PowerShot S100 is equipped with a 24mm wide-angle 5x optical zoom lens and a 4-step lens-shift type image stabilizer (IS) which enable users to capture both distant and close-up subjects effortlessly. The lens allows easy capture of wide open landscapes and group photos within a limited space, as well as far away subjects in details. With the lens’ f/2.0 large aperture, PowerShot S100 allows more light to reach the sensor thus enhancing shooting performance in dim environment. Blurriness caused by shaking can be minimized with a faster shutter speed, images will look sharp and clear as a result. A new built-in ND filter which is ideal for shooting with slow shutter speeds is featured for expanded creativity expression. The f/2.0 lens also allows users to experience shallow depth of field, making subjects stand out by blurring the background.

PowerShot S100 features an enhanced HS SYSTEM that integrates the new DIGIC 5’s ultra-fast data processing speed and the 1/1.7” 12.1-megapixel high sensitivity CMOS image sensor to dramatically improve the signal-to-noise ratio. It is especially useful for shooting with high ISO settings at low light situation, as it allows a shorter exposure time thus shaking due to long exposure setting can be largely reduced. Sharp and clear images can be captured even with handheld shooting.

The new Canon’s DIGIC 5 Digital Image Processor now brings 6 times faster the processing speed for improved signal-to-noise ratio, and further reduces the noise especially in high ISO shooting for even greater image quality and exceptional continuous shooting performance. Comparing with the previous generation, overall performance is improved drastically by 50%, allowing more unsurpassed images to be captured.

With the help of Scene Detection technology, the new Intelligent IS in PowerShot S100 automatically optimizes image stabilization performance under different situations for both photo and video shootings. It guarantees clear images and steady movies at all times. Whether you are taking macro shots, moving subjects, using a tripod, recording movies with tele-zooming or shooting while walking with handheld camera, quality images are right at your fingertips simply by pressing the shutter button.

Shooting stability is subject to both shift-based and angle-based camera shake. While conventional optical image stabilizer compensates angular camera shake only, macro and close-up photography suffers from shift-based movement mostly. That is why PowerShot S100 is incorporated with the new Hybrid IS, by adding an accelerometer to work with gyroscopic sensors, both kinds of movement can be corrected with high precision, thus enhancing stability during macro shooting subsequently.

Scene Detection automatically detects shooting distance, lighting condition, color temperature and moving subjects etc, and adjusts to the best possible camera settings to capture the scene easily. By detecting a subject’s focus and exposure, white balance, ISO speed and dynamic range, users can capture perfect images in different situations across a range of lighting conditions such as bright, backlit or blue skies.

Aperture priority (Av), Shutter priority (Tv) and full manual (M) exposure shooting modes are available. Users can adjust aperture, shutter speed, white balance and ISO freely upon on their preferences to expand their creativity.

An impressive design built around the lens, this Control Ring can be used to control aperture value, shutter speed, ISO, exposure compensation, manual focus, white balance and step zoom; plus three more new functions including Aspect Ratio, Dynamic Range Correction and Shadow Correction. Users can also manually choose customized settings according to different scenarios. Inspired by classic film camera, this function brings out the best of technology and tradition. An additional control dial is located near the screen for easier and quicker settings control.

PowerShot S100 is equipped with Global Positioning System (GPS) function which will automatically record the shooting dates and locations of photos and videos once switched on. By using the bundled Map Utility software, the locations of your images can be tracked and shown on Google map clearly. A route map will also be generated for easy review or creation of your own travel blog. This new function can update different time zones automatically, and you can choose to continuously receive signals even when the camera is powered off to record your route effortlessly!