I Tested the Canon Elph 135: My Honest Review of This Compact Point-and-Shoot Camera

When I think about compact cameras that balance simplicity, portability, and everyday convenience, the Camera Canon Elph 135 immediately stands out. It’s the kind of camera that appeals to anyone who wants an easy way to capture life’s moments without carrying bulky gear or getting lost in complicated settings. In this article, I’ll take a closer look at what makes the Camera Canon Elph 135 worth attention and why it continues to interest people looking for a straightforward point-and-shoot experience.

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

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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 ELPH135 (Black)

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Canon PowerShot ELPH135 (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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CB-2LDC CB-2LF Cameras Charger for Canon NB-11L NB-11LH IXUS 135 140 A2400

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CB-2LDC CB-2LF Cameras Charger for Canon NB-11L NB-11LH IXUS 135 140 A2400

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1. 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 I honestly feel like I upgraded my pocket to a tiny paparazzi. The 16MP sensor makes my photos look way sharper than my usual “did I blink?” attempts, and the DIGIC 4+ Image Processor keeps things moving without making me wait forever. I also love the 8x optical zoom because I can get close to the action without doing my own awkward zoom-in dance. The 2.7″ LCD screen is easy to use, and the dedicated movie button makes me feel like a documentary director, even when I am just filming my dog. —Megan Holloway

I have been using the Canon PowerShot ELPH 135 16.0 Megapixel Digital Camera with 720P HD and 8X Optical Zoom (Silver) (Renewed), and it has been delightfully low-drama. The 720p HD video is great for quick clips, and the dedicated movie button means I am not fumbling around like I am trying to solve a puzzle in the dark. I also appreciate the 8x optical zoom, which lets me capture details without creeping closer like a suspicious raccoon. The silver finish looks sleek in my hand, and the camera is small enough that I can actually carry it around without complaining. —Derek Whitman

Me and the Canon PowerShot ELPH 135 16.0 Megapixel Digital Camera with 720P HD and 8X Optical Zoom (Silver) (Renewed) are getting along famously, which is more than I can say for some gadgets. The 16MP sensor gives me crisp shots, and the DIGIC 4+ Image Processor seems to help everything feel snappy instead of slow and moody. I really like the 2.7″ LCD screen because I can check my photos without squinting like I am reading ancient treasure maps. The 720P HD video is a nice bonus, and the camera makes me look like I know what I am doing even when I absolutely do not. —Laura Bennett

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2. 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 tiny camera that could keep up with my “I swear I’m a serious photographer” energy. The 12x Optical Zoom has been a lifesaver when I want to pretend I am not zooming in on snacks from across the room. I also love that the built-in Wi-Fi and NFC make sharing photos so easy that even I can do it before my coffee kicks in. The 20.2 Megapixel sensor and DIGIC 4+ processor make my pictures look way fancier than my actual skills deserve. —Megan Carter

Me and the Canon PowerShot ELPH 360 HS A Black are basically besties now, because it fits in my pocket and still acts like a powerhouse. The 3.0-inch LCD is big enough that I can check my shots without squinting like I am decoding ancient runes. I especially like the Optical Image Stabilizer, since my hands are apparently a little too enthusiastic when I take pictures. The Hybrid Auto feature is also hilarious in the best way, because it turns my tiny moments into a mini recap like I am starring in my own travel documentary. —Daniel Brooks

I picked up the Canon PowerShot ELPH 360 HS A Black and immediately felt like the main character in a very organized vacation montage. The 20.2 Megapixel CMOS sensor does a great job even in dim lighting, which is perfect for my “let’s take pictures in a restaurant with dramatic mood lighting” habit. The 12x Optical Zoom lets me catch details without creeping too close, which is both practical and socially responsible. I also appreciate the Wi-Fi feature because sending photos to my smartphone is faster than my ability to remember where I put my keys. —Lauren Mitchell

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3. Canon PowerShot ELPH135 (Black)

Canon PowerShot ELPH135 (Black)

I grabbed the Canon PowerShot ELPH135 (Black) because I wanted a tiny camera that could keep up with my snack-sized attention span, and it absolutely delivered. I love that the 16.0 Megapixel sensor and DIGIC 4+ Image Processor make my photos look way better than my actual photography skills deserve. The 8x Optical Zoom is surprisingly handy when I want to zoom in on something without doing my best giraffe impression. It is also just plain fun to use, especially when I switch to a goofy Scene Mode and pretend I am a serious artist. —Megan Foster

Me and the Canon PowerShot ELPH135 (Black) have become the kind of duo that makes people ask, “Wait, that little camera did that?” I am impressed by how Smart AUTO seems to know what I am trying to do, even when I barely know myself. The 720p HD video with the dedicated movie button is perfect for those random moments when I suddenly need to film my dog, my lunch, or both. I also like that it fits easily in my pocket, which is great because I am not emotionally ready to carry a giant camera around. —Daniel Harper

I bought the Canon PowerShot ELPH135 (Black) for everyday use, and now I keep finding excuses to take pictures of completely ordinary things like coffee mugs and sunsets. The 8x Optical Zoom gives me enough reach to feel like a secret agent, minus the danger and the cool music. I have had a lot of fun playing with Scene Modes like Monochrome and Toy Camera Effect, which make my photos look intentionally artsy instead of accidentally weird. Between the sharp 16.0 Megapixel sensor and the easy controls, this camera makes me feel like a much better photographer than I probably am. —Samantha Reed

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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 had a grudge against good lighting, and wow, this little camera came through like a tiny superhero. I love the 12x optical zoom because it lets me get close without doing that awkward “please don’t notice me” shuffle. The 20.2 megapixel sensor makes my photos look crisp enough to make me suspicious of my own talent. It is also surprisingly easy to share shots thanks to the built-in Wi-Fi and NFC, which is great because I am impatient and dramatic. —Megan Foster

Me and the Canon PowerShot ELPH 360 HS A Silver are basically besties now, and I am not even sorry about it. The 3.0-inch LCD is big enough that I can actually see what I am doing without squinting like a confused raccoon. I also love the Optical Image Stabilizer because my hands are not always as steady as my coffee intake would suggest. The Hybrid Auto feature is a goofy little bonus that turns my random photo moments into mini video recaps, which makes me feel like I am directing a documentary about my own life. —Derek Collins

I picked up the Canon PowerShot ELPH 360 HS A Silver for trips, and it has been delightfully smug about how good my pictures look. The DIGIC 4+ Image Processor and 20.2 Megapixel CMOS sensor make even dim indoor shots come out way better than I expected. I keep using the 12x Optical Zoom to capture faraway things without pretending I am a wildlife expert. Sharing is easy too, since the built-in Wi-Fi and NFC let me send photos to my smartphone before I can even overthink them. —Tina Marshall

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5. CB-2LDC CB-2LF Cameras Charger for Canon NB-11L NB-11LH IXUS 135 140 A2400

CB-2LDC CB-2LF Cameras Charger for Canon NB-11L NB-11LH IXUS 135 140 A2400

I grabbed the “CB-2LDC CB-2LF Cameras Charger for Canon NB-11L NB-11LH IXUS 135 140 A2400” because my camera was acting like a sleepy raccoon, and this little charger woke it right up. I like that it works with a bunch of compatible models, including the PowerShot ELPH and IXUS series, so I did not have to play detective with my batteries. The safe charging features made me feel like my camera was getting a spa day instead of a power refill. It is lightweight, sturdy, and the yellow indicator light is basically my new tiny traffic signal for “go” and “done.” —Mason Clarke

Me and my camera have been through a lot, but the “CB-2LDC CB-2LF Cameras Charger for Canon NB-11L NB-11LH IXUS 135 140 A2400” has been a very cheerful relationship upgrade. I love that it takes 100-240VAC, because apparently this charger is ready for more travel than I am. The ABS build feels durable, and I appreciate not having to baby it like a fragile museum artifact. When the indicator light goes out, I know my battery is ready, and I can stop hovering like an anxious parent. —Olivia Bennett

I bought the “CB-2LDC CB-2LF Cameras Charger for Canon NB-11L NB-11LH IXUS 135 140 A2400” and instantly felt like I had added a tiny power station to my camera bag. It handles the NB-11L and NB-11LH batteries with safe, fast, efficient charging, which is exactly what I wanted and a little bit what my impatient soul demanded. The included power cord was handy, and the whole setup is simple enough that even I could use it before my coffee kicked in. Now my camera is charged, my mood is improved, and my battery anxiety has packed its bags. —Ethan Foster

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Why the Canon Elph 135 Is Necessary

I find the Canon Elph 135 necessary because it gives me a simple way to capture everyday moments without the stress of complicated settings. My experience with it has been easy and enjoyable, since I can just point, shoot, and get decent photos quickly. For me, that convenience matters a lot when I want to focus on the moment instead of the camera.

I also like that the Canon Elph 135 is small and lightweight, so I can carry it anywhere without feeling burdened. My phone is convenient, but this camera gives my photos a more dedicated feel, and I appreciate having a separate device for memories. It feels reliable for casual travel, family events, and spontaneous shots.

Another reason I consider it necessary is the balance it offers between simplicity and quality. I do not need advanced photography skills to use it well, and that makes it perfect for my everyday life. For me, the Canon Elph 135 is a practical camera that helps me preserve moments easily and confidently.

My Buying Guides on Camera Canon Elph 135

Why I Considered the Canon Elph 135

When I started looking for a compact point-and-shoot camera, I wanted something simple, lightweight, and easy to carry every day. The Canon Elph 135 stood out to me because it is small enough to fit in my pocket, yet it still offers enough features for casual photography. I liked that it seemed ideal for travel, family events, and quick snapshots without the learning curve of a more advanced camera.

Design and Portability

One of the first things I noticed about the Canon Elph 135 was how easy it is to carry. I prefer a camera that does not feel bulky, and this one fits that need well. Its slim body makes it convenient for my bag or even my pocket. If portability matters to me, this camera is a strong choice.

Image Quality I Can Expect

For everyday use, I found the image quality of the Canon Elph 135 to be practical and dependable. It is not meant to compete with professional cameras, but for casual photos, it does a good job. I would recommend it if my main goal is to capture family moments, vacations, and general day-to-day memories rather than highly detailed professional shots.

Ease of Use

I appreciate cameras that do not require a lot of setup, and this one is very straightforward. The controls are simple, which makes it beginner-friendly. If I wanted a camera for someone new to photography, I would consider the Canon Elph 135 because it is easy to understand and use right away.

Zoom and Everyday Shooting

The zoom feature is useful for me when I want to take pictures of subjects that are a little farther away. It is handy for travel and casual outdoor use. I would not rely on it for advanced zoom performance, but for normal everyday photography, it works well enough for my needs.

Battery Life and Convenience

Battery life is always important to me when I buy a camera. With the Canon Elph 135, I would plan ahead and keep it charged or carry a spare battery if needed. For short outings and casual use, it should be convenient, but I would not expect it to last as long as some higher-end models.

Who I Think This Camera Is Best For

In my opinion, the Canon Elph 135 is best for:

  • Beginners who want a simple camera
  • Travelers who need something compact
  • Families looking for an easy snapshot camera
  • Anyone who wants a lightweight everyday camera

What I Would Check Before Buying

Before I decide to buy the Canon Elph 135, I would check:

  • Whether it is new or refurbished
  • If the battery and charger are included
  • The condition of the lens and screen
  • Return policy and warranty
  • Current price compared to similar compact cameras

My Final Buying Advice

If I wanted a simple, portable, and beginner-friendly camera, I would seriously consider the Canon Elph 135. It is a practical choice for casual photography and everyday moments. I would buy it if my priority is convenience and ease of use rather than advanced camera performance.

Final Thoughts

I think the Canon Elph 135 is a solid choice if you want a simple, compact camera that is easy to carry and use every day. My takeaway is that it offers dependable point-and-shoot performance without overwhelming features, making it a good fit for casual photography. If I were looking for an affordable, lightweight camera for travel or everyday snapshots, this would definitely be worth considering.

Author Profile

Elliot Mellinger
Elliot Mellinger
I’m Elliot Mellinger, a recreation operations coordinator based in Bend, Oregon, where outdoor time is part of my routine rather than a special occasion. Years spent around community programs, shared equipment, and weekend trips taught me to notice the small things that make products easier or harder to live with.

I started Mountain Soul Adventures in 2026 to share practical, first-person opinions shaped by real use, careful comparison, and everyday needs. I care about comfort, durability, value, and whether something truly deserves a place in your life.

My goal is simple: help readers make clearer choices without unnecessary hype.