Canon Powershot SX10 IS Black Digital Camera
- Average rating of 3.5 stars from 12 reviews.
- Released 16 years 8 months ago (Oct 2008).
-91778579, 807423460
The Canon Powershot SX10 IS was released in Oct 2008. Canon zooms in on the amateur and the amateur-turning-pro market with this 20x ultra-zoom model. The upgrade to the popular SX5 IS model, it offers a whopping 20X zoom lens with Optical Image Stabilization.
In this report we look at some of the key features that Canon has to offer and the significant hardware upgrades over the previous model. We further analyze what the pros have to say about this model and round up the findings from over 13 of the best reviews on the internet. Some of the expert reviews include 'Cnet' and 'DpReview'. We then present you some buying advice whether this product is worth the buy.
According to Canon, the SX10 IS offers the zooming power of a DSLR in a compact camera. The SX10 comes power-packed with a 20x (28mm-560mm) optical zoom lens, optical image stabilization(IS) and the powerful DIGIC4 processor.
This package also has a host of features targeted at super performance and user experience such as
- Genuine Canon Face detection technology
- Servo AF for continuous tracking of moving subjects producing sharper pictures
- The camera has 24 shooting modes, ranging from fully automatic to manual, offering the best range of choices for everyone from the novice to the photo enthusiasts.
As far as image quality is concerned, the SX10 IS definitely delivers the goods, according to most experts. Reviewers were impressed with the picture sharpness, excellent image stabilization and vivid colors which are a hallmark of Canon.
However there are a few minor gripes. According to InfoSync one of the issues was that the camera did not handle highly contrast filled environments well enough. According to 'PCAdvisor', there was some noise at ISOs greater than 400. 'Steve's digicams' advises to use ISO 400 and below and use higher ISO's only when necessary. 'DpReview' reports some chromatic aberrations on high-contrast edges, but these are visible only in large prints. But on the whole reviewers were happy with the image quality.
Video quality was found to be good by most reviewers. The SX10 IS provides zooming feature while shooting video, and 'PCAdvisor' says that the SX10 was able to handle the zooming and focusing exceedingly well. However there is no support for HD video and RAW support which is a bummer as most cameras come with HD video support these days.
The USP of this camera is the super zoom lens which is 28mm at the wide-angle and 560mm at the telephoto range, providing a whopping zoom range which is hard to beat. Most experts have lauded the optical abilities of the SX10 IS. However according to 'Cnet' has commented that the stepped zoom did not feel accurate probably due to the wide range it has to cover. However this is a problem with most stepped zooms and not with this camera in particular.
The swiveling LCD of the SX10 IS is appreciated by most experts and is useful to capture shots at odd angles and also for video capture. Navigation on the SX10 IS should satisfy the photo enthusiasts with it's wealth of options. The physical controls have been given a thumbs up for it's easy accessibility. The spinning Set wheel enables easy modification of parameters instead of endless scrolling. However experts at 'PCAdvisor' and 'Cnet' found the scrollwheel a bit unpredictable due to the lack of click stops and requires some getting used to.
The camera build is sturdy and the sculpted handgrip ensures a very secure feel in the hands, even if held in one hand.
Canon's claims of a superzoom which offers the wide range of features normally found in a DSLR but without the bulky lenses delivers has been well received by experts. The Canon S series and the SX10 camera in particular set the benchmark for the superzoom category of compacts, and there are many cameras in this category today. An excellent zoom lens with optical image stabilization, impressive image quality at low ISO's, swiveling LCD and zippy performance all make compelling reasons to get the SX10 and dive into some serious photography.
The Canon SX10 IS is a good buy for those who want the DSLR look and feel in a compact camera. It should definitely appeal to photo enthusiasts as it is a complex camera with a wide range of options.
Other offerings in the compact superzoom category are
- Panasonic Lumix FZ35 which has 18x zoom, HD record capability at 720p and can be a great choice if you want better video capability
- If you want to stick with Canon,there are newer options like the Canon SX130 IS which is a 12 MP 12x superzoom camera. It offers HD video recording and a bigger LCD screen and is more lightweight than the SX10 IS. Priced lesser than the SX10, it offers great value for money.
© 2025 ReviewGist.com. All Rights Reserved.
Canon Powershot SX10 IS Black Digital Camera