The Canon Sure Shot Z180u is a very sleek little portable camera. It has a sharp metallic finish making the Sure Shot look almost futuristic. And while looks aren’t everything, I confess that its part of what first attracted me to the Z180u. Once in my hands, the Sure Shot’s capabilities are what kept me interested.

Cannon’s Sure Shot Z180u has some features that you cannot help but love. First is the 4.7 zoom lens. This lens works really well and when combined with the smart autofocus you’ll take nicer pictures than ever before. I also like the 7 mode light guide, the red eye reduction, and the Dioptric eyepiece. If that wasn’t enough to temp a camera buff, there’s also 6 Program Image Control modes on the Z180u so you can adjust the camera to your shooting conditions. Overall, I feel like the manufacturer was really thinking about the end-user in their design of the Sure Shot Z180u and also trying to set themselves apart from the throng.

Priced at around $150.00, it’s on par cost wise with other portable cameras of this type. It’s nice that you don’t have to be an expert with cameras to get shots that look expert using the Sure Shot. For example, the Z180u’s autofocus function is programmed to keep a person or object focused even when they’re not “on point” (center frame). Put that autofocus function on an excellent 38-180 mm Cannon lens and the result s a clear, bright, color-rich image. In other words, the Canon Sure Shot Z180u is a big machine in a small package!

One neat addition to the Canon Sure Shot Z180u is the ability for users to set their own exposures up or down 1.5 stops. This flexibility isn’t something offered in all cameras of this type. As far as what you need to use it – 35 mm film and a 3 volt lithium battery, and you’re good to go