Canon PowerShot SX160 IS Review

Some people should not consider purchasing the Canon PowerShot SX160 IS. It’s huge and thick. The shooting performance and image quality are not as good as some other models. And it does not have the most recent and cutting-edge features available on many of Canon’s more expensive PowerShots.

But let me explain why I find it appealing. First, you can get a capable point-and-shoot camera that does more than automatically take photos for around $150 (an $80 savings from the camera’s initial price). Because of this, it is an excellent choice for individuals who wish to increase their knowledge of regulating shutter speed and aperture without making a significant financial commitment.

You have a lot of versatility in framing thanks to this lens’ 16x zoom and image stabilization. While some might like a high-power rechargeable battery, the SX160 IS uses two AA batteries, making it a highly convenient option for people who travel a lot or don’t take many photos.

If you have the budget, the more costly Canon PowerShot SX260 HS is the model you should acquire since it offers superior image and video quality and quicker performance. Aside from that, this is a beautiful alternative for beginning photographers, casual photographers, or anyone wishing to shoot photographs that are prettier than what can be achieved with a smartphone.

Canon PowerShot SX160 IS Image Quality

While you probably won’t want to utilize its full-size photographs, the SX160 IS takes great photos overall, which is especially impressive considering its price point and feature set. Even at ISO 100, noise may be seen by pixel peepers, but it is not evident when the image is decreased in size. However, when you go to ISO 400, you’ll know that it becomes more noticeable.

You’ll notice additional color noise, artifacts, and a detailed reduction above that point. It’s good that the camera maxes out at ISO 1600 because I can’t fathom a greater sensitivity to producing good photos in any situation. When left in auto mode, the camera will almost always decrease the shutter speed rather than increase the ISO. That is a good thing, but if you aren’t paying attention, it might cause your photographs to come out fuzzy.

Canon PowerShot SX160 IS Video Quality

As with the images, the video quality is excellent, but, like with the photos, the more light you have, the less noise you will notice. The lens can zoom in and out as the scene is recorded, and in more peaceful settings, the front stereo mics will take up part of the zooming mechanism’s motor noise. Generally, it works fine if you only need to record the odd video clip to share it on the web.

As with the images, the video quality is excellent, but, like with the photos, the more light you have, the less noise you will notice. The lens can zoom in and out as the scene is recorded, and in more peaceful settings, the front stereo mics will take up part of the zooming mechanism’s motor noise. Generally, it works fine if you only need to record the odd video clip to share it on the web.

Canon PowerShot SX160 IS Performance

One of the most significant shortcomings of the models before the SX160 was its poor shooting performance; all of its predecessors were similarly bad. This model finally receives the long-overdue autofocus (AF) technology update. Canon claims that advances in its algorithms, lighter lens elements, a stronger lens motor, and reductions in processing and AF scan times have all led to faster focusing and reduced shutter lag in its cameras. It is an improvement over the SX150 IS in several respects; however, being quicker does not necessarily mean it is fast.

Even with the larger lens, it takes roughly two seconds to get from turning the camera on to taking the first photo. The delay time between shots was an average of 1.4 seconds when the flash was not used; however, when the moment was used, that wait time increased to 7 seconds. The minimal shutter lag, which is the time that passes between when the shutter release is pressed and when the image is shot without the need for prefocusing, was 0.3 seconds when working in excellent lighting and increased to 0.7 seconds when working in low light.

There are two primary modes of continuous shooting: one uses autofocus for every photo, while the other establishes focus and exposure before taking the first picture. The latter takes pictures at around 0.8 frames per second, making it the speedier option—continuous shooting with autofocus results in a rate of about 0.6 frames per second. When considering the shutter lag for the initial shot, you will need a fair deal of experience anticipating motion to achieve your desired photo. If you’re going to be photographing constantly moving objects and are not skilled at judging when to press the shutter button, you shouldn’t get this.

Canon PowerShot SX160 IS Build Quality

The size and weight of your camera will increase significantly if you use AA batteries to power your long-zoom lens. A camera needs additional space and weight to accommodate a larger lens and batteries (at least ones larger than those in a lithium-ion pack). However, even though it just has a little grip on the front, the camera’s larger size makes it simpler to manage, and the added weight makes it slightly more stable while it’s being used for shooting.

Additionally, because of the wider body, there is space for more extensive and straightforward buttons. In addition to the display, menu, and exposure compensation buttons above and below the navigational scroll wheel to the right of the 3-inch LCD, you also get a control that records movies with just one touch. The display can grow sufficiently bright, but some people may still find it difficult to see in full sunshine, and the image flips upside down from above eye level.

The navigational wheel contains pressure points on the top, bottom, left, and right sides for adjusting the ISO sensitivity, focus (manual, regular, and macro), flash, and timer. The Func./Set button is located in the center of the wheel. Because the wheel is sensitive and has tactile stops, it won’t be easy to accidentally pick something other than what you intended. Even if you have experience with Canon cameras, you should still read the manual provided on the software disc that includes the camera because its functioning is quite simple to understand.

Canon PowerShot SX160 IS Batteries

The memory card slot and the batteries are located in a compartment that can be reached from the bottom of the camera and is protected by a door that locks. The fact that the batteries aren’t being held in place by anything else is a positive sign. A Mini-HDMI connector and a USB/AV port are on the right side of the body, under a tiny door, and may connect to an external monitor or computer.

If you use alkaline batteries, the battery life will be significantly reduced because the CIPA-rated capacity is 140 shots. On the other hand, if you use rechargeable NiMH batteries, the number of images you can take will increase by two. However, it would be best to remember that using the zoom lens frequently, boosting the screen brightness, recording movies, or taking continuous shots will reduce your camera’s rated battery life. Therefore, if you plan on going out shooting for the day, you should either have extra ammunition with you or be prepared to buy some as you go.

Most point-and-shoot cameras that cost less than this do not have a wide range of shooting settings or controls because they are primarily designed for drilling in completely automatic mode. On the other hand, the SX160 features many ways, including manual, shutter-priority, and aperture-priority. At the broad end, the available apertures are f3.5, f4.0, f4.5, f5.0, f5.6, f6.3, f7.1, and f8.0. At the telephoto end, the open gaps are f5.9, f7.1, and f8.0. The slowest shutter speed is 1/3,200 of a second, and the fastest is 15 seconds. If you find that to be too much control for your needs, you may change the mode to Program, which gives you control over everything other than the shutter speed and aperture.

Some standard scene modes include Portrait, Landscape, and Fireworks; a Discreet manner that turns off all noise and lights while shooting; and a Movie mode for capturing clips at resolutions up to 720p HD in MOV or iFrame formats. Finally, of course, you’ll also find Canon’s dependable Smart Auto mode, which analyzes your subject and automatically selects an appropriate scene setting from among 32 defined settings.

Canon offers many high-quality Creative Filters, including the Fish-eye Effect, Miniature Effect, Toy Camera Effect, Monochrome, Super Vivid, and Poster Effect. These filters are designed for those addicted to the picture filters available on their favorite smartphone app. Another option, Live View Control, enables you to easily experiment with the camera’s exposure and color settings while viewing the consequences of your adjustments onscreen before taking a picture (the same goes for the filters). Although some people may regard the effects that can be achieved with software to be gimmicks, playing about with them may be enjoyable if you want to do something new. They can help you line up your shot effectively to achieve the impact that you are going for.

Canon PowerShot SX160 IS Specifications

Body type	Compact
Max resolution	4608 x 3456
Image ratio w h	1:1, 4:3, 3:2, 16:9
Effective pixels	16 megapixels
Sensor photo detectors	17 megapixels
Sensor size	1/2.3″ (6.17 x 4.55 mm)
Sensor type	CCD
Processor	Digic 4
ISO	Auto,100, 200, 400, 800, 1600
White balance presets	5
Custom white balance	Yes
Image stabilization	Optical
Uncompressed format	No
JPEG quality levels	Superfine, Fine
Focal length Equivv.)	28–448 mm
Optical zoom	16×
Maximum aperture	F3.5–5.9
Autofocus	Contrast Detect (sensor)Multi-areaCenterTrackingSingleFace DetectionLive View.
Digital zoom	Yes (4x)
Manual focus	Yes
Macro focus range	1 cm (0.39″)
Articulated LCD	Fixed
Screen size	3″
Screen dots	230,000
Touch screen	No
Screen type	TFT Color LCD
Live view	Yes
Viewfinder type	None
Minimum shutter speed	15 sec
Maximum shutter speed	1/3200 sec
Aperture priority	Yes
Shutter priority	Yes
Manual exposure mode	Yes
Subject/scene modes	Yes
Built-in flash	Yes (Pop-up)
Flash Range	3.00 m
External flash	No
Flash modes	Auto, On, Off, Red-Eye, Slow Sync
Continuous drive	0.8 fps
Self-timer	Yes (2 or 10 sec, Custom)
Metering modes	MultiCenter-weighted spot
Exposure compensation	±2 (at 1/3 EV steps)
WB Bracketing	No
Resolutions	1280 x 720 (30, 25 fps), 640 x 480 (30 fps)
Format	H.264
Videography notes	Miniature Effect (HD, L) 6fps, 3fps, 1.5 fps
Microphone	Stereo
Speaker	Mono
Storage types	SD/SDHC/SDXC
USB	USB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec)
HDMI	No
Wireless	Eye-Fi Connected
Remote control	No
Environmentally sealed	No
Battery	AA
Battery description	2 x AA batteries
Battery Life (CIPA)	380
Weight (inc. batteries)	291 g (0.64 lb / 10.26 oz)
Dimensions	111 x 73 x 44 mm (4.37 x 2.87 x 1.73″)
Orientation sensor	Yes
Timelapse recording	No
GPS	None

Canon PowerShot SX160 IS Conclusion

The Canon PowerShot SX160 IS initially priced at around $230; however, the price has since been reduced to $150, making it an excellent deal.

It’s a perfect option for people just starting and on a tight budget or those just seeking a good camera for occasional usage that doesn’t require you to worry about charging it first before using it.

However, if you want higher performance and battery life, as well as a lighter and more compact chassis, you should look for a rechargeable battery pack camera.

Also, the Canon PowerShot SX150 IS takes better images and is virtually the same camera as the SX160 IS; the main differences are that it is a bit slower and has a smaller zoom range, but it may be purchased for a price that is even cheaper than the SX160 IS while it is still available.

Canon PowerShot SX160 IS FAQs