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The Canon PowerShot SX240 HS is a new travel zoom camera released by Canon to replace the SX230 HS model. There is a full 1080p HD Movie Mode with stereo sound and an HDMI output, as well as a DIGIC 5 image-processing engine, a longer 20x, 25-500mm optical zoom lens with a built-in 4-stop image stabilizer and Intelligent IS technology, a 12.1 megapixel back-illuminated CMOS sensor, a 3 inch LCD screen with 460k-dot resolution, a Smart Auto mode with Scene Detection Technology, and an Easy mode for beginners.
Canon Powershot SX240 HS Digital Camera
- Canon Powershot SX240 HS Digital Camera - Black (12.1 MP, 20x Optical Zoom) 3.2 Inch LCD
- Canon Powershot SX240 HS Digital Camera - Black (12.1 MP, 20x Optical Zoom) 3.2 Inch LCD
In addition, the Canon SX240 HS provides users with a comprehensive selection of manual exposure modes, a fast burst shooting rate of 10.3 frames per second at the full 12-megapixel resolution, Face Identification, a variety of Creative Filters, and a movie mode that can record at 240 frames per second for super slow motion.
Canon PowerShot SX240 HS Build Quality
At first sight, the newly released Canon PowerShot SX240 HS appears virtually identical to its predecessor, the SX230 HS. However, in terms of its design and functionality, it is not a pretty perfect match. The SX240 HS has a build quality that is the usual robust blend of plastic and metal, and the camera seems durable enough to handle the occasional drop or hit. The build quality of the SX240 HS is excellent. Although the SX240 HS is noticeably larger and broader than your typical compact camera, it can still fit into your pocket. It is reasonably light at 231 grams with the memory card and battery installed. It has slightly curved edges and corners that give it the appearance of being less boxy and rectangular than it is.
Although the lens extends an awkward 2 inches from the body when it is set to the maximum 500mm equivalent telephoto setting, this relatively little increase in size seems like a reasonable trade-off in light of the incredible 20x zoom capability already packed into the camera. Although the maximum apertures at each end of the range are pretty sluggish (f/3.5 and f/6.8, respectively), having the equivalent of a 25-500mm zoom lens in such a comparatively tiny device is an impressive accomplishment nonetheless.
We hunch that most users won’t pay attention to that feature. Instead, be drawn in by the camera’s capacity to photograph anything from ultra-wide-angle landscapes to up-close and intimate action photos. In addition, the front of the camera now features a handgrip, which was not present in the SX230 model. This helps to make the camera more stable.
This most vertical bar, when used in conjunction with the powerful image stabilization system that automatically prevents blur by matching the optical Image Stabilizer to the scene from a range of 7 different modes, helps to ensure that the majority of your shots are taken in good light are sharp, regardless of the focal length of the lens that you are using. In addition, a tiny self-timer or AF assist lamp window is located to the top left of the lens on the front of the SX240 HS camera. This window completes the front of the camera.
Canon PowerShot SX240 HS Design
On the top of the camera, next to the large shutter release button, which has just the right amount of “give” to enable users to determine a definite halfway point when pressed, and encircling the shutter release button is a responsive rocker switch for operating the zoom — a nudge to the right zooms in, and a nudge to the left zooms out. Both actions are performed by giving the rocker switch a gentle nudge. A tiny pop-up flash unit, holes for the stereo sound and microphone, and a repositioned and recessed on/off button are all situated on the top of the SX240 HS. Although the controller is unresponsive, it ensures the camera won’t be switched on accidentally.
Canon PowerShot SX240 HS Image Quality
The Canon PowerShot SX240 HS is capable of producing photographs of exceptionally high quality. At ISO 100, 200, and 400, it captured photos with no noise; however, at ISO 800, it captured images with considerable noise and a minor loss of color saturation. While ISO 1600 exhibits more noticeable noise and a loss of color, the setting is still completely acceptable. Even the highest possible ISO 3200 does not suffer too severely from the effect.
The Canon PowerShot SX240 HS did an excellent job at handling chromatic aberrations, with the camera only displaying a small number of purple fringing effects in high contrast conditions and mainly along the frame’s borders. In addition, the built-in flash did a fantastic job indoors, producing images free of red-eye and with enough exposure overall.
When shooting in low-light settings with the camera held by hand or utilizing the telephoto end of the zoom range, anti-shake performs well. Likewise, the macro performance is relatively strong, letting you focus on the topic from a distance as near as 5 centimeters.
When the default sharpening level was used, the photographs were soft right out of the Canon PowerShot SX240 HS. Therefore, for the best results, you should do further sharpening in an application such as Adobe Photoshop; alternatively, you may modify the setting directly in the camera.
SCanon PowerShot SX240 HS specifications
| Body type | Compact |
|---|---|
| Max resolution | 4000 x 3000 |
| Other resolutions | 4000 x 3000, 4000 x 2248, 4000 x 2664, 2992 x 2992, 2816 x 2112, 2816 x 1880, 2816 x 1584, 2112 x 2112, 1920 x 1080, 1600 x 1200, 1600 x 1064, 1200 x 1200, 640 x 480, 640 x 424, 640 x 360, 480 x 480 |
| Image ratio w h | 1:1, 4:3, 3:2, 16:9 |
| Effective pixels | 12 megapixels |
| Sensor size | 1/2.3″ (6.17 x 4.55 mm) |
| Sensor type | BSI-CMOS |
| Processor | Digic 5 |
| ISO | Auto 100, 200, 400, 800, 1600, 3200 |
| White balance presets | 6 |
| Custom white balance | Yes (1) |
| Image stabilization | Optical |
| Uncompressed format | No |
| JPEG quality levels | Fine, Normal |
| Focal length (Equiv.) | 25–500 mm |
| Optical zoom | 20× |
| Maximum aperture | F3.5–6.8 |
| Autofocus | Contrast Detect (sensor)Multi-areaCenterTrackingSingleContinuousFace Detection. |
| Digital zoom | Yes (4x) |
| Manual focus | Yes |
| Macro focus range | 5 cm (1.97″) |
| Number of focus points | 9 |
| Articulated LCD | Fixed |
| Screen size | 3″ |
| Screen dots | 461,000 |
| Touch screen | No |
| Screen type | PureColor II TFT 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 |
| Flash Range | 3.50 m |
| External flash | Yes (optional HF-DC2) |
| Flash modes | Auto, On, Off, Red-Eye, Slow Sync |
| Continuous drive | 2.4 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 | 1920 x 1080 (24 fps), 1280 x 720 (30 fps) 640 x 480 (30, 120 fps), 320 x 240 (240 fps) |
| Format | H.264 |
| Videography notes | Miniature Effect (HD, L) 6fps, 3fps, 1.5 fps iFrame Movie (HD) |
| Microphone | Stereo |
| Speaker | Mono |
| Storage types | SD/SDHC/SDXC |
| USB | USB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec) |
| HDMI | Yes (Mini) |
| Remote control | No |
| Environmentally sealed | No |
| Battery | Battery Pack |
| Battery description | Lithium-Ion NB-6L rechargeable battery & charger |
| Battery Life (CIPA) | 230 |
| Weight (inc. batteries) | 224 g (0.49 lb / 7.90 oz) |
| Dimensions | 106 x 61 x 33 mm (4.17 x 2.4 x 1.3″) |
| Orientation sensor | Yes |
| Timelapse recording | No |
| GPS | None |
Canon PowerShot SX240 HS Conclusion
Canon Powershot SX240 HS Digital Camera
- Canon Powershot SX240 HS Digital Camera - Black (12.1 MP, 20x Optical Zoom) 3.2 Inch LCD
- Canon Powershot SX240 HS Digital Camera - Black (12.1 MP, 20x Optical Zoom) 3.2 Inch LCD
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The newly released Canon PowerShot SX240 HS travel-zoom camera closes the gap between itself and the market-leading Panasonic TZ series by providing an excellent zoom range, adding additional capabilities, and addressing some problems that plagued its predecessor. Full 1080p HD movies make the SX240 HS a more capable all-in-one camera for still images and video, but the built-in GPS of the otherwise same and slightly more costly SX260 HS model is worth the additional expense. Both models are otherwise identical.
The new 25-500mm, 20x zoom lens gives a broad focus range, making it easy to frame things close or distant instantly. This is astounding, given the size of the SX240 HS, which is just a little larger than most compact cameras. The flash unit, which constantly flashed up anytime the camera SX230 was turned on, and the odd 6-step process for deleting images, which slowed down operation, have both been removed, much to our relief. Another significant advancement provided by the SX240 HS is a burst shooting speed of 10.3 frames per second at the full resolution of 12 megapixels.
Canon PowerShot SX240 HS FAQs
How much is Canon PowerShot SX240 HS?
When it was first made available in March 2012, the Canon PowerShot SX240 HS had a price range of approximately $299 to $329. However, this price may change depending on the location and the level of availability.
Is Canon PowerShot SX240 HS better for a photo shoot?
Because of its small size, intuitive user interface, and features such as a 20x optical zoom lens and image stabilization, the Canon PowerShot SX240 HS has the potential to be a good camera for a photography session.
However, due to the comparatively low resolution of its sensor and the restricted number of manual control choices available, this camera may not offer the same degree of image quality or versatility as higher-end models.
How much is Canon PowerShot SX240 HS good for photography?
The camera’s capabilities and whether or not it is suitable for photography will be determined by several variables, including the level of photography experience possessed by the user, their preferred shooting technique, and their intended application for the camera.
As mentioned earlier, the Canon PowerShot SX240 HS is an excellent camera for general photography; however, due to its constraints, the camera may not be as appropriate for specific subgenres of photography or users with a higher level of expertise.
