Canon Powershot SX10IS Reviews

The Canon Powershot SX10IS is great. This is the third Canon Powershot SX I've had because Canon keeps adding new improvements. The controls are easy to use and understand. I take wildlife picures out my diningroom window and at 20X zoom it's like they're right outside the window. The pictures are clear and bright. I would highly recommend the camera to my friends.
Get more detail about Canon Powershot SX10IS 10MP Digital Camera with 20x Wide Angle Optical Image Stabilized Zoom.

EXELENTE CAMARA DE VERDAD DE MUY BUENA CALIDAD LAS IMAGENES QUE SE OPTIENEN LO UNICO QUE E NOTADO ES QUE SE PONE UN POCO LENTA AL MOMENTO DE USAR EL FLASH INCORPORADO PERO NO ES ALGO DE GRAN RELEVANCIA.
CON RESPECTO L TRATO DE AMAZON ES EXELENTE FUEON PUNTUALES EN SU ENTREGA Y EL PRODUCTO LLEGO EN OPTIMAS CONDICIONES.
DE VERDAD LOS RECOMIENDO..
Get more detail about Canon Powershot SX10IS 10MP Digital Camera with 20x Wide Angle Optical Image Stabilized Zoom.

Canon Powershot SX10IS 10MP Digital Camera with 20x Wide Angle Optical Image Stabilized ZoomThis camera showed itself to be hardy, reasonably weather resistant, capable of numerous actions that I never used before. It does not take B&W, but changes a color shot into B&W. 20x is a little far for it, or for me to keep it really stable. Fine for views, but not as good for birds, which turn out to be fuzzy at that distance. It worked hard for me and did an excellent job within my parameters. I would recommend it for any sincere but not into changing lenses photographer. It does not collect dust inside! I am still learning all the things it can do (have had it for a month). Get more detail about Canon Powershot SX10IS 10MP Digital Camera with 20x Wide Angle Optical Image Stabilized Zoom.

We purchased this camera to update our existing Canon S2IS just before our first trip to Israel. Overall, this camera was excellent and consistently took great pictures. I shot about 1,300 pictures, some under very challenging conistions. The menus and operation were somewhat similar to our old S2IS so there was very little learning curve.

Modes used: I shot most pictures using the "P" mode which allows some manual settings such as ISO, white balance, flash strength, and exposure adjustment. The remainder I shot in manual mode.

What I liked: The old S2IS often took a long time to lock focus. This camera focuses very quickly allowing me to get a lot of "just now" shots. The image stabilizer, like the one in the S2IS was phenominal. With still subjects, I could consistently get clean, well focused shots at 1/8 second, and I have a slight hand tremor. Sometimes I could get good shots at slower shutter speeds. This really helped indoors where flashes were not permitted, or the subjects were distant. It also helped a lot at night. Another huge feature is the range of the lens. It goes from slightly telephoto at 28mm to 560 mm (20X zoom). I was able to get shots of things I could hardly see with my naked eye. I was also able to get close ups at great distance. Many of my best shots were at high zoom. With dslr's you often have to change lenses and these shots would have been missed. The manual settings were generally easy to use and really expanded the pictures we could shoot. Generally, I used shutter priority. I really liked the electronic viewfinder. It saves battery power and accurately shows how a shot will be exposed. It also has a diopter adjustment. The flip out and twist tilt screen was also a help with crowd shots. The flash was strong and can be enhanced. In addition, there is a "hot shoe" for an add on flash. I did not have an add on flash, but I can see how it would be useful in lower light conditions. I discovered there is a "mute" button on the top left that suppresses all noise. This is handy when you can't be obtrusive. To turn sounds back on, you have to go into the menu. Battery life was also very good. I used rechargable nmh batteries that when fully charged would handle the almost 200 shots per day without indicating much use on the battery level indicator. Overall the camera provided well focused and well exposed shots in a variety of conditions, with plenty of adjustments and clever features.

What could be better: Occasionally the autofocus would be fooled in low light or with objects intervening between me and the subject. I would revert to the manual focus mode, but it was a little awkward to use. In shutter priority mode, you spin a wheel on the back of the camera to adjust shutter speed. The change in shutter speed did not respond predictably to my thumbing of the wheel. Not a major problem, but I noticed it. In cloudy lighting (much of our trip in December) some shots were a bit overexposed in "P" mode inducing me to use shutter priority. To be fair the shots would often consist of brighter sky, and darker buildings. The camera does have several exposure algorithms to choose, but I stayed with the default. And since this is a point and shoot, and not a dslr, shooting at higher ISO's resulted in somewhat grainy pictures. The highest ISO I used was 800, sometimes at night and sometimes in caves so the "noise" was not all that relevant to the picture quality.

I gave the camera 4 stars because it was excellent, but not perfect.

Update June 17, 2009: I have happily used this camera for family and school events since my last review and I am very pleased. I also shot an Ultimate Frisbee tournament that my son participated in and was held indoors. With indoor lighting, I was not able to capture very many good shots, even when overiding shutter speed settings and shooting at 800 ISO. I ended up taking most of the pictures using a dSLR from my son's school newspaper. There was a world of difference in quality. The better sensor of the dSLR was able to handle the lower light with no problem. I am still very pleased with the SX10IS, its fine overall picture quality, and many features, but recognize the limitations of its point and shoot sensor.Get more detail about Canon Powershot SX10IS 10MP Digital Camera with 20x Wide Angle Optical Image Stabilized Zoom.

Purchased around Thanksgiving 2008 for a good $50 less than in stores. Very impressed with the camera, easy to use and makes me look like I know what I am doing.Get more detail about Canon Powershot SX10IS 10MP Digital Camera with 20x Wide Angle Optical Image Stabilized Zoom.

This upgrade from S3IS and S5IS has some very good improvements, but also some degraded features. I took the picture at full optical zoom with an S3IS and SX10IS and compared them side by side. Of course the SX10 will show more details because of more zoom and more pixels, but there is more noise, so the enhencement is worth only about a third of what the number should make you expect :20X and 10 Mpixel.
Movie is very grainy in moderate and low light.
I returned the camera and bought another S3IS (mine had been stolen).
Three stars, because other similar cameras seem to be with defects also.
It is like choosing a car, technically a car with have it all should be available at a reasonable price - it is just marketing so you keep searching and buying. Just like XP - Vista - WIndows 7 ...Get more detail about Canon Powershot SX10IS 10MP Digital Camera with 20x Wide Angle Optical Image Stabilized Zoom.

This is a Great camera!
I love using the 20x zoom lense and the camera has great auto and manual functions. The display screen is amazing and the picture software it comes with is excellent. I highly recommend this camera!Get more detail about Canon Powershot SX10IS 10MP Digital Camera with 20x Wide Angle Optical Image Stabilized Zoom.

My wife and I purchased this camera due to the Canon name and the long reach zoom. It has been everything we expected and more. If you are looking for a small compact camera with all the benefits and advantages of an SLR with out the weight or having to change lenses continually, you will love this camera.Get more detail about Canon Powershot SX10IS 10MP Digital Camera with 20x Wide Angle Optical Image Stabilized Zoom.

We purchased the Powershot SX101S from Amazon and not only is the camera fantastic, but the delivery was just as good. I would recommend this camera for an amateur or something with camera experience. The photos are great, small and convienent in size and the price was the middle of the road. Just Perfect!Get more detail about Canon Powershot SX10IS 10MP Digital Camera with 20x Wide Angle Optical Image Stabilized Zoom.

I couldn't make up my mind what type of camera I wanted to purchase; an SLR or a point and shoot. I knew what features I wanted, but up until recently I couldn't find a camera fitting all my needs. I decided that for my purposes of taking travel pictures I wanted something easy to use, but an upgrade to my present camera, a Canon PowerShot A610. I really liked the shape of the camera, which is easy to hold with one hand. Then one of the best features was vari-angle LCD. After searching different cameras I was thrilled when I found the SX10IS which had most if not all the features I had been looking for. I wanted at least 18x optical zoom and this has 20x; I definitely wanted the vari-angle LCD for taking pictures either higher or lower than a comfortable viewing level. (It sure saves on backs when wanting to take a close up of a flower and you can turn the viewer up and hold the camera down at arms length to get a great picture). It also has the easy grip like my older camera, however I find there are more buttons that I sometimes push inadvertantly, and get out of the mode that I want to be in. As I get more used to the camera I don't mess up as often. The pictures come out crystal clear and I can zoom in when viewing on my computer and still get great pixel clarity. The finished photos I have had processed have come out close to studio quality. Recently I took portraits of guests at our Christmas party and had rave reviews of the finished product with many ordering additional prints to send to family and friends. Also, I was extremely pleased when taking photos at the Tournament of Roses parade last week.

Most electonic gadgets have more features on them then one will ever use, and this camera is no exception. Slowly, I am trying to learn more to take advantage of more features. On the other hand, if you want ease of use then with this camera you can be out taking pictures as soon as you put in your batteries and memory card. Speaking of memory cards, you will want to buy a high speed card to take advantage of the continuous shoot feature. This is great when taking pictures of moving objects. Another feature I haven't mentioned is the great video (with sound) that you can take with this camera. Having a high capacity memory SD card helps. I always carry extra cards, but with my new 8 GB card I won't be using the extra cards very often.

Face recognition is another feature I haven't used before. It is an interesting feature and new tool when taking group shots.

I could go on and on, there are so many good things I could say about this camera. I really don't have any negatives other than accidentally pushing buttons when I don't want to. As I had read in another review, the controls are "touchy" and you have to be aware of where your "fat fingers" land.

I'm a senior citizen who loves to take pictures and have thousands of photos on my computer. I enjoy viewing slide shows of all the pictures of our travels throughout the USA and also abroad. If you want to take a step up from the compact point and shoot then I would highly recommend the Canon PowerShot SX10IS. It has features you will appreciate for taking photos both indoors and out. Get more detail about Canon Powershot SX10IS 10MP Digital Camera with 20x Wide Angle Optical Image Stabilized Zoom.

I bought the camera for my wife for christmas and she loves it. Easy to learn and takes top quality pictures.Get more detail about Canon Powershot SX10IS 10MP Digital Camera with 20x Wide Angle Optical Image Stabilized Zoom.

The Camera is very good, except for Lens cover which should not be kept as a loose pieceGet more detail about Canon Powershot SX10IS 10MP Digital Camera with 20x Wide Angle Optical Image Stabilized Zoom.

What can I say? This is the best digital camera I have ever used. For the money it must be one of the best there is.Get more detail about Canon Powershot SX10IS 10MP Digital Camera with 20x Wide Angle Optical Image Stabilized Zoom.

This is another great Canon camera. I purchased
it for the 20X optical zoom and image stabilization.
It's the real deal. Easy to use and great for
outdoor photography. One can capture a squirrel's
whiskers using just a steady hand, no tripod.
I haven't tried the video yet. Multiple "scenes"
selections make for quick and easy adaptation to
special situations.Get more detail about Canon Powershot SX10IS 10MP Digital Camera with 20x Wide Angle Optical Image Stabilized Zoom.

I used the Canon SX10is daily over a period of two months on a trip to Peru, and shot around 600 images during that time. I would call this "normal" use. The LCD monitor on my camera appears to have an anti-reflective coating which resists fingerprints. The coating on the LCD monitor on my camera wore through in less than two months of normal use, and it scratched easily. The paint on the "function set" button on the back of the camera also wore off in less than two months, which I considered an unacceptably short time. This is not covered by the Canon warranty, according to Canon customer service. I had expected better durability. If you buy this camera and intend to have it hanging around your neck and brushing against your shirt, be sure to buy a plastic screen protector to protect the screen, or else turn the vari-angle screen inwards anytime you're not shooting. I don't know what to say about the paint on the buttons wearing off, so I'll just mention that it happened on mine and recommend that Canon use a more durable paint in the future. Otherwise the camera performed about as expected, although it went through AA batteries very quickly. If you buy this camera, also buy 8 rechargeable AA batteries and a rapid charger, and carry 4 spare batteries with you if you anticipate a full day of shooting.Get more detail about Canon Powershot SX10IS 10MP Digital Camera with 20x Wide Angle Optical Image Stabilized Zoom.

I got the Canon SX10 because it seemed to be better than the Nikon P80. But when I brought it home, it frustrated me that I couldn't zoom in and focus on someone's eye while 5 feet away. (the P80 couldn't either) I also didn't think it did great in poor lighting without the flash. The files were a bit grainy, and sometimes it didn't focus.

So I returned it and got the Nikon P80. I fell in love with it because of the ease of use, the manual was so easy to understand, everything seemed wonderful. But when I compared the pictures side by side with the Canon pictures, Canon came out ahead. I took pictures with both cameras of the same things, at the same times and settings. The Canon images were more true to color, they were clearer, and flash didn't dominate or change the lighting. It performed better in almost everything, and it's a much more solid feeling camera.

THE VIDEO AND SOUND QUALITY WERE MILES APART!! The Nikon video was very grainy and not too focused. When I played it back on my computer, the mono sound was so hollow. But the Canon video was so clear I could see my reflection in my daughter's eye! And the sound is truly in stereo! There is NO comparison. You can even take still pics while doing a video with the Canon, but not with the Nikon.

Nikon is definitely better at taking sharp, clear images in poor lighting. But in the zoom, Canon is slightly ahead.

I don't really like the design of the Canon, specifically the location of the three buttons where my thumb likes to hold the camera. One of them is the DELETE button! I keep accidently pressing those buttons! They should not be there. There should be a rubber grip like on the Nikon, and nothing else.

Also, I like the lens cap better on the Nikon than on the Canon, but for the quality of the pics and especially the video and stereo sound, who cares about the cap!

Well, I went back to the store and asked for my Canon. They still had it in the same place when I had returned it the day before. I'm loving it now. I will learn to grip my camera wider so that I don't hit the buttons, and I will zoom out just a bit to get that perfect shot.

There is yet another thing. When I looked at the "details" for the files, the Nikon ones recorded at 300 dpi, and the Canon ones were only at 180 dpi. So I don't know what's going on there. They were both set at the highest, largest, superfine settings. Oh well. I still think the Canon SX10 performs better than the Nikon P80.Get more detail about Canon Powershot SX10IS 10MP Digital Camera with 20x Wide Angle Optical Image Stabilized Zoom.

Hi guys,

I had done pretty good research before buying this product. seemed the best in my price range and configuration. however on using it seems auto mode is not functioning correctly. i don't see flash working, aperture control is not as expected, i find image blurred in case of movements

would be returning the product soon
thanksGet more detail about Canon Powershot SX10IS 10MP Digital Camera with 20x Wide Angle Optical Image Stabilized Zoom.

Contrary to other reviews, you can put a 52mm UV or polarizer lightweight lens on the end of the zoom They fit, I have done this with mine.
t takes great pictures and I bought it as a upgrade to the Cannon S5 IS (that you have to use converter lenses to attain what this SX10 IS already has built into it). The only carry over that I can use from my Canon S5 IS, with the SX10 IS, is the Speedlite 430 flash for the external hot shoe. The manual and other reviews state that no lenses can be attached. They are wrong!!! I have numerous step up and step down rings from my other cameras and lo and behold, found that the end of the SX10 IS can take a 52mm ring or in other words a 52mm polarizer or uv lens etc. can be attached to it. This is true because I now can attach them to mine. Also, I do not like the lens cap that came with it., even though it can be attached to the strap. I had another cap from another camera that was a 52mm with a cord that was attached to it and I put this cap on my new camera instead. Just Google 52mm lens cap with a string and you can purchase one for under 4 dollars. I also use 8gb or larger SD cards and the new 2900 MIH rechargeable batteries (nothing lower than 2900) that last all day. This is the camera that I will be using for a long time. It has everything built into it with no need to carry additional heavy lenses. I highly endorse it. The flip out lcd is another plus. Get more detail about Canon Powershot SX10IS 10MP Digital Camera with 20x Wide Angle Optical Image Stabilized Zoom.

I bought this for my wife who was frustrated with the quality of pictures of our old point and shoot camera. She wanted something that could take good pics of the kids for her scrap booking projects. Of course I'm thinking SLR, but she needs something that is simple to use. After reading all the reviews, this camera undoubtedly takes top honors.

The 20X tele-zoom and auto focus makes portrait pictures of the kids easy and they turn out awesome.

After using the camera for 2 weeks, I've noticed the tunneling on some modes. I'm not sure if this is caused by the lens shade, but its no big deal if you crop your pics. Also, my thumb always seems to hit the selection dial on the back. Finally, the lens cover should be attached to a lanyard on the camera. I've misplaced it twice, but luckily found it. I'm certain the third time, I won't be so lucky. Get more detail about Canon Powershot SX10IS 10MP Digital Camera with 20x Wide Angle Optical Image Stabilized Zoom.

My dad has resisted updating his digital camera for several years. I finally convinced him this year and this was the camera I chose for his Christmas gift.

It is simply outstanding. The camera is full featured and offers all of the controls that the DSLR's have when it comes to aperture and shutter speed settings and manual controls. But the real test is how it shoots in full auto, because that is when the camera has to make critical decisions.

This camera succeeds wildly. We were at a Christmas party and I had my Canon 30D DSLR in full manual mode with a 550EXII flash mounted and my dad had his new Canon Powershot SX10IS. When we got home we compared pictures and he fared very well against my shots.

The flash is surprisingly strong, but doesn't wash out close shots. It can light up a big room from far away. The focus is good and fast. The colors are OUTSTANDING and the 20x zoom and 28mm wide angle are features that offer the best of both worlds when it comes to handling a variety of situations.

On top of that, the Image Stabilization works very well and makes the 20x zoom usable.

Plus, my dad has now retired his old video camera as well since you can get image stabilized, 20x zoomable, 640x480 stereo video at the press of a button. This camera is really the best featured and easy to use camera out there and at a price that is unbeatable. Add an inexpensive 8Gb memory card and a set of four rechargable AA batteries and you are in at under $400 for everything you need.

I highly recommend this camera as the best ALL-AROUND camera you can buy right now when you consider price, features, size and image quality.Get more detail about Canon Powershot SX10IS 10MP Digital Camera with 20x Wide Angle Optical Image Stabilized Zoom.

I've been using the PowerShot A710IS for more than a year now and come to love this package for the workhorse service it has unfailingly provided. When I read about the SX10IS, I jumped at the chance to upgrade at an incredibly affordable price. I didn't look around too much -- I'm brand faithful and would go Canon anytime.

There are so many detailed reviews here that I would never hope to match them. As an "avid amateur" though, and after using the camera for about three weeks, I have only praise for it.

I've shot hundreds of pictures, indoors and outdoors. I experimented with shooting video. The results were always more than five-star in my book. The camera feels "positive" and "points naturally." Yes, it is on the heavier side, but the strap does a good job of helping you carry it with no problems. Minor complaints are the absence of thread to allow using filters and the annoying little plasticky cover of the USB hookup. However, the filter problem should be solved soon: check out this site [...] And don't underestimate the GREAT practicality of the SX10IS running on 4 AA batteries -- no proprietary rechargeable, AC adapters, and all such to lug around. Just buy batteries at the drugstore or, better, get a couple of sets of AA rechargeables with your own little charger and you're on, no sweat and tears.

This is a super package at an unbeatable price. And it carries Canon quality. Statistically, you can't go wrong.


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

I owned and loved my PowerShot S3 IS for several years. The S3 IS was a great camera and I really enjoyed it - that is I *liked* using it. I enjoyed taking pictures with it. It was a great camera.

Then I sold it to a friend and "upgraded" to this SX10 IS. Frankly, I generally regret parting with my venerable S3 IS.

In comparison:
* The S3 IS was smaller. Physically, if you measure, the ruler says that the SX10 is not that much bigger -- but the feel of the SX10 is heavy and clunky.
* The controls of the S3 were much easier to manipulate by touch (i.e. I'm looking thought the eye-piece and changing settings by feel) -- this SX10 seems much more difficult to do the same thing, I and find I have to look at the controls more.
* The lens cap on the S3 IS was tethered - attached - and I could flip it off with the flick of one finger and know I'm not going to lose. Whereas, the lens cap of the SX10 is NOT tethered and attaches differently making it hugely inconvenient for the "quick-shot" you might try to capture. In my experience, more often than not, the lens cap falls off as I'm taking the camera out of my camera bag and is prone to fly off and get lost. VERY annoying. My intension is to attach a thin string somehow.
* Frankly, I see almost NO difference in the Digic III processor in this SX10 than I did in the Digic II processor of the S3 IS. IF the SX10 dropped fewer frames when snapping a pic during movie mode, that would be great - but I see no difference.

There are many other small annoyances between the S3 and the SX10 that I won't belabor here.

On the plus side, I will admit that the 20x Zoom is nice.

Summary:
IF you are contemplating upgrading from an S3 IS or an S5 IS, my advice is to give this one a pass and keep your current camera UNLESS you really want the 20x zoom.Get more detail about Canon Powershot SX10IS 10MP Digital Camera with 20x Wide Angle Optical Image Stabilized Zoom.

The Canon SX10 IS is a very impressive superzoom camera.
The ergonomics of the SX10 are excellent. The camera feel substantial but not overly heavy in the hand, and the fingers wrap around the grip very naturally and securely, leaving thumb and fingers well position for the controls. The menus seem very intuitive to me - almost all the settings are where I expect to find them. (This may be partly because I have owned several A-series cameras and know the Canon menus system, but I recall thinking with my first A-series camera that the menu distribution made a lot of sense.) The menu settings include a customizable menu list that can be set to include the users most frequently accessed menu items, edited to the order of the owner's choosing, and, if desired, set to be the default menu on initial access of the menu functions - overall a means of truly customizing the camera to one's own particular needs and uses. Many users will join me in applauding the presence of focal-length markings on the lens barrel - a nice feature that means a lot to more experienced photographers but is notably lacking on the models of most other manufacturers.
The range of capabilities of this camera is remarkable. Begin with the lens: 28 to 560 mm equivalent in 35-mm terms. This means that, from about 12 feet away, I could on Christmas morning make one exposure that encompassed the room, all the decorations, and the day's several celebrants, and without moving, fill the frame with a single ornament on the tree on the other side of the room. Both are remarkable in their own way. One of the things I have missed in moving to compact digital cameras from high-end 35mm cameras was a seriously wide angle lens. A 28 mm lens gets a lot of wear and tear in the kit of a serious 35mm shooter, begin used both indoors and out to capture wide expanses. Having a 28 mm short end of a zoom is vastly different than calling 35 mm "wide angle." On the other end of the scale, 560 mm is a lot of lens, and one would seldom attempt to hand-hold that much lens with a conventional 35 mm system. Image stabilization, however, allows sharp shots hand-held with the long lens. Image stabilization is said to allow a gain of 2 stops in exposure latitude. The usual rule of thumb is to reach for a tripod whenever your shutter speed is slower than the inverse of your lens length (i.e., 1/30 sec for a 28 mm lens, 1/60 for a "normal" 50 to 55 mm lens, 1/250 for the long end of an ordinary zoom in the 210 to 270 mm range. With practice, photographers can often beat that rule by one stop, but with IS I have beaten the rule by 3 to 4 stops with tack-sharp results.
The reason that Canon digitals attract a lot of gray-haired photographers with extensive 35-mm experience is because most of their cameras have easy access to shutter- and aperture-priority modes and a fully manual mode in addition to the several programmed modes on the dial. There are times when us old geezers look at a prospective shot, identify potential exposure problems, and solve them by selecting a specific shutter speed or aperture value, or sometimes both. Such settings remain easy to access and manipulate with the SX10, and the other specialized program sets are well-conceived, if rather standard, and equally easy to access with the control dial. The control dial also has a setting that can be customized to give quick control-dial access to a set of features and settings that the owner anticipates using frequently - thank you, Canon, for recognizing that your customers have brains of their own.
The software has some pretty gee-whiz features. Face detection seems to work very well, and the camera can pick out all the faces in a frame and it allows you to select one to be highest priority in focus and exposure. Even more remarkable is a delayed exposure option that counts the faces in the frame when the shutter button is pressed, then recognizes when a new face (the photographer's) shows up, and fires two seconds later. I am not sure how often it will be used, but the very capability is a remarkable bit of intelligence to be present in a camera. Focusing can be set to face-detection or a defined-zone system that starts with a central square and can be shifted by the photographer. Exposure options include evaluative, full-frame center-weighted, or spot metering, and the spot meter can be linked to the focus frame. The focus frame can be blown up either prior to shooting or in review to check focus. (I found this feature to be a bit distracting to composition, so I turned it off in the menus but I can imagine situations in which I might reactivate it.) Auto focus can be set to continuous or shutter-button activated; servo focus off or on. The flash is activated to raising or lower it; auto and forced flash is available; a red-eye lamp is pretty ineffective and can be turned off, as can the focus-assist beam; flash can be synced to first or second curtain. Stitch assist includes not only the usual left-to-right and right-to-left options, but also top-to-bottom, bottom-to-top, and a four-shot two-dimensional rectangle. I can go on about the settings, but the reader can access that information by reading the owner's manual at the Canon website. The key point is versatility - you can set and override darn near everything on this camera.
Picture quality is quite good. Ten megapixels is a lot to cram onto a small sensor, and some folks have reported some chromic aberration, or purple fringing. Chromic aberration is worst at sharp edges of high contrast. I have made deliberate attempts to produce chromic aberrations, and have been inconsistently successful, having produced the dreaded purple fringe only on some shots, and visible only after extensive enlargement. I have not yet had a picture that I thought was significantly affected by chromic aberration when viewed at a reasonable magnification.
So is the SX10 a perfect camera? No, but it is awfully good; its capabilities rival the best 35 mm cameras in many ways, and its digital capabilities allow it to offer features impossible with 35 mm cameras, like stitch assist, creative color options, and contrast controls. I would love for it to have larger sensor, but we all know that the manufacturers are going to protect their D-SLR lines, and the technical aspects of designing lenses small enough for a compact camera that still serve larger sensors are said to be quite formidable. A wider range of aperture settings would be nice - I am sure that everyone would like a little more speed, and that would allow further narrowing of the depth of field for portraiture, but my appeal would be for another stop or two on the smaller side, so that the 28-mm setting can be used with knowledge of depth of field for foreground-to-infinity sharpness in landscape works. (Few people realize these days that Ansel Adams worked mostly with f-stops of 64!) But, all of you old 35 mm devotees out there please admit it - if you were ever crazy enough to dream of a 28-560 zoom with this good of an optical quality, you would have killed to own one, and you would have expected to mortgage your house to be able to afford it.
So overall - extreme versatility in hardware and software, very good image quality, and a highly user-friendly design make the SX10 difficult to exceed in a single-lens camera. Multiple lenses and a larger D-SLR body add some image quality and perhaps some additional capabilities, but the additional abilities will be quite esoteric for most users, and the difference in image quality will seldom be justified by the expense and, more important on most days, the extra bulk and weight of a multi-lens system. The SX10 should receive serious consideration from anyone desiring a high quality digital camera but reluctant invest in a D-SLR system.

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

After having never owned anything other than a point and shoot digital, I decided to upgrade. I received my camera a few days after Thanksgiving and have really enjoyed its options and possibilities. Although I've had some foopaas, which was not the equipment, but the operator, I've gotten mostly positive results. Of course, I'm still learning and practicing.
The zoom power is what I was looking for - its great. I find the handling of the camera comfortable and easy. I have been using a tripod for some shots which gives it great stability for portraits and nature shots. I took it to a Hank Williams concert and only got blurs. I think I need a bit more practice and understanding of the operation of this camera. If you are just stepping up to a better quality camera with more possibilities than a point and shoot, I recommend this one.Get more detail about Canon Powershot SX10IS 10MP Digital Camera with 20x Wide Angle Optical Image Stabilized Zoom.

This camera is the latest in the PowerShot "S" model line. As one of the first buyers of an S3 - I fell in love with my S3. BUT today my love has soured, after 2 1/2 years I got a lens error message and the lens keeps moving in and out until I shut it off. A quick internet search will show you that this is a common problem. My camera has never been abused, dropped, or used in sand. Since, my camera is out of warranty it will cost $150 to fix (provided it does not need additional parts) - roughly a 1/3 of the price of this camera. None of the suggested fixes from the various websites corrected the problem. I still like the camera but had to resort to my trusty AE-1 film camera for holiday photos! I'll probably get it fixed but my word of warning is that since this camera is in the same "family" of Canon digitals - you might want to consider an extended warranty.Get more detail about Canon Powershot SX10IS 10MP Digital Camera with 20x Wide Angle Optical Image Stabilized Zoom.

This camera takes awesome pictures but has many features to remember. Not a point and shoot camera. You will need to get farmiliar with the product before you are taking "Pro" shots.Get more detail about Canon Powershot SX10IS 10MP Digital Camera with 20x Wide Angle Optical Image Stabilized Zoom.

I recently upgraded from an S3 IS to the SX10 IS. Canono has made a lot of improvements (more optical zoom, better display with more information, higher ISO, higher pixels, better face detection). The list is quite long and I must say that some additions really add value to the camera and improve the perforamnce. I won't go into too much details as they have been amply covered by other reviewers.
The pictures are generally sharp outdoors and are comparable to other point and shoot cameras with super zoom. Without being too technical, I can say that the camera's value for money is very good in its own class.

My only complain is the low light performance, especially the video. I tested the camera indoors during a school concert and I was surprised to find that the camera struggled to keep the subject in focus during video recording. I have never experienced that with the S3 or the S2 that i owned previously. Moreover, still pictures taken in low lights also are affected by the camera's weak autofocusing. I was prepared to live with the conversion from the AVI to the MOV format but the low light performance is really a turn off for me.
A major strength of the IS series was the excellent movie mode with zoom and stereo sound and I did not feel the need to carry my camcorder for recording movies.
If you own an S3 or an S5, I would recommend not upgrading rt now. I am on the verge of returning the camera after christmas primarily to the Poor low light performance.

Update (12/27/2008)
Returned the camera today. Extensively tested the low light perofrmance and flash results but its not worth spending 400 bucks for such a performance. Am seriously considering the XSi DSLR as my next camera. Get more detail about Canon Powershot SX10IS 10MP Digital Camera with 20x Wide Angle Optical Image Stabilized Zoom.

The only con to this camera is that the flash could pop up automatically but that really isnt that big of a deal. Easy to use and love the color changing features!! Try a black and white with bright blue or red they look incredible!! Amazon cheaper than anyone in town even the big box made in china superstores plus free shipping and no tax...ZOOM is amesome too..better than my Canon 20D SLR. Great pictures with no altering required.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 was looking to replace/upgrade my Canon SD600 and significantly increase the zooming capability without getting back into the SLR realm. My current photography requirements call for a flexible point & shoot camera, and I did not want the bulk of another SLR system. This camera fulfills my needs perfectly. Although it's too large to fit in my pocket, the SLR-like capabilities it comes with make up for the larger form factor. Several friends who are new digital SLR owners were all impressed with the SX10's zoom range.

I have shot almost 900 pictures in the four weeks I've had the SX10, but am still learning many of its controls and capabilities. I've discarded about 5% of the shot I've taken due mainly to poor exposure or focus, but have learned how to aim the focusing points and exposure metering properly to eliminate those problems.

My previous cameras were: Nikon FM2, Canon RebelG (35mm), Canon A70, Canon A75, and Canon SD600. The SX10 reminds me of the RebelG in terms of flexibility and ease of use.

I like Canon's use of AA batteries and SDHC memory cards, both of which are inexpensive and readily available. I was able to get a pair of Sandisk 8gb Extreme II and 3 Sandisk 4gb Extreme III SDHC cards for under $25 each during Black Friday sales, which should be more than sufficient for any future trips I take.

I would strongly recommend this camera to anyone looking for a feature-packed point & shoot that is willing to sacrifice camera size for capability.
Get more detail about Canon Powershot SX10IS 10MP Digital Camera with 20x Wide Angle Optical Image Stabilized Zoom.

Very happy with my purchase. Great pictures and when I learn about the technology other than AUTO, I should have some great photographic results. Easy to use and other than clunky, a great buy with all the features it has for the money. Get more detail about Canon Powershot SX10IS 10MP Digital Camera with 20x Wide Angle Optical Image Stabilized Zoom.

This camera takes great pictures. A friend of mine has the canon powershot
before this one and i fell in love with it. When they came out with this one I decieded to purchase it. The 20x wide angle zoom gets closer than the recent lens i just purchase, the 70-300 for my canon rebel. This is a good camera to have just in case you want to take a small light camera instead of a big camera with a heavy lens on it, will still take the great close-up pictures.Get more detail about Canon Powershot SX10IS 10MP Digital Camera with 20x Wide Angle Optical Image Stabilized Zoom.

This is a great camera for anyone. Lots of features. Simple to use and at a great price.Get more detail about Canon Powershot SX10IS 10MP Digital Camera with 20x Wide Angle Optical Image Stabilized Zoom.

Amazing zoom lens. Amazing part is the vibration reduction, even without a rest. Down side is resolution may only be 180 dpi, not good enough for magazine print. Doesn't tell you that anywhere.
Haven't used all the modes yet, but even auto is fine. See my photo in the photo review section.Get more detail about Canon Powershot SX10IS 10MP Digital Camera with 20x Wide Angle Optical Image Stabilized Zoom.

This camera is amazing. If you want to have 20X optical zoom and zero cm for macro this should be your camera of choice. I am using digital cameras for 15 years now and had the first Canon "pro90 IS" which was 10X optical zoom and I must say that this one is state of the art at the moment.
Pictures are in high quality and Image Stabilizer works great.
I added UV filter to keep the lens from scratches.
I recommend this camera as additional to your compact camera.Get more detail about Canon Powershot SX10IS 10MP Digital Camera with 20x Wide Angle Optical Image Stabilized Zoom.

I graduated from a point and shoot to this incredible camera. There is a learning curve for novices but there is very little this camera can't do. It has received rave reviews from friends some of which plan to get the same camera.Get more detail about Canon Powershot SX10IS 10MP Digital Camera with 20x Wide Angle Optical Image Stabilized Zoom.

I want to preface and say that I am not a professional photographer, but an amateur amateur photographer. I like to take quality pictures without having to go thru alot of hassle. My previous camera was a Kodak Easyshare C875, which is a great camera and allowed me to take some pretty awesome shots...but I knew i was ready for more. I take my friends' kids' pictures in every season...again, its really just for practice for me, and she reaps the benefit.

So I do my homework and read reviews on this camera, and pretty much everyone who uses it likes it. I get it in my hands finally and i LOVE the way it feels....it is a little bulky, but I like the weight in my hands. I love the swing out LCD screen, which also doubles as a protective measure for it too. The pictures I have taken so far with this camera have been of amazing quality, and print out fantastic. I like that this camera is great for people of all abilities too....as I learn more about photography, I can do more with the camera. But someone could even "point and click" with this camera too. I cant wait to be able to get more out of this camera. I love it!Get more detail about Canon Powershot SX10IS 10MP Digital Camera with 20x Wide Angle Optical Image Stabilized Zoom.

bought this great camera about a week ago, first shots were of the snow in las vegas at 20x, crisp and sharp, bought this camera to tag along with my nikon d50, pictures are almost as sharp and the ease of use and the size are just perfect, i agree with other reveiws that the function wheel needs work- keep ending up in manual or macro focus, all around a very well built and easy to understand camera, lcd is the best i have seen on anything in this price, the nikon will be in moth balls for any long trips to europe because this camera does it all- buy it you will like itCanon Powershot SX10IS 10MP Digital Camera with 20x Wide Angle Optical Image Stabilized ZoomGet more detail about Canon Powershot SX10IS 10MP Digital Camera with 20x Wide Angle Optical Image Stabilized Zoom.

I bought the Powershot S2 Is
S on amazon just over a year ago.. worked fine till just out of warranty, then all the pictures began to come our overexposed. I sent it into Canon and they want 157 dollars to repair it or replace with a refurbished model. It cost 259 new! I wrote them and told them that I expected a lightly used expensive digital camera to work more than one year, but no dice. I'll never buy another Canon. Beware!Get more detail about Canon Powershot SX10IS 10MP Digital Camera with 20x Wide Angle Optical Image Stabilized Zoom.

I researched for a camera for a while and ended up buying this sx10 is and have no regrets. Takes very good pictures and is fairly easy to use. I took a picture from my couch with the zoom pointing through my front door and storm door at a bird sitting on a tree branch and it looked like I was outside standing next to it. The only down fall is the owners manual, it doesnt explain things very well.Get more detail about Canon Powershot SX10IS 10MP Digital Camera with 20x Wide Angle Optical Image Stabilized Zoom.

Very nice camera... This is the best PS camera I have used so far.
Pros: Very good picture quality.
Picture quality is still amazing when fully zoomed.
Does very well with moving objects.
I have not had a single picture with Red Eye yet.

Cons: No camera bag!
Lens cap is a snap on that isnt connected to the camera making it very easy to lose.
Camera sometimes takes a little bit too long to focus and snap shots.

Overall I feel this was a great buy and would buy it again in a second. As stated above, the picture qaulity is amazing and must be printed to see. If you dont want to break into the DSLR catagory then this is a very nice alternative at the top of the Point and Shot lines.Get more detail about Canon Powershot SX10IS 10MP Digital Camera with 20x Wide Angle Optical Image Stabilized Zoom.

I love my new camera for all the same reasons other reviewers have mentioned. My one squabble is that it does not come with a memory card!! I was shocked! (Probably should've read the "what's in the box" print more closely.) I simply assumed that for the price I'd also get at least a small card. I feel a bit nickled and dimed. So learn from my mistake.... buy a card along with your camera so you really can use it right out of the box. Oh, yes, get some rechargeable NiMH batteries, too. You'll go broke buying alkalines. All things said, I still love my camera and would buy it again in a heartbeat.Get more detail about Canon Powershot SX10IS 10MP Digital Camera with 20x Wide Angle Optical Image Stabilized Zoom.

I purchased this camera as a replacement and love it. It's 2o x optical zoom takes you right into the action with little to no loss of picture quality.Get more detail about Canon Powershot SX10IS 10MP Digital Camera with 20x Wide Angle Optical Image Stabilized Zoom.

It is awesome!!! All I can say is zoom zoom baby. You can get any picture anywhere no matter how far. It is amazing. The zoom works really well and with the stability thing I think the pictures come out great for its class. This is no DSLR don't think it is. But for its class this is worth it.

You also can get amazing close up group shots with the 28mm wide angle built in. All I can say is I will never ever buy a camera without that wide angle again. It is perfect.

It is a bit bulky but worth it for the crispy zoomed pictures you get. And you get use to the bulk and the grip and I have small hands so no problem. It is probably bigger than you are use to, this is not ELPH. But with the 20x...

It runs on double AA's but if you get some nice rechargeable they should last you long while. I was on a recent trip in Peru and used some sanyo batteries and they lasted for 3 days of continuous picture taking.

the one annoying thing is no lens cap tether! but you can buy one for a buck and do that yourself.

one of the best things is the flip out LCD it helps you take really hard to angle shots.

I found the wheel a little annoying and I had to use the book a lot when I was trying to figure other controls in the beginning, but if you want to just up and go with the camera you use the auto functions and get great pictures.

So picture takers who want ZOOM take this camera and go!!!!!
Get more detail about Canon Powershot SX10IS 10MP Digital Camera with 20x Wide Angle Optical Image Stabilized Zoom.

I just love this camera...
EXcellent piece! tremendous capturing and processing speed,and the 20x optical zoom adds the cherry on top!

I just have one small suggestion for this one....they should make some arrangement for hanging the lense cover to the camera itself... :)
all and all its an amazing camera!Get more detail about Canon Powershot SX10IS 10MP Digital Camera with 20x Wide Angle Optical Image Stabilized Zoom.

This camera is super! Couldn't be happier. It is metal not plastic which is a personal preference to me, seems more solid. Takes nice photos and is easy to use, easy to move the photos on to my PC. It is my second digital, I actually wore out my first one (I have small kids) and this one seems pretty tough. The only thing I have at all to say that is negative is that the lens cap does not have a cord which attaches it permanantly to the camera. I will lose the cap. My Kodak digital just had a little string so the cap could not get lost.
I researched this for weeks and this camera is probably the best digital camera you can buy before going to the type of digital that you have to change the lenses around.
This is a very nice camera.Get more detail about Canon Powershot SX10IS 10MP Digital Camera with 20x Wide Angle Optical Image Stabilized Zoom.

This camera is very good. Zoom is very big for semi-professional cameras. The product met my expectations.Get more detail about Canon Powershot SX10IS 10MP Digital Camera with 20x Wide Angle Optical Image Stabilized Zoom.

Update (08/12/2009) - This camera is still working! I have had an issue with transitioning between an point and shoot to this (portability). I just can't bring it everywhere as it is not pocket friendly. However, with that said, 9 months later, this camera is still taking phenomenal pictures!!!.. I could not recommend any better camera for those who like the convienence of a point and shoot.. while having the power, quality, and option of an SLR

I purchased this product to upgrade from a simple Point and Shoot. I read about the comparisons between this and another camera in the same range; however, if you are adjusting from a beginner point and shoot to not exactly a DSLR, this IS the camera for you.

I ordered this for Thanksgiving, and read a quick lesson in the book about how to get some of the features running. Not a single shot has disappointed me. Granted, I am not a professional camera person, nor do I intend on going into details about pixels.

All I wanted to know is: Does it produce good images? Answer: For Sure! Does it produce good PRINTED images? Answer: I printed 8x10, 5x7, and 4x6 and all of them come out excellent.

I have an niece that is only 18 months (just walking) and this camera took phenomenal pictures of her. I have had this camera a little over 2 weeks and it has yet to disappoint me. It is great to find a good camera and that has the LCD screen that rotates!

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

Have not had this camera very long but know that I will like it. Love the zoom lens. Photos with the tele-converter are clearer than with a digital zoom, so the actual length of lens available is more than 560mm. Clips in movie mode have been clear and of good quality (30fps). It more difficult to set the 'scene' options than on other canon cameras, but think this will get easier with practice. At the widest angle of the lens (28mm) the lens hood gets into the picture so it has to be removed before shooting.Get more detail about Canon Powershot SX10IS 10MP Digital Camera with 20x Wide Angle Optical Image Stabilized Zoom.

I bought this camera just in time for our Disney vacation and the camera was wonderful. It takes amazing pictures! Night shots, action shots, aquarium shots, fireworks shots you name it, it took it and did a great job. This camera has so many features I'll never be able to use them all! I am very happy with my purchase.Get more detail about Canon Powershot SX10IS 10MP Digital Camera with 20x Wide Angle Optical Image Stabilized Zoom.

I have had the Canon s10 for less than 24 hours, so these are my first impressions. I will update later. Assuming you have read other reviews, let me add some different information. Specific points.
1. Comments about the lens cap are absolutely true; it is awkward and does not fit easily. You wind up dropping it frequently and sticking your fingers on the lens. This is not good.
2. After inserting the 4 AA batteries, it is very hard getting the cover correctly shut. I am guessing that it will break easily, if that task is not done very carefully.
3. The feel of the camera is great; it fits my older arthritic bulky hands very well.
4. I didn't know until I read part of the instruction manual, that the camera has a control that allows you to vary the loudness of separate functions of the camera; shutter, turning on, menu opening, etc... PLUS, there is a button on the top left of the camera that enables you to MUTE ALL sounds of the camera if you press it as you are turning the camera on. I think this sound adjustment feature is very handy, although my poor ears have difficulty hearing anything...
5. The pictures I have taken have been very good and sharp for me. I was coming from an older Panasonic point and shoot.
6. I am really, really having to read the manual to learn all the different capabilities. If you get this camera, plan on spending some real time with the manual. For example, it is not intuitively obvious how one changes the size of the desired image from 10 to 1 megapixel. It took real manual reading to figure that out.
7. Despite my nit-picks, I am loving this camera. It is absolutely doing what I wanted. Namely giving me some really good manual and varied functions in a premium point and shoot without the expense of a DSLR.

My plan, if I continue to use this and enjoy photography, then I will upgrade to a DSLR, but right now, I have lots to learn, and enjoy with the Canon S10.
Nick

UPDATE: 16 Dec 2008
Still love the camera, but still learning. You MUST read the User Manual, and study it, in combination with playing with the camera. Good way to spend a couple of hours at Star$$s. The manual tells you specifically how to make certain changes in settings; however, it does NOT tell you when or why to make the changes. You need to study it and THINK. If you want a camera just to take simple, quick snapshots, this camera will do it, but that would be wasting this cameras terrific abilities. Spend a lot less and get a regular Canon or Sony P&S.

If you want a camera to learn how to do manual settings, like aperture and shutter priority settings, and others, WITHOUT spending the big $$$s needed to buy a DSLR, then this is the perfect camera for that.
Specific points:
1. The built in flash is not very strong at all. I will need to get a Canon external flash, probably the 430ex model, to make it as strong as I would like.
2. Figuring out how to change the image size, from 10 M to 8 or even down to less than 1 M for a 640x480 pixel photo is NOT intuitively obvious. You have to read the manual and learn that it is necessary to push the Function button while the camera is in take photo mode and then look down the list of items and choose from: 10M, 8M, etc...
3. The lens for this camera isn't the world's greatest. When it is dark it will only open up to 4.0 and that just isn't fast enough; then with a low power flash, your low light shooting is compromised yielding "noisy"/unsharp images.
4. I haven't found a camera bag that suits my taste for this camera yet; still looking. I want something that will carry the camera, an external flash, a spare set of batteries, and little nit-bits. I am sure they exist, just haven't found the right one. But then, searching for photography stuff is always fun... I AM loving the camera, but would still leave the rating at four stars.

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