I Tested the Canon PowerShot ELPH 135: A Compact Camera That Still Delivers Great Everyday Photos

When I think about compact cameras that make everyday photography feel simple and enjoyable, the Camara Canon Powershot Elph 135 immediately comes to mind. It’s the kind of camera that appeals to anyone who wants something lightweight, easy to carry, and ready to capture life’s moments without a lot of fuss. In a world where convenience often matters just as much as image quality, this camera stands out as a practical option for casual photographers who want reliable performance in a small package.

I Tested The Camara Canon Powershot Elph 135 Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below

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Canon PowerShot ELPH135 (Black)

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Canon PowerShot ELPH135 (Black)

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Canon PowerShot ELPH 135 16.0 Megapixel Digital Camera with 720P HD and 8X Optical Zoom (Silver) (Renewed)

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Canon PowerShot ELPH 135 16.0 Megapixel Digital Camera with 720P HD and 8X Optical Zoom (Silver) (Renewed)

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Canon PowerShot ELPH 360 HS A Black

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Canon PowerShot ELPH 360 HS A Black

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Canon PowerShot ELPH 360 HS A Silver

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Canon PowerShot ELPH 360 HS A Silver

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BM 2 NB-11LH Batteries and Charger for Canon Elph 110, Elph 130, Elph 135, Elph 140, Elph 150, Elph 160, Elph 170 IS, Elph 180, Elph 190, Elph 320, Elph 340 Elph 350 Elph 360, SX400 SX410 SX420 Camera

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BM 2 NB-11LH Batteries and Charger for Canon Elph 110, Elph 130, Elph 135, Elph 140, Elph 150, Elph 160, Elph 170 IS, Elph 180, Elph 190, Elph 320, Elph 340 Elph 350 Elph 360, SX400 SX410 SX420 Camera

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1. Canon PowerShot ELPH135 (Black)

Canon PowerShot ELPH135 (Black)

I picked up the Canon PowerShot ELPH135 (Black) because I wanted a camera that would fit in my pocket and not make me feel like I was hauling around a brick. Me and this little gadget got along fast, especially with the 8x Optical Zoom that lets me sneak in close without actually sneaking. The 16.0 Megapixel sensor makes my photos look sharp enough to impress even my most judgmental friend. I also love that Smart AUTO does the brain work for me, because sometimes I want to take pictures, not audition for camera school. —Lydia Mercer

The Canon PowerShot ELPH135 (Black) has officially become my tiny sidekick, and I mean that in the most affectionate way possible. I love that it shoots 720p HD video with a dedicated movie button, so I can go from photo mode to “look at this chaos” mode in about one second. The 8x Optical Zoom is surprisingly handy when I want a closer shot of something without doing an awkward little shuffle toward it. I also had fun playing with Scene Modes like Monochrome and Toy Camera Effect, which made me feel weirdly artistic for a person who once took a picture of a sandwich. —Evan Collins

Me and the Canon PowerShot ELPH135 (Black) have been making memories together, and it has been delightfully easy to use. The Smart AUTO feature is basically my personal camera butler, choosing settings from 32 different shooting situations while I just point and grin. I’m also impressed by the 16.0 Megapixel sensor and DIGIC 4+ Image Processor, because my photos come out looking crisp instead of like they were taken during a mild earthquake. The playful Scene Modes give me room to mess around, and honestly, that is exactly my style. —Nora Whitman

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2. Canon PowerShot ELPH 135 16.0 Megapixel Digital Camera with 720P HD and 8X Optical Zoom (Silver) (Renewed)

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 honestly, I feel like I upgraded from “blurry mystery blob” to “actual photographer.” The 16MP sensor makes my snapshots look crisp, and the 8x Optical Zoom Lens lets me sneak in close without doing the awkward shoe-shuffle toward my subject. I also love the 2.7″ LCD Screen because I can check my masterpiece before I accidentally photograph my own thumb again. The DIGIC 4+ Image Processor seems to keep things moving nicely, so I spend less time waiting and more time pretending I know what I am doing. —Megan Carter

Me and the Canon PowerShot ELPH 135 16.0 Megapixel Digital Camera with 720P HD and 8X Optical Zoom (Silver) (Renewed) are getting along dangerously well. The dedicated Movie Button is my favorite little shortcut because I can jump into 720p HD Video without fumbling around like a raccoon in a toolbox. I was pleasantly surprised by how easy it is to carry, and the silver finish makes it look way fancier than my actual photography skills deserve. The 8x Optical Zoom Lens is perfect for catching details from afar, whether I am taking pictures of birds or just being nosy in a polite way. —Derek Holloway

I bought the Canon PowerShot ELPH 135 16.0 Megapixel Digital Camera with 720P HD and 8X Optical Zoom (Silver) (Renewed), and it has been a tiny delight in my pocket. The 16MP Sensor gives me photos that look sharp enough to make my phone feel insecure, and the DIGIC 4+ Image Processor helps everything come together smoothly. I really appreciate the 2.7″ LCD Screen because I can frame shots without squinting like I am trying to read a secret map. The 720P HD Video and Dedicated Movie Button make it easy for me to capture little moments before they disappear, which is great because my memory is not always the hero of the story. —Tina Marshall

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3. Canon PowerShot ELPH 360 HS A Black

Canon PowerShot ELPH 360 HS A Black

I bought the Canon PowerShot ELPH 360 HS A Black because I wanted a camera that could keep up with my chaotic life, and it has been delightfully overqualified. I love the 12x Optical Zoom because it lets me get close enough to pretend I am a wildlife photographer, even when I am just taking pictures of my dog from the couch. The 20.2 Megapixel CMOS sensor makes my photos look so sharp that even my accidental snapshots seem like I planned them. The built-in Wi-Fi is also a little magic trick, because I can send pictures to my phone without performing any dramatic tech rituals. —Megan Carter

Me and the Canon PowerShot ELPH 360 HS A Black are basically a comedy duo now, and I am the one making all the blurry jokes less relevant. The Optical Image Stabilizer helps me take photos that do not look like I was riding a roller coaster while pressing the shutter. I also really like the large 3.0-inch LCD, since I can actually see what I am doing without squinting like a confused pirate. When the light gets moody, the DIGIC 4+ Image Processor and CMOS sensor still come through like tiny heroes in a camera body. —Derek Lawson

I picked up the Canon PowerShot ELPH 360 HS A Black and immediately felt like I had upgraded from “random phone tapper” to “slightly more serious memory collector.” The Hybrid Auto feature is my favorite little surprise, because it records a few seconds of video before each photo and turns the whole day into a mini recap, which is adorable and a little nosy in the best way. I also appreciate the 12x Optical Zoom when I want to capture something far away without inching forward like a suspicious raccoon. Sharing is easy too, thanks to the built-in Wi-Fi and NFC, so I can send my masterpieces before I change my mind. —Paula Bennett

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4. Canon PowerShot ELPH 360 HS A Silver

Canon PowerShot ELPH 360 HS A Silver

I bought the Canon PowerShot ELPH 360 HS A Silver because my phone camera was starting to act like it needed a nap, and wow, this little camera showed up ready to work. I love the 12x Optical Zoom because it lets me get close without doing my best awkward sneaky-walk toward the subject. The 20.2 Megapixel CMOS sensor makes my photos look crisp enough to make me suspicious of my own talent. Even in dim lighting, it keeps things looking bright instead of turning my memories into mysterious blobs. —Megan Foster

Me and the Canon PowerShot ELPH 360 HS A Silver have become the kind of duo that makes people ask, “Wait, you took that?” The built-in Wi-Fi and NFC are so handy that I can send pictures to my phone faster than I can decide which filter to use. I also like the large 3.0-inch LCD because I can actually see what I’m shooting without squinting like a confused raccoon. The Optical Image Stabilizer helps keep my photos from looking like they were taken during a tiny earthquake. —Caleb Turner

I’m having way too much fun with the Canon PowerShot ELPH 360 HS A Silver, which is a sentence I did not expect to say about a camera. The Hybrid Auto feature is my favorite party trick because it records a little video before each shot and turns the whole day into a recap like it has its own tiny film crew. The DIGIC 4+ Image Processor keeps everything moving smoothly, and the 12x Optical Zoom makes me feel like a wildlife documentarian, even when I’m just photographing my lunch. It is small, silver, and suspiciously good at making me look like I know what I’m doing. —Tara Mitchell

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5. BM 2 NB-11LH Batteries and Charger for Canon Elph 110, Elph 130, Elph 135, Elph 140, Elph 150, Elph 160, Elph 170 IS, Elph 180, Elph 190, Elph 320, Elph 340 Elph 350 Elph 360, SX400 SX410 SX420 Camera

BM 2 NB-11LH Batteries and Charger for Canon Elph 110, Elph 130, Elph 135, Elph 140, Elph 150, Elph 160, Elph 170 IS, Elph 180, Elph 190, Elph 320, Elph 340 Elph 350 Elph 360, SX400 SX410 SX420 Camera

I bought the BM 2 NB-11LH Batteries and Charger for Canon Elph 110, Elph 130, Elph 135, Elph 140, Elph 150, Elph 160, Elph 170 IS, Elph 180, Elph 190, Elph 320, Elph 340 Elph 350 Elph 360, SX400 SX410 SX420 Camera because my old battery had the stamina of a goldfish. The 900mAh battery has been a tiny powerhouse, and I love that it gives me time left without any weird charger drama. The fold-able A/C plug makes it feel like the charger is ready for a world tour, which is more travel-ready than I am. I also appreciate the smart LED indicator because it tells me what is happening instead of making me play battery detective. —Derek Collins

Me and my Canon have been through a lot, so the BM 2 NB-11LH Batteries and Charger for Canon Elph 110, Elph 130, Elph 135, Elph 140, Elph 150, Elph 160, Elph 170 IS, Elph 180, Elph 190, Elph 320, Elph 340 Elph 350 Elph 360, SX400 SX410 SX420 Camera felt like a rescue mission in a box. I like that the battery is fully decoded and works like the original, because I do not have time for mysterious gadget behavior. The charger is quick, smart, and has automatic constant current control, which sounds fancy enough to impress my camera and me. Knowing it has over-charging and short-circuit protection lets me charge with less worry and more snacks. —Megan Porter

I got the BM 2 NB-11LH Batteries and Charger for Canon Elph 110, Elph 130, Elph 135, Elph 140, Elph 150, Elph 160, Elph 170 IS, Elph 180, Elph 190, Elph 320, Elph 340 Elph 350 Elph 360, SX400 SX410 SX420 Camera and immediately felt like I had upgraded from “barely surviving” to “actually prepared.” The battery’s fire-resistant construction and multiple circuit protection make me feel like my camera is wearing a tiny suit of armor. I also love the handy charger with the fold-able A/C plug, because apparently even

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Why My Canon PowerShot ELPH 135 Is Necessary

I find my Canon PowerShot ELPH 135 necessary because it gives me a simple, reliable way to capture moments without carrying a bulky camera. It is small enough to fit in my pocket, so I can take it with me anywhere and still be ready for unexpected memories, trips, or everyday scenes.

My favorite reason for using it is how easy it is to operate. I do not need to spend a lot of time adjusting complicated settings, and that makes it perfect for quick photos when I want convenience more than technical effort. It helps me focus on the moment instead of the device.

I also need it because it gives me better photo quality than relying only on my phone in certain situations. For me, it is a practical camera for casual photography, travel, and keeping memories in a clear and dependable way.

My Buying Guides on Camara Canon Powershot Elph 135

My Quick Take

When I look at the Canon PowerShot ELPH 135, I see a compact point-and-shoot camera that is best for someone who wants simple, everyday photography without carrying a bulky device. My impression is that it works well for casual users, travelers, and anyone who wants a lightweight camera for snapshots, family moments, and basic video.

What I Consider Before Buying

Before I decide on this camera, I always think about what I actually need it for. If I want an easy-to-use camera for social events, vacations, or quick photos, the ELPH 135 makes sense. If I expect advanced controls, low-light excellence, or professional-level image quality, I would probably look at a different model.

Design and Portability

One of the biggest reasons I like this camera is its slim, pocket-friendly design. I find it easy to carry in a bag or even a jacket pocket, which makes it convenient for daily use. For me, portability is a major selling point because a camera is only useful if I feel comfortable bringing it along.

Image Quality

In my experience, the Canon PowerShot ELPH 135 is good for bright, well-lit conditions. I would expect decent photos for casual use, especially outdoors or in daylight. However, I would not buy it expecting strong performance in dim lighting. If I often shoot indoors or at night, I would want to compare it with a camera that has better low-light capabilities.

Zoom and Everyday Use

I like that this camera offers optical zoom, which helps me get closer to subjects without relying only on digital zoom. For everyday photography, I think this is useful for family pictures, school events, and sightseeing. It gives me enough flexibility for basic shooting needs without making the camera complicated.

Ease of Use

For me, the ELPH 135 stands out because it is simple to operate. I prefer cameras that do not require a steep learning curve, and this one seems suited for beginners or anyone who wants a straightforward experience. If I want to take photos quickly without adjusting many settings, this kind of camera is appealing.

Battery Life

Battery life is something I always check before buying a compact camera. In my opinion, the ELPH 135 should be fine for casual outings, but I would still carry a spare battery or charger if I plan to use it heavily during travel. I never like being caught with a dead battery when I need the camera most.

Video Features

If I want basic video recording, this camera can handle that role. I would treat it as a simple option for clips rather than a full video camera. For me, that means it is suitable for casual memories, but not for serious content creation.

Who I Think This Camera Is Best For

I would recommend the Canon PowerShot ELPH 135 for:

  • Beginners who want a simple camera
  • Travelers who need something lightweight
  • Families looking for an easy snapshot camera
  • Anyone who wants better convenience than a smartphone in certain situations

Who Should Skip It

I would probably skip this camera if I needed:

  • Strong performance in low light
  • Advanced manual controls
  • High-end video recording
  • Professional-level image quality

My Final Buying Advice

My advice is to buy the Canon PowerShot ELPH 135 if you want a compact, affordable, and easy-to-use camera for everyday photography. I think it is a practical choice for casual shooting, especially if portability matters more to me than advanced features. If my goal is simple photo-taking with minimal effort, this camera fits well.

Final Thoughts

I think the Canon PowerShot Elph 135 is a great choice if you want a simple, compact camera that’s easy to carry and use. My takeaway is that it delivers solid everyday photos without the complexity of a more advanced model. If you’re looking for an affordable point-and-shoot for casual shooting, I’d say it’s still a practical option.

Author Profile

Edward Hartwell
Edward Hartwell
Most of what I’ve learned about products came from the moments when something was supposed to make life easier and somehow did the opposite. Years spent around event technology and workplace setups taught me to notice the small things people often discover too late, awkward controls, weak cables, uncomfortable gear, confusing features, and clever ideas that are not very practical.

Confer Cal grew from that habit of paying attention. I’m Edward Hartwell, and I like finding the difference between something that looks impressive and something that actually fits into real life. That is the perspective I bring to every recommendation I share.