Canon PowerShot SX130 IS Review

  12.1 MP Digital Camera with 12x Wide Angle Optical Image Stabilized Zoom with 3.0-Inch LCD

 

If you are looking for a great 28mm camera / video combination loaded with extras, the Canon PowerShot SX130 IS could be your best bet. The camera has 12.1 megapixels, a DIGIC 4 Image Processor, Canon’s Optical Image Stabilizer and an ISO speed of 1600. This model also comes with contrast correction, face and motion detection and red eye correction. While pros will love it, the smart auto features makes it a great choice for beginners as well.

This compact digital camera comes with 2 AA batteries, a wrist strap, USB interface cable, AV cable, and a digital solution CD Rom. Optional accessories include a black leather case, AA battery charger and an AC adapter kit.

Canon PSC-3300 Deluxe Soft Case for SX130IS Digital Camera

Transcend 16 GB Class 10 SDHC Flash Memory Card

Enhanced Video Capabilities

The Canon PowerShot SX130 IS shoots 720p high definition video in stereo sound while using the innovative 12x wide-angle optical zoom lens to capture all of the action. When you’re finished you can download the video to your computer to share and enjoy. If you want to have some fun with your movie, you can experiment with a new feature called Miniature Effect for Movies. This mode adjusts your video to look as if it is actually a scene filmed using miniatures.

Incredible Still Shots

It’s difficult to take a bad picture with the Canon PowerShot SX130 IS. The auto focus feature is equipped with 28 different settings to match any photo situation you encounter. Point the camera at your target and it adjusts to provide you with the best resolution Camera shake, one of the main reasons for blurry photos, is corrected by an optical image stabilizer.

Have you ever had trouble taking a group shot with everyone smiling? It seems the larger the group, the more difficult this task becomes. Just when you think you have them all in line, the guy at the end frowns. With the smile detection mode on you won’t ever have that problem again. The shutter doesn’t click until everyone is smiling. When you’re done, you can preview your shots on the 3.0 inch LED screen using the playback mode, which even comes with scroll through capability.

Be Creative

And if you want to have a little fun with your Canon PowerShot SX130 IS, you might want to try out the new fisheye mode. This artistic option allows you to capture a slightly distorted, convex effect. You can adjust the depth by choosing a low, medium or high level.

The Canon PowerShot SX130 IS will also help you with other artistic endeavors. For example, if you want to blur an action shot you can set the shutter speed and the camera will automatically adjust the aperture opening to match your selection. And if you are ready to go beyond the basics and set your own speed and aperture settings, then you can switch into manual mode and make all of the adjustments on your own.

No Fuss Flash

The Canon PowerShot SX130 IS is equipped with Canon’s smart flash exposure technology. An internal sensor measures the light and adjusts the automatic flash to deliver just the right amount of additional light needed. This is especially valuable when you are taking pictures of more than one person, and some of the faces have less exposure to the light.

The camera locks onto the faces and adjusts the brightness so everyone comes out looking great. If you encounter a situation where you want to take a darker picture, or you are in a setting where a camera flash would not be appreciated, you can turn the auto flash off.

Pros

• Outstanding picture quality for truely memorable photographs
• Great picture stabilization for pin sharp images every time
• Auto flash and auto focus, two more things you don't have to worry about
• 12.1 Megapixels for outstanding picture quality
• Manual options so that you can take full control if you want to
• Powerful wide angle lens to capture more of your surroundings
• 720p HD with stereo for movie quality video playback
• Smile detection :-)

Cons

• Wide angle lens requires manual adjustment when in video mode
• Slow after flash cycle
• Short battery life

What People are Saying about the PowerShot SX130 IS

One of the most common assessments of the Canon PowerShot SX130 IS is that it takes great pictures and video. Customers did mention that you need to manually adjust the wide angle optical zoom lens while taking video, even though it adjusts automatically for still shots. The consensus of opinion was that this was easy to adapt to and the video with its terrific sound was well worth the effort.

While many people were thrilled that the Canon PowerShot SX130 IS uses AA batteries which are inexpensive and readily available, a major complaint was they don’t seem to last long in this camera. For most people, the problem resolved itself as soon as they invested in rechargeable NiMH batteries.

Overall, this Canon Powershot camera comes highly recommended. You can find the Canon PowerShot SX130 IS on Amazon.com where you will typically find lower prices than other online stores.