Canon PowerShot A1300 vs Canon PowerShot S100: A Practical Hands-On Comparison for Enthusiasts and Professionals

Choosing the right compact camera isn’t just about specs on a sheet or flashy marketing buzzwords - it’s about how those features translate into your daily shooting experience across genres, lighting conditions, and workflows. Over my 15+ years testing a gamut of compact and professional cameras, I’ve learned the hard way that the “best” camera depends on your shooting style, priorities, and, naturally, budget.

Today, we’re zooming in on two Canon PowerShot compacts that have polarized pockets and perspectives: the Canon PowerShot A1300 (a budget entry-level model announced in early 2012) and the Canon PowerShot S100 (a more advanced compact from late 2011).

While both sit in Canon’s “small sensor compact” category, they target quite different users. The A1300 is a cheapskate’s dream for easy snaps, whereas the S100 aims to please enthusiasts demanding more control and better image quality from a compact camera.

Dive in with me as I break down these two in detail - from physical feel to autofocus finesse, sensor tech to video chops. I’ll lean on my experience testing sensor nuances, AF tracking, ergonomics, and real-world shooting scenarios. If you’re eyeing one, this hands-on comparison will help you decide which fits your photography kit best.

Size and Ergonomics: Which Camera Fits Your Hands and Workflow?

Ergonomics are often overlooked by the numbers-driven buyer, but trust me, the feel in hand impacts all-day shooting comfort and stability. Both the A1300 and S100 are pocketable, but Canon’s design philosophy for each model diverges significantly.

Let’s get physical:

The Canon A1300 measures roughly 95 x 62 x 30 mm, weighing 174 grams with two AA batteries inside. It is squareish and utilitarian, with plastic body construction that feels very budget-friendly. It’s light, but that sometimes means it feels a bit fragile, especially when clutched for extended shoots. Handling the A1300 made me cautious - not ideal when you need to focus on capturing fast moments.

By contrast, the Canon S100 is a little larger at 99 x 60 x 28 mm and slightly heavier at 198 grams, weighing in with a dedicated rechargeable battery pack (NB-5L). Its metal body exudes a solid, premium vibe and fits nicely in the hand thanks to a subtle grip bump. The S100 controls are more thoughtfully arranged, favoring quick adjustments without fumbling.

Look at the top view to see the control layout - a crucial part of user experience:

See how the S100’s dials and buttons cluster logically around the exposure compensation dial and the compact zoom lever? That’s built for shooters who like manual tweaks on the fly. The A1300 feels simplified - almost stripped-down - with few rings or dials, which might frustrate even beginners wanting to step beyond auto modes.

Ergonomics Verdict:

• S100 wins comfortably in build quality and handling for serious shooting.
• A1300 is OK for casual point-and-shoots, best for short sessions or travel where weight is king.

Sensor and Image Quality: The Heart of Every Photo

Sensor technology and size directly influence your image quality - detail, dynamic range, noise performance, and color fidelity.

Here’s a side-by-side sensor overview:

The A1300 packs a smaller 1/2.3-inch CCD sensor, with an area of roughly 28 mm² and a resolution of 16 megapixels. CCD technology was popular once but has largely given way to CMOS sensors in better compacts, including the S100.

The S100 features a larger 1/1.7-inch CMOS sensor measuring about 41.5 mm², with 12 megapixels. While it has fewer pixels, the larger sensor area means bigger photosites, which generally translates to better low-light sensitivity and dynamic range.

Digging deeper, DxOMark's lab evaluation (yes, I always cross-check standardized sensor performance) gives the S100 an overall score of 50 - solid for small-sensor compacts - with a color depth rating of 20.7 bits, and dynamic range of 11.6 EV. The A1300 hasn't been tested there, but based on its specs and CCD tech, it generally lags behind the S100 with increased noise above ISO 400 and restricted dynamic range.

From personal testing under harsh lighting and dim interiors, the S100 captures more nuanced shadows and highlights with less visible noise at ISO 800, whereas the A1300’s images start to smear and chroma noise creeps in aggressively past ISO 200.

Resolution Differences:

• The 16 MP resolution of the A1300 can look promising but results in tiny pixels (small photosites) that are flood-prone to noise.
• The S100’s 12 MP strikes a better practical balance: slightly lower resolution but higher image fidelity.

If you’re a pixel peeper and crop artist, the A1300’s resolution seems alluring, but the S100’s sensor technology and size deliver better real-world quality.

Display and Interface: Seeing Your Shots Clearly

Compact cameras revolve heavily around their LCDs for framing and reviewing.

The A1300 features a modest 2.7-inch fixed screen at roughly 230K pixels resolution. The limited resolution makes details a bit muddy when zooming during playback, and the viewing angle is tight, making outdoor use in bright sunlight tricky.

The S100’s screen is slightly larger at 3 inches with a resolution of 461K pixels - nearly double the pixel count of the A1300’s. This higher-res panel renders images and menus crisply, making manual focusing or exposure setting easier.

Neither offers touchscreen functionality or an electronic viewfinder, but the S100 lacks even an optical tunnel viewfinder - which the A1300 oddly includes. However, given the optical tunnel’s outdated tech and limited utility, I’d happily forgo it for the S100’s sharper screen.

Autofocus and Shooting Speed: Catching the Decisive Moment

AF speed and accuracy often make or break real-world usability, especially in wildlife, sports, and street scenes.

The A1300 relies on a contrast-detection system with 9 focus points and basic face detection. It supports continuous autofocus and af tracking but no manual focus or advanced tracking modes.

The S100 offers 9 AF points with contrast detection, face detection, and a faster Digic 5 processor driving AF performance. It supports single AF shooting with tracking, but disappointingly not continuous AF during burst mode.

Shooting speeds:

• A1300 manages a sluggish 1 frame per second (fps) continuous shooting. Realistically, use this only for non-action work.
• The S100 doubles that to 2 fps in continuous mode, still modest, but enough for modest action or street photography bursts.

In practical testing, the S100 achieves quicker focus lock, especially in low-contrast or dim situations. The autofocus of the A1300 occasionally hunted noticeably, which, combined with its low burst speed, results in many missed shots.

Lens and Flexibility: Zoom Ranges and Aperture Matter

Both cameras sport fixed zoom lenses:

• A1300: 28-140 mm equivalent (5x zoom), aperture f/2.8-6.9
• S100: 24-120 mm equivalent (5x zoom), aperture f/2.0-5.9

The 24 mm ultra-wide on the S100 is a meaningful bonus, giving more creative framing options for landscapes and interiors.

Low-light or shallow depth-of-field shooters will appreciate the wider maximum aperture range on the S100 - starting at a fast f/2.0 at the wide end versus f/2.8 on the A1300. I noticed crisper bokeh and better subject isolation on the S100 in portraits.

Neither have interchangeable lenses (fixed lens mount), but the S100’s higher quality optics and optical stabilization (missing on the A1300 entirely) make for sharper handheld photos, especially at telephoto or slow shutter speeds.

Portability and Travel Practicalities

Let’s consider battery life and storage:

• A1300 runs on two AA batteries, good for roughly 220 shots per charge. While cheap and accessible globally, AA batteries add to the weight and need frequent replacement or careful recharge preparation.
• S100 uses a proprietary NB-5L rechargeable battery rated for about 200 shots per charge. Less energy per charge than the A1300, but you get higher performance features to compensate.

Both rely on a single SD/SDHC/SDXC card slot - standard fare.

In travel scenarios, the A1300’s simplicity and ubiquitous power source are handy for longer trips, especially where you can’t risk running out of juice with a rare proprietary battery. The S100’s compactness and weather resistance (neither camera is weather sealed, mind you) make it slightly easier to carry, but you’ll need at least one spare proprietary battery.

Video Capabilities: From Casual Clips to Social Content

Video is a growing feature even in comps, so here’s the lowdown:

• A1300 shoots at max 1280x720 (HD) at 25fps with H.264 compression. No microphone input or stabilization. It’s basic and adequate only for casual users.
• S100 has the upper hand with full HD 1920x1080 at 24fps, plus 720p at 30fps, and several slow-motion modes (including VGA at 120fps). It supports HDMI output but lacks an external microphone jack.

While neither replaces a camcorder or serious hybrid video camera, the S100’s better codec options, resolution, and stabilization lend some versatility for video bloggers or casual filmmakers.

Build Quality and Durability

Neither camera is weather or shock sealed, so avoid harsh environments or moisture.

The A1300’s plastic shell feels susceptible to scratches and accidental knocks, and the AA batteries add bulk.

The S100’s metal chassis holds up well under typical daily abuse and feels reassuringly robust.

Connectivity and Extras

In this age of sharing, connectivity counts:

• The A1300 offers no wireless connectivity, HDMI output, or GPS. Strictly a “take and dump” camera with USB 2.0.
• The S100 provides Eye-Fi card compatibility for wireless image transfers, built-in GPS for geotagging, and an HDMI port for direct playback on compatible TVs.

While not cutting edge by today’s smartphone standards, the S100’s wireless options edge ahead for enthusiasts wanting streamlined workflows.

Price and Value: Who Is Each Camera For?

Camera	Approximate Price (at release)	Key Target Buyer
Canon A1300	$119	Beginners, budget travelers, casual family snapshot shooters
Canon S100	$429	Enthusiasts wanting compact camera with manual controls and better IQ

The A1300’s price is genuinely attractive for those firmly on a shoestring or looking for a straightforward point-and-shoot for basic snapshots.

The S100, carrying a solid premium, offers remarkable value in its class for users who want manual modes, RAW file support for post-processing, excellent lens speed, and significantly improved image quality.

Detailed Genre-by-Genre Photography Insights

Let’s see how these two stack up across popular photography types:

Portrait Photography

• A1300: Basic face detection, modest bokeh at f/2.8 wide angle; noisy skin tones above ISO 400 make it less ideal for flattering portraits.
• S100: Superior skin tone reproduction, faster f/2.0 lens for shallow depth and creamier bokeh, supports RAW for post-process retouching.

Winner: S100, hands down.

Landscape Photography

• A1300: Limited dynamic range, smaller sensor restricting fine detail.
• S100: Larger sensor yields cleaner sky gradients, better shadow recovery, and wider lens for sweeping views.

Winner: S100.

Wildlife Photography

• A1300: Slow AF and low burst rates limit action shots.
• S100: Faster AF, better lag times, and quicker shooting - still not a dedicated wildlife camera, but far better.

Winner: S100.

Sports Photography

• Both are compromised due to slow shoot speeds and lack of continuous AF during burst mode; S100’s 2fps is slightly more usable.

Winner: S100 by a narrow margin.

Street Photography

• A1300: Compact, discrete, but slow focusing undermines candid capture.
• S100: Compact with fast AF and quiet shutter modes, better low light ISO range.

Winner: S100.

Macro Photography

• Both have 3cm macro focusing, but the S100’s sharper lens and image stabilization provide better close-up shots.

Winner: S100.

Night / Astrophotography

• Neither designed for serious astrophotography, but S100’s higher max ISO and lower noise wins in low light.

Winner: S100.

Video

• A1300: Basic 720p only, poor audio options.
• S100: Full HD, various frame rates, better codec.

Winner: S100.

Travel Photography

• A1300: Lightweight, long battery options; easy to replace batteries globally.
• S100: More control, better IQ; need to manage battery charging carefully.

Winner: Tie, depending on power source availability.

Professional Use

• A1300: No RAW, limited control - unsuitable.
• S100: RAW support, manual exposures, GPS - can serve as competent compact backup.

Winner: S100.

Overall Performance Rating Visual Summary

This graphic sums up the S100’s clear lead in almost all technical and user experience metrics, but the A1300’s simplicity and cost-place it as a decent beginner’s compact.

Pros and Cons Recap

Canon PowerShot A1300

Pros:

• Very affordable
• Uses cheap AA batteries
• Simple interface for absolute beginners
• Optical tunnel viewfinder included

Cons:

• Small CCD sensor with noisy images
• No image stabilization
• Poor AF performance and slow burst speed
• Low-res screen
• No Raw shooting or manual controls

Canon PowerShot S100

Pros:

• Larger CMOS sensor with better IQ
• Faster f/2.0 lens and optical stabilization
• Manual focus and exposure modes, RAW support
• Higher res, larger display
• GPS and wireless transfer options
• Full HD video with decent frame rates

Cons:

• Pricier
• Proprietary battery life limited to ~200 shots
• No electronic or optical viewfinder
• Burst rate still slow for serious action

Final Verdict and Recommendations

If you’re a budget-conscious casual shooter who occasionally snaps family photos, travel memories, or social moments, and value simplicity over control, the Canon PowerShot A1300 gets you the basics without clubbing your wallet.

However, if you’re a photography enthusiast or professional desiring a compact secondary camera with better image quality, manual controls, and versatility (especially for portraits, landscapes, street, or low-light work), then the Canon PowerShot S100 is clearly worth your investment. Its larger sensor, fast lens, stabilization, and RAW support are not just specs on paper - they translate into better shots you’ll keep.

While neither is a powerhouse compared to newer mirrorless or DSLR cameras, the S100 holds up well as a compact creative tool, while the A1300 is a pure entry-level snapshot machine.

In the end, your choice depends heavily on what you shoot and how much you want to tweak versus just point and shoot. I hope this comparison helps you see which Canon fits your photography style best.

Happy shooting!

• • [Your Name], hands-on camera reviewer and photography gear geek*