Canon PowerShot SX210 IS Review

It’s safe to say that the Canon PowerShot SX210 IS has a lot going in its favor. To begin, the incredible 14x optical zoom provides everything from a practical wide-angle to a strong telephoto, comparable to a range of 28mm to 392mm on a 35mm camera.

Canon has included a simple optical image stabilization system within the lens to counteract blur caused by camera shake. This will allow for steadier photos even when zoomed in. In addition, the Canon PowerShot SX210 is designed to be the only camera you’ll need because the aperture ranges from f/3.1 to f/5.9 across the entire zoom range. This means that whether you’re taking wide-angle shots of the Grand Canyon or zoomed-in close-ups of wildlife, the Canon PowerShot SX210 is up to the task.

The SX210 IS utilizes a 14.1-megapixel, 1/2.3-inch CCD image sensor capable of shooting between ISO 80 to 1,600. This feature is shared by several of Canon’s most recent PowerShot digital cameras. In addition to the traditional preset scene modes found on most point-and-shoot cameras, Canon has added a few fun new settings to the SX210 IS. These settings, such as Fisheye and Miniature, simulate the effects of using expensive specialty lenses with digital SLR cameras.

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Canon PowerShot SX210IS 14.1 MP Digital Camera with 14x Wide Angle Optical...

Last update was on: January 19, 2024 6:26 am

In addition to the Face Detection self-timer available on earlier versions, the Canon SX210 also has Grin and Wink modes. In these modes, the camera will wait to take a photo until it either detects a smile or after the subject has winked at it before taking the image. In the meantime, Canon’s Smart FE (Flash Exposure) function is designed to optimize and not overuse flash so that you don’t “nuke out” your subject; the Low Light mode increases ISO to 6,400 while dropping the resolution to 3.5 megapixels. Both methods prevent you from accidentally “nuking out” your topic.

The camera does not have an optical viewfinder; instead, the LCD screen has a resolution of 230,000 dots and measures 3 inches in size. This makes it easier to frame your photos. In addition, because the LCD coverage is so near to one hundred percent, everything you see on the screen is virtually identical to what you’ll get when you hit the shutter button.

When capturing still photographs, the screen will display a 4:3 aspect ratio; however, when utilizing the Canon SX210’s movie mode, the LCD will display a complete 16:9 widescreen coverage. And the movie mode is a nice one, allowing high-definition video capture at 720p (1280 x 720) or standard definition video capture at VGA (640 x 480) or QVGA (320 x 240) quality, depending on your preference. The standard frame rate for movie clips is 30 frames per second, and the audio is captured in stereo. Movie clips are saved in the Motion JPEG AVI format.

If you want to watch your high-definition film from the camera on your HDTV with a flat-screen, you must utilize the mini-HDMI connection on the Canon SX210. However, much as with most digital cameras, there is no HDMI cable. Instead, the Canon SX210 features one of its most significant mechanical department advancements.

The fact that the pop-up flash on the SX200 IS couldn’t be turned off even while the camera was switched on was a significant source of frustration. Now, with the SX210 IS, all that is required of you to keep the flash from going off is to place a finger over the moment.

Canon PowerShot SX210 IS Build Quality.

The Canon SX210, which comes in three distinct colors (traditional black with silver trim in our review unit), has the potential to be confused for a “style” camera due to its appearance, yet, it is far more potent than that designation suggests. Furthermore, the Canon SX210 is easily compact and lightweight enough to fit in a small purse or a coat pocket, with dimensions of 4.2 by 2.3 by 1.3 inches (106 by 59 by 32 mm) and a weight of 7.5 ounces (212 grams) with battery and card included.

The camera has the shape of a rectangle with smooth, rounded corners, which makes it ergonomically pleasant. However, the protruding lens housing might make removing the camera from a pocket or bag difficult because of its location. Nevertheless, the shallow trough on the top and sides of the Canon SX210, which provided a firm hold on the camera, was one of my favorite features.

Even if some of the camera’s features, like the zoom toggle, are tiny for my large hands, it is still pleasant to grip and use. The camera is constructed of polycarbonate and aluminum, even though it seems to be made of solid material. However, the circular shutter button made of metal is a good size for such a small camera, and the Canon SX210 gives the impression that it is ready to snap images as soon as you turn the power on.

When turning on the Canon SX210, you’ll notice that it becomes less compact after the camera is activated since the 14-times optical zoom extends outward. (This comes as no surprise.) You could also feel the flash trying to come up if you positioned your left finger in a specific spot. Compared to the old model, which constantly extended the moment when it was switched on, even when you didn’t want it to, the fact that applying a tiny bit of pressure to it will keep it down is a significant improvement. Another feature of the Canon SX210 that can catch your eye is the recessed stereo microphone on top of the camera. This microphone is used for recording sound along with videos.

Canon PowerShot SX210 IS Controls

It was said in the prior section that the controls, notably the zoom toggle on top, are tiny for individuals with large hands and fingers, but it turns out that adjusting them isn’t too tricky. If you press the power button in a bit of recess on the top of the device, the 14x zoom will be activated, as will the pop-up flash. (If this is false, depress the button next to the little moment.) When the small zoom toggle on top of the Canon SX210 is moved to the right, the camera zooms in closer on the subject, and when it is transferred to the left, the camera zooms out further.

Although it requires some pressure to adjust the settings, the knurled mode dial on the top right rear of the Canon SX210 is within easy reach with your thumb. It is better to have a tight mode dial that locks in settings rather than a loose one that may be mistakenly shifted, mainly since the dial is under the thumb; it might have been made a bit more flexible, but this is a minor concern.

On the other hand, switching between taking images and HD video on the Canon SX210 is a very smooth procedure owing to the dedicated Movie button on the back of the camera, denoted by a red dot located in the center of the camera. When you press the button, the LCD screen quickly switches from the standard 4:3 aspect ratio to the widescreen 16:9 ratio, indicating that the video mode has begun. When I was photographing a performance, this came in quite helpful since it made it simple for me to start filming a video clip whenever the performer played one of my favorite songs.

When you press the Playback button to the right of the movie button, the excellent, spacious 3-inch screen will bring up either photographs or videos. The LCD has a resolution of 230,000 dots per inch, which makes pictures and video playing appear clear. During picture playback, you may utilize the toggle for the zoom function to focus on a specific close-up detail of a shot.

A little Command dial can be found just below the Playback button. This dial allows you to navigate among photos and manage specific parameters. A Function/Set button can be in the middle of the dial. It is pressing this button while filming or playback will bring up the function menu overlay on the left side of the LCD screen. Below the command dial is a Display button that allows you to change the data read-out displayed on the screen and a Menu button that will enable you to bring up menus.

Canon PowerShot SX210 IS Image Quality

It was difficult for us to find fault with the results that the SX210 IS produced when used for a broad selection of subject matter. If anything, the pixel count-reducing (and therefore image softening) low light mode was less successful than the other recording mode options. Nevertheless, images appeared warm and colorful in the main, without appearing unnatural at any point, and displayed good sharpness. Furthermore, the tiny and fisheye effects are an excellent addition to Canon’s cannon, adding a fun aspect. Our test attempts while utilizing such settings were pretty effective in most cases.

Even though Canon assured us that the lens’s construction has guaranteed that such aberrations are kept as modest as possible, our test photos of a white wall reveal apparent barrel distortion when reviewing photographs recorded at the maximum wide-angle setting. Nevertheless, they have reached a point where we can accept them, especially given that more complicated situations conceal anything considered “wrong.”

The ISO range of 80–1600 that the SX210 IS makes available to us is not very impressive considering the camera’s price. However, a higher pixel count might imply a greater risk of picture noise damaging a shot when the settings are adjusted to higher levels. So Canon has taken precautions by setting the maximum ISO at 1600. In the same way that we receive a clean bill of health regarding intrusive noise until ISO 800 when shooting at full resolution, we get a clean bill of health here. Even though detail started to blur at ISO 1600, we could still take usable shots after that setting.

When considered a camera that can be used for various scenarios, the Canon PowerShot SX210 IS can perform at its highest efficiency level. This leaves the possibility that one could occasionally be pleasantly surprised with the outcomes, precisely what happened to us.

Canon PowerShot SX210 IS Specifications

Body typeCompact
Max resolution4320 x 3240
Other resolutions4320 x 2432, 3456 x 2592, 2592 x 1944, 2144 x 1608, 1600 x 1200, 640 x 480
Image ratio w h4:3, 16:9
Effective pixels14 megapixels
Sensor photo detectors15 megapixels
Sensor size1/2.3″ (6.17 x 4.55 mm)
Sensor typeCCD
ProcessorDigic 4
ISOAuto, 80,100, 200, 400, 800, 1600
White balance presets5
Custom white balanceYes
Image stabilizationOptical
Uncompressed formatNo
JPEG quality levelsFine, Normal
Focal length (Equiv.)28–392 mm
Optical zoom14×
Maximum apertureF3.1–5.9
AutofocusContrast Detect (sensor)SingleLive View
Digital zoomYes (4x)
Manual focusYes
Normal focus range50 cm (19.69″)
Macro focus range5 cm (1.97″)
Number of focus points9
Articulated LCDFixed
Screen size3″
Screen dots230,000
Touch screenNo
Live viewYes
Viewfinder typeNone
Minimum shutter speed15 sec
Maximum shutter speed1/3200 sec
Aperture priorityYes
Shutter priorityYes
Manual exposure modeYes
Subject/scene modesYes
Built-in flashYes (Pop-up)
Flash Range3.50 m
External flashNo
Flash modesAuto, On, Off, Red-eye, Fill-in, Slow Syncro, Manual (3 levels)
Continuous drive0.7 fps
Self-timerYes (2 sec or 10 sec, Custom)
Metering modesMultiCenter-weighted spot
Exposure compensation±2 (at 1/3 EV steps)
Resolutions1280 x 720 (30 fps), 640 x 480 (30 fps), 320 x 240 (30 fps)
FormatH.264
MicrophoneStereo
Storage typesSD/SDHC/SDXC/MMC/MMCplus/MMCplus HC
Storage includedNo
USBUSB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec)
HDMIYes
WirelessEye-Fi Connected
Environmentally sealedNo
BatteryBattery Pack
Battery descriptionLithium-Ion NB-5L battery & charger
Weight (inc. batteries)220 g (0.49 lb / 7.76 oz)
Dimensions103 x 61 x 38 mm (4.06 x 2.4 x 1.5″)
Orientation sensorYes
GPSNone

Canon PowerShot SX210 IS Conclusion

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Canon PowerShot SX210IS 14.1 MP Digital Camera with 14x Wide Angle Optical...

Last update was on: January 19, 2024 6:26 am

When considered as a capable all-in-one solution for still photographs and videos – and as a result, the only camera that many families may ever need – the price that initially seems excessive for the SX210 IS begins to make more sense.

And, once you’ve become accustomed to a camera with such a broad focal range that it’s possible to frame up subjects near or far in pretty much an instant, it’s a drag to go back to your common-or-garden 3x zoom snapper, the usual tool of choice for ‘family friendly’ photography.

Again, this is because the focal range of such a camera allows you to frame up subjects near or far in pretty much an instant.

Canon PowerShot SX210 IS FAQs

How old is the Canon PowerShot SX210?

In February 2010, Canon made the PowerShot SX210 IS digital camera available to consumers.

What resolution is Canon PowerShot SX210?

14.1 megapixels is the highest resolution that can be achieved with the Canon PowerShot SX210 IS.

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