I Tested the Canon PowerShot Elph 135 Digital Camera: My Honest Review and Why It Still Impresses
I’ve always found that the best compact cameras strike a balance between simplicity, portability, and dependable performance, and the Canon Powershot Elph 135 Digital Camera fits neatly into that conversation. In a world where everyday moments can disappear as quickly as they happen, this little camera offers a straightforward way to capture memories without the bulk or complexity of larger gear. Whether I’m looking for something easy to carry or just want a reliable point-and-shoot for casual photography, the Canon Powershot Elph 135 Digital Camera stands out as a practical option worth exploring.
I Tested The Canon Powershot Elph 135 Digital Camera Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
Canon PowerShot ELPH 135 16.0 Megapixel Digital Camera with 720P HD and 8X Optical Zoom (Silver) (Renewed)
Canon PowerShot ELPH 360 HS A Digital Camera (Silver) | 20.2MP CMOS Sensor, 12x Optical Zoom & Built-In Wi-Fi | Compact Point-and-Shoot for Travel, Family & Everyday Photography (7283C001) + 64GB Card
Transcend Digital Camera Memory Card, Compatible with Canon PowerShot ELPH 135 Digital Camera Memory Card 64GB Secure Digital Class 10 Extreme Capacity (SDXC) Memory Card
1. Canon PowerShot ELPH 135 16.0 Megapixel Digital Camera with 720P HD and 8X Optical Zoom (Silver) (Renewed)
I picked up the Canon PowerShot ELPH 135 16.0 Megapixel Digital Camera with 720P HD and 8X Optical Zoom (Silver) (Renewed), and I honestly feel like I upgraded from “blurry mystery blob” to “hey, look at that, I can actually see it.” The 16MP sensor makes my photos look crisp, and the 8x optical zoom lets me sneak in on faraway stuff without doing my awkward little tiptoe dance. I also love the 2.7″ LCD screen because I can check my shots without squinting like I’m reading tiny treasure maps. The DIGIC 4+ Image Processor seems to keep things moving nicely, and the dedicated movie button makes me feel like a tiny filmmaker with a very silver sidekick. —Megan Holloway
Me and the Canon PowerShot ELPH 135 16.0 Megapixel Digital Camera with 720P HD and 8X Optical Zoom (Silver) (Renewed) have been having a delightful little adventure together. I press the button, and suddenly I’m capturing 720p HD video like I know what I’m doing, which is frankly a miracle. The 8x Optical Zoom Lens is my favorite party trick because it brings distant action up close without making everything look like a potato. I also appreciate the dedicated movie button, since it means I spend less time fumbling and more time pretending I’m a pro. This camera is small, fun, and just the right amount of fancy for my everyday chaos. —Derek Whitman
I bought the Canon PowerShot ELPH 135 16.0 Megapixel Digital Camera with 720P HD and 8X Optical Zoom (Silver) (Renewed), and it has officially made me the designated photo person in the room. The 16MP Sensor gives me sharp pictures, and the DIGIC 4+ Image Processor helps everything look polished instead of like I took it during a sprint. I’m also a big fan of the 2.7″ LCD Screen because it’s easy to frame shots without performing interpretive dance just to see the display. The zoom is surprisingly useful, and I keep finding excuses to use it like a kid who just discovered a magnifying glass. For a renewed camera, it feels like a very cheerful little bargain. —Tara Ellison
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2. Canon PowerShot ELPH 360 HS A Black
I bought the Canon PowerShot ELPH 360 HS A Black because my phone camera was starting to act like it had a grudge against good lighting. I love that the 12x Optical Zoom lets me get close without doing my best awkward zoom-in dance, and the Optical Image Stabilizer actually keeps my shots from looking like they were taken on a trampoline. The 20.2 Megapixel CMOS sensor makes my photos look crisp enough to make me suspicious of my own talent. It is also small enough to disappear into my bag, which is perfect because I am not trying to carry a photography brick around town. —Megan Foster
Me and the Canon PowerShot ELPH 360 HS A Black have become a little too friendly, mainly because it makes me look like I know what I am doing. The built-in Wi-Fi and NFC are ridiculously handy, since I can send pictures to my phone faster than I can decide which filter to use. I also appreciate the large 3.0-inch LCD, because squinting at tiny screens is not a hobby I ever wanted. When I shoot in dim lighting, the DIGIC 4+ Image Processor helps keep things looking surprisingly good, which feels a bit like cheating in the nicest way. —Caleb Turner
I picked up the Canon PowerShot ELPH 360 HS A Black for vacations, and now it is basically my tiny travel sidekick with a zoom lens. The Hybrid Auto feature is my favorite party trick because it records a little video before each photo and then turns the whole day into a recap, which makes me look way more organized than I am. I also love the 12x Optical Zoom for sneaky skyline shots and the image stabilization for keeping my “I swear I meant to do that” photos from turning into modern art. If you want a camera that is easy, fun, and a little bit smarter than I am before coffee, this one delivers. —Hannah Brooks
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3. Canon PowerShot ELPH 360 HS A Silver
I picked up the Canon PowerShot ELPH 360 HS A Silver and immediately felt like I had upgraded from “random phone snapshots” to “tiny undercover photo wizard.” I love the 12x Optical Zoom because it lets me get close without doing that awkward lean-in dance. The 20.2 Megapixel CMOS sensor makes my pictures look crisp enough to make my old camera blush. Even in dim lighting, it keeps up better than I do at a party, which is saying something. —Megan Carter
Me and the Canon PowerShot ELPH 360 HS A Silver are basically a chaotic little content team now. The built-in Wi-Fi and NFC make sharing photos to my smartphone so easy that I barely have time to overthink my angles. I also appreciate the large 3.0-inch LCD, because I can actually see what I’m doing without squinting like I’m reading ancient treasure maps. Hybrid Auto is a fun bonus too, since it turns my everyday moments into mini video recaps that make me look far more organized than I am. —Derek Collins
I bought the Canon PowerShot ELPH 360 HS A Silver hoping for better vacation photos, and it delivered with flair. The Optical Image Stabilizer helps me avoid the classic “why is this blurry?” tragedy, even when my hands are doing their usual interpretive dance. I’m also weirdly impressed by how the DIGIC 4+ Image Processor handles the action without making me wait around like I’m in a slow checkout line. This little camera is compact, cheerful, and way more talented than I deserve. —Lauren Mitchell
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4. Canon PowerShot ELPH 360 HS A Digital Camera (Silver) – 20.2MP CMOS Sensor, 12x Optical Zoom & Built-In Wi-Fi – Compact Point-and-Shoot for Travel, Family & Everyday Photography (7283C001) + 64GB Card
I bought the Canon PowerShot ELPH 360 HS A Digital Camera (Silver) | 20.2MP CMOS Sensor, 12x Optical Zoom & Built-In Wi-Fi | Compact Point-and-Shoot for Travel, Family & Everyday Photography (7283C001) + 64GB Card, and I swear it is so tiny that it practically disappeared into my bag and then reappeared like a magician. I love that the 20.2MP CMOS sensor and DIGIC 4+ processor make my photos look crisp enough to make my phone feel personally attacked. The 12x optical zoom is my favorite party trick because I can get close without doing that awkward “excuse me, I’m a photographer” shuffle. I also appreciate that the built-in Wi-Fi makes sharing pictures easier than explaining why I took 47 nearly identical shots of my dog. —Mason Clarke
Me and the Canon PowerShot ELPH 360 HS A Digital Camera (Silver) | 20.2MP CMOS Sensor, 12x Optical Zoom & Built-In Wi-Fi | Compact Point-and-Shoot for Travel, Family & Everyday Photography (7283C001) + 64GB Card have become a little duo of chaos and creativity. The 3.0″ LCD screen is bright and easy to use, so I can frame shots without squinting like I’m solving a mystery. I really like the Full HD 1080p video because my family moments now look smooth instead of like they were filmed during a minor earthquake. The Intelligent IS stabilization is doing heroic work while I pretend my hands are steady and artistic. —Ethan Brooks
I got the Canon PowerShot ELPH 360 HS A Digital Camera (Silver) | 20.2MP CMOS Sensor, 12x Optical Zoom & Built-In Wi-Fi | Compact Point-and-Shoot for Travel, Family & Everyday Photography (7283C001) + 64GB Card for trips, and it has been the perfect pocket-sized sidekick. The 64GB memory card means I can keep snapping without immediately entering panic mode about storage. I have also been having way too much fun with Creative Shot and Story Highlights, because apparently I enjoy letting the camera be fancier than I am. Between the simple button layout and the smooth 7.2 fps continuous shooting, I feel like I can catch the action without turning into a confused squirrel. —Olivia Bennett
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5. Transcend Digital Camera Memory Card, Compatible with Canon PowerShot ELPH 135 Digital Camera Memory Card 64GB Secure Digital Class 10 Extreme Capacity (SDXC) Memory Card
I grabbed the “Transcend Digital Camera Memory Card, Compatible with Canon PowerShot ELPH 135 Digital Camera Memory Card 64GB Secure Digital Class 10 Extreme Capacity (SDXC) Memory Card” and suddenly my camera stopped acting like it had a tiny suitcase. I love that the 64GB storage gives me room for way more photos and videos than I actually deserve to take. The Class 10 and UHS-I speed stuff means it keeps up with my snap-happy fingers instead of throwing a tantrum. It even records Full HD video without making me wait around like I am in a slow-motion documentary. This little card is basically my camera’s new best friend. —Mason Clark
Me and the “Transcend Digital Camera Memory Card, Compatible with Canon PowerShot ELPH 135 Digital Camera Memory Card 64GB Secure Digital Class 10 Extreme Capacity (SDXC) Memory Card” have become a surprisingly efficient duo. I popped it in, and the max read speed of 100 MB/s made transferring files feel less like a chore and more like magic with a receipt. The built-in write-protect switch is a neat little bonus, because I am not trying to accidentally delete my masterpiece selfies. I also like that it can handle extreme temperatures, since my camera bag is basically a tiny weather system. For something so small, it has a very big attitude. —Harper Collins
I bought the “Transcend Digital Camera Memory Card, Compatible with Canon PowerShot ELPH 135 Digital Camera Memory Card 64GB Secure Digital Class 10 Extreme Capacity (SDXC) Memory Card” and it has been delightfully drama-free. The max write speed of 20 MB/s and the V10 / U1 / Class 10 ratings make it feel like it knows exactly what it is doing. I have used it for still photos and Full HD video, and it has not once flaked out on me like a flaky sidekick in a movie. The five year warranty also gives me a nice little peace-of-mind hug. Honestly, I did not expect to be this emotionally attached to a memory card, but here we are. —Lillian Brooks
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Why the Canon PowerShot Elph 135 Digital Camera Is Necessary
I find the Canon PowerShot Elph 135 necessary because it gives me a simple, reliable way to capture everyday moments without the hassle of carrying a bulky camera. My phone is convenient, but this camera feels more focused on photography, and I like having a device that is made specifically to take pictures. It is easy for me to use, so I can quickly take photos without wasting time on complicated settings.
I also appreciate how portable it is. My life is busy, and I want something I can slip into my pocket or bag and take anywhere. The Canon PowerShot Elph 135 makes that possible, which means I’m more likely to actually use it when I’m traveling, spending time with family, or just noticing something worth remembering.
For me, it is necessary because it helps me preserve memories with better consistency and convenience. I like knowing I have a dedicated camera that is ready when I need it, especially for moments when I want more than just a quick phone snapshot.
My Buying Guides on Canon Powershot Elph 135 Digital Camera
My First Impressions
When I first looked at the Canon PowerShot Elph 135, what stood out to me was how compact and lightweight it is. I found it easy to carry in my pocket or small bag, which makes it a good option if I want a simple camera for travel, family outings, or everyday snapshots. Its slim design also gives it a straightforward, no-fuss feel.
Why I Considered It
I considered this camera because I wanted something easy to use without dealing with complicated settings. The Elph 135 is designed for basic point-and-shoot photography, so I felt it would suit someone like me who values convenience over advanced manual controls. It seemed especially appealing for casual users, beginners, or anyone looking for a backup camera.
Image Quality I Can Expect
From my perspective, the 16MP sensor is enough for everyday photos, social sharing, and small prints. I would not choose it for professional photography, but for simple family pictures, vacations, and quick shots, I think it delivers acceptable results. I also like that Canon cameras usually produce natural-looking colors, which matters to me when I want photos that look pleasant right away.
Zoom and Shooting Performance
I like that the 8x optical zoom gives me some flexibility when I want to capture subjects a little farther away. It is not extreme zoom, but for casual use I think it is practical. The camera’s performance feels best in good lighting, and I would expect it to work well for daytime photos, outdoor scenes, and everyday moments.
Ease of Use
One of the biggest reasons I would buy this camera is its simplicity. I prefer a camera that lets me point, shoot, and move on without spending too much time adjusting settings. The menu system and controls are easy to understand, so I feel it would be a comfortable choice even for someone using a digital camera for the first time.
Battery Life and Storage
For me, battery life is always important, especially when I travel. I would make sure to check how many shots I can get from a full charge or battery set, because that affects how practical the camera is for a full day out. I also like that it uses standard memory cards, which makes storage management simple and familiar.
Who I Think This Camera Is Best For
I think the Canon PowerShot Elph 135 is best for:
- Beginners who want a simple camera
- Casual photographers
- Travelers who want a lightweight backup camera
- Families looking for an easy-to-use digital camera
- Anyone who prefers convenience over advanced features
What I Would Watch Out For
If I were buying this camera, I would keep in mind that it is not meant for low-light photography or advanced creative control. I would also not expect modern features like touchscreen controls, 4K video, or Wi-Fi connectivity. For me, that means I should buy it only if I want a basic camera and not a feature-heavy one.
My Final Buying Advice
My advice is simple: I would buy the Canon PowerShot Elph 135 if I want an affordable, compact, and easy-to-use camera for everyday photography. It feels like a practical choice for someone who wants dependable basics without complexity. If I needed stronger image quality, better low-light performance, or more modern features, I would probably look at a newer model instead.
Final Thoughts
I think the Canon Powershot Elph 135 Digital Camera is a solid choice if you want a simple, compact camera for everyday use. My takeaway is that it offers easy operation, decent image quality, and a lightweight design that makes it convenient to carry anywhere. While it may not have the advanced features of newer models, I believe it still delivers good value for casual photographers.
Author Profile
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I’m Tiffany Tucker, a licensed barber and inventory coordinator based in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Years spent around textured hair, grooming tools, and everyday customer questions taught me to look beyond labels and pay attention to how products actually perform over time. I started Locks N Chops in 2026 to share practical, first person opinions shaped by real use, comparison, and research.
I’m especially drawn to products that make routines simpler, last longer, and feel worth the money. Away from work, I enjoy cooking, basketball, family time, and the small satisfaction of finding something useful that quietly earns a permanent place comfortably in daily life.
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