amazon Canon PowerShot SX10 IS reviews
Inherit the design lines from the previous generation is the Canon PowerShot S5 IS, Canon PowerShot SX10 IS is quite easy to look, with many curves and body compact. The casing is plastic but feels very comfortable for the user while holding the phone, while the silver key and hotshoe on the black top of the machine are the details that contribute to the aesthetic beauty of the SX10 IS.
The 2.5-inch LCD screen on the back has the ability to flip over, rotate in the same direction as on a camcorder. It can be said, the design team of Canon spent a lot of time on this machine, while ensuring aesthetic and bring great convenience for users. The keys on the back are arranged reasonably, so that users can easily use the machine with one hand. The weight of this machine is only 560 grams, which is ideal for a super zoom.
In terms of features, the first is that the lens has an optical zoom of up to 20x. Not only is the telephoto good, the SX10 IS’s lens is very good at wide shooting, with a focal range of 28-560 mm, but does not compromise too much on its compact body. The image stabilization system is built right into the lens, giving users peace of mind at high zoom levels. Thanks to the built-in ultrasound technology, the lens moves very quietly, almost no sound.
One of the disadvantages that can make the user feel extremely disappointed about this model is the excessive reflection of the electronic viewfinder. It almost does not help the LCD screen when shooting in bright environments. Besides, the Canon PowerShot SX10 IS also has no battery status indicator, so it’s hard for users to know when the battery is about to run out.
where can you get a Canon PowerShot SX10 IS online
Canon Powershot SX10IS 10MP Digital Camera with 20x Wide Angle Optical Image Stabilized Zoom: Buy it now
Although it has a 20x optical zoom lens, it only takes about 1.5 seconds to start up. However, due to the use of AA batteries, the Canon PowerShot SX10 IS captures only about 164 shots per charge, much less than a Lithium-ion battery.
Depending on shooting conditions, the Canon PowerShot SX10 IS can reproduce colors that are accurate and vivid, with high definition detail. Of course, the photos without zoom for the best quality and stability. However, it must be acknowledged that compared to the same competitors, the noise control capabilities of the Canon PowerShot SX10 IS are quite good.
Although built-in image stabilization on the lens, shots taken at up to 20x zoom are inevitably blurred and distorted. To overcome this point, the only way is to use tripod. In addition, outdoor shots on sunny days are often too exposed.
In short, there are still some downsides in the electronic viewfinder or LCD monitor, which is not equipped with HD video recording, but the Canon PowerShot SX10 IS is still a remarkable super zoom.
Image Quality
One of the standout features of the Canon PowerShot SX10 IS is its impressive 20x optical zoom lens, which covers a focal length range of 28-560mm (35mm equivalent). This wide range allows for a diverse array of shooting scenarios, from wide-angle landscapes to distant wildlife shots.
Sensor and Resolution
The SX10 IS is equipped with a 1/2.3-inch CCD sensor that offers a resolution of 10 megapixels. While modern cameras have surpassed this in terms of resolution, the SX10 IS still produces sharp and detailed images, particularly in good lighting conditions. The sensor size and resolution are adequate for most casual photography needs, providing enough detail for prints and digital use.
Color and Detail
Canon cameras are known for their excellent color reproduction, and the SX10 IS is no exception. It captures vibrant, true-to-life colors, making it suitable for a wide range of subjects, from portraits to landscapes. Detail rendition is impressive, particularly at lower ISO settings, where images remain sharp and well-defined. As the ISO increases, noise becomes more apparent, which is typical for cameras with smaller sensors.
Dynamic Range and ISO Performance
The dynamic range of the SX10 IS is good, allowing for a decent amount of detail in both highlights and shadows. The camera has an ISO range of 80 to 1600. At lower ISO settings (80-200), the images are clean and detailed. However, noise becomes more noticeable at ISO 400 and above, and at the maximum ISO of 1600, it can significantly affect image quality. Despite this, the camera’s image stabilization helps mitigate some of the issues associated with low-light shooting.
Autofocus and Speed
The SX10 IS features a reliable contrast-detect autofocus system with multiple focus modes, including single, continuous, and face detection AF. The autofocus is generally quick and accurate in good lighting conditions, though it can become slower and less reliable in low light, which is a common limitation of contrast-detect systems.
Continuous Shooting
The camera offers a continuous shooting mode with a speed of 1.4 frames per second (fps) at full resolution. While this speed is modest compared to modern standards, it is adequate for capturing moderate action or casual sports photography. The buffer size allows for a reasonable number of shots before the camera slows down.
Features and Functionality
The Canon PowerShot SX10 IS is packed with features that enhance its versatility and creative potential. Some of the key features include:
Ultra-Zoom Lens
The 20x optical zoom is a highlight of the SX10 IS, providing a versatile focal length range from wide-angle to super-telephoto. This makes the camera suitable for a wide variety of shooting scenarios, including landscapes, wildlife, sports, and macro photography. The lens also features Canon’s Image Stabilization (IS) technology, which helps reduce camera shake and produce sharper images, especially at longer focal lengths.
Manual Controls
For photography enthusiasts who like to have control over their settings, the SX10 IS offers full manual controls, including aperture priority, shutter priority, and manual exposure modes. This allows photographers to experiment with different settings and achieve their desired creative effects.
Advanced Shooting Modes
In addition to the standard auto and scene modes, the SX10 IS includes several advanced shooting modes. These include:
- P/A/S/M Modes: These modes offer Program, Aperture Priority, Shutter Priority, and Manual exposure controls, giving photographers flexibility in how they capture their images.
- Custom Mode: This mode allows users to save custom settings for quick access, which is useful for frequently used setups.
- My Colors: This mode lets users customize color settings to achieve specific looks or styles directly in-camera.
Art Filters and Scene Modes
The camera includes a variety of Scene Modes and Creative Filters that allow for optimized settings and creative effects for different shooting scenarios. Scene Modes include options like Portrait, Landscape, Night Scene, and more. Creative Filters offer effects such as Color Accent, Color Swap, and Fisheye, which can add a unique touch to your images without the need for post-processing.
Handling and Ergonomics
The handling of the Canon PowerShot SX10 IS is generally excellent, thanks to its well-designed ergonomics and layout. The camera fits comfortably in the hand, with all major controls easily accessible. The buttons and dials provide a satisfying tactile response, and the customizable buttons allow for personalizing the camera to suit individual shooting styles.
Menu System
The menu system of the SX10 IS is comprehensive and relatively easy to navigate. It provides access to a wide range of settings and customization options, allowing photographers to fine-tune the camera to their preferences. The on-screen display is clear and well-organized, making it straightforward to adjust settings.
Battery Life and Storage
The SX10 IS uses four AA batteries, which is convenient as AA batteries are widely available and can be easily replaced. Battery life is decent, with a set of high-capacity rechargeable AA batteries providing around 340 shots per charge. Using the EVF instead of the LCD screen can help conserve battery life.
The camera supports SD, SDHC, and MMC memory cards for storage, which are widely available and provide ample capacity for storing photos and videos.
Video Capabilities
The Canon PowerShot SX10 IS offers video recording at a maximum resolution of 640 x 480 (VGA) at 30 frames per second. While this is sufficient for casual video clips, it falls short of the HD and Full HD capabilities of more modern cameras. The camera does not have an external microphone input, which limits its appeal for serious videographers. However, the built-in stereo microphones do a reasonable job of capturing audio.
Strengths and Weaknesses
Strengths:
- Impressive Zoom Range: The 20x optical zoom lens covers a wide focal length range, making it highly versatile.
- Solid Build Quality: The camera is well-built and comfortable to hold, with intuitive controls.
- Manual Controls: Full manual controls provide flexibility for advanced users.
- Art Filters and Scene Modes: Creative options add fun and versatility to the shooting experience.
- Convenient Power Source: The use of AA batteries makes it easy to find replacements.
Weaknesses:
- Limited Low Light Performance: The small sensor size and high noise levels at higher ISOs limit low light usability.
- Modest Video Capabilities: VGA resolution video and lack of external microphone input make it less appealing for videography.
- Heavier Weight: At 560 grams, the camera is slightly heavier than some of its competitors, which may be a consideration for extended use.