Canon PowerShot SX270 HS Review

The Canon PowerShot SX270 HS is a new travel zoom camera released by Canon to replace the SX260 HS model. The SX270 has an optical zoom lens with 20x magnification and a focal length range of 25-500 millimeters. It also has an integrated anti-shake system with an improved Dynamic IS and a 5-axis stabilizer.

In addition to these features, the camera has a back-illuminated CMOS sensor with 12.1 megapixels, a 3-inch LCD screen with a resolution of 460k dots, a DIGIC 6 image-processing engine, a full 1080p HD Movie Mode at 60 frames per second with stereo sound and an HDMI output, a Smart Auto mode with Scene Detection Technology, and an Easy mode for users who are just starting.

In addition, the Canon SX270 HS provides users with a wide variety of manual exposure modes, a fast burst shooting rate of 14 frames per second at the full 12-megapixel resolution, Face Identification, a selection of creative filters, and the ability to record super slow-motion movies at 120 or 240 frames per second. The Canon PowerShot SX270 can be purchased for $279 and comes in either blue or gray.

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Canon Powershot SX270 HS 12 MP Digital Camera with 20x Optical Zoom...

Last update was on: January 19, 2024 12:57 pm

Canon PowerShot SX270 HS Build Quality

At first sight, the newly released Canon PowerShot SX270 HS appears virtually identical to its predecessor, the SX260 HS. However, in terms of its form and functionality, it is not a pretty perfect match. The SX270 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 SX270 HS is excellent.

Curved edges and corners give the impression that it is less boxy and rectangular than it is. Additionally, even though the SX270 HS is noticeably larger and significantly more comprehensive than the typical compact camera, it can still fit into your pocket. Finally, it is still relatively light at 233 grams with the memory card and battery installed.

Considering the 20x built-in zoom capacity, this relatively tiny size seems like a reasonable compromise. Still, when using the lens at its maximum 500mm equivalent telephoto setting, it extends an awkwardly large 2 inches from the camera’s body.

Although the maximum apertures at either end of the range are pretty slow (f/3.5 and f/6.8, respectively), having the equivalent of a 25-500mm zoom lens in such a relatively small body is an impressive accomplishment nonetheless. However, we have a hunch that most users won’t pay attention to that feature since they will be more interested in the camera’s capacity to record anything from ultra-wide-angle landscapes to close-up and personal action images.

Canon PowerShot SX270 HS Autofocus

The focus is automatically changed whenever the user zooms in or out. However, because there is no alternative manual adjustment ring, the movie may become blurry for a few seconds before the camera latches on to its intended subject. According to Canon, the Dynamic Image Stabilization feature activates when taking video to ensure smooth tracking shots. This feature might come in handy when filming while walking, for example.

One of the few tiny cameras now available on the market that offers such outstanding quality, the SX270 HS records 1920 x 1080p Full HD videos at either 60 or 30 frames per second with stereo sound. Additionally, the Intelligent IS technology assists with keeping your film stable.

Canon PowerShot SX270 HS Image Quality

The Fine JPEG option at 12 megapixels was used to capture the sample photographs for this evaluation. This setting results in an average image size of around 4.5 megabytes.

The Canon PowerShot SX270 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 has more noticeable noise and a loss of color, it is still completely acceptable, and even the quicker option of ISO 3200 does not suffer too terribly. However, we do not recommend utilizing the fastest speed of ISO 6400.

The Canon PowerShot SX270 HS performed exceptionally well when handling chromatic aberrations. The camera produced minimal purple fringing effects. However, these effects only appeared in high-contrast conditions and often near the frame’s corners. The built-in flash did a fantastic indoor job, producing images free of red-eye and with enough overall exposure. The night snapshot turned out wonderfully, and the maximum shutter speed of 15 seconds was more than adequate for most shots taken after dark.

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 SX270 HS. For the best results, you should do further sharpening in an application such as Adobe Photoshop; alternatively, you may modify the setting directly inside the camera. Additionally, your photos may be given a more exciting look by utilizing the many Creative Filters and My Color mode options.

Canon PowerShot SX270 HS Specifications

Body typeCompact
Max resolution4000 x 3000
Other resolutions4000 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 h1:1, 4:3, 3:2, 16:9
Effective pixels12 megapixels
Sensor size1/2.3″ (6.17 x 4.55 mm)
Sensor typeBSI-CMOS
ProcessorDigic 6
ISOAuto 100, 200, 400, 800, 1600, 3200, 6400
White balance presets6
Custom white balanceYes (1)
Image stabilizationOptical
Uncompressed formatNo
JPEG quality levelsSuperfine, Fine
Focal length (Equiv.)25–500 mm
Optical zoom20×
Maximum apertureF3.5–6.8
AutofocusContrast Detect (sensor)Multi-areaCenterTrackingSingleContinuousFace Detection.
Digital zoomYes (4x)
Manual focusYes
Macro focus range5 cm (1.97″)
Articulated LCDFixed
Screen size3″
Screen dots461,000
Touch screenNo
Live viewYes
Viewfinder typeNone
Minimum shutter speed15 sec
Maximum shutter speed1/3200 sec
Aperture priorityYes
Shutter priorityYes
Manual exposure modeYes
Built-in flashYes
Flash Range3.50 m
External flashYes (optional HF-DC2)
Flash modesAuto, On, Off, Red-Eye, Slow Sync
Continuous drive3.8 fps
Self-timerYes (2 or 10 sec, Custom)
Metering modesMultiCenter-weighted spot
Exposure compensation±2 (at 1/3 EV steps)
WB BracketingNo
Resolutions1920 x 1080 (60, 30 fps), 1280 x 720 (30 fps) 640 x 480 (30, 120 fps), 320 x 240 (240 fps)
FormatMPEG-4, H.264
MicrophoneStereo
SpeakerMono
Storage typesSD/SDHC/SDXC
USBUSB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec)
HDMIYes (Mini)
Remote controlNo
Environmentally sealedNo
BatteryBattery Pack
Battery descriptionLithium-Ion NB-6L rechargeable battery & charger
Battery Life (CIPA)210
Weight (inc. batteries)233 g (0.51 lb / 8.22 oz)
Dimensions106 x 63 x 33 mm (4.17 x 2.48 x 1.3″)
Timelapse recordingNo
GPSNone

Canon PowerShot SX270 HS Conclusion

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Canon Powershot SX270 HS 12 MP Digital Camera with 20x Optical Zoom...

Last update was on: January 19, 2024 12:57 pm

The Canon PowerShot SX270 HS is virtually identical to the flagship SX280 HS model but lacks the latter’s GPS and wireless networking capabilities. That is a shame, mainly because the price difference between the two cameras is very marginal. However, the Canon PowerShot SX270 HS is a well-specified travel zoom that gives the joint-best image quality among the cameras in its category.

Because of the introduction of the DIGIC 6 processor, the image quality of the SX270 is marginally superior to that of its predecessor, the SX260, which was already of extremely high caliber. Even the higher settings are sufficient for web use and smaller prints, although we recommend avoiding the new top speed of ISO 6400. The back-illuminated sensor helps the SX270 perform well in low light, with a usable ISO range of 100-1600 and even the higher settings proving adequate for web use and smaller prints.

Even though it has full manual settings, the SX270 HS does not support the raw file format, which is frustrating because it would be ideal for more experienced users searching for a small alternative to their DSLR. The same 25-500mm, 20x zoom lens gives a vast focus range, making it easy to instantly frame things close or distant. This is astounding, given the size of the SX270 HS, which is just a bit larger than most compacts.

Canon PowerShot SX270 HS FAQs

What is the price of Canon SX270 HS?

Although the price of the Canon PowerShot SX270 HS may change depending on the location and availability, the camera had a retail price range of approximately $279 to $299 at the time of its introduction in March 2013.

Is Canon PowerShot SX270 HS a DSLR camera?

The Canon PowerShot SX270 HS is not a DSLR camera but a pocket-sized point-and-shoot camera with a lens that cannot be changed.

How old is Canon SX270 HS?

In March 2013, Canon made the PowerShot SX270 HS consumer camera available. It will be approximately ten years old in the year 2023.

Is Canon SX270 HS good for bird photography?

Even though the Canon PowerShot SX270 HS has features such as a 20x optical zoom lens and image stabilization, it may not be the best choice for bird photography due to its comparatively small sensor and restricted manual control options.

This is particularly true when capturing fine details or shooting in low-light situations.

What year did SX270 HS come out?

In March 2013, Canon made the PowerShot SX270 HS consumer camera available.

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