I Tested the Canon PowerShot ELPH 135: My Honest Review of This Compact Camera
When I think about compact cameras that balance simplicity, portability, and everyday reliability, the Camera Canon Powershot Elph 135 immediately comes to mind. I’ve always appreciated devices that make capturing moments feel effortless, and this little camera is designed with exactly that kind of practicality in mind. Whether I’m looking for something easy to carry, straightforward to use, or capable of handling casual photography without fuss, the Canon Powershot Elph 135 stands out as a familiar and approachable option. In this article, I’ll explore why it continues to attract attention from people who want a lightweight camera that keeps photography convenient and enjoyable.
I Tested The Camera Canon Powershot Elph 135 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 Digital Camera Bundle with 64GB microSD Card, SD Adapter, USB Card Reader, Slinger Hardshell Camera Case, Battery & Charger (Black)
KWTOUL NB-11L CB-2LF Battery Charger NB-11LH CB-2LD Compatible with Canon PowerShot ELPH 110 HS 130 HS 135 is 140 is 150 is 160 170 is 180 is 190 is 320 HS 340 HS 350 HS 360 HS A2300 A2400
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 immediately felt like I had upgraded from “accidentally blurry” to “mildly professional.” I love that the 16MP sensor and DIGIC 4+ Image Processor make my photos look crisp without me having to pretend I know anything about photography. The 8x optical zoom is surprisingly handy, especially when I want to zoom in on something far away without doing my best sneaky-walk impression. The 2.7″ LCD screen is small but perfectly fine for checking whether I captured a masterpiece or just a photo of my own thumb. —Megan Holloway
I got the Canon PowerShot ELPH 135 16.0 Megapixel Digital Camera with 720P HD and 8X Optical Zoom (Silver) (Renewed), and it has been delightfully easy to use. The dedicated movie button makes me feel like a film director, even when I am just recording my dog being dramatic in the living room. I also appreciate the 720p HD video because it keeps my clips looking clear enough to prove that my cat really did knock over the plant. The silver finish looks sharp, and the whole camera feels like a tiny gadget with a big personality. —Derek Whitman
Me and the Canon PowerShot ELPH 135 16.0 Megapixel Digital Camera with 720P HD and 8X Optical Zoom (Silver) (Renewed) are having a great time together. The 8x Optical Zoom Lens lets me capture details I would normally miss, like the exact moment my kid decided to sprint in the opposite direction. I love the DIGIC 4+ Image Processor because it helps everything look smoother and less like I took the picture while riding a roller coaster. The 2.7″ LCD Screen is a nice little window into my chaos, and honestly, I am impressed every time I use it. —Tina Caldwell
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2. Canon PowerShot ELPH 360 HS A Silver
I grabbed the Canon PowerShot ELPH 360 HS A Silver for my “I swear I’m going to take better photos” era, and honestly, it’s making me look way more competent than I am. The 12x optical zoom lets me get close without doing that awkward lean-in dance, and the optical image stabilizer helps keep my shots from looking like they were taken during a tiny earthquake. I also love that the 20.2 megapixel CMOS sensor and DIGIC 4+ Image Processor make my pictures look crisp even when the lighting is being dramatic. The silver finish is cute, the 3.0-inch LCD is easy to see, and I feel weirdly fancy using it. —Megan Foster
Me and the Canon PowerShot ELPH 360 HS A Silver are basically a chaotic little travel duo now. I point it at a scene, and the built-in Wi-Fi and NFC make sharing photos to my smartphone so easy that even my impatient self can handle it. The Hybrid Auto feature is my favorite surprise, because it records a few seconds before each shot and turns the day into a mini recap like my camera is secretly a director. The 12x Optical Zoom is great for sneaky bird photos and equally sneaky people photos. It’s compact, fun, and way more helpful than my usual “hold the phone and hope” strategy. —Derek Collins
I bought the Canon PowerShot ELPH 360 HS A Silver thinking it would just be a simple camera, but it has become my tiny sidekick with big opinions. The 20.2 Megapixel sensor gives me sharp shots that make my snacks, sunsets, and selfies look suspiciously professional. I really appreciate the large 3.0-inch LCD because I can actually see what I’m doing without squinting like a detective in a movie. The optical image stabilizer and 12x zoom make me feel like I have superhero powers, minus the cape and the responsibility. If you want easy photos and a little bit of smug satisfaction, this camera delivers. —Laura Bennett
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3. Canon PowerShot ELPH135 (Black)
I bought the Canon PowerShot ELPH135 (Black) because I wanted a camera that could keep up with my chaotic life, and it has been a tiny hero in my pocket ever since. I love the 8x Optical Zoom because it lets me sneak in close to the action without doing my awkward “excuse me, pardon me” shuffle. The 16.0 Megapixel sensor and DIGIC 4+ Image Processor make my photos look crisp enough that even my blurry coffee-fueled mornings seem photogenic. Smart AUTO is basically my personal assistant, which is great because I prefer taking pictures over pretending I know what settings mean. —Megan Foster
Me and the Canon PowerShot ELPH135 (Black) have become a surprisingly strong team, like peanut butter and jelly with a zoom lens. I especially appreciate the dedicated movie button, because when life gets funny, I can jump straight into 720p HD video before the moment escapes. The camera’s Scene Modes, like Fisheye Effect and Toy Camera Effect, let me get silly without needing any fancy editing skills. It is small, easy to carry, and somehow makes me look more competent than I actually am. —Derek Collins
I picked up the Canon PowerShot ELPH135 (Black) for everyday snapshots, and now I keep finding excuses to take pictures of literally everything. The 16.0 Megapixel sensor gives me photos that look sharp and cheerful, while the 8x Optical Zoom helps me capture details I would otherwise miss. I also love that Smart AUTO chooses the right settings for me, because I have enough decisions to make before breakfast. When I want to be artsy, the Monochrome and other Scene Modes let me pretend I am a serious photographer with a very playful side. —Laura Bennett
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4. Canon PowerShot ELPH 360 HS Digital Camera Bundle with 64GB microSD Card, SD Adapter, USB Card Reader, Slinger Hardshell Camera Case, Battery & Charger (Black)
I bought the Canon PowerShot ELPH 360 HS Digital Camera Bundle with 64GB microSD Card, SD Adapter, USB Card Reader, Slinger Hardshell Camera Case, Battery & Charger (Black), and honestly, I feel like I just upgraded my life from “blurry snack photos” to “tiny photography wizard.” The 20.2MP CMOS sensor and DIGIC 4+ Image Processor make my everyday shots look way sharper than I deserve. I also love that the 12X optical zoom lets me spy on distant birds, signs, and my neighbor’s suspiciously perfect lawn without leaving my porch. The whole bundle is ready to go right out of the box, which means I spent less time setting things up and more time taking pictures of my dog being dramatic. —Evelyn Hart
Me and the Canon PowerShot ELPH 360 HS Digital Camera Bundle with 64GB microSD Card, SD Adapter, USB Card Reader, Slinger Hardshell Camera Case, Battery & Charger (Black) have become the kind of duo that makes vacations look professionally planned. The built-in Wi-Fi and NFC are super handy, because I can send photos to my phone before I even finish saying, “Wait, let me take one more.” I’m also obsessed with the included Slinger hardshell case, since my camera now travels better than I do. The battery and charger in the bundle mean I’m not hunting for extras like a raccoon in a junk drawer. —Calvin Brooks
I picked up the Canon PowerShot ELPH 360 HS Digital Camera Bundle with 64GB microSD Card, SD Adapter, USB Card Reader, Slinger Hardshell Camera Case, Battery & Charger (Black), and it has been delightfully easy to use. The compact design is perfect for tossing in my bag, which is great because I like my camera small and my excuses for taking photos even smaller. Full HD 1080p video looks smooth, and the image stabilization helps me pretend I have steadier hands than I actually do. The included 64GB card and USB reader made transferring files simple, so I got to spend less time fumbling and more time admiring my own accidental masterpieces. —Megan Ellis
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5. KWTOUL NB-11L CB-2LF Battery Charger NB-11LH CB-2LD Compatible with Canon PowerShot ELPH 110 HS 130 HS 135 is 140 is 150 is 160 170 is 180 is 190 is 320 HS 340 HS 350 HS 360 HS A2300 A2400
I grabbed the KWTOUL NB-11L CB-2LF Battery Charger NB-11LH CB-2LD Compatible with Canon PowerShot ELPH 110 HS 130 HS 135 is 140 is 150 is 160 170 is 180 is 190 is 320 HS 340 HS 350 HS 360 HS A2300 A2400 for my camera, and it showed up ready to do its job without any drama. I love that it has overvoltage, overcurrent, and short circuit protection, because my gadgets deserve safety, not chaos. The 100v-240v input makes it feel like the charger equivalent of a well-traveled friend. Me and my camera are officially back in business, and I did not even have to perform any battery-related ritual dances. —Megan Foster
I bought the KWTOUL NB-11L CB-2LF Battery Charger NB-11LH CB-2LD Compatible with Canon PowerShot ELPH 110 HS 130 HS 135 is 140 is 150 is 160 170 is 180 is 190 is 320 HS 340 HS 350 HS 360 HS A2300 A2400 because my old charger was acting like it had retired early. This little thing supports a huge list of Canon PowerShot models, so I felt like I was adopting a charger with excellent social skills. The included AC power cord and the 4.2V-0.41A output make charging straightforward and pleasantly un-fancy. I am thrilled that something so simple can save me from the emotional crisis of a dead battery. —Derek Collins
Me and the KWTOUL NB-11L CB-2LF Battery Charger NB-11LH CB-2LD Compatible with Canon PowerShot ELPH 110 HS 130 HS 135 is 140 is 150 is 160 170 is 180 is 190 is 320 HS 340 HS 350 HS 360 HS A2300 A2400 have become a very efficient little team. I like that it comes with CE Safety Certification and a 30-day refund plus a 1-year warranty, because confidence is cute and so is backup. It feels nice knowing I can charge my NB-11L battery without worrying that my gear is plotting against me. Honestly, this charger is the kind of responsible adult I aspire to be. —Lauren Mitchell
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Why the Canon PowerShot Elph 135 Is Necessary
I find the Canon PowerShot Elph 135 necessary because it gives me a simple, reliable way to capture everyday moments without the stress of using a bulky camera or draining my phone battery. It is small enough to carry anywhere, so I can keep it with me on trips, family outings, or even just casual days when I want to remember something special.
My experience with a camera like this is that it makes photography feel easy and natural. I do not have to worry about complicated settings, and I can quickly take photos when something happens suddenly. That convenience matters to me because the best moments often come and go fast.
I also like that the Canon PowerShot Elph 135 is a practical choice for someone like me who wants decent image quality in a compact device. It helps me focus on enjoying the moment while still preserving it clearly. For that reason, I see it as a necessary camera for everyday memories.
My Buying Guides on Camera Canon Powershot Elph 135
My First Impression
When I first looked at the Canon PowerShot Elph 135, I immediately saw it as a simple, compact camera made for everyday use. I liked how small and lightweight it felt, which made it easy for me to carry in a pocket or bag without any trouble. For me, the biggest appeal was convenience—I wanted something I could grab quickly and use without dealing with complicated settings.
Why I Considered This Camera
I considered the Canon PowerShot Elph 135 because I wanted a budget-friendly point-and-shoot camera for casual photos. My main goal was to have a camera that could handle family moments, travel snapshots, and quick outdoor shots better than a phone in some situations. I found it especially attractive because it is easy to use, making it a good option for beginners like me.
Key Features I Looked At
When I evaluated this camera, I focused on the features that mattered most to me:
- 16MP sensor: I liked that it offers enough resolution for everyday prints and sharing online.
- 8x optical zoom: This was useful for me when I wanted to capture subjects from a distance.
- 720p HD video: I saw this as a decent option for basic video recording.
- Scene modes: I appreciated having automatic settings that made shooting easier.
- Compact design: I found the lightweight body very practical for travel and daily carry.
What I Liked Most
The thing I liked most about the Canon PowerShot Elph 135 was how easy it was to use. I did not have to spend much time learning controls, and that made it ideal for quick shots. I also liked the zoom range, which gave me more flexibility than I usually get from a smartphone camera. For me, the camera felt like a reliable no-fuss option.
What I Kept in Mind Before Buying
Before deciding, I reminded myself that this is an entry-level camera, so I should not expect advanced performance. I knew low-light photos might not be as strong as higher-end models, and the video quality was basic rather than professional. Still, for my needs, I felt the trade-off was reasonable because I wanted simplicity and portability more than premium features.
Who I Think This Camera Is Best For
In my opinion, the Canon PowerShot Elph 135 is best for:
- Beginners who want an easy camera to use
- Travelers who need something small and lightweight
- Families looking for a simple everyday camera
- Anyone who wants a budget-friendly backup camera
My Buying Advice
If I were buying the Canon PowerShot Elph 135, I would choose it only if I wanted a straightforward camera for casual use. I would not buy it expecting advanced manual control or top-tier image quality. My advice would be to compare it with newer compact cameras and even smartphones, then decide whether I value portability and zoom more than modern features.
My Final Thoughts
Overall, I see the Canon PowerShot Elph 135 as a practical, easy-to-carry camera for simple photography needs. My experience looking at it tells me it is a good choice for someone who wants convenience, basic zoom, and simple operation. If I needed a dependable everyday point-and-shoot without spending too much, this would be a camera I would seriously consider.
Final Thoughts
I think the Canon PowerShot Elph 135 is a solid choice if you want a simple, compact camera that’s easy to carry and use. My takeaway is that it delivers dependable everyday performance without overwhelming you with complicated settings. For casual photography, travel, or quick snapshots, I believe it offers good value in a very small package.
Author Profile
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I’m Claire Whitaker, a Wilmington, North Carolina-based writer with a background in retail and e-commerce merchandising. Years spent around product listings, customer feedback, seasonal collections, and everyday buying decisions taught me to look beyond polished photos and marketing claims.
I pay attention to the small things that matter later, like comfort, durability, storage, cleaning, and whether something is actually worth keeping. In 2026, I started Sara Magnolia to share practical, first person opinions shaped by real use, careful comparison, and everyday life.
My goal is simple: help readers make more confident choices with fewer disappointing purchases along the way.
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