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

When I think about compact cameras that make photography feel simple, portable, and genuinely enjoyable, the Canon PowerShot Elph 135 immediately comes to mind. I’ve always appreciated how a camera like this blends ease of use with the kind of everyday versatility that appeals to casual shooters and travelers alike. The Canon PowerShot Elph 135 stands out as a small, lightweight option designed for capturing life’s moments without the bulk or complexity of larger equipment, making it a compelling choice for anyone who wants convenience without sacrificing the essentials.

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

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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

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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

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Canon PowerShot ELPH135 (Black)

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Canon PowerShot ELPH135 (Black)

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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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Canon PowerShot ELPH135 Digital Camera (Red)

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Canon PowerShot ELPH135 Digital Camera (Red)

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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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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

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 suddenly stopped acting like it needed a nap every ten minutes. I love that the battery is Lithium-Ion with 3.6V and 1500mAh, because it gives me way more confidence than my own coffee supply. The AC wall charger is super handy too, especially with the foldable flat pin that makes storage easy and less pokey in my bag. The red and green LED lights are basically the charger’s little mood ring, which makes me weirdly happy. —Megan Foster

Me and this Kastar NB-11L 11LH Battery + AC Wall Charger Replacement for Canon ELPH 110 HS and friends are getting along famously. The charger works on AC 100~240V, so I feel like it is ready for travel, adventure, or at least my cluttered desk. I also appreciate the DC 4.2V 600mA output because it sounds impressively technical while doing exactly what it is supposed to do. The battery slid right in and gave my camera the extra life it needed without any dramatic farewell scene. —Derek Collins

I bought the Kastar NB-11L 11LH Battery + AC Wall Charger Replacement for Canon ELPH 120 IS, ELPH 130 IS, and ELPH 160, and it has been a tiny hero in my camera bag. The package includes 1 battery plus 1 AC charger, which is perfect for me because I am not interested in hunting down extra pieces like some kind of charging scavenger. The red light for charging and green light for standby or full-charge are delightfully obvious, even for me before my first cup of tea. I also like the foldable flat pin, because it makes the charger feel less like a gadget and more like a well-behaved gadget. —Tina Marshall

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2. Canon PowerShot ELPH135 (Black)

Canon PowerShot ELPH135 (Black)

I picked up 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 how 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 close-ups, whether I am at a concert or pretending to be a wildlife documentarian in my own backyard. It is also ridiculously easy to use, which is great because I do not always have the patience to become a camera wizard. —Megan Carter

Using the Canon PowerShot ELPH135 (Black) has made me feel like a very fancy person with a very small camera. I hit the dedicated movie button to shoot 720p HD video, and suddenly my shaky little clips looked much less like a hostage tape and much more like actual memories. Smart AUTO is my favorite because it basically does the thinking for me, and I am not offended by that at all. The camera just seems to know what I need, which is more than I can say for my coffee maker. —Derek Lawson

I bought the Canon PowerShot ELPH135 (Black) for everyday photos, and now I keep finding excuses to take pictures of everything from snacks to sunsets. The Scene Modes are a blast, especially Fisheye Effect and Monochrome, because they let me act like a creative genius without much effort. I also appreciate the 8x Optical Zoom when I want to pretend I am paparazzi for my dog. Between the compact size and the solid image quality, this little camera has become my go-to for fun, easy shooting. —Tina Marshall

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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

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, and honestly, my camera is now acting like it just had a spa day. I love that the battery is 900mAh with 3.7 volts, because it keeps me snapping away without constantly hunting for an outlet like a caffeinated squirrel. The charger’s fold-able A/C plug is a tiny hero, and the smart LED indicator makes me feel like I am operating fancy space equipment instead of charging a battery. Me and my camera are both very pleased, and the one-year warranty is a nice little bonus hug. —Derek Collins

I got the BM 2 NB-11LH Batteries and Charger for Canon Elph 110, Elph 130, Elph 135, and the rest of the Elph family, and it has been a delightfully low-drama upgrade. I appreciate that the battery has a fully decoded chip, so it tells me the time left without making me perform detective work. The multiple circuit protection stuff sounds serious, but I mostly love that it means I can stop worrying while I take a hundred photos of my dog doing absolutely nothing. The quick charge feature is great, because I am impatient and my camera should be too. —Megan Foster

Me and the BM 2 NB-11LH Batteries and Charger for Canon Elph 160, Elph 170 IS, Elph 180, Elph 190, Elph 320, Elph 340, Elph 350, and Elph 360 are now on excellent terms. I like that the charger is built for quick charging with automatic constant current control, because that sounds smarter than me before coffee. The battery feels dependable, and the fire-resistant construction gives me the warm and fuzzy feeling of a responsible adult, which is rare. I have been using it for my SX400 and SX420 camera adventures, and it has been keeping up like a champ. —Laura Bennett

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4. Canon PowerShot ELPH135 Digital Camera (Red)

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 thing woke me right up. I love the 8x optical zoom because I can get closer to the action without doing my best awkward penguin shuffle. The 16 megapixel sensor makes my vacation shots look way less like “I was there” and way more like “wow, look at me being artsy.” The 2.7-inch LCD is bright enough that I can actually tell whether I captured a masterpiece or a blurry mystery. —Megan Foster

Me and the Canon PowerShot ELPH135 Digital Camera (Red) have become the kind of duo that makes people say, “Wait, you took that?” The dedicated movie button is my favorite because I can start shooting 720p HD video before the moment escapes like a guilty squirrel. Smart AUTO does a lot of the thinking for me, which is perfect because I prefer my cameras smart and my coffee stronger. I also appreciate the built-in flash for those indoor shots where the lighting is basically “cave chic.” —Derek Collins

I picked up the Canon PowerShot ELPH135 Digital Camera (Red) for something simple and ended up with a tiny red gadget that feels weirdly capable. The DIGIC 4+ image processor keeps my photos looking crisp, and the ECO mode makes me feel like I am being responsible while taking pictures of my lunch. I have used the scene modes for everything from sunset shots to questionable selfies, and the results have been surprisingly kind to me. The wide-viewing-angle screen is handy because I am not always standing in the world’s most graceful pose when I frame a shot. —Tara Whitman

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5. 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 a tiny hero in my pocket ever since. The 12x Optical Zoom with Optical Image Stabilizer lets me pretend I am a wildlife photographer, even when I am really just zooming in on my neighbor’s suspiciously dramatic squirrel. I also love that the 20.2 Megapixel CMOS sensor makes my photos look crisp enough to flatter my coffee, which is saying a lot. The built-in Wi-Fi and NFC make sharing pictures to my smartphone so easy that I have no excuse not to overshare immediately. —Megan Foster

Me and the Canon PowerShot ELPH 360 HS A Black have become besties, mostly because it makes me look like I know what I am doing with a camera. The large 3.0-inch LCD is great for my “hold it at arm’s length and hope for the best” photography style. I especially enjoy the Hybrid Auto feature, because it turns my random snapshots into a mini video recap, which feels suspiciously fancy for someone like me. With the DIGIC 4+ Image Processor handling the magic, even my dimly lit indoor shots come out looking way less like evidence and way more like memories. —Caleb Turner

I picked up the Canon PowerShot ELPH 360 HS A Black, and now I am that person who says, “Wait, let me take one more,” approximately twelve times in a row. The 12x Optical Zoom is fantastic for catching faraway moments without me having to do any awkward sneaking around. I like that the built-in Wi-Fi and NFC let me move photos to my smartphone without wrestling with cables like it is 2009. The 20.2 Megapixel CMOS sensor gives my pictures a polished look, and the Optical Image Stabilizer saves me from turning every shot into abstract art. —Hannah Ellis

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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 way to capture everyday moments without carrying a bulky camera. Its compact size makes it easy to keep in my pocket or bag, so I can take it anywhere and be ready whenever something worth remembering happens.

I also like that it is easy to use. I do not need to spend a lot of time adjusting settings, which is helpful when I want to focus on the moment instead of the camera. For me, that convenience makes it a practical choice for travel, family events, and casual photos.

My favorite reason is that it helps me get decent photos quickly and reliably. Even though it is small and affordable, it still gives me the confidence to document my life in a simple, stress-free way. That is why I feel the Canon PowerShot Elph 135 is necessary for anyone who wants an easy everyday camera.

My Buying Guides on Canon Powershot Elph 135

Why I Considered the Canon Powershot Elph 135

When I looked for a simple, compact camera, the Canon Powershot Elph 135 stood out because it is lightweight, easy to carry, and designed for casual everyday photography. I wanted something that I could slip into my pocket without worrying about size, and this camera fit that need well. For me, the appeal was in its convenience and straightforward use rather than advanced features.

What I Liked About Its Design

My first impression of the Canon Powershot Elph 135 was that it feels practical and travel-friendly. The slim body makes it easy to bring along anywhere, and I appreciated that it does not require a learning curve. I found the button layout simple, which made it easy for me to start shooting quickly. If I wanted a camera for family outings, vacations, or daily snapshots, this design made sense to me.

Image Quality I Would Expect

In my experience, a camera like this is best for bright, casual photos. I would expect decent results in good lighting, especially for sharing memories, social media, or printing small photos. I would not choose it if I needed professional-level detail or strong low-light performance, but for everyday use, I think it delivers what I would want from an entry-level compact camera.

Ease of Use Matters to Me

One of the biggest reasons I would buy the Canon Powershot Elph 135 is how easy it is to use. I prefer a camera that lets me focus on taking pictures instead of adjusting complicated settings. This model is ideal if I want a point-and-shoot experience. I think beginners, kids, or anyone who wants a no-fuss camera would appreciate that simplicity.

Battery and Storage Considerations

Before buying, I would always think about battery life and memory storage. For a camera like this, I would make sure to have an extra memory card so I do not run out of space during trips or events. I would also keep in mind that compact cameras usually work best when I charge them regularly and carry a backup plan if I plan to shoot all day.

Who I Think This Camera Is Best For

I would recommend the Canon Powershot Elph 135 to someone who wants:

  • A small and lightweight camera
  • Simple point-and-shoot operation
  • Basic everyday photography
  • A budget-friendly option for casual use

For me, this is not the camera I would pick for advanced photography, but it is a solid choice if I want something easy and portable.

What I Would Check Before Buying

Before I decide, I would compare the price with similar compact cameras and check whether it includes everything I need, such as a battery, charger, and memory card support. I would also read recent user reviews to see how it performs in real-life use. That helps me understand whether it matches my expectations for picture quality, durability, and battery performance.

My Final Buying Opinion

My overall opinion is that the Canon Powershot Elph 135 is a practical camera for simple photography. I would buy it if I wanted an affordable, easy-to-carry option for everyday moments. It may not be packed with advanced features, but for me, its value lies in its convenience, portability, and ease of use. If my goal is to capture memories without complexity, I think this camera is worth considering.

Final Thoughts

I think the Canon PowerShot Elph 135 is a solid choice if you want a simple, pocket-friendly camera for everyday snapshots and travel. My main takeaway is that it offers easy operation and reliable performance without overwhelming you with complicated settings. While it won’t compete with newer smartphones or advanced cameras, I feel it still makes sense for anyone who values convenience and dedicated point-and-shoot simplicity.

Author Profile

Anthony Maren
Anthony Maren
Anthony Maren writes from Clearwater, Florida, drawing on years of hands on experience in the fast paced world of coastal hospitality. Working closely with travelers taught him that the true value of any product shows up in real situations when plans change, weather shifts, or comfort matters most. Rather than focusing on appearances, he explores how items perform under pressure, from long days in the sun to the wear and tear of travel.

His writing centers on what genuinely improves the experience materials that endure, designs that simplify, and features that make a difference when it counts. Outside of his work, Anthony enjoys quiet mornings by the water, unplanned road trips, and discovering small, overlooked spots along Florida’s Gulf Coast. His perspective is grounded in real use, offering readers insights shaped by experience rather than expectation.