amazon Canon PowerShot SX260 HS reviews
As the new replacement for Canon’s predecessor SX230 HS, the Canon PowerShot SX260 HS has a lot of detail changes in both the physical design as well as the hardware inside the machine.
Compared to its predecessor, the PowerShot SX260 HS looks sturdier due to its lack of four-corner design. The right hand side of the PowerShot SX260 HS is also fitted with a rubberized bezel to provide a more solid feel when used.
In addition to the youthful and luxurious black-and-red version available at Test Lab, the PowerShot SX260 HS comes with a sleek black finish and elegant blue and black accents.
The Canon PowerShot SX260 HS is equipped with a 20x optical zoom lens cluster (nearly 1.5 times faster than a 14x zoom lens from the PowerShot SX230 HS). This 20x optical zoom lens has a focal length of 4.5mm to 90mm (equivalent to a focal range of 25-500mm on a 35mm), supporting intelligent IS.
The PowerShot SX260 HS is also one of the new additions to the DIGIC 5’s high-speed, high-sensitivity HS (High Sensitive) digital image processing engine, which optimizes image noise processing at high ISO.
In this new update, Canon has retained its ½-inch, 12.1-megapixel CMOS sensor of its predecessor, so the PowerShot SX260 HS also supports only 4000×3000 pixel resolution ( 4: 3 ratio) and full HD video recording at 24 fps. And like its predecessor, the SX230 HS, the PowerShot SX260 HS also comes with a built-in GPS system, which supports image positioning and automatic time updates.
Canon PowerShot SX260 HS supports SD, SDHC or SDXC memory card standards. Comes with an external NB-6L rechargeable battery that can handle up to 230 shots (information from the company), as well as other accessories such as chargers, straps, software CDs and manuals.
From the practical experience, the 106mm x 61.7mm, weighs 231g (including battery and memory card), the PowerShot SX260 HS feels very comfortable. The push button system on the PowerShot SX260 HS is generally highly sensitive, with almost no change compared to its predecessor SX230 HS. However, the power button design is not very convenient, hard to hit. The 3-inch LCD monitor of the PowerShot SX260 HS has a fairly wide viewing angle, but the image looks very attractive and detailed, but the color is still a bit fresher than it actually is Dazzling light when viewed outdoors.
where can you get a Canon PowerShot SX260 HS online
Canon PowerShot SX260 HS 12.1 MP CMOS Digital Camera with 20x Image Stabilized Zoom 25mm Wide-Angle Lens and 1080p Full-HD Video (Black) (OLD MODEL): Buy it now
Canon PowerShot SX260 HS 12.1 MP CMOS Digital Camera with 20x Image Stabilized Zoom 25mm Wide-Angle Lens and 1080p Full-HD Video (Green) (OLD MODEL): Buy it now
Canon PowerShot SX260 HS 12.1 MP CMOS Digital Camera with 20x Image Stabilized Zoom 25mm Wide-Angle Optical Lens and 1080p HD Video (Red) (OLD MODEL): Buy it now
Canon PowerShot SX260 HS 12.1 MP CMOS Digital Camera with 20x Image Stabilized Zoom 25mm Wide-Angle Optical Lens and 1080p HD Video Super Bundle Includes Camera 16 GB Memory Card, Card Reader, Battery Pack, Carrying Case, Mini Tripod, and More.: Buy it now
Canon Powershot Sx260 Hs: Buy it now
In terms of visual quality, Test Lab found the PowerShot SX260 HS to be beautiful, natural-looking colors, especially skin color in portraits. Image detail of the PowerShot SX260 HS is also impressive. Moreover, the focus system of the machine is not only fast focus but also very quiet operation. The built-in Flash of the PowerShot SX260 HS can also be customized with manual exposure intensity, which is well suited for manual exposure mode.
The PowerShot SX260 HS’s 20x superzoom lens system is not only very good at “dragging” distant images closer to the color and detail of the image, but is also very effective against vibration. Zoom to 90mm focal length (equivalent to 500mm focal length on a 35mm film camera). The PowerShot SX260 HS’s noise-canceling capability is also impressive, and the image is still smooth at high ISOs such as 800 or 1600. At ISO 3200, images begin to appear as noise, but still acceptable.
Test Lab is also very impressed by the video quality (Full HD) shot from this viewfinder. The optical zoom system works smoothly and fairly fast even while recording. Stereo sound from the integrated microphone system of the PowerShot SX260 HS is very clear. If the user activates the Wind Filter feature on the machine, the background noise will improve significantly. However, as with other digital camera models, the built-in speakers on the PowerShot SX260 HS have a fairly small volume despite the maximum volume boost. The Canon PowerShot SX260 HS also supports the ability to create 720p HD quality movies by combining snapshots in the unique Movie Digest mode.
The GPS feature of the PowerShot SX260 HS works pretty well, fast satellite detection speed. But by default this feature is not enabled and users should also pay attention to setting the date and time zone for the previous machine. Users can also view location information of images or video directly on the computer, or use the software provided from the accompanying disc. However, because the GPS system stays on even when the phone is off, you should turn it off when not in use to ensure battery life.
User Experience
Using the Canon PowerShot SX260 HS is a pleasant experience, thanks to its user-friendly interface and intuitive controls. The camera’s menu system is well-organized, with clearly labeled options that are easy to navigate. The mode dial and dedicated buttons for frequently used functions make it simple to switch between shooting modes and adjust settings on the fly.
The 3-inch LCD screen is a highlight, providing a bright and clear display for composing shots and reviewing images. The screen’s resolution of 461,000 dots ensures that images appear sharp and detailed, making it easier to assess focus and composition. The lack of a touchscreen may be a drawback for some users, but the physical controls are responsive and easy to use.
Battery life is another important aspect of the user experience. The SX260 HS is powered by a rechargeable lithium-ion battery (NB-6L), which provides enough power for approximately 230 shots on a single charge. This is fairly standard for a camera of this type, but it may be worth investing in a spare battery if you plan on using the camera extensively throughout the day.
Connectivity and Additional Features
The Canon PowerShot SX260 HS offers a range of connectivity options to enhance the user experience. The camera features a built-in GPS receiver, allowing users to geotag their photos with location data. This is a valuable feature for travelers who want to keep track of where their photos were taken. The GPS functionality can also be used to log the user’s route, which can be viewed later on a map.
For transferring images and videos to a computer or other devices, the SX260 HS includes a USB 2.0 port and an HDMI output. The USB port allows for direct connection to a computer, while the HDMI output enables playback of photos and videos on a compatible TV or monitor. Unfortunately, the camera lacks built-in Wi-Fi, which is a common feature in more recent models. However, this can be mitigated by using an external Wi-Fi SD card if wireless transfer is essential.
Comparison with Competitors
When comparing the Canon PowerShot SX260 HS to its competitors in the compact superzoom category, several aspects stand out. The 20x optical zoom lens is a key advantage, offering greater zoom range than many other cameras in its class. The image quality is also impressive, with the HS System providing excellent low-light performance.
However, there are some areas where the SX260 HS falls short. The absence of built-in Wi-Fi is a notable drawback, especially considering that many modern cameras offer wireless connectivity as a standard feature. Additionally, the battery life, while adequate, could be improved to match some of its competitors.
Cameras like the Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS20 and Sony Cyber-shot DSC-HX20V offer similar features, including GPS and high zoom capabilities. The Panasonic ZS20, for example, provides a 20x zoom lens and built-in Wi-Fi, making it a strong contender. The Sony HX20V also offers excellent image quality and fast performance, with the added benefit of 3D shooting modes.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- 20x Optical Zoom Lens: The extensive zoom range allows for versatile shooting, from wide-angle landscapes to distant subjects.
- High Image Quality: The 12.1-megapixel CMOS sensor and DIGIC 5 processor deliver vibrant, detailed images.
- Low-Light Performance: The HS System reduces noise and maintains detail in low-light conditions.
- Full HD Video Recording: The camera records 1080p videos with stereo sound, and the optical zoom is available during recording.
- Built-in GPS: Geotagging and route logging are valuable features for travelers.
- Compact and Portable: The sleek design and lightweight build make it easy to carry around.
Cons:
- No Built-in Wi-Fi: The absence of wireless connectivity is a significant drawback in today’s market.
- Limited Battery Life: Approximately 230 shots per charge may require carrying a spare battery for extended use.
- No Touchscreen: While the LCD screen is bright and clear, a touchscreen would enhance usability.
- Limited Burst Mode: The continuous shooting mode is capped at 10 shots, which may be restrictive for action photography.
Conclusion
The Canon PowerShot SX260 HS is a solid performer in the compact superzoom category, offering a combination of impressive zoom capabilities, high image quality, and a range of useful features. Its 20x optical zoom lens, excellent low-light performance, and built-in GPS make it a versatile choice for travelers and photography enthusiasts.
While the camera lacks built-in Wi-Fi and could benefit from improved battery life, its overall performance and ease of use make it a compelling option. The intuitive controls, bright LCD screen, and robust build quality contribute to a positive user experience.
In summary, the Canon PowerShot SX260 HS is a reliable and capable camera that delivers on its promise of versatility and high performance. Whether you’re capturing wide-angle landscapes or zooming in on distant subjects, this camera is well-equipped to handle a variety of shooting scenarios. While it may not have all the latest features found in more recent models, its combination of optical zoom, image quality, and user-friendly design make it a worthy choice for those seeking a compact and portable camera.