Canon Powershot SX10IS Reviews

It's not a DSLR but it comes pretty darn close. What doesn't it have that a DSLR does?

1. Well the obvious is you can't change lenses but with such a large zoom and super macro why carry around all that stuff just to take hobby shots?

2. The sensor is never going to be as great as the higher end cameras, but it does a darn good job if you know how to work your settings and use a tripod.

3. You can't shoot raw. Again this is for the person who likes to take photos rather than switching out lenses, cleaning innards of the body, and sitting in front of the computer tweaking all day.

That being said if you're looking for a more "professional camera" go for the new Rebel (I believe the new one has live view that the older models don't and that is a real plus.)

Okay so shooting at anything above 400ISO gets noisy. My solution - use a tripod for longer exposures at a lower ISO or use flash when possible.

The zoom is great and though you do lose some quality there is an image stabalizer, you will get shake -- again use a tripod or monopod.

The thing is so easy to use, I never even read the instruction manual. It's all right there on the camera, you just have to play around with it.

Burst mode is kinda slow, but again it's under $400 camera -- there are going to be some trade offs for the all-in-one-point-and-shoot.

USE the scene settings, they are marvelous, and can actually help train you on how to set the camera manually. The indoor mode is fantastic at setting the white balance.

The best situation for any camera is lots of light so expect noise, blur etc in darker settings. Get yourself a flash -- Speedlite 430ex or better if you have the cash. I am still waiting for mine, but if you like to bounce flash off the wall behind you do some more research on it. Get a diffuser and/or bounce the crap out of it. Experiment and play. Once you learn the camera and its nuances, you will be able to get the most out of it.

Spend the money and get a fast memory card with a lot of space.

This camera is now my baby and I have used the Olympus Camedia 3.2 MP for quite some time and I have taken a lot of great photos with it. I had the older rebel, hated that it didn't have live view and didn't have the money to buy fast telephoto lenses. Sold it. I recommend you keep yours if you have one though... they are great cameras.

I will be shooting intimate events (baby showers, small weddings, birthday and holiday parties) with this one and using my friend's rebel as a backup. LOL imagine that!!? I figure I can make some of my cash back maybe even enough to get the new rebel.

If you want something that is easy to use, has a great zoom lens, takes great photos and is under $400, this is the camera for you. It's a canon and the resale value should stick should you want to upgrade in a year.

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I am not impressed with the image stabilization on this camera. I had better results with my Canon A520 without image stabilization!. Alot of expense and hoopla for a camera that just doesn't come close my expectations or what they say the camera will produce.
Try something else. Save your money!
Get more detail about Canon Powershot SX10IS 10MP Digital Camera with 20x Wide Angle Optical Image Stabilized Zoom.

I'm beyond point and shoot, but didn't want to go back to lugging a huge gadget bag with SLR and lenses. The SX10IS fills the gap -- very nicely. I don't think I'll ever need another camera.Get more detail about Canon Powershot SX10IS 10MP Digital Camera with 20x Wide Angle Optical Image Stabilized Zoom.

First let me say I am not any kind of photography expert. I have owned a 35mm Canon rebel and a Minolta SLR. The rebel took decent pictures but the Minolta was terrible. So needless to say I never really learned to use them. I was alway a Point and SHoot gal. This camera takes AMAZING pictures straight out of the box. THe large zoom really focuses well. I still haven't taken the time to learn about all the features but so far I am loving this camera. Get more detail about Canon Powershot SX10IS 10MP Digital Camera with 20x Wide Angle Optical Image Stabilized Zoom.

This Canon camera is awesome. I wanted to take a set up from the 5MP Sony Cybershot I used for years. Having 10 MP and 20X Optical with this Canon makes a world of difference. It's great having the ability to tilt the viewing screen. I've recommended this camera to all my family and friends.Get more detail about Canon Powershot SX10IS 10MP Digital Camera with 20x Wide Angle Optical Image Stabilized Zoom.

An excellent camera for those just getting into photography, or someone not ready to spend a fortune on a pro camera. Tons of features that are easy to figure out, and make picture-taking a breeze. The zoom is wonderful for getting in close to your subject quickly and quietly. Haven't had it for very long, so I haven't used all it's features yet. But, what I have used has made my shots better and more professional looking. Like someone who knows what they're doing! Would recommend this camera. Great features for not too much money.Get more detail about Canon Powershot SX10IS 10MP Digital Camera with 20x Wide Angle Optical Image Stabilized Zoom.

I have had a bunch of digital camera's that have treated me right... Sony, Casio and Canon. However this one is has almost everything I would want in a NON-SLR camera.

PRO's
* Excellent camera for the price
* Support SDHC
* Uses standard AA batteries
* Flash hot-shoe
* DIGIC 4 delivers excellent image quality
* Lens is awesome
* Love the rotating screen.
* there's more but those are the main points

CON's
* Little bit bigger and heavier than the market competition camera's but it is not a huge hinderance
* The menu's let you do a lot of cool things but it takes some getting used to and it not the most intuitive.
* Built in flash is crappy but you cant expect the built-in flash to be great. It's good for emergencies.
* As in other reviews the scroll wheel feels a little "off", not enough to be a problem but it could be designed better.

Overall I am very pleased with this camera. I previously bought a Fuji S1000 - 10 Megapixel camera and it was a completely piece of crap compared to this one. I am very glad I returned that and spent the extra money on this one. My father is a pro-photographer and he has always used Canon, even in the film days. I will also stick with Canon from this point on, because it works and works good.Get more detail about Canon Powershot SX10IS 10MP Digital Camera with 20x Wide Angle Optical Image Stabilized Zoom.

I own two other Canon cameras, A Digital Rebel Xt DSLR with two zoom lenses and a Power Shot A720 IS. The DSLR is used for serious photography and the A720 for informal family pictures and things like fishing. As I am getting older I am finding that the DSLR outfit is getting harder to carry so I was looking for a lighter outfit when I did not want to carry it. At first I thought that getting auxiliary lenses for the A720 would do the job but found it too bulky and inconvenient. Then Canon came out with the SX 10 IS. I got the first one my local dealer got in. It is far more versatile than the A720 but only slightly larger. It covers the complete focal length range I need for almost all picture taking needs. The quality of the pictures is slightly better than the already very good A720 at most ranges. At the extreme telephoto end it loses some as expected. Of course it is not as good as the DSLR but how can one expect a camera that sells for under 400 dollars to be as good as one that was over 1000 dollars? I was able to get close to the DSLR quality with a little help from my Photoshop Elements.

The camera is light for what it does and very convenient. I like the variable angle viewing for odd angle shots as close to the ground and the electronic viewfinder for bright situations. The electronic viewfinder is best for telephoto use as you can hold the camera steadier. The image stabilizer works all the way out to the 560mm equivalent but I recommend taking several pictures just in case. I like the fact that I don't have to carry extension tubes for close ups. The camera has too many other useful features to mention here. I have used it for over a month now and feel I got more than my moneys worth.
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Canon Powershot SX10IS 10MP Digital Camera with 20x Wide Angle Optical Image Stabilized Zoom The Canon SX10 IS is just what I was waiting for in a Canon point and shoot camera. Pro's are is the 10 megapixels and the long 20 X zoom. The price won't rob your wallet either. The photos I have taken are great, sharp and clear. The con's I have to mention is that it doesn't accept filters but I believe a company is working on making something fit. I've read on line actually that some folks are using a 52 mm filter but Canon says it wasn't made to be used with filters. Also the program to download photos to your computer are not as easy as my Canon S-2 or XTi but that is not a big deal. You will be impressed with the pictures it takes.Get more detail about Canon Powershot SX10IS 10MP Digital Camera with 20x Wide Angle Optical Image Stabilized Zoom.

So far I have taken around 600 pictures with the SX10 and have only one complaint. I am having trouble fine tuning the 'selecting ring'in SCN mode. I turn the dial and nothing moves and then all of a sudden it moves quickly to a selection I don't want and I have to begin again. I'm just not in control. However, the 20x zoom exceeded my expectations. I had originally wanted an Canon SLR just to use my measly 200mm zoom from my 35mm film Rebel, but this is much better for me (560mm w stabilization works well). I was also waiting for Canon to up their ISO ratings and by using the 3200 setting I was able to get some nice photos of Hula dancers and hope to do as well with indoor sport pictures. The 28mm wide angle lens is a plus I didn't know I needed until I began using the camera. I was able to properly frame many more single pictures than previously. Get more detail about Canon Powershot SX10IS 10MP Digital Camera with 20x Wide Angle Optical Image Stabilized Zoom.

Am I the only one that noticed the picture quality looks overexposed with little detail nor proper color levels. I'd try and find a S5IS which is a superior camera in regards to picture quality. I think the advantages of the "super zoom" are also part of the downfall. Looking through a tunnel, and you'll get pictures that reflect this aspect.

Take your time and look at the picture samples taken from the S5IS versus the XS10IS - base your decision on your taste, not what you read.Get more detail about Canon Powershot SX10IS 10MP Digital Camera with 20x Wide Angle Optical Image Stabilized Zoom.

This camera replaced Posershot S3 as a walk around. I haven't been able to use all the bells and whistles, but it has proven to be, not only a worthy successor, but also much more. Get more detail about Canon Powershot SX10IS 10MP Digital Camera with 20x Wide Angle Optical Image Stabilized Zoom.

This is an outstanding camera, replaces my Canon S2. Takes great shots & the video is also very good qualityGet more detail about Canon Powershot SX10IS 10MP Digital Camera with 20x Wide Angle Optical Image Stabilized Zoom.

I was the proud owner of a Canon S1 IS very soon after it was released. I loved the compact size, additional lens attachment, and zoom capability. Its quality was nice for the time but soon the megapixel race was on and 3MB images were left in the dust. I opted next for a Canon Rebel XT and spent $$$$ on lenses, flashes, memory, bags, tripods, etc. Don't get me wrong... I love my DSLR, but when I heard that the SX10 IS was available I did not hesitate to purchase it for my wife who was beginning to be a photo-junky like myself. The 20X zoom lens reaches from 28mm (wide angle)to 560mm (very long range) and is incredibly compact. The body is about the same size as my XT. It has the bells and whistles of a more sophisticated DSLR yet can operate as a point-and-shoot for those with less complicated needs. We love Yellowstone so this will be a magnificent addition to our arsenal of photo gear. Forget the time setting up a tripod since it has built-in image stability. Forget changing lenses for the scenery shot versus the distance shot. The image quality is very good, has more megapixels than my Rebel, and even fits in my wife's purse (though bulky). I give this camera an A+ for what it was designed for. My wife's only complaint is the need to keep up with a lens cap that was connected by a strap in earlier versions (S1-S5). Way to go, Canon! Buy it! I don't think you'll be disappointed. I would even recommend it for the novice to intermediate photographer who is traveling and does not have the space for all the extras that a DSLR requires.Get more detail about Canon Powershot SX10IS 10MP Digital Camera with 20x Wide Angle Optical Image Stabilized Zoom.

This camera is almost perfect. I'm not going to be able to add much to what the other reviewers have stated: I agree with all the good points (type of batteries it uses, easy to hold, great lenses that adapt themselves to shooting almost anything, doesn't weight too much but, at the same time, feels solid, easy to use, the rotating LCD display, etc.).

I cannot comment on the filming angle of the camera since I do not use it for films. I expect that, if I do use it to film something, it will be along the lines like the use of the camera that my cellular phone has: as an emergency measure only. If I need to film then I'll get a film camera.

Getting back to the camera: I've had mine for a bit over a week by now and shot over 400 photographs.

I'm definitively NOT a power user, but I do know a bit or two regarding what constitutes a good photograph: if I like it then it's a good one!

This machine makes almost all shots look like good ones. If you don't want to bother about anything, just select the AUTO function and zoom to the point of getting in the picture what you want. Period.

If, like me, you like to tinker a little (or a lot!), it has almost all the functions that you might wish for (and, perhaps, some more that you didn't know existed).

When I say that it's close to perfect it is because:

a) The shutter cannot be programmed for a lapse greater than 15 seconds. If you want to shoot stars or some other night pictures, this might be a bit of a concern. I would have liked the shutter to be fully programmable up to infinity.
b) The low battery alarm only comes on when you're dangerously low on power. By then it might be too late. I would have liked a battery level indicator that tells me at all times what the level of power is so that I can take precautionary measures (like buying some more batteries ahead of time).
c) The continuous shooting mode, when you have selected the 10 Mega pixel resolution, is slow. I was shooting a "corrida" here in México and action was a lot faster than what the machine was capable of capturing. Most certainly the 0.6 seconds that are specified need to be improved (perhaps up to 0.2 seconds or less). If someone tells me that I can get a faster response by lowering the resolution, my response would be: what's the point of getting a lot of low resolution pictures? If I'm shooting something it's because I'm interested in it in the first place!

If I had to resume this machine it would go along these lines: It has almost everything that you might want but doesn't force you to use it: it leaves you the freedom to be the type of photographer that you are.

Not much else that I can add.
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This is a very good camera for both beginners, intermediate and advanced users. Canon has given great features in this hybrid camera giving a 10MP and 20X optical zoom. The image stabilization is pretty good and even if you are moving (hands not stiff as well) the picture comes out great. I bought this and have taken 300+ plus photos and except for 10 photos taken in low light this has come really good.

The stitch assist feature is pretty neat, you can take perhaps the grand canyon as a single snap (kidding).

I suggest getting the sony batter charger and battery for this as it can last really long. The .mov files should not bother much and its clarity is also fine.

Overall this is a good camera with loads of features, if only they had reduced the price a bit more to say $330 or so.Get more detail about Canon Powershot SX10IS 10MP Digital Camera with 20x Wide Angle Optical Image Stabilized Zoom.

This camera is awesome. This was an early christmas present from my boyfriend. I took it to the Nebraska vs. Oklahoma football game. Our seats were in the North endzone and I was able to get a clear picture of midfield during the cointoss and of Coach Pellini. I was also able to get some pretty good action shots with the sports setting. That's really the only thing I have used the camera for at this moment. If you are looking for a camera that takes really good sports photos or any photos, I would recommend this camera. Once I figure out how to post a couple of pics with this post, I'll post some.Get more detail about Canon Powershot SX10IS 10MP Digital Camera with 20x Wide Angle Optical Image Stabilized Zoom.

I am in no part a camera expert, nor a novice, but so far I love this camera! The zoom works great, the macro is amazing, I like the versatility of all the different functions. I am still working out how to do everything but so far the pictures I have taken have received great compliments. It is a bit on the heavy side (and quite large) and I wish that it had a cap to cover the flash thing on the top, but other than that I have no complaints. I think that you want to shoot movies, you should buy a camcorder. :) The lens cap has a clip to attach it to the strap.Get more detail about Canon Powershot SX10IS 10MP Digital Camera with 20x Wide Angle Optical Image Stabilized Zoom.

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!

Get more detail about Canon Powershot SX10IS 10MP Digital Camera with 20x Wide Angle Optical Image Stabilized Zoom.

I purchased this camera to use on a visit to a game reserve in South Africa. This device is far more than a camera for "party pics". A serious photographer would aim higher, though you can capture serious images with the SX10IS. Between those boundaries, I found the convenience, flexibility, and image quality of this camera to be a marvelous combination. At $400 US retail, what a value! I enjoyed the balance and feel of the camera in my hand. The zoom made full frame shots a breeze. The video feature is easy to use, and the image is of very good quality. I took two 8 gig cards. In four days, I almost filled one. I bought a brick of batteries, but changed batteries once. The image stabilization works very well. On the long zooms I used a monopod for additional stability. If you want to shoot five or ten frames per second, spend four times as much. If you're happy to snap every 1.4 seconds, save your money. The microphones work well. They do pick up the sound of the zoom lens operation. I'm gifting one of these cameras to a friend. I find I've taken more pictures in the last month than I have the past year. This camera is great FUN. Get more detail about Canon Powershot SX10IS 10MP Digital Camera with 20x Wide Angle Optical Image Stabilized Zoom.

I have owned 3 Sony Cybershots H1,H5 and H9 prior to my purchase of my Canon today. I was about to purchase the new H50 and decided that the quality, the functions, extra shooting modes and 20x zoom were the clinching factors in my switch.I have only shot about 100 pictures i am seriously happy as a novice photographer. Incidentally the lens cap can be attached to the neck strap. Get more detail about Canon Powershot SX10IS 10MP Digital Camera with 20x Wide Angle Optical Image Stabilized Zoom.

I've had my SX10 for about a week and am very impressed with it's versatility. I tend to read all the user reviews I can before making a purchase and did that with the SX10. I also tested the camera with my own card in a local store and compared video and stills on the same card to the Pany TZ28. I am very interested in video and was attracted to the Pany because of its HD video. However, in testing, the SX10 was overall very superior. It has excellent color, unbelievable IS, smooth zoom, very nice stereo sound, and fool proof autofocus. I found the Pany to be weak in all those areas. I prefer the better "all around" video to the HD of the Pany.

Initially, I was spooked by the reports of a slow lens during medium to max zoom, 5.6 to be exact. I read enough reports to be convinced that the slow lens would not be especially restrictive for me due to compensation in ISO and speed setting, made possible by the excellent image stabilization. I have found the lens to be just fine, even at max zoom. I also found that the lens is fast enough for indoor non flash photography. I even tested the "ISO 3200" setting, which requires a lower mp setting. I printed these out at 3x5 and the pictures were very good.

At first, the LCD seemed dark. After I turned up the setting to bright, it was better. After using it awhile, it seems fine. The EVF is large and bright, the best I've seen.

When the professional reviews come out, there will certainly be knocks on the slow lens. In my opinion, this is more of a theoretical limitation than a practical one. If you like the camera, don't be spooked by the slow lens comments. If you're not sure, buy from Amazon with their excellent return policy.

One really solid feature is the wide angle of the lens. This was not a feature I thought I wanted or needed. Now that I've seen the wide angle, I'll never have another camera without it.

There are many other features that most will enjoy, including the dedicated video button, AA batteries, custom settings etc. I think average and very serious photographers alike will be happy with the SX10.Get more detail about Canon Powershot SX10IS 10MP Digital Camera with 20x Wide Angle Optical Image Stabilized Zoom.

After waiting over five months for what I thought was going to be a terrific camera to hit the shelfs, I simply had
to send it back after having it for only two days....

Now, I've had over eight (8( digital camera's and I do love them so!...The reason I bought this camera was for its "Movie" capabilities. My hobby is creating "slideshows with music", and I've done many of them. So, I had planned to use not only photos in the slideshow, but also some "video" also, just to have the slideshow flow with a bit more variety.

I'd also like to add that I"m stricly a Canon person. Yes, I'm sure there are other super cameras out there, but I know and understand Canon cameras,so, I"ll just stick with them.

What I find a bit strange here is that since I'm a Canon person, why did I rate it only One (1) star?...
Each Canon camera I've had in the past I've loved!. Here was the problem: The "Wheel" on this camera simply didn't turn well at all. It would "hesitate" and move just when it felt like. And, the Movie mode ergonimics was
what I felt "Clumsy"...

Of all the eight (8( Canon Camera's I've owned, I've never ever returned one!. And, the ergonomics on ALL of those cameras was superb!.. My very first Canon camera was the S330 Elph, some eight years ago, and right from the box, it took me no time to set it up!. And so were all the other Canons that easy also..

And, the Audio on this camera's supposed to have great stereo audio? When I played back the movie that I had taken with it, the audio sounded pretty bad to my ear.

[...] I've purchased other cameras from them in the past, and have never returned anything to them, buy even though their delivery was super fast, I got the camera in 48 hours. But, you can be sure I'll not be buying another camera from them simply because of their restocking charge.

To be fair, after I had rated this camera a One (1) star, I realized that I had rated it incorrectly. When I then went to rate it for Three (3) stars, the Amazon interface or whatever, would not allow me to change the one star to a three star.

I'm sure that this camera will be just right for many people and my dilemma with it will most probably not be similar to others who have this camera or are going to buy it. Get more detail about Canon Powershot SX10IS 10MP Digital Camera with 20x Wide Angle Optical Image Stabilized Zoom.

I have owned and loved every S series camera since the S2 and so I was very apprehensive when I learned that they had made dramatic changes to the next iteration. The size is bigger, the zoom is longer, video files more compressed and the button layout has been switched around a good deal.

It's not that I resist change, I just believe that if you've got a good thing going - DON'T MESS WITH IT! But I had already promised my photo-loving little sister that I'd give her my S5 when the new one came out so I figured I had to at least give it a try, so I went ahead and ordered it.

I was most worried about the new video format as that was my favorite feature of the previous cameras, so as soon as I received the SX10 I ripped it out of the box, threw a 4gb extreme 3 memory card in and hit the record button. 4gb provided a little more than 45 minutes of the highest quality of video on the new .mov format, while on the S5's .avi, I got a little less than 30 minutes, but I've never been one to complain about the size of the files - just the quality! I walked around, trying to test it in as many ways possible, bright light, low light, wide open, fully zoomed, inside, outside, etc. I could tell that this camera had a more difficult time staying in focus when I zoomed in and out than the previous S cameras, but it wasn't appallingly bad, and I figured if that was the worst thing, it would still be a wonderful camera. So I watched the video on my computer and even though I was annoyed with having to use quicktime and found it a little less convenient (.avi files are displayed in windows with a picture of the first frame, making them very easily identified, whereas .mov files just show the quicktime "Q", meaning I would have to come up with catchy titles for all of my many video clips), I had to admit that the video quality was still quite good, and I think the audio is even a little better (that might just be the camera though).

At this point I'll talk about my impressions of the body handling. It is definitely larger than the S5, but still not nearly as large as any SLR I've ever handled - it still has a relatively compact feel, expecially considering it zooms all the way to 560mm! The grip in the right hand does feel a little weak and slippery, but I didn't ever have a problem with it slipping. In the left hand though, it actually feels quite nice as the larger lens protrusion gives you something to hold on to, including some very functional ridges along the bottom. So I'd say the ergonomics are very decent. The buttons are placed fairly well (I'd switch the play button with the function button) and they all feel nice. The wheel I hated, but I'll get to that later.

So it barely passed the first test, but I still wasn't convinced and I cleared 6 hours from my Saturday to really give it a thorough examination. I also brought my SD1100 just to have something to compare the pics and vids too.

I tried testing every limit of this camera as I stalked a crane, observed an ant colony, tried (unsuccessfully) to catch fish as they sprang from the water and just enjoyed a wonderful day among nature. Within the first five minutes I had come across two fairly serious issues. The colors and exposure of the viewfinder were terrible; things that shouldn't have been blown out were, and I had a difficult time composing a shot as nothing looked nice! The second problem came when I switched to manual (my preferred shooting method) and realized that the wheel had actually made things more complicated as now you have to adjust exposure and shutter speed on the same wheel and switch between them by pushing a button, whereas before up-down (on the 4 way selector) did the exposure and left-right did shutter speed. The interface has been improved but that was little consolation as I found this to be very frustrating.

But even all of this could have been forgiven if everything else was great. The flip screen was as good as ever, so I pushed on.

When I was finished I was actually feeling pretty good. I really enjoyed the extra zoom on this camera and I thought it handled very well. I had my reservations still, but I felt like I could get over them and learn to really love this camera. Not to mention I was really excited about some of the pictures I had taken and wanted to get back to my computer and see how they really looked.

This is when things got ugly, pun intended. I've read all the other reviews and I know some people say this camera produces sharp pics, throughout the entire zoom range, but I have to disagree, strongly. At the long end of the zoom, pictures look like there's a slightly filmy sheet of glass in between my subject and me. Any bit of cropping and this becomes very pronounced. The NR on this camera is very strong and any high-contrast, straight lines were severely deformed. Almost like the mirage effect only more blocky. Wide open, the pictures just had no detail and looked just... bad. I'm so glad that I brought my SD1100 because I was really convinced when I started looking at my comparison shots, that the SX10 needed to be returned. The shots out of my 165 dollar point and shoot looked really sharp and pretty, while the same exact shot out of the SX10 looked completely emotionless and stale. I couldn't believe it. I double and triple checked that the nice shots were actually the SD1100 but I assure you they were.

In all fairness I did get about 8 really nice shots with the SX10, but that was out of more than 200, and I know had I been using my S5 I would have had a much higher percentage.

So now I don't know what to do. It seems kind of silly to buy a camera that I just gave away and right now I'm kind of disillusioned with Canon. I might try the Fuji S100FS. I hope this helps and if you do decide to get this camera - good luck.Get more detail about Canon Powershot SX10IS 10MP Digital Camera with 20x Wide Angle Optical Image Stabilized Zoom.

I have the Canon S2 IS which has served me very well since it was released. Over 10,000 images and it has been a pleasure.

I bought the SX10 a few weeks ago. It is a keeper for me. The 28mm equiv wide angle is great, and the 20x optical zoom has been enjoyed many times.

The EVF is very bright and large.

A lot of good features which I will not repeat.



Rich Get more detail about Canon Powershot SX10IS 10MP Digital Camera with 20x Wide Angle Optical Image Stabilized Zoom.

I am very happy with this camera - I do not have a lot of uber camera knowledge and really just use a 'point and shoot' camera. But for the price this camera really does it all - the video is awesome and easy to use - clear, great picture and being able to use the 20X optical zoom (which you cannot hear at all when used!) is a huge plus. Also, for someone like me (not a camera expert) the macros are easy to use and the picture quality is great. For the price you can't beat this camera.Get more detail about Canon Powershot SX10IS 10MP Digital Camera with 20x Wide Angle Optical Image Stabilized Zoom.

Greetings everyone!

I waited so long to buy my canon s5 just waiting for the sx10...just in case I wanted to get the most recent model. So I wanted to love the sx10. I mean what would there be not to love with a 20x zoom.

Well alot and I am really disheartened after testing it out and I will be sending it back to amazon as soon as I receive one of the last s5's sold by costco. I bought mine last night and today they had taken them down from their site. So I got lucky.

So I was willing to compromise on alot to keep the sx10 because I really do appreciate huge zooms especially one with a nice wide angle.

I was willing to live with the mov format over the avi because when I viewed it from my laptop the quality is not too much different than the avi though a little more complex to process for some people.

I was willing to live with the bulkier lens yet for incognito purposes like concerts the s5 without lens adapter can pass for a point in shoot while the sx10 really looks like a dslr almost the size of my Nikon d40.

Now since I have a dslr you might ask why I wanted the s5 when clearly the images can't come close to the d40. Well, I really love the articulating screen for when I'm doing blogging or making some kind of how to video for youtube where I can watch what I'm filming while I'm basically filming myself.

I mostly want to keep the s5 for the video capabilities because it's very good in low light even in an aquarium setting. Which brings me to the deal killer of the sx10 it is just terrible in low to medium lighting when using the zoom.

I was outside in fairly good light filming my airedale playing soccer and the lcd grew dark when I zoomed in. At first I thought, oh defective camera until I realized it was just the change in fstop.

If canon had been able to keep the same f stop range as the s5, I would have tolerated everything else for the nice wide angle and telephoto zoom which I do love and for the ability to use a higher iso with less noise. But high iso cannot compensate for it's poor performance in anything but strong sun lighting. But with the change in control dial which is tedious and the inability to add filters and the terrible low light performance...I'm forced to pass on this upgrade.

I did discover in my testing if you put a 55mm polarizing filter over the lens it will stay put and if you carefully twist the polarizing ring you can can take pictures with it but you have to be very mindful and this would probably prove tedious in a real world photo session. And I for one really love using a polarizer.

So those are my frustrations and I am disillusioned after having such high hopes for this camera.

So what I'm left grateful of is that I have the s5 to fall back on for when I want to use an articulating screen for picture taking and a really high quality, low light ability of the video.

Warmly,

Laurie
Get more detail about Canon Powershot SX10IS 10MP Digital Camera with 20x Wide Angle Optical Image Stabilized Zoom.

I'm in first days so can't give detailed report but I can say it is a big step ahead of my Powershot A620, that was a very satisfactory camera. But the 20x was a big inducement since it will help me in kind of shooting I enjoy. There are many more controls than I am used to, and it will take time to make full use of all. But I am already benefitting from such controls as iContrast. Today I was trying to photgraph a waterfall and was frustrated by a shadow in the center because sun not exactly as I would have liked. I turned on iConrrast and took the shot. The shadow was gone and the rocks it was hiding were clearly seen. I don't think I could have done better if the sun changed position. I have also taken photos with the zoom and achieved results far superior to what I was getting with previous camera.

I think there should be threads on end of lens so that I could use filters, such as a polarizer. However, Lensmate is fabricating an adapter that will permit the use of filters. But the absence of threads is one of reasons I gave it a 4 instead of a 5.

This is definitely a camera anyone who wants an advanced non-SLR camera should consider. For me, it seems to be the perfect camera, giving me many of the controls of an SLR but without need to buy and carry lenses.

UPDATE

I have taken several hundred photos since writing my first review so can now say it is perfect for my use.

Some reviewers complain a bit about the weight; I like the weight. It weighs noticeably more than my Powershot A620, but I like the substanial feel when I use it. I don't shake more with this camera, if anything less, and the image stabilization lens takes care of that.

Some have commented about the camera being slippery. I have not noticed that. Don't know why, but to me the SX10 is not a slippery camera.

I am really pleased with the wide angle lens, something I did not have on the A620. I didn't know what I was missing. Likewise the 20x zoom. What a difference compared to the 4x I was using. This is great for distance shots, I am also using it like a macro lens.

I know now that I made the right choice. I have most of the options I would have if I purchased an SLR, but at a much lower price.

The camera isn't perfect, but no camera is. I'd like threads so I could use a polarizer, and I don't like the wheel used to change the aperture value or shutter speed. It works, but is more time consuming than the way it was on the A620.

I like the camera so much that now I feel as thought I was nit-picking when I rated it 4 instead of 5.Get more detail about Canon Powershot SX10IS 10MP Digital Camera with 20x Wide Angle Optical Image Stabilized Zoom.

So far tried just a few shots with this camera. The macro is very impressive, the white balance is good in all conditions I tested (and I did try some hard ones), the 20X zoom is mind-blowing. In good light focusing was fast and sharp, good improvement over the S5 IS. Image processing was very fast too, thanks to the Digic4 processor.

Cons. In low light, the performance is limited, just like any powershot-range camera. Because of densely packed pixels on the sensor, any ISO over 200/400 is unusable. This also limits your zoom at low light, you will need to keep it steady for long exposures. If you plan taking loads of shots in low light consider something else (may be the long-promised Panasonic G1?). Get more detail about Canon Powershot SX10IS 10MP Digital Camera with 20x Wide Angle Optical Image Stabilized Zoom.

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.Get more detail about Canon Powershot SX10IS 10MP Digital Camera with 20x Wide Angle Optical Image Stabilized Zoom.

I have been looking forward to the "S6 IS" coming out this year (after skipping out on the S3 and S5), and now it's out, with the name "SX10 IS". I think Canon wanted to show that this camera is a huge leap forward from the S5 IS, and it certainly is given the new specs.

Compared to the S2 through S5, the zoom is now 20x optical starting at 28mm instead of 12x starting at 35mm (much wider shots), as well as a 10MP sensor, up from 5-8MP, and Digic IV (instead of Digic II and III) for improved shots.

I tried out the demo model in the store, and some differences I noticed were:
- The camera is much taller and deeper to accommodate the huge lens, and does not feel as good in my hands as even the S5
- The body of the camera is very smooth compared to previous models, but it feels bulky compared to the S5
- The button layout is COMPLETELY different, there are no buttons on the front of the camera, MF and macro buttons are located in the back, you now press a button to turn the camera on and off (instead of turning a jog dial), the 4-way directional pad has been replaced with a clickable scroll wheel, also to enter playback mode you must press a button instead. I do not like this layout, but it does offer the advantage of being able to enter macro and MF mode using your right hand only.
- After taking a shot, you can view very detailed information about the shot (ISO, aperture, histogram, etc) which is a nice add-on
- The lens is marked on the top with approximate zoom levels and focal lengths
- Unlike the S5, the battery compartment is again separated from the SD-card slot, which is good
- The picture quality is better, thanks to improved high-ISO quality, so the pictures come out less blurry than on the S5. The sharpness and auto-focus at 20x is very good, with no visible distortion at any zoom level

I did not see the intervalometer function in the menu, so I assume it is still gone as it was removed in the S5, also no RAW support, and there is no custom firmware available for the SX10 (since it is Digic IV), look for that in the future. Movies are in .MOV format instead of .AVI, still 480p, and still one of the best "camcorders" around.

The MSRP is also $100 lower than the S5 was at launch, making this a terrific bargain for a 20x superzoom with Canon's great quality. My only concerns are with the size of the camera and the button layout. However, the huge zoom lens makes up for it, and the fact is it is still much smaller and lighter than a D-SLR plus wide-angle and telephoto lens. Overall, you can't go wrong with this camera, the quality is superb.Get more detail about Canon Powershot SX10IS 10MP Digital Camera with 20x Wide Angle Optical Image Stabilized Zoom.

I've emailed Canon about the absence of the string to the lens cap on this camera, and they said it wasn't incorporated because it would not work well with the lens hood featuring this model. Otherwise, it's a great mega zoomGet more detail about Canon Powershot SX10IS 10MP Digital Camera with 20x Wide Angle Optical Image Stabilized Zoom.

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