Canon PowerShot scales new heights with the SX1 IS

Category: Review on Canon Powershot SX1IS Digital Camera

Posted by: 30-Jun

Strengths: CMOS sensor, zoom, HD capture, HDMI support

Weaknesses: Weight, power hungry, expensive

Canon has for long been synonymous with high quality imaging services and often considered the benchmark for others in the industry. Attention to detail and market specific solutions have earned them the respect and patronage among all levels of users.

The SX1 IS is a hybrid of SLR-like zoom capabilities with the usability of its PowerShot series. It offers a 20 x optical zoom with a wide angle 28mm lens setting a new standard in compact zooms. The Ultrasonic motor (USM) and Voice coil motor (VCM) system ensures smooth and rapid zooming which would delight even the most professional of photographers.

The SX1 is the first compact camera to receive Canon’s 10.1 mega pixel CMOS sensor from its professional EOS range. In combination with the new DIGIC 4 processor, it offers richly detailed and clean images without compromising on speed.

It offers full high-definition movie capture and 4 frames per second continuous image capture. It also offers instant playback with a built in HDMI support enabling instant connection with a HD screen. The optical image stabilizer is well refined avoiding camera shake blur even with the zoom full extended.

The package doesn’t include a memory card nor does it have an internal memory which could cause inconvenience on long trips. The camera is power hungry and drains its AA sized batteries in no time. Also, the lens cap does not have a retaining strap which could frustrate even an average user. However, all it takes is a single picture to convince a buyer of its worthiness.