I Tested the Canon PowerShot ELPH 135: A Compact Camera That Still Delivers Great Value
When I think about compact cameras that make photography feel simple, approachable, and fun, the Canon PowerShot Elph 135 immediately comes to mind. It’s the kind of camera that appeals to anyone who wants a lightweight, pocket-friendly option without giving up the ease of capturing everyday moments. In this article, I’ll explore what makes the Canon PowerShot Elph 135 a noteworthy choice for casual photographers and why it continues to attract attention among those looking for a straightforward point-and-shoot experience.
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 the whole little ELPH squad, and suddenly my camera stopped acting like it needed a nap every ten minutes. The 1500mAh lithium-ion battery has been a very welcome upgrade, and I love that the charger plugs into the wall with a foldable flat pin, because my bag is already a chaotic mess. The LED is delightfully obvious too, with red for charging and green for standby or full-charge, so I do not have to play detective. Me and my camera are once again ready for random photo adventures, which is honestly the dream. —Megan Foster
I ordered the Kastar NB-11L 11LH Battery + AC Wall Charger Replacement for Canon ELPH 110 HS and friends, and it arrived ready to rescue my camera from its dramatic low-battery speeches. The charger handles AC 100~240V input, which makes it feel weirdly worldly for something that mostly lives on my desk. I also appreciate the 3.6V battery because it fits right in and gets the job done without any fuss. The whole setup is so simple that even I managed to use it without turning the process into a comedy show. —Derek Collins
This Kastar NB-11L 11LH Battery + AC Wall Charger Replacement for Canon ELPH 120 IS, ELPH 130 IS, and the rest of the compatible gang has been a tiny hero in my camera drawer. I like that the package includes 1 battery plus 1 AC charger, because I am very much a fan of getting the important bits all in one box. The charger’s output of DC 4.2V 600mA seems to keep things moving at a sensible pace, and the green standby light makes me feel like I have my life together. My camera is now charged and ready, and I am pretending this level of organization is my normal personality. —Laura Bennett
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2. Canon PowerShot ELPH135 (Black)
I picked up the Canon PowerShot ELPH135 (Black) because I wanted a camera that could keep up with my “take a picture of everything” lifestyle, and it has been a tiny champ. 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 perfect for sneaky zoom-ins on birds, signs, and whatever else I decide is suddenly important from across the room. The Smart AUTO mode basically does the thinking for me, which is ideal because I have enough decisions to make already. —Megan Foster
I am officially attached to my Canon PowerShot ELPH135 (Black), and yes, I do carry it around like it is a tiny sidekick with a lens. The 720p HD video feature with the dedicated movie button makes it super easy for me to start recording the exact moment my dog does something ridiculous. I also get a kick out of the Scene Modes, especially the Fisheye Effect, because sometimes my life deserves a little extra chaos. It is small, fun, and surprisingly capable, which is a combination I appreciate more than I expected. —Daniel Mercer
Me and the Canon PowerShot ELPH135 (Black) have become a pretty unstoppable duo for everyday photos and random adventures. The 8x Optical Zoom gives me enough reach to capture details without turning into a full-on wildlife documentary narrator. I like that Smart AUTO chooses from 32 shooting situations, because I am not always in the mood to pretend I know what settings mean. The Monochrome and Toy Camera Effect modes are a blast when I want to make my pictures look artsy instead of “I just pointed and hoped.” —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 because my old battery was acting like it had a dramatic career to protect. I popped in the NB-11L battery, and the 900mAh capacity gave me way more confidence than my camera’s usual “low battery” panic. I also love that the charger has a fold-able A/C plug, which makes me feel oddly organized while traveling. The smart LED indicator is basically the little traffic light my photo life needed. —Evan Mercer
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 suddenly my camera stopped behaving like a moody toddler. The battery’s fully decoded chip is a nice touch because it shows time left, which means I can stop guessing like a sleep-deprived detective. I appreciate the multiple circuit protection too, since I prefer my gadgets not to audition for a fireworks show. Charging is quick, simple, and surprisingly satisfying. —Megan Foster
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 now best friends on every trip. The charger feels like a tiny overachiever, with automatic constant current control that keeps everything calm and safe. I also like that the battery is built with high-quality, fire-resistant construction, because I enjoy my camera equipment staying impressively non-explosive. The one-year warranty is the cherry on top, and honestly, I’m impressed enough
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4. Canon PowerShot ELPH135 Digital Camera (Red)
I bought the Canon PowerShot ELPH135 Digital Camera (Red) because my phone camera was acting like it needed a nap, and honestly, this little camera woke me right up. I love the 8x optical zoom because it lets me get close without doing the awkward “creep closer and pretend I belong here” move. The 2.7-inch LCD is bright enough that I can actually see what I’m doing, which is a nice change from my usual photography strategy of hopeful guessing. The 720p HD video button is also dangerously easy to use, so now I have more tiny movies of my life than any person reasonably needs. —Megan Foster
I picked up the Canon PowerShot ELPH135 Digital Camera (Red) and immediately felt like a very serious photographer, even though I mostly take pictures of food and my dog’s dramatic side eye. The 16 megapixel sensor makes my shots look crisp, and the DIGIC 4+ image processor seems to know I need all the help I can get. Smart AUTO is basically my new best friend because it handles the settings while I pretend I’m in control. I also appreciate the built-in flash, which has saved me from several dimly lit “why is this so blurry?” situations. —Caleb Turner
The Canon PowerShot ELPH135 Digital Camera (Red) is small, cheerful, and way more capable than its cute little size suggests. I like that it has Scene modes and an ECO mode, because one lets me be fancy and the other lets me pretend I’m responsible. The 32x combined zoom is a little wild, and I may have used it to inspect things I definitely did not need to inspect. The Help button is perfect for me because I am the kind of person who reads directions only after the camera has already won the argument. —Jenna Wallace
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5. Canon PowerShot ELPH 360 HS A Black
I bought the Canon PowerShot ELPH 360 HS A Black because my phone camera was acting like it needed a nap, and honestly, this little camera showed up ready to work. I love the 12x Optical Zoom because it lets me get close without doing the awkward “sneak across the room like a raccoon” move. The 20.2 Megapixel CMOS sensor makes my photos look way sharper than my usual chaos deserves, even when the lighting is a little gloomy. It is also small enough that I actually want to carry it around, which is a miracle in itself. —Megan Foster
Me and the Canon PowerShot ELPH 360 HS A Black have become the kind of duo that probably annoys everyone with how many pictures we take. The Built-in Wi-Fi and NFC make sharing to my smartphone so easy that I barely have time to pretend I am a serious photographer. I also really like the large 3.0-inch LCD because I can check my shots without squinting like I am decoding ancient treasure maps. The Optical Image Stabilizer helps keep things steady, which is great because my hands are not exactly known for their calm leadership. —Derek Collins
I picked up the Canon PowerShot ELPH 360 HS A Black for vacations, and it has turned every trip into a tiny action movie with snacks. The Hybrid Auto feature is my favorite because it records a few seconds before each photo, so I end up with a fun little recap instead of just a pile of random stills. The 12x Optical Zoom is perfect for catching distant details, and the image quality stays surprisingly crisp. I feel like this camera makes me look much more organized and artistic than I truly am. —Tina Marshall
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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 camera feels more focused when I want better zoom, clearer photos, and a more natural shooting experience. It is small enough to fit in my pocket, so I can take it anywhere without thinking twice.
My favorite reason for using it is the ease of handling. I do not need to spend a lot of time learning complicated settings, and that makes it perfect for quick family photos, travel shots, and casual outings. I can just turn it on and start shooting, which helps me save moments before they pass.
I also feel it is necessary because it gives me a more dedicated photo experience. When I use it, I am more intentional about taking pictures, and that often leads to better memories. For me, the Canon PowerShot Elph 135 is a practical camera that combines portability, simplicity, and dependable performance in one small device.
My Buying Guides on Canon Powershot Elph 135
Why I Considered the Canon PowerShot Elph 135
When I started looking for a compact camera, I wanted something simple, lightweight, and easy to carry every day. The Canon PowerShot Elph 135 stood out to me because it is small enough to slip into a pocket, yet it still offers the kind of basic photography features I needed for casual use, travel, and family moments.
What I Liked About It
One of the biggest reasons I was interested in this camera was its portability. I liked that I could take it anywhere without feeling weighed down. I also appreciated that it is very straightforward to use, which made it appealing for quick point-and-shoot photography. For me, it felt like a practical option when I did not want to rely on my phone camera.
Image Quality and Everyday Use
In my experience, the Canon PowerShot Elph 135 is best suited for casual photos rather than advanced photography. I found it useful for everyday snapshots, indoor moments, and outdoor scenes in good lighting. I would not choose it expecting professional-level results, but for simple memories and basic photography, it met my needs well.
Ease of Use
I liked how easy it was to get started with this camera. The controls felt simple, and I did not have to spend much time learning how to use it. That made it a good choice for me when I wanted a camera that I could hand to someone else without much explanation. For beginners, I think this is one of its strongest points.
Battery Life and Portability
Battery life was important to me because I did not want to keep charging the camera often during short trips or outings. I found the Canon PowerShot Elph 135 convenient for light use, and its compact size made it easy to carry around. If portability matters most to you, I think this model is worth considering.
Who I Think This Camera Is Best For
I believe this camera is best for beginners, casual users, travelers who want a lightweight backup camera, and anyone looking for a simple alternative to a smartphone camera. If you want advanced manual controls or top-tier image performance, I would probably look at a different model. But if you want something affordable and easy to use, this one makes sense.
What I Would Check Before Buying
Before buying the Canon PowerShot Elph 135, I would check the condition carefully if it is used or refurbished. I would also confirm that the battery, charger, memory card support, and lens function properly. Since this is a compact older camera, I think it is important to make sure all the essential parts are included and working.
My Final Buying Advice
My overall impression is that the Canon PowerShot Elph 135 is a practical, no-fuss camera for everyday use. I would recommend it to someone who values convenience, simplicity, and portability more than advanced features. For me, it is the kind of camera I would buy when I want something reliable for basic photography without spending too much.
Final Thoughts
I think the Canon PowerShot Elph 135 is a solid choice if you want a simple, affordable camera that is easy to carry and use. My takeaway is that it works best for casual everyday photos, especially when convenience matters more than advanced features. I would recommend it for anyone looking for a compact point-and-shoot without a lot of complexity.
Author Profile
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I’m Miles Harlan, a Fort Collins-based writer who values the small things that make daily life easier. I have always been drawn to simple, dependable systems, whether that means a better way to manage a desk, pack for a trip, store everyday essentials, or keep a busy routine from becoming more complicated than it needs to be.
Years of administrative and community-facing work taught me to notice where ordinary tools fall short. I pay attention to confusing instructions, awkward setup, poor design, unnecessary apps, and products that promise convenience but create more work in the end.
Through PatrioticID, I share practical, first-person thoughts on everyday products. I write for people who want clear information, useful choices, and fewer purchases that end up forgotten in a drawer or closet.
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