 | Canon Powershot SX10IS 10MP Digital Camera with 20x Wide Angle Optical Image Stabilized Zoom |
| List Price: | $399.99 |
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Product Description
Whether the action is fast or slow, close up or far away, you’ll always get the shot you want with the PowerShot SX10 IS. This camera puts you on the cutting edge of advanced technology, with an incredibly powerful 20x optical zoom, 10-megapixel resolution, and new DIGIC 4 Image Processor for high-performance face and motion detection.Product Details
- Amazon Sales Rank: #3 in Camera & Photo
- Brand: Canon
- Model: SX10IS
- Dimensions: 3.40" h x 3.50" w x 4.90" l, 1.24 pounds
- Display size: 2.5
- Included Software: Yes
Features
- 10.0-megapixel resolution for high-quality printing and flexibility when editing
- 20x optical zoom, wide-angle lens and Optical Image Stabilizer; improved speed and quiet zooming
- 2.5-inch Vari-angle LCD; DIGIC 4 Image Processor improves Face Detection
- MovieSnap mode lets you capture high-resolution still images while shooting a movie
- Capture images to SD/SDHC memory cards
Editorial Reviews
Manufacturer Description
Whether the action is fast or slow, close up or far
away, you’ll always get the shot you want with the PowerShot SX10 IS.
This camera puts you on the cutting edge of advanced technology, with
an incredibly powerful 20x optical zoom, 10-megapixel resolution, and
new DIGIC 4 Image Processor for high-performance face and motion
detection.
PowerShot SX10IS Highlights
Stay close to the action with a 20x Optical Zoom, wide-angle lens and Optical Image Stabilizer
The PowerShot SX10 IS is equipped with a 20x optical zoom lens with a
focal length of 5.0-100mm (35mm film equivalent: 28-560mm) that allows
you to shoot any scene from wide-angle to telephoto. The camera uses a
VCM (Voice Coil Motor) for high-speed, quiet, energy-efficient lens
movement with precise control. Focal length is conveniently indicated
on the lens barrel.
The lens is optimized to fully exploit
its zoom length and wide shooting angle in concert with the camera’s
high 10.0-megapixel resolution. UD glass effectively suppresses
chromatic aberration, while enhanced negative refractive power ensures
that distortion at the wide-angle is also corrected. Further aberration
is controlled with the inclusion of a double-sided aspherical
glass-molded lens and ultra-high refraction index lens.
Powerful 10.0-megapixel resolution for greater printing and editing
The PowerShot SX10 IS is equipped with many of the same features as a
higher-end camera: an ultrapowerful zoom, eye-popping resolution and
advanced picture-improving technology. 10.0 megapixels of resolution
give your photography incomparable depth and ensure that any section of
any shot can be enlarged and cropped with no loss in quality when you
edit the image and even in large printout. It creates crisp, clear 13 x
19-inch posters.
2.5-inch Vari-angle LCD for flexible viewing at nearly every angle
The camera’s 2.5-inch LCD screen gives you the big picture, whether
you’re shooting, reviewing or showing off your images. This
high-resolution screen offers a crisp, clear picture to make shooting,
playback and using the camera’s menu functions especially convenient.
Clear and bright, it also features Night Display for easy viewing in
low light. It also has an electronic viewfinder that provides sharp
images when you shoot close-up with Super Macro shooting mode.
New
DIGIC 4 Image Processor improves Face Detection, adds Servo AF, Face
Detection Self-Timer and Intelligent Contrast Correction
DIGIC 4 Image Processor
Canon’s proprietary DIGIC Image Processors have long set its cameras
apart from the competition, and the new DIGIC 4 sets the bar even
higher. Faster, more accurate noise reduction delivers better image
quality, even at high ISO speeds.
iSAPS Technology is
an entirely original scene-recognition technology developed for digital
cameras by Canon. Using an internal database of thousands of different
photos, iSAPS works with the advanced DIGIC 4 Image Processor to
improve focus speed and accuracy, as well as exposure and white
balance.
A new Face Self-Timer automatically detects
an increase in the number of faces and makes the appropriate
adjustments. For instance, to include photographer’s face in a group
shot, there’s no need to rush in. Just put the camera on a stand or
tripod, and specify Face Self-Timer, and the camera will wait for the
photographer’s face to get on-camera before it takes the shot. Motion
Detection now tracks moving subjects in a much larger range, and the
new Servo AF retains focus on a moving subject after the shutter button
is pressed halfway -- allowing you to wait for the perfect shot without
refocusing. Also, Face Detection and Motion Detection are markedly
improved.
Intelligent Contrast Correction
DIGIC 4 also makes possible the new i-Contrast (Intelligent Contrast
Correction) system, which controls the compensation level in pixel
units to brighten dark areas while leaving bright areas unchanged for
better images where the main subject is dark, and more natural
transition. The PowerShot SX10 IS can even use i-Contrast in playback
mode to adjust images that were shot without the setting activated.
Red-eye Correction provides three options for removing red-eye from subjects in flash pictures.
1) The Red-eye Correction during shooting actually identifies and corrects red-eye in human subjects as pictures are taken.
2) The SX10 IS can be set to automatically detect and correct red-eye
during image playback. 3) You can manually locate any red eyes in a
scene during image playback on the LCD screen, and command the camera
to remove them.
Life doesn’t give you second chances to
capture special times. That’s why the SX10 IS features ISO 1600 and
High ISO Auto settings that reduce the effects of camera shake and
sharpen subjects in low-light situations, giving you greater shooting
flexibility. ISO can be expanded to 3200 when you select ISO 3200
Special Scene mode.
MovieSnap mode lets you capture high-resolution still images while shooting a movie
With Movie Snap, you’ll never miss a perfect still shot just because
you’re in the middle of shooting a movie. Simply press the shutter to
record a high-resolution still. The PowerShot SX10 IS supports the MOV
video format which reduces data volume by approximately 60 percent.
This allows you to record longer movies while maintaining optimal image
quality.
A wide range of shooting modes to capture anything
Now you’re free to concentrate on what really counts--your subject.
With the large, simple-to-operate Mode Dial, all you have to do is turn
to the setting that best matches the scene you’re viewing through the
lens. The PowerShot SX10 IS does the rest. It chooses the perfect
exposure, aperture and flash. Or, if you want to flex your creative
muscles, choose Manual Control and do it all yourself. You’ve got
Special Scenes Modes to handle a wide range of common shooting
situations--effortlessly.
With 24 Shooting Modes including 11 Special Scene Modes, you’re ready for whatever shot comes your way.
Print/Share Button for easy direct printing and downloading
The PowerShot SX10 IS's Print/Share button makes direct printing easier
than ever. Simply connect the SX10 IS to a Canon PIXMA Photo Printer or
SELPHY Compact Photo Printer or any PictBridge compatible photo
printer, press the lighted Print/Share button and print! Also use the
Print/Share button to transfer images to a computer (Windows and
Macintosh).
Print your own ID photos in up to 28 different
sizes or use the Movie Print function to output multiple stills from a
recorded movie on a single sheet with a Canon SELPHY Compact Photo
Printer.
What's in the Box
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- PowerShot SX10 IS Camera Body
- Lens Cap
- Lens Hood LH-DC50
- Neck Strap NS-DC4
- 4 AA-type Alkaline Batteries
- Stereo Video Cable STV-250N
- Interface Cable IFC-400PCU
- Solution Disk
- User Guide
Customer Reviews
Probably best in class, worthy upgrade
I've owned each new version of this camera since the Powershot
S2IS. For me this is a worthwhile upgrade over the prior version, the
S5IS.
I'll start by saying that I am not a digital camera "power user". I
just want good quality photos without a lot of hassle. This camera
provides that, yet also provides a lot of room for growth with plenty
of custom settings that I can use if I want to learn how to use them in
the future (for example, aperture priority).
Pros:
- In initial testing, the face detection technology seems to work
well. I can take a self portrait now and the lighting comes out very
good. I think the technology has gone from buzzword marketing to true
usefulness.
- One side benefit of the face detection technology is that it
enables the camera to intelligently take red-eye out of pictures
without using the red-eye reduction lamp.
- The flip-out and rotating viewfinder has always and continues to
set this camera apart from its peers from other companies. It allows
for less intrusive candid photos and has many other advantages.
- Thankfully, the SD card door is separate from the battery door as
it was with the S3IS. Thank you Canon! There are times that I just want
to take a few pictures, and now I don't have to open the battery door
to take the SD card out and put in my PC's card reader.
- Low battery warning. I think this is the first version to have that and it's very welcome.
- 28mm -- I will never get another camera without wide angle built
in. I have the Canon Elph 880IS too, which is a very powerful
"pocketable" camera that complements this one well.
- Sharp 20x zoom. Pictures turn out very good even at high zooms.
In an indoor-lit apartment, I can read fairly small print from a photo
taken all the way across a room -- it truly is amazing.
- The picture quality is better at higher ISO's than previous
models. Each model improves on this and this one definitely continues
that. I haven't tried out the "I-Contrast" setting (on vs. off) but I
can say that in some outdoor pictures that I have taken detail is good
in shadow areas.
- Finally, a standard lens-cap. It doesn't have a tether, but you
can buy a cap attachment from a camera store that sticks on the front
of the cap. The one that I got has an elastic band that goes around the
base of the lens. I also got a better lens cap which can now be done
since it's standard.
- Controls ... I like the new placement of the controls such as
dedicated on-off button and display button. I don't think I will like
the scroll wheel but time will tell. For those not familiar with this
camera, there is a dedicated video button so that you can take video
quickly without having to mess with the controls.
- Weight and shape. I liked the shape of the S5IS a little better.
This one seems too "boxy" and the grip seems too abrupt. It's bigger
and heavier but not in a way that matters. It's expected with the new
lens.
The only thing I would have liked to see improved is the size of
the rotating display. It's usable, but the 3" one on my pocket SD880IS
is much better, and competing cameras offer a larger display. In order
to get a larger display though the electronic viewfinder would probably
have to be eliminated which is something that many wouldn't like. I'd
rather have a larger display.
I don't know if the compressed movie mode results in less quality
because I didn't take movies with prior versions of this camera because
the file size was larger. I like that videos take up less space now and
I will use the video feature of this version.
Canon released a camera similar to this with HD video capabilities
but it's not available, as far as I know, in the U.S. Check the Canon
website for more info. if you want to research that.
There is not a way to screw filters on this camera as there was
with the optional lens adapters available for the S5IS. It seems that
Canon could have easily done this by threading the end of the lens but
maybe I am missing something. I anticipate that Canon or some other
company will come out with an adapter that will allow filters. My main
use of filters was simply to protect the lens.
I don't know if the software is improved because I don't use it. If
you want date / time stamps on your photos, you need to do it via
software.
If you like this camera and are interested in a great pocket-sized
camera to complement this one, check out the SD880IS. It has many of
the same features such as the Digic 4 chip, face detection, wide angle,
I-contrast, and in addition it has a beautiful 3" display.
Update 10-26-08
- I previously commented that I thought the shape was too boxy" and
the grip "too abrupt". After using the camera for a while I have grown
to like the shape because it helps keep the camera more steady and
helps prevent dropping it. There is a ridge below where the index
finger is, and above the other 3 fingers holding the camera. That helps
keep a good grip on the camera which makes it steadier while shooting
and helps prevent dropping it while carrying it around.
Sweet Big Little Camera (Updated April 29, 2009)
This is a second update. It comes after several months working with an SX10 IS.
SHORT LIST
Pros:
Excellent resolution
Very good noise control
Image edge and corner sharpness
Less than average color fringing
True wide angle and phenomenal telephoto
iContrast for highlight/shadow
Vari-angle LCD
Focus frame size adjustment
Brightness, contrast, sharpness and color settings
Great movie mode with stereo sound
Hot shoe
Lens hood
Cons:
Slow f5.7 maximum aperture beyond 100mm
Tendency to overexpose (though this can be an advantage--see below)
Low light autofocus issues
Minor lens distortions and color fringing at either end of zoom
Tedious control dial
LCD hard to see in bright outdoor light
Zoom sounds audible in movies
IN DEPTH
A semi-pro photographer with 30+ years' shooting experience, I am
respectful yet rigorously demanding of my photo equipment. I push
parameters, often absurdly so, but the SX10 doesn't seem to mind it one
bit. For its price point, features and class, this is a stellar
offering, and I highly recommend it.
The camera is solidly built and, although hefty for a
point-and-shoot, feels well balanced in the hand. Controls are
intuitively placed and easy to find with your fingers--no need to take
your eye off the LCD or viewfinder when you've become acquainted with
their positions.
Performance is excellent in all but low light, where autofocus and
shutter lag are sometimes at issue. The camera powers on and is ready
to shoot very quickly. Image recording time is swift, especially with a
Class 6 card, and in reasonable lighting focus is both swift and
accurate. Resolution is superb; image stabilization is best in class.
And the sheer zoom range--wow!
Point-and-shoot capability is great. Open the box, install
batteries and memory card, and fire away. It's so easy, kids can do it.
And given a little time and tinkering, in its creative modes the camera
really shows its chops.
In this review, you'll see several references to existing-light
photography. It's my personal preference; I only use flash when I must.
So I've spent a lot of time working out the angles for that sort of
shooting. What you won't see is anything more than a cursory remark
about action photography. It's not something I've used this camera for
just yet.
In this model Canon addresses several issues inherent in the "S"
series--most notably noise and dynamic range. Though still noisy at ISO
800, about half the images I've shot at that setting have been okay for
prints, and nearly all are very good at ISO 400. Pictures taken between
ISOs 80 and 200 are clean and excellent. Noise reduction at higher ISOs
does degrade saturation and details a bit (more noticeable at the
longer end of the zoom, especially in low-contrast lighting) but not
enough to abandon the higher sensitivities altogether.
Both edge and corner sharpness are very good at anything but widest
angle and full zoom, and even here sharpness is much improved over the
S5 at ANY focal length. In truth, no zoom lens of such wide range has
edge-to-edge sharpness at its focal extremes.
Color fringe is a mixed bag. Depends somewhat on the focal length,
ISO, aperture and shutter speed. Overall, fringing is not that
bothersome. At both the widest angle and full telephoto ends you'll see
some colored edges, most noticeably in areas of high contrast. Bumping
the zoom lever once or twice makes all the difference.
Some barrel distortion occurs at the wide end as well, though not
too bad. It's only noticeable where there are obvious vertical or
horizontal lines (again, a bump or two of zoom, and lines strighten
right up). These issues can of course be corrected in most photo
editing programs, although not in Zoombrowser EX, the camera's supplied
software.
Achieving focus in certain lighting can be iffy and sometimes
fails. Changing the focus frame size will usually remedy this. When it
doesn't, manual focus feature comes to the rescue. Fortunately this
feature is improved in the SX10. The autofocus issue seems linked to
extremes in contrast, whether low or high, rather than actual light
available. Low contrast, low light situations present the most
difficulty, but a couple of times my copy has struggled and failed in
high-contrast, intense lighting, too. Lowering the ISO helped.
If you prefer existing light photos and stay at ISO 400 and under,
at focal lengths beyond 100mm you'll need to reduce shutter speeds due
to narrowing apertures, and action shots get tricky. For stationary
subjects, though, the camera can be hand-held at speeds as low as 1/6
sec to produce sharp images without flash--phenomenal. This works best
with image stabilization set to single shot rather than continuous.
It IS a good idea to carry a mini-tripod or monopod. The SX10 tends
some toward overexposure, though, which works to your benefit; an
increase in shutter speed not only balances exposure but also results
in fewer blurry hand-held shots. So, although it's a good idea to have
one handy, the tripod probably won't be needed too terribly often.
The camera's built-in flash is quite good to about 17 feet. There's
also a hot shoe for dedicated external flash; and with flash employed,
the playing field broadens significantly. I've not yet encountered a
situation where I couldn't get a picture when working with flash. A few
times manual focus has been necessary, but by golly, I got the shot!
That big lens does zoom--boy, does it ever! Furthermore, digitally
zoomed images are surprisingly detailed. Image stabilization is so
effective that in good lighting sharp, hand-held shots are VERY doable
at maximum magnification--a whopping 80X. The hardest thing about
shooting at that length is just keeping the subject in your viewfinder!
Canon's vari-angle LCD is thoroughly spoiling--it cooks. There have
been many times when I simply wouldn't have gotten a keeper without it.
An articulating LCD not only offers the flexibility to shoot no-hassle
self portraits, overhead, ground-level and other awkward-angle
pictures, but it also gives an extra measure of stability in composing
your pictures. Just fold out and tilt the LCD and hold the camera close
to your body with your elbows tucked in. It's a much steadier stance
than the traditional arms-out, eye-level method. Makes for some good
stealth photography, as well as opening up new perspectives (think
children and pets). And it's a real boon for tight spots and macro
work. My only quibble about the LCD is how difficult it is to see in
bright sunlight. (Fortunately, the electronic viewfinder is excellent,
so you can shoot, no matter what.)
I really appreciate the ability to reduce the focus frame for
capturing little details (it's nice to have a camera that "knows," for
instance, that you're going for the antennae of a moth and not its
entire body). Better yet, you can zero in on the eye as the sharpest
point in the frame, making for stand-out people, bird, wildlife and pet
photos. Pictures are so much more arresting with this capability.
About iContrast: while dynamic range does increase some, it's not a
magic wand. With it turned off this camera does pretty well (though not
d-SLR well) at highlight and shadow details. At least in my copy,
pictures shot with iContrast are sometimes processed with a dull,
gray-blue cast that no color or white balance setting offsets. So I
keep iContrast disabled during shooting, unless the lighting is pretty
extreme (the user guide suggests this approach). I've found iContrast
of greater benefit, editing images in Review mode. Colors are more
vibrant this way; the pics don't get that gray-blue cast.
SX10 pictures are not as contrasty as those from Canon's previous
ultrazooms, especially at longer focal lengths. This is not a design
flaw--you now have the option to adjust contrast as a custom function.
It's found in My Colors. Options for adjusting sharpness, saturation
and skin tones--as well as red, green and blue channels, are available
there, too.
Often pictures lacking in contrast are simply the result of
overexposure. If you're using one of the camera's built-in My Color
settings, in average to bright light exposure compensation frequently
helps, adding vibrance to your images and upping highlight details. The
exposure compensation button makes this easy. On the other hand, photos
captured in overcast and other low-contrast lighting conditions nearly
always lack contrast, regardless of how you adjust exposure or which
iContrast setting you're using. I personally don't mind this, as
contrast can always be boosted in post-editing.
Even if you're a seasoned photographer, I can't stress enough: READ
THE USER GUIDE even if you've owned one of Canon's previous superzooms.
While the SX10 is very similar to its predecessors, there are also some
big differences. When I got mine, I didn't actually look at the guide
for almost a week; until I did, I grew steadily more disappointed. And
just knew that Canon had lost their marbles.
If you're a full-auto kinda person, you'll probably love the camera
without reading through the whole manual--that is, until you make your
first movie. If you haven't read the advanced instructions for video
capture, here's where you'll probably encounter dissatisfaction. Be
sure and read the advanced guide for movies on pages 87-90 (English
version). For instance, you can lock the focus--very nice--no more
fading in and out. But the thing I think you'll really want to know
about is a way to brighten movies when zooming. (More on that in a
bit.)
It's when you move beyond point-and-shoot into the creative zones
that an in-depth look at the advanced guide gets essential. The good
stuff is in there all right, just waiting to be tapped, but you'd
practically have to be psychic to know how to work it. It's not a hard
camera to control, but some of its features and the procedures for
using them aren't exactly transparent. You're paying for a pretty
amazing, feature-rich camera. Instead of bashin' or smashin' the darn
thing, do yourself and the SX10 both a favor. Read up on how to use it.
It's well nigh impossible to get the best from it til you do.
In its auto modes, the camera selects ISO, aperture and shutter
speeds which almost always work very well, although you may
occasionally bring home noisier images than you'd like, and the white
balance can sometimes be just a tad off. It also means employing the
flash indoors fairly often, so if you prefer point-and-shoot, existing
light photography you really may want to consider a different camera.
About Movie mode, in my estimation the only down side is the lens
noise it records--an audible clacking sound during zoom. In every other
respect, movies are outstanding. Before I bought the camera I had read
user complaints about dark videos, and that concerned me. Sure enough,
when I got the camera and gave it a whirl, my movies were just bogus
beyond the 100mm tele mark.
Then I read the advanced guide--duh. And found that Canon has made
provision for the lens's narrowing aperture as you zoom in. When you
notice the image growing dim, you can increase the exposure--during
recording! It's very easy--a press of the exposure compensation button
and a twirl of the control dial is all it takes. Works like a charm.
And that's not the only new enhancement (earlier I mentioned focus
lock). Before beginning a movie, you can also set preferences for white
balance and color. With stereo sound, volume adjustment, a wind filter
and such enormous focal reach, the Movie mode is a great addition to an
already magnificent camera--why, it's just gravy.
If anything ever fails on my copy, it'll probably be the control
dial. Learning to use it was pretty trying. The dial is thin and
slippery, and the mount is too shallow, almost flush with the FUNC/SET
button it surrounds. The knurls on the dial are barely palpable and
provide little traction. Worse, the dial tends to slip while it's
turning. Applying enough pressure to engage it can inadvertently change
the ISO setting or switch the camera to Manual Focus or Macro mode. My
touch has improved with time and practice, but it took way too long to
get the knack, and it's still not surefire. The thing's just plain
tetchy!
Despite its idiosyncracies, I'm very glad the control dial is
there. The SX10 is a camera that offers many adjustment options for
making the very most of its incredible abilities.
If the dial were more easily engaged, and the zoom were silent
during video capture, this camera would earn my resounding five-star
rating. It probably deserves one anyway. If I didn't use the creative
modes almost exclusively, the control dial wouldn't be such a bother.
And if I weren't so persnickety, the lens sounds in video probably
wouldn't be an issue, either. The dial needs improvement, though.
Because this camera falls in the "advanced" category, aimed at the
photo enthusiast/advanced photographer, and because it is one of the
most-used and important features for that kind of shooting, I can't
rationalize away its mediocre design and just love the dial anyway.
Canon simply MUST improve on future iterations of their SX cameras, and
I expect they will!
Happy with the SX10 IS
This camera replaced my old Olympus C2100, a formidable 10x zoom
camera introduced 8 years ago that started the mega-zoom race. Have
played with the SX10 IS for a week now and very happy with it.
Below are what I like:
-It uses regular "AA" batteries. Never buy a camera that uses
specialized batteries no matter what people may tell you. Updated
6/27/09: this camera is so power efficient that it can take 600 photos
on a single set of AA rechargeable batteries according to a leading
consumer magazine (no other camera can even come close, non).
-It has a useful 28mm wide angle lens. This means you can include
a whole group of people in a picture without standing too far back(such
as in a small room). Most cameras (I say 90%) do not have lens this
wide.
-You can zoom (optical & digital, with audio) while taking
movies. Many cameras do not allow optical or audio during movie taking.
-It takes SD memory cards which is most popular (plentiful,
cheap). Do not settle for cameras that take any other type of memory
cards.
-It has a rotating LCD display.
-It is quick to take (and view) pictures and movies.
-Picture and movie quality (with stereo audio) is superbly competitive to any other high quality cameras.
Below are what I don't like:
-No grip: this is one slippery camera. I like its size and weight but its grip needs to be designed accordingly.
-The LCD display is very easily scratched. Do not wear this camera
with a neck strap with the LCD facing out, because your shirt buttons
will scratch the LCD. Immediately put a protective screen on this LCD
first; there are several protective screen or tape products available.
-The lens has no thread so you can't put on a lens filter to protect it from smears and dust.
-The lens cap has no tether or tether hole so there is little you
can do to attach the cap to the camera. Canon, what was you thinking?
-I wish it can record movies in widescreen 16:9 VGA. It does not
have HD movie feature but I don't need HD, I only wish widescreen VGA.
Currently there are several 20x zoom cameras available, such as the Olympus SP-570UZ and SP-565UZ, Casio EX-FH20. I've tried all of them, and eventually chose the Canon SX10IS as I think it gives you superb features and quality for an unbelievable price.