Canon PowerShot SX240 HS Review

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.

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Canon Powershot SX240 HS Digital Camera

Last update was on: January 19, 2024 7:39 am

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 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 5
ISOAuto 100, 200, 400, 800, 1600, 3200
White balance presets6
Custom white balanceYes (1)
Image stabilizationOptical
Uncompressed formatNo
JPEG quality levelsFine, Normal
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″)
Number of focus points9
Articulated LCDFixed
Screen size3″
Screen dots461,000
Touch screenNo
Screen typePureColor II TFT LCD
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
Flash Range3.50 m
External flashYes (optional HF-DC2)
Flash modesAuto, On, Off, Red-Eye, Slow Sync
Continuous drive2.4 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 (24 fps), 1280 x 720 (30 fps) 640 x 480 (30, 120 fps), 320 x 240 (240 fps)
FormatH.264
Videography notesMiniature Effect (HD, L) 6fps, 3fps, 1.5 fps iFrame Movie (HD)
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)230
Weight (inc. batteries)224 g (0.49 lb / 7.90 oz)
Dimensions106 x 61 x 33 mm (4.17 x 2.4 x 1.3″)
Orientation sensorYes
Timelapse recordingNo
GPSNone

Canon PowerShot SX240 HS Conclusion

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Canon Powershot SX240 HS Digital Camera

Last update was on: January 19, 2024 7:39 am

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.

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