Canon's PowerShot SX100 IS looked like a compact camera on steroids because of its form. It looks like any other camera, but larger. The SX100, as we've seen on previous occasions, has a mighty 10X zoom, and tries to go head-to-head with ultra zoom cameras.

The button layout is different, as is the design. They are larger, well labelled and all these details make using the interface very easy. A scrolling dial is used to browse through the controls instead of directional buttons. There is also a playback button previewing images is easier than on a camera where you have to use a dial or a knob.

Although the unique design is great, the quality isn't as top notch as the IXUS series, for example. The scroll wheel mentioned earlier, as well as the but¬tons seemed a little wobbly and loose. Despite its size, it lacks an eyepiece and the flash won't pop open by itself. Manual focussing is a great feature to have in a camera like this, and the dial used to control it is accurate.

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The detail and clarity in wide angle shots and in the lit scene test shots is a tiny bit better than the other good Canon in this category the AnO IS. The powerful lens on the SX100 shows better detail in telephoto shots. The SX100 is also better at taking macro shots. Focussing is instantaneous and you can get unbelievably close to the objects. Video quality is decent too but the colours are a bit too saturated.

A larger screen in place of the 2.5 inch one provided would be better suited to something this large. It is clearly the best of the lot, but there are a few things to keep in mind with the SX100. Its massive zoom means that there are larger mechanisms involved, and because of this the size of the camera has gone up. It isn't very comfortable to hold in your hand and cannot be shoved into a pocket. At 265 grams, it's not exactly light either.