Canon PowerShot A2100 IS

A compact point-and-shoot digital camera with 12.1MP resolution, 6x optical zoom, and optical image stabilization.

Overview

The Canon PowerShot A2100 IS is a compact point-and-shoot digital camera designed for straightforward, everyday photography. Manufactured by Canon, it features a 12.1-megapixel sensor, a 6x optical zoom lens with a 35mm equivalent range of 36–216mm, and optical image stabilization to reduce blur in low-light conditions or at full zoom. It was the first model in Canon’s A-series line to include a 3.0-inch LCD screen, which aids in framing shots and reviewing images. The camera emphasizes ease of use with automated shooting modes and face detection, making it accessible for casual photographers.

Specifications

Resolution	12.1 megapixels
Zoom	6x optical zoom
Lens	6.3–37.8mm (35mm equivalent: 36–216mm)
Aperture	f/3.2–f/5.9
LCD screen	3.0-inch LCD screen
ISO range	ISO 80, 100, 200, 400, 800, 1600
Shutter speed	15–1/1600 sec
Shooting modes	Auto, Manual, Easy, Special Scene (Portrait, Landscape, Night Snapshot, Kids & Pets, Indoor, Smart Shutter (Smile, Wink Self-Timer, FaceSelf-Timer), Low Light (3.0MP), Beach, Foliage, Snow, Fireworks, Long Shutter)
Movie mode	640 x 480 (30 fps), 320 x 240 (30 fps)
Movie format	AVI (MJPEG)
Image stabilization	Yes (Optical)
Face Detection	Yes
Red-eye correction	Yes (in playback)
Storage	SD / SDHC / MMC / MMCplus / HC MMCplus
Battery	2x AA-size batteries
Dimensions	101.9 x 63.5 x 31.9 mm
Weight	185g (without battery and card)

Design

The PowerShot A2100 IS is a compact camera with a 6x optical zoom lens and optical image stabilization. It is a point-and-shoot camera with a 3.0-inch LCD screen, the first in the A-series to feature that size display. Its design prioritizes portability and ease of use, with a sleek body that houses a versatile zoom lens and large, bright screen for framing and playback.

Context

The A2100 IS is positioned as a user-friendly, entry-level digital camera within Canon’s A-series lineup. As the first model in that series to include a 3.0-inch LCD screen, it marked a step forward in usability and display quality for Canon’s budget-friendly point-and-shoot line. It emphasizes automated shooting with a range of scene modes rather than manual exposure controls.

Market

The Canon PowerShot A2100 IS is praised for its ease of use, sharp image quality at low ISOs, and strong battery life—achieving over 400 shots on two AA batteries. Image quality is described as very good, with vibrant colors and accurate exposures, though noise becomes intrusive at ISO 800 and above. The 6x zoom lens performs well with minimal fringing, and the camera is quick to focus and shoot. A key limitation is the lack of manual exposure controls, relying instead on 13 scene modes. Video recording is limited to VGA resolution, which was already dated at the time of release.