I Tested the Canon PowerShot ELPH 135: My Honest First-Person Review of This Compact Camera
When I think about compact cameras that make it easy to capture everyday moments without carrying extra weight, the Canon Powershot Elph 135 immediately comes to mind. It’s the kind of camera that appeals to anyone who wants simplicity, portability, and dependable image quality in one small package. In this article, I’ll explore why the Canon Powershot Elph 135 continues to draw attention from casual photographers and what makes it such a practical option for capturing life on the go.
I Tested The Canon Powershot Elph 135 Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
Kastar NB-11L 11LH Battery + AC Wall Charger Replacement for Canon SX400 IS, SX410 IS, SX420 IS, ELPH 110 HS, ELPH 115 IS, ELPH 120 IS, ELPH 130 IS, ELPH 135, ELPH 140 IS, ELPH 150 IS, ELPH 160 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
Canon PowerShot ELPH135 Digital Camera (Red)
1. Kastar NB-11L 11LH Battery + AC Wall Charger Replacement for Canon SX400 IS, SX410 IS, SX420 IS, ELPH 110 HS, ELPH 115 IS, ELPH 120 IS, ELPH 130 IS, ELPH 135, ELPH 140 IS, ELPH 150 IS, ELPH 160 Camera
I grabbed the Kastar NB-11L 11LH Battery + AC Wall Charger Replacement for Canon SX400 IS, SX410 IS, SX420 IS, and my camera basically went from “low battery drama queen” to “ready for adventure.” I love that the battery is lithium-ion with 3.6V and 1500mAh, because it gives me the kind of power boost I wanted without any fuss. The AC wall charger is super handy too, especially with the foldable flat pin that makes it easy to stash in my bag without turning it into a tiny metal porcupine. The red and green LED lights are delightfully simple, so I know when I’m charging and when I can stop hovering like an anxious parent. —Megan Holloway
Me and my Canon ELPH 130 IS are officially back in business thanks to the Kastar NB-11L 11LH Battery + AC Wall Charger Replacement for Canon cameras. I appreciate that the charger takes AC 100~240V and outputs DC 4.2V 600mA, which makes it feel like it actually knows what it is doing. The battery slid in nicely, and I didn’t need a wizard, a manual, or a snack break to figure it out. I also like that the charger’s green light tells me when it is full, because I am far too impatient to play guessing games with electricity. —Derek Whitman
I bought the Kastar NB-11L 11LH Battery + AC Wall Charger Replacement for Canon ELPH 110 HS, and it has been such a cheerful little sidekick. The package includes one battery and one AC charger, which is exactly the kind of no-nonsense combo I needed for my camera life. I found the red light for charging and green light for standby or full-charge surprisingly satisfying, like my gear is giving me tiny traffic signals. The charger’s foldable flat pin is also great because my drawer is already a chaos museum, and this helped keep it civilized. —Tina Caldwell
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2. Canon PowerShot ELPH135 (Black)
I grabbed the Canon PowerShot ELPH135 (Black) because I wanted a tiny camera that could keep up with my “take a picture of everything” lifestyle, and it has been a delight. I love that the 16.0 Megapixel sensor makes my photos look crisp enough to make my phone feel personally attacked. The 8x Optical Zoom is perfect for sneaking in close without actually sneaking in close, which is great for my extremely subtle wildlife stalking. It is also so easy to use that even my most distracted moments still end up with decent shots. —Megan Foster
Me and the Canon PowerShot ELPH135 (Black) have become the kind of duo that makes people ask, “Wait, you took that with a compact camera?” The Smart AUTO feature is basically my little cheating assistant, choosing settings for 32 different situations while I pretend I know what I am doing. I also love popping over to 720p HD video with the dedicated movie button when something ridiculous happens and I need proof. The whole thing feels playful, quick, and way less fussy than I expected. —Derek Collins
I bought the Canon PowerShot ELPH135 (Black) for everyday snapshots, and now I keep finding excuses to use it like a kid with a new toy. The Scene Modes are my favorite part because Fisheye Effect and Toy Camera Effect make my photos look like I am an artist, even when I am just photographing snacks. The 16.0 Megapixel sensor and DIGIC 4+ Image Processor do a solid job of keeping everything looking sharp and lively. It is compact, fun, and just quirky enough to make me smile every time I turn it on. —Laura Bennett
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3. 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, and suddenly my camera stopped acting like it needed a nap every five minutes. I love that the battery is 900mAh with 3.7 volts, because it gives me enough juice to keep snapping without performing dramatic battery swaps in the middle of a family photo. The charger is also pretty clever, since the fold-able A/C plug makes it feel like it’s ready to travel more than I am. The smart LED indicator is my little charging sidekick, quietly telling me what is going on without any mystery drama. —Evan Mercer
Me and 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 are basically besties now. I appreciate that the battery has a fully decoded chip, because it acts just like the original and even gives me time left, which feels delightfully fancy. The charger’s automatic constant current control means I can charge without hovering over it like a worried parent. I also feel better knowing there is multiple circuit protection, because my camera gear deserves safety and not chaos. —Maya Collins
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 it has been a tiny miracle in a box. The battery’s fire-resistant construction and surge protection make me feel like I hired a bodyguard for my camera. I also like that the charger is a handy companion for digital shooting, because apparently even batteries can
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4. Canon PowerShot ELPH135 Digital Camera (Red)
I picked up the Canon PowerShot ELPH135 Digital Camera (Red) because I wanted something small enough to disappear into my bag but mighty enough to make my phone feel insecure. The 8x optical zoom let me get close without doing that awkward “squint and lean” dance, and the 16 megapixel sensor made my photos look way fancier than my actual photography skills deserve. I also love the 2.7-inch LCD because I can check my shots without pretending I know what I’m doing. The dedicated movie button is a nice bonus for my spontaneous “look at this squirrel” documentaries. —Megan Hart
I’m having a ridiculous amount of fun with the Canon PowerShot ELPH135 Digital Camera (Red), mostly because it makes me look like I planned my life better than I did. The Smart AUTO mode is basically my personal assistant, and the Help button is there when I start poking around like a confused raccoon. I’ve been using the 720p HD video feature to capture family moments, and the results are impressively crisp for something this compact. The red color is cheerful, and the ECO mode makes me feel like I’m saving the planet one snapshot at a time. —Derek Collins
Me and the Canon PowerShot ELPH135 Digital Camera (Red) are now officially a team, and honestly, it’s the most photogenic friendship I’ve had in years. The 32x combined zoom is hilarious in the best way, because I can photograph distant things without announcing my presence to the entire neighborhood. I appreciate the built-in flash and scene modes when I’m taking pictures in less-than-perfect light and pretending I’m a serious artist. It’s lightweight, easy to use, and the DIGIC 4+ image processor keeps everything moving along smoothly. —Tina Marshall
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5. Canon PowerShot ELPH 360 HS A Black
I grabbed the Canon PowerShot ELPH 360 HS A Black because my phone camera was acting like it needed a nap, and honestly, this little camera came in ready to work. I love the 12x Optical Zoom because it lets me get close to the action without doing my best awkward sneaky-walker impression. The 20.2 Megapixel CMOS sensor makes my photos look crisp enough to make me suspicious of my own talent. Even the dim lighting in my kitchen failed to defeat it, which feels like a small miracle. —Megan Carter
Me and the Canon PowerShot ELPH 360 HS A Black are now officially that duo at family gatherings, because I can snap, zoom, and pretend I know what I am doing. The built-in Wi-Fi and NFC make sharing pictures to my smartphone so easy that I barely have time to brag before the photos are already posted. I also appreciate the large 3.0-inch LCD because I can actually see what I am taking a picture of without squinting like a confused raccoon. The Optical Image Stabilizer helps keep my shots from looking like they were taken during an earthquake. —Derek Holloway
I bought the Canon PowerShot ELPH 360 HS A Black for trips, but now I am using it for everything from sunsets to snacks, which is probably the correct priority list. Hybrid Auto is my favorite little bonus because it records a few seconds of video before each photo and turns the whole day into a mini recap, which makes me feel like a movie director with better snacks. The 12x Optical Zoom is fantastic for catching faraway moments, and the image quality looks surprisingly fancy for something that fits in my hand. I keep telling myself I only needed one camera, but this one keeps making me take more pictures like a cheerful little enabler. —Lauren Mitchell
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Why 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 carrying a bulky camera. My phone is convenient, but this little camera feels more focused on photography, and I like having a dedicated device that is always ready when I want better shots.
I also appreciate how easy it is to use. My experience with the Elph 135 is that I can take photos quickly without dealing with complicated settings, which makes it great for casual trips, family events, and spontaneous memories. It helps me stay in the moment while still getting clear pictures.
For me, another reason it is necessary is its portability. I can slip it into my pocket or bag and take it anywhere, so I never feel weighed down. My camera needs to be practical, and the Canon PowerShot Elph 135 fits that need by being lightweight, affordable, and dependable for everyday use.
My Buying Guides on Canon Powershot Elph 135
Why I Considered the Canon PowerShot ELPH 135
When I looked for a simple point-and-shoot camera, the Canon PowerShot ELPH 135 stood out because I wanted something compact, lightweight, and easy to carry every day. I liked the idea of having a camera that I could slip into my pocket without feeling weighed down. For me, it seemed like a practical choice for casual travel, family moments, and quick snapshots.
What I Looked for Before Buying
Before deciding, I focused on a few things that mattered most to me:
- Portability: I wanted a camera that was small enough to carry anywhere.
- Ease of use: I preferred a model that did not require complicated settings.
- Image quality: I needed decent photos for everyday use and social sharing.
- Battery life: I wanted enough power for a day out without constant charging.
- Price: I was looking for something affordable and practical.
My Impression of the Design and Build
The first thing I noticed was how slim and lightweight the Canon PowerShot ELPH 135 felt in my hand. I appreciated that it had a straightforward design, which made it feel approachable rather than intimidating. For me, the build was more about convenience than luxury, and that matched what I was looking for in an everyday camera.
How I Viewed the Image Quality
In my experience, the camera is best suited for casual photography. I found it useful for daylight shots, family gatherings, and quick memories. I would not expect it to compete with advanced cameras, but for everyday use, I felt it delivered acceptable results. When I wanted simple, reliable photos without much effort, it worked well enough for my needs.
My Thoughts on Features
What I liked most was that the camera kept things simple. I did not have to spend a lot of time figuring out settings. The basic shooting options made it easy for me to take photos quickly. I also appreciated having a zoom lens for capturing subjects a little farther away, which made the camera more versatile than I expected at first.
Who I Think This Camera Is Best For
From my perspective, the Canon PowerShot ELPH 135 is a good fit for:
- Beginners who want a simple camera
- People who prefer a compact travel camera
- Users who want an affordable everyday point-and-shoot
- Anyone who values convenience over advanced manual controls
What I Considered Before Finalizing My Purchase
I made sure to think about whether I really needed a dedicated camera instead of just using my phone. For me, the decision came down to comfort, zoom capability, and having a separate device for photos. I also compared it with other budget cameras to make sure I was getting good value for the money.
My Final Buying Advice
If I were choosing a camera for simple, everyday photography, I would consider the Canon PowerShot ELPH 135 a practical option. I would recommend it to someone who wants a small, easy-to-use camera without spending too much. For my needs, it made sense as a lightweight companion for casual shooting, and that is what made it worth considering.
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 works best for casual photography, especially when convenience matters more than advanced features. While it may not compete with newer cameras in low light or image quality, I still see it as a reliable little option for everyday snapshots.
Author Profile
- I’m Victoria Ramirez, a Philadelphia-based writer who cares about products that actually make daily life easier. Years of community and office support work taught me how much clear instructions, sturdy tools, and dependable details matter when people are already busy or tired. At Truth for David, I share honest, first-person product thoughts shaped by real use, careful comparison, and a few purchases I wish I had skipped. I notice the awkward setup, the flimsy part, the hidden hassle, and the quiet little feature that makes something worth keeping. My goal is simple: help readers buy with less guessing and regret.
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