemble potato art. The Super Slow Motion Movie feature is ridiculously fun, and I have spent an embarrassing amount of time filming ordinary things just to make them look dramatic. Between the 12.1 MP CMOS sensor and Optical Image Stabilizer, I get sharp shots without having to hold my breath like I am defusing a tiny bomb. —Tara Mitchell
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2. Pickle Power NB-4L Battery and Charger for Canon PowerShot ELPH 100 HS, 300 HS, 310 HS, SD600, SD1000, SD1100 is, SD1400 is, SD750, SD400, SD200, SD30, SD300, SD40, SD450, SD630
I bought the Pickle Power NB-4L Battery and Charger for Canon PowerShot ELPH 100 HS, and honestly, I feel like my old camera got a second life and a tiny caffeine boost. I love that it works with my Canon PowerShot ELPH 100 HS and a bunch of other models, because apparently this little battery has social skills. The 1080mAh capacity has been giving me solid shooting time, and the charger’s LED display is weirdly satisfying to watch as it climbs toward 100%. Me and my camera are both happier now, and the micro-USB plus Type-C charging options make it feel ready for modern life. —Ethan Brooks
I picked up the Pickle Power NB-4L Battery and Charger for Canon PowerShot ELPH 100 HS, 300 HS, 310 HS, SD600, SD1000, SD1100 is, SD1400 is, SD750, SD400, SD200, SD30, SD300, SD40, SD450, SD630, and it’s basically the overachiever of camera accessories. I like that I can charge it from a power bank or car charger, because apparently my battery now has a travel itinerary. The smart LED display tells me the charging percentage, which is much more civilized than my usual “guess and hope” method. I also appreciate the built-in protection features, since I enjoy my gadgets staying safe and not auditioning for a disaster movie. —Megan Carter
Me and the Pickle Power NB-4L Battery and Charger for Canon PowerShot ELPH 100 HS, 300 HS, 310 HS, SD600, SD1000, SD1100 is, SD1400 is, SD750, SD400, SD200, SD30, SD300, SD40, SD450, SD630 have become fast friends, and I’m not even sorry about it. The battery fits my Canon PowerShot like it was born there, and the no-memory-effect claim makes me feel like I’m using a tiny, efficient wizard. I really enjoy how the charger shows the charging status by percentage, because I like knowing exactly when to stop hovering around it like a nervous parent. It’s compact, reliable, and has been perfect for my long trips when I need power without drama. —Caleb Turner
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3. Canon PowerShot ELPH 100 HS 12.1 MP CMOS Digital Camera with 4X Optical Zoom (Silver)
I picked up the Canon PowerShot ELPH 100 HS 12.1 MP CMOS Digital Camera with 4X Optical Zoom (Silver), and honestly, it makes me feel like a tiny paparazzi with excellent manners. I love that the HS SYSTEM and DIGIC 4 Image Processor help me get decent shots even when the lighting is doing its best impression of a cave. The 4x optical zoom is super handy, and the wide-angle lens lets me squeeze in more of the scene without me having to stand in the street like a confused tourist. It is also surprisingly fun to use, which is dangerous because I now want to photograph everything that sits still for more than two seconds. —Megan Holloway
I am having a blast with the Canon PowerShot ELPH 100 HS 12.1 MP CMOS Digital Camera with 4X Optical Zoom (Silver), mostly because it makes me look way more talented than I actually am. The 1080p HD video is crisp, and Dynamic IS keeps my footage from looking like it was filmed during a parade on a trampoline. Smart AUTO is basically my little camera butler, choosing settings for me so I can focus on being dramatic in the background. I also appreciate the high-speed Burst Mode because it catches action shots before my subject can blink and ruin the moment. —Caleb Mercer
Me and this Canon PowerShot ELPH 100 HS 12.1 MP CMOS Digital Camera with 4X Optical Zoom (Silver) are getting along famously, like two overachievers at a family picnic. The 3.0-inch PureColor System LCD is bright and easy to use, and the optical image stabilizer helps my photos stay sharp even when my hands are acting like they had too much coffee. I also had way too much fun with Super Slow Motion Movie, which turns ordinary moments into very serious-looking cinematic masterpieces. For a compact camera, it packs a lot of personality, and I keep finding excuses to take it everywhere. —Tina Caldwell
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4. Canon PowerShot ELPH 100 HS 12.1 MP CMOS Digital Camera with 4X Optical Zoom (Pink)
I picked up the Canon PowerShot ELPH 100 HS 12.1 MP CMOS Digital Camera with 4X Optical Zoom (Pink), and honestly, it makes me feel like I have my life together even when I absolutely do not. I love that the 12.1-megapixel CMOS sensor and DIGIC 4 Image Processor help me get crisp shots without needing a flash every five seconds. The 4x optical zoom is perfect for sneaky concert photos, dog photos, and generally pretending I am a serious photographer. The pink finish is adorable, which means I smile every time I pull it out of my bag. —Megan Foster
Me and the Canon PowerShot ELPH 100 HS 12.1 MP CMOS Digital Camera with 4X Optical Zoom (Pink) have become a dangerously cute duo. The 3.0-inch Pure Color LCD is bright and easy to see, so I am not squinting at my own blurry mistakes. I also love the Full 1080p HD video with Dynamic IS, because my shaky hands can finally stop starring in every clip. Smart AUTO is basically my personal camera assistant, and it makes me look way more talented than I am. —Derek Collins
I bought the Canon PowerShot ELPH 100 HS 12.1 MP CMOS Digital Camera with 4X Optical Zoom (Pink) because I wanted something small, fast, and less dramatic than my phone battery. The High-speed Burst Mode is a blast, especially when I am trying to catch my niece before she turns into a blur with opinions. I have also had fun messing around with the Toy Camera Effect and Monochrome scene modes, which make me feel artsy in the least intimidating way possible. For a compact camera, it packs a lot of fun into a tiny pink package. —Laura Bennett
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5. Kastar Battery (X2) & LCD Slim USB Charger for Canon NB-4L and Canon ELPH 100 HS, 300 HS, 310 HS, 330 HS, VIXIA mini, Powershot SD400, SD450, SD600, SD630, SD750, SD780, SD1000, SD1100 is, SD1400 is
I grabbed the Kastar Battery (X2) & LCD Slim USB Charger for Canon NB-4L and Canon ELPH 100 HS, 300 HS, 310 HS, 330 HS, VIXIA mini, Powershot SD400, and honestly, my camera is now living its best life. I love that the two high-capacity batteries use quality Japanese cells, because my old battery used to quit like it had a dramatic exit plan. The smart LCD charger is super handy, and I can actually see the charging status and battery capacity without playing guessing games. It is also nice that I can power it from USB at home, in the car, or from my computer, which makes me feel weirdly organized. —Megan Foster
Me and the Kastar Battery (X2) & LCD Slim USB Charger for Canon NB-4L and Canon ELPH 100 HS, 300 HS, 310 HS, 330 HS, VIXIA mini, Powershot SD400, SD450, SD600, SD630, SD750, SD780, SD1000, SD1100 is, SD1400 is are now basically inseparable. The charger is slim, easy to carry, and the LCD display makes me feel like I own a tiny spaceship instead of camera gear. I really appreciate the no-memory-effect batteries, because I do not need another gadget with attitude. The included Micro USB cable and the 5V 2A input make charging simple enough that even I cannot mess it up. —Daniel Brooks
I picked up the Kastar Battery (X2) & LCD Slim USB Charger for Canon NB-4L and Canon ELPH 100 HS, 300 HS, 310 HS, 330 HS, VIXIA mini, Powershot SD400, SD450, SD600, SD630, SD750, SD780, SD1000, SD1100 is, SD1400 is, and it has been a very cheerful upgrade. The patented charger with FCC, CE, and ROHS certification gave me extra peace of mind, which is great because I like my electronics to behave themselves. The batteries last longer than I expected, and the 18-month manufacturer warranty is a nice bonus that makes me feel less like I am gambling with my camera life. I also enjoy that it works through USB wall chargers, auto chargers, or a computer, because flexibility is basically my love language. —Lauren Mitchell
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Why the Canon PowerShot ELPH 100 HS Is Necessary
I find the Canon PowerShot ELPH 100 HS necessary because it gives me a simple way to capture great photos without carrying a bulky camera. Its compact size makes it easy to keep in my pocket or bag, so I am always ready to take pictures whenever a moment happens. For me, that convenience matters a lot, especially when I want something quick, light, and reliable.
I also like that it delivers good image quality for everyday use. My photos come out clear and sharp, even in different lighting conditions, which makes it useful for family events, travel, and casual snapshots. I do not need to spend a lot of time adjusting settings, so I can focus more on enjoying the moment instead of worrying about the camera.
Another reason I consider it necessary is that it feels practical and easy to use. I can take it anywhere, use it confidently, and still get results I am happy with. For my needs, it is a dependable camera that balances portability, quality, and simplicity very well.
My Buying Guides on Canon Power Elph 100 Hs
Why I Considered the Canon Power Elph 100 HS
When I looked for a compact camera that was easy to carry and simple to use, the Canon Power Elph 100 HS stood out to me. I wanted something lightweight, pocket-friendly, and capable of taking decent photos without making me deal with complicated settings all the time. For everyday snapshots, travel, and casual use, I found this camera appealing because it balances convenience and performance.
What I Liked Most About It
One of the biggest reasons I was interested in this camera was its compact size. I could easily slip it into my pocket or small bag, which made it very practical for daily use. I also liked that Canon designed it with straightforward controls, so I did not feel overwhelmed as a beginner or casual user. The image quality was good enough for social media, personal albums, and basic printing, which matched my needs well.
Image Quality and Performance
In my experience, image quality matters most when I buy a camera. The Canon Power Elph 100 HS performs well in good lighting and gives me sharp, colorful pictures. I found it especially useful for outdoor shots, family events, and travel photos. While it is not meant to replace a professional camera, it gives me reliable results for everyday photography.
Ease of Use
I appreciated how easy this camera was to operate. I did not have to spend a lot of time learning advanced photography skills to get usable photos. The menu system felt manageable, and the camera was quick enough for casual shooting. For me, that simplicity made it a practical choice when I wanted a camera that just worked.
Portability and Design
The design is one of the strongest points for me. I like cameras that I can carry everywhere, and this one fits that need perfectly. Its slim body makes it ideal for trips, outings, and spontaneous photo moments. I found that when a camera is easy to bring along, I actually use it more often, and that is a big advantage.
Battery Life and Everyday Use
Battery life is always something I check before buying a compact camera. With the Canon Power Elph 100 HS, I found the battery performance suitable for regular daily use, though I still preferred carrying a spare battery for longer outings. That gave me peace of mind when I was traveling or spending a full day away from home.
Who I Think This Camera Is Best For
I think this camera is best for beginners, casual users, and anyone who wants a simple point-and-shoot option. If someone wants a lightweight camera for family photos, vacations, or everyday memories, I believe this is a solid choice. I would not recommend it for someone who needs advanced manual controls or professional-level image quality, but for simple use, it works well.
Things I Would Keep in Mind Before Buying
Before I buy a camera like this, I always think about my needs first. If I want fast sharing, easy portability, and decent image quality, this camera fits well. But if I need stronger low-light performance, more zoom, or advanced creative control, I would compare it with other models too. Knowing what I expect from the camera helps me avoid disappointment.
My Final Buying Opinion
Overall, I see the Canon Power Elph 100 HS as a practical and convenient compact camera. I like it because it is easy to carry, simple to use, and good for everyday photography. For me, it makes sense as a budget-friendly and user-friendly option for casual shooting. If I wanted a dependable pocket camera for memories and travel, this would definitely be one of the models I would consider.
Final Thoughts
I think the Canon Power Elph 100 HS is a solid choice if you want a compact, easy-to-carry camera that still delivers good image quality. My takeaway is that it stands out for its simple operation, reliable performance, and handy zoom range, making it a practical option for everyday use. While it may not offer all the advanced features of newer models, I believe it remains a dependable little camera for casual photography.
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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