Canon PowerShot SX210 IS Review

  14.1 MP Digital Camera with 14x Wide Angle Optical Image Stabilized Zoom and 3.0-Inch LCD

 

If you are ready for a versatile compact camera that delivers many of the features of a large professional model, then the 28mm Canon PowerShot SX210 IS is the perfect choice for you. If doesn’t matter if you are a beginner, intermediate or a dedicated photographer this camera has a mode designed to meet your needs. In fact, it is so impressive it received the PC Magazine Service and Reliability Award.

The Canon PowerShot SX210 IS boasts 14.1 megapixels and a 14x Wide Angle Optical Image Stabilized Zoom, unique in a compact small enough to fit in a purse or on a belt clip, and the wide 3.0 LCD screen is great for previewing your shots. You can choose a black, purple or gold body to suit your taste. The camera includes a light-weight lithium-ion battery and charger as well as a wrist strap and AV and USB connect cables to download those terrific shots. If this is a gift you might also want to purchase a carrying case and SD (secure digital) memory card. 

State of the Art Image Quality

State of the art technology has been included in the Canon PowerShot SX210 IS to consistently give you crisp, clear pictures. It starts with 14.1 megapixels. If you are new to the digital scene, you may wonder what this megapixel hype is all about.

Basically, digital pictures are made up of little dots, called pixels, and a megapixel equals a million dots. While you may not see a significant difference in a small photo between 14.1 megapixels and 12.0 megapixels, the difference becomes much more significant if you want to enlarge your favorite shots for wall display. With 14.1 megapixels you can still maintain clearness and clarity on 16.5 x 23.4 inch prints.

Another great feature is the red eye reduction and correction; blue eyes will actually look blue. If you set the Canon PowerShot SX210 IS to automatic red eye correction you can correct any eye color distortion while you preview the photos. Your corrected version is what will print. Special low light technology assists you when taking indoor shots where the lighting is not ideal.

The DIGIC 4 technology includes face detection that will lock in on the face of your young athletes while they are running down the field. You can even set the camera up, delay the shot, and join the group for a photo. The camera records the faces in the initial group and doesn’t snap the picture until a new face appears. Now the entire family can be part of the visual memory.

Large Zoom for a Little Camera

The 14X side angle optical zoom is an incredible feature in a compact. Not only can the zoom be used for still shots, but it works smoothly in video mode making it a great choice for sports or family gatherings. An image stabilizer helps correct any camera shake that can occur when you are walking and shooting, capturing all of the action. The 28mm wide angle lens allows you to capture more scenery in your pictures when taking those vista shots.

Mode Versatility

The Canon PowerShot SX210 IS is designed with all levels of camera expertise in mind. If you are a novice, or simply having too much fun to take the time to set each shot, you can put the camera in Smart Auto mode. Built within the software are 22 different scene modes combined with motion detection and face recognition technology. The camera also measures the light, engaging the flash automatically when needed. If you are already in bright sunlight the contrast correction will help define your subject, preventing that faded look.

For the more advanced photographer, the Canon PowerShot SX210 IS can be switched to manual mode, allowing you to control your ASA, or film speed as well as shutter speed and aperture opening. The cameral also has the fish-eye and miniature movie options which expand your creativity. Want the same shot but with different colors? This is now possible with the color switch option.

Amazing Video

The Canon PowerShot SX210 IS delivers a high quality 720p HD video with stereo sound seldom found in a combination camera. The Dynamic Mode allows you to follow moving subjects easily which the camera provides contrast image stabilization. You can use a mini HDMI connector to hook up your camera to you HD TV and have a home movie night. This cable can also be used to preview up to 130 still shots at a time on the television screen.

Pros

• Multiple settings for different experience levels
• Great battery life
• Incredible picture clarity
• Red eye correction / detection
• Low light enhancement
• Optical zoom during video - for getting really close to the action
• Image stabilization during video - eliminate camera shake and get pin-sharp video every time

Cons

• Four second processing time between still shots
• Positioning of pop-up flash
• Smaller prints will not show all detail of wide angle shots

What People are Saying about the Canon PowerShot SX210 IS

Customers appear to be very happy with the versatility of the 14x wide angle lens built into the Canon PowerShot SX210 IS. The ability to switch from auto to manual mode makes this an ideal choice for the whole family, no matter how much or little experience each person has.

One improvement some people would like to see is to have the microphones moved from the top of the camera to the front since this might cut down on wind noise and enhance the stereo quality. Others express concern about the placement of the pop-up flash; it is located where a person normally places their finger.

The consensus of opinion is that the Canon PowerShot SX210 IS is the perfect video / camera combination. If you are thinking about an upgrade you might want to check out this option at an online store like Amazon.com.