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Canon PowerShot SX200 IS Review

The Canon PowerShot SX200 IS superzoom compact camera is built on a Canon-branded 12x optical zoom lens, a CCD image sensor with 12.1 megapixels that

Paul

The Canon PowerShot SX200 IS superzoom compact camera is built on a Canon-branded 12x optical zoom lens, a CCD image sensor with 12.1 megapixels that measures 1/2.3 inches, and a DIGIC 4 image processor.

The lens on the Canon SX200 IS provides genuine optical image stabilization, which is essential considering the extensive zoom range offered by the camera. The lens’s focal lengths vary from a wide angle of 28 millimeters to a telephoto of 336 millimeters. Throughout the zoom range, the maximum aperture shifts from f/2.8 to f/4.9.

The Canon SX200 IS only has a 3.0-inch LCD with a resolution of 230,000 dots, so you won’t be able to use it as a genuine optical viewfinder as you would with other cameras. Instead, the Canon SX200 provides accurate manual shooting in addition to program, aperture-priority, and shutter-priority shooting modes.

The maximum image dimensions are 4,000 by 3,000 pixels, and the camera’s maximum ISO is 6400. Movie recording at 30 frames per second and 720p (1,280 x 720) resolution may also be accomplished with the Canon SX200. The average sensitivity range is between 80 and 1,600 equivalents of ISO. However, it may be increased up to 3,200 counterparts of ISO when using the high-sensitivity scene mode.

At wide-angle, the built-in flash strobe has an effective range of 10.5 feet (3.2 meters), while at telephoto, it has 6.6 feet (2.0 meters). SD, SDHC, and MMC cards, including MMCplus and HC MMCplus varieties, store digital media such as photographs and motion pictures.

A proprietary NB-5L lithium-ion rechargeable battery powers the Canon PowerShot SX200. It offers HDMI high-definition video output, NTSC/PAL standard definition video output, and USB 2.0 High-Speed computer connectivity. Additionally, the Canon PowerShot SX200 can output either legal or high-definition video.

Large glass always looks attractive, and the 12-times zoom capability of the 28-336mm lens on the Canon SX200 will catch your eye. However, the SX200 is not without intelligence. In addition to handling post-processing for the 1/2.3-inch, 12.1-megapixel sensor, the DIGIC 4 image processor also adds some unique capabilities.

The most noteworthy feature of the Canon SX200 is its ability to track the faces of moving subjects, automatically adjusting the focus, exposure, and white balance settings to best suit the people being photographed. This capacity also applies to the self-timer, which may hold the shutter open until you step into the frame using the self-timer.

The pop-up flash on the Canon SX200 is my only significant complaint about an otherwise great camera. When I used the review unit in Record mode, there was no option to prevent the message from appearing on the screen.

Aside from that, the Canon SX200 accompanied me wherever I went and, in contrast to me, returned with its memory full of stunning photographs. So it was pretty painful for me to watch it leave.

Canon PowerShot SX200 IS Build Quality

The Canon SX200 is not entirely black, which was the first thing that caught my attention about the camera. The review unit that Canon provided had a maroon color. The color maroon has a startlingly lovely appearance even though it does not make a fashion statement or enter into political debates. After all, it is a camera, and no one particularly wants it to become the center of attention or to start a quarrel.

If it looks beautiful in red, the Canon SX200 must be stunning with that enormous glass in front of it. The 12x zoom lens is contained within an extended barrel that extends outward almost to the same extent as the body’s width.

Unfortuitously, the flash appears whenever the lens is removed from its housing. I was under the impression that switching off the moment would shut it. Or that I could force it back into the space it came from, but that wasn’t the case. At first, I believed there was no hope for this little one.

It is inconceivable that I will carry the Canon SX200 about the town without detaching the flash from the camera’s body. But I was able to get around that obstacle. My fingers got caught on it more times than I wanted to count, but overall, it wasn’t as challenging as anticipated. Nevertheless, it would be convenient to close it and make it stay closed.

A reader subsequently told me that the flash on currently available models might be turned off when operating in the Record mode. — MRP

The Canon SX200 has an excellent grip, enhanced by a flared right side and a slight rear indentation with a grid of more minor bumps. I thought the grip was comfortable to use.

The Canon SX200 is not a lightweight camera; nevertheless, the bulk of the camera helps steady it when you hit the shutter button, so I have no issues with that aspect of the device. Although it is a digital camera better suited for a coat pocket than a shirt pocket, I stuffed it in my pocket without giving it a second thought so I wouldn’t have to hobble around.

Canon PowerShot SX200 IS Image Quality

During our evaluation, the Canon PowerShot SX200 captured photographs of exceptionally high quality. The 1/2.3-inch sensor with 12.1 megapixels captured noise-free pictures at ISO 100 and 200. ISO 400 images also appear fine, despite a minor reduction in saturation, but noise is not present in these images.

At ISO 800, there is a discernible noise increase and finer details blurring. At ISO 1600, the image quality is significantly worse, giving the impression that someone has smeared vaseline on the lens. On the other hand, the Canon PowerShot SX200 effectively handled chromatic aberrations, with only minor purple fringing effects occurring in high-contrast settings.

This was because the camera only produced fringing when there was a lot of contrast. The built-in flash performed admirably indoors, avoiding red-eye and achieving proper exposure. The nighttime shot came out well thanks to the maximum shutter speed of 15 seconds, which allowed you to catch an adequate amount of light. Anti-shake is a feature that distinguishes this camera from its rivals and functions exceptionally well whether it is held by hand in low-light settings or when the zoom range’s telephoto end is utilized.

The macro performance is outstanding, enabling you to focus on the topic from a distance of 0 centimeters or less. The pictures came from the Canon PowerShot SX200 IS with the default sharpening setting. For the best results, you should perform additional sharpening in an application such as Adobe Photoshop; alternatively, you can adjust the ground directly in the camera. The pictures were a little soft when they were first taken.

Canon PowerShot SX200 IS Specifications

Body typeCompact
Max resolution4000 x 3000
Other resolutions4000 x 2248, 3264 x 2448, 2592 x 1944, 1600 x 1200, 640 x 480, 320 x 140
Image ratio w h4:3, 16:9
Effective pixels12 megapixels
Sensor size1/2.3″ (6.17 x 4.55 mm)
Sensor typeCCD
ISOAuto, 80,100, 200, 400, 800, 1600
White balance presets5
Custom white balanceYes
Image stabilizationOptical
Uncompressed formatNo
JPEG quality levelsFine, Normal
Focal length (Equiv.)28–336 mm
Optical zoom12×
Maximum apertureF3.4–5.3
AutofocusContrast Detect (sensor)SingleLive View
Digital zoomYes (4x)
Manual focusYes
Macro focus range0 cm (0″)
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 Range3.20 m
External flashNo
Flash modesAuto, On, Off, Red-eye, Fill-in, Slow Syncro, Manual
Continuous drive0.8 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)
FormatMotion JPEG
MicrophoneMono
Storage typesSD/SDHC/MMC/MMCplus/MMCplus HC
Storage includedUnknown
USBUSB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec)
HDMIYes
Environmentally sealedNo
BatteryBattery Pack
Battery descriptionLithium-Ion NB-5L battery & charger
Weight (inc. batteries)247 g (0.54 lb / 8.71 oz)
Dimensions103 x 61 x 38 mm (4.06 x 2.4 x 1.5″)
Orientation sensorYes
GPSNone

Canon PowerShot SX200 IS Conclusion

Although the Canon PowerShot SX200 IS is an excellent initial try at a travel zoom camera, in the end, it cannot fully equal the performance of its primary competitor, the Panasonic Lumix DMC-TZ7. To begin with the positives, the primary point of distinction of the SX200 IS is the PASM creative shooting modes. These modes will immediately attract the attention of the experienced photographer who is searching for a pocket camera that they can genuinely operate.

Because all of the other cameras in this category are simple point-and-shoots, the SX200 IS has modes for aperture-priority, shutter-priority, and manual exposure giving it a significant competitive advantage edge. The 12x zoom lens is also a big standout, with a very varied focal range of 28-336mm that will cover practically every photography circumstance you’ll run across. This range makes the lens quite useful.

However, it is not nearly as wide as the 25mm lens with the DMC-TZ7 and displays a bit of distortion at either end. It is also more significant, making it less well-suited to a more candid shooting.

The same can be said about the general proportions of the SX200, which are larger and heavier than its competitors. This may be the case just by a few grams and millimeters, but it is significant in a market segment where size is essential.

Canon PowerShot SX200 IS FAQs

What is the price of Canon PowerShot SX200?

In March 2009, Canon made the PowerShot SX200 IS camera available to consumers. However, duecause the camera, is no longer being manufactured, the price at which it can be obtained may differ significantly depending on its state of repair, the degree to which it has been used, and several other aspects.

What aperture is best for the Canon PowerShot SX200?

Several different considerations, including the available lighting, the intended depth of field, and the shooting option would determine the optimal aperture setting for the Canon PowerShot SX200.

The camera has an aperture range of f/3.4 to f/8.0 at its highest setting. The best location for the aperture would be determined by the particular shooting situation and the user’s artistic inclinations.

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