Canon PowerShot SX210IS 14.1 MP Digital Camera with 14x Wide Angle Optical Image Stabilized Zoom and 3.0-Inch LCD Purple Discount.
| Canon PowerShot SX210IS 14.1 MP Digital Camera with 14x Wide Angle Optical Image Stabilized Zoom and 3.0-Inch LCD Purple Discount.
List Price: $349.99 Amazon Price: $329.99 |
Canon PowerShot SX210IS 14.1 MP Digital Camera with 14x Wide Angle Optical Image Stabilized Zoom and 3.0-Inch LCD Purple Description:
With a wide-angle 14x optical zoom and Canon optical Image Stabilizer at its heart, plus full manual control and HD movies, the compact PowerShot SX210 IS is an alliance of power and style.
- Amazon Sales Rank: #795 in Camera & Photo
- Color: Purple
- Brand: Canon
- Model: SX210IS Purple
- Dimensions: 2.30″ h x 1.30″ w x 4.20″ l, .44 pounds
- Display size: 3
Features
- Powerful 14x optical zoom with Optical Image Stabilizer; improved Dynamic mode for enhanced image stabilization
- 14.1-megapixel resolution for high-quality prints up to 16.5 x 23.4 inches
- 28mm wide-angle lens; 3.0-inch wide PureColor System LCD
- HD shooting capability at 720p with stereo sound plus HDMI output
- DIGIC 4 Image Processor with evolved Face Detection Technology; new scene modes
Customer Reviews:
Just about perfect.
(This text is posted on my personal website along with sample images and video.
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I am excited about Canon SX210 IS camera. I read the specs Canon published back in February 2010. It had features I was looking for. I pre-ordered this camera before reading any reviews.
Here’s what I liked about this camera:
- Quality of pictures
- HD 720p video
- 14x optical zoom with image stabilizer.
- Optical zoom functions when shooting video (a biggie)
- Mode wheel
- Secondary 4-way controller with scroll wheel
- Face detection
Physical
The SX210 is not a tiny camera like my Casio EX-H10 or even the EX-V7. It’s about an inch and a quarter thick including the extension for the lens. Double the thickness of my Casio EX-H10. It’s about half and inch wider than the smaller Casio. It is still very pocketable. But you can’t put it in the front pocket of your jeans like you can the thinner Casio. I’m fine with the size. I usually wear carpenter pants with an extra pocket on the side. The camera fits in the extra pocket just fine. Considering the wonderful zoom I have no right to fault the camera size. That said, if you need an ultra compact camera to slide into a narrow pocket, the SX210 IS may not be the right choice.
Features
The zoom lens is pretty remarkable. It extends out from the camera about 2.5″. It can shoot a wide angle shot of a building and then zoom in on the door close enough to read the numbers. Check out the clock tower picture in the samples. What incredible range this lens has. It’s quiet and smooth as it moves. The zoom has two speeds. It can be hard to move only at the slower speed. The zoom button is quite small. It’s hard to hold it with consistent pressure. Is it a problem? No. It’s just a trade off with a small camera. The macro mode is excellent too.
HD video with zoom was a must for me. I have a Sony HDR-HC5 HDV camcorder. It takes very good videos. Ever since I’ve had it, the standard def video of my cameras just hasn’t been desirable to me anymore. This SX210 shoots video at 720p or 1280 x 720 px. My HDV shoots at 1440 x 1080 px. The video is interlaced. The Canon SX210 video is progressive scan. Overall the Canon video quality is very good. The ability to zoom while shooting is fantastic. I recorded my daughter at her swim class and was able to keep her full frame for the length of the pool.
Mode wheel. The more camera’s I’ve had the more I want this feature. I used to love the novelty of the ‘on screen’ interface. I’ve grown tired of it. Of course it is necessary because of the enormous number of parameters which can be changed. The mode wheel on this camera can get to selections which are 10 menu button clicks deep on the Casio. I like the Portrait, Landscape, and Movie are points on this wheel. So just by turning this knob to the icon the camera switches into this mode immediately. In bright sunlight I don’t have to even look at the screen to know I’m a new mode. The movie mode on the knob is great, but Canon did one better and made a dedicated movie button. When you’re in any mode you can click the red button and immediately start shooting movies. Casio has always done this and I love the feature. The red button is configurable to do a variety of things, movie mode is the default.
The camera has, what is now a standard, 4-way control disc. You click up, down, left and right with a select button in the middle. The 4-way controller on this Canon is also a scroll wheel. So when you are moving between pictures in playback mode you can quickly shoot between images by turning the wheel quickly with your thumb. This scroll wheel is used to navigate the camera menus too. The optical zoom controller also works in playback mode. You can zoom back so 50+ thumbnails are on screen. All actions are very very quick. No lag or waiting for the images to display and move.
The flash is great too. Not for it’s performance, though it seemed to work fine. I didn’t really test it much. I like the way it works. It pops up when the camera is turned on. 90% of the time when I turn the camera on my finger is on top of the flash and it doesn’t pop up. Not a problem, blocking it doesn’t harm it. If I need it I just pull it up to turn it on. I like this very obvious and direct control over the flash. I don’t like to have to click a menu 4 times to turn it on or off. Many times I’m at a venue where flash isn’t allowed. Using an on screen menu isn’t nearly as obvious pushing the flash down and knowing with certainty it will not fire.
The SX210 has great face detection. I like this feature because it draws green boxes around faces it recognizes and guarantees the face you want will likely be in focus. I know many many cameras do this, but this one seems quicker to find the faces and focus. The wink shutter is a neat idea. We tried it and had to wink several times to invoke it. I’m sure with practice I could make it work more reliably. It’s fun but also a feature I’m unlikely to use often. Still fun to play with. Smile shutter takes pictures automatically any time it sees a smile. This could be fun to set up for a party. I find it incredible that a camera now truly ’sees’ what it’s taking pictures of. It recognized the face of a statue I took a picture of, as well.
The camera has continuous focus. Instead of pushing the shutter button halfway down to force focus the SX210 is always focusing. I like it.
I’ve had the camera less than a week. I still have more to learn about it. The menu structure is simple with the AUTO setting or deep with the manual modes. I think this camera is a wonderful choice for someone who wants a camera and a video camcorder. It does both very well.
I highly recommend the Canon SX210 IS. It’s a very enjoyable camera to use.
A great point and shoot even for the non-photographer
I’m not a photo techy. I don’t do aperture and focal length and all of that jargon. I’m a mom who wants good quality memories of my family. What I was looking for in a camera:
* Works with my 4 GB Eye-Fi card (my 3 year-old one did not)
* Could fit in a shirt pocket or purse
* Good battery life
* Good quality photos in the auto settings
* Quality photos when zoomed in
* Fast recovery time between shots (kids move so fast I was always missing shots)
* Ability to zoom in and refocus when shooting video
This camera delivers all of that and more. I learned about this camera from the Eye-Fi site of compatible cameras so waited until there were some reviews of it. I was greatly encouraged that so many photo buffs bought this camera as their point and shoot option when they didn’t want to lug around their SLRs. They obviously are going to be more particular than I on the photo quality and the fact that so many found the quality close to the quality of their SLRs was good enough for me.
Was a little concerned about the flash placement but turns out not to be an issue. The flash opens fine if you have to have your finger there and I have quickly learned to turn the camera on one-handed, which is easy to do because of its size. No problem with stabilizing the camera either. You can take crisp shots one-handed in normal photo taking circumstances, indoors and out.
I’ve had it two weeks now and the battery is about 3/4. I’ve only taken about 30 shots so far but at least it doesn’t drain just sitting around.
I think the photo quality when zoomed is fabulous! I took one across the room and I can see the texture of the wall in it. I uploaded here a couple of shots at 14x zoom through a dirty window and they are gorgeous. One was while the wind spinner was in motion and it looks just like it was still when the photo was shot. Though I did change the setting for that one to continuous action on the Kids & Pets setting. Looks like that setting shuts off the 2 second review photo. In that mode I can take a shot again as soon as I can think of it so should be great with my kids, maybe 2 seconds between shots. I did take shots using the digital zoom (56x digital zoom) and those were blurry but that was with me holding the camera. Would probably work on a tripod.
The video works great and I love that I can zoom in and pan and it refocuses automatically. My old camera didn’t do that. If you wanted to zoom, you had to stop, zoom and then restart. This one also doesn’t seem to pick up the sound of my breathing in the video which my old one often did. The whole HD thing isn’t something I can speak to. I want to be able to shoot video clips. I play them back on my computer not my TV. They are for me and the grandparents.
The smile detection seemed like fun and worked pretty well. Haven’t tried the wink thing yet. I’m not getting any shadow like one reviewer said but honestly haven’t been using the flash much. It takes great shots inside in lower light and when I have used the flash I’m finding I’m not getting that flash overexposure you often get. Photos just look properly lit. And my son, who always seems to have red eye in flash photos didn’t in the photos I took of him with flash indoors at night.
I am really pleased with this camera. If you want a good point and shoot, this is an excellent choice in my opinion.
Not bad, but a little cumbersome
I guess like with any new camera, it takes a while to figure out all the features. I find many of the cool features take several steps to access. And when you turn on the camera, most times I forget to lift my finger so the flash can come up (not that I use flash all that often). The menu wheel is also a bit difficult to turn on the fly. But the 14X optical zoom is great! And the tilt-shift mode is pretty fun, and the video quality is good.
From the Manufacturer
Decidedly slim and sleekly refined, the PowerShot SX210 IS packs a feature set that reads like a wish list. The 14.1-megapixel CCD joins a 14x 28mm wide-angle zoom for imaging power to spare. Frame your shots in the bright 3.0-inch widescreen PureColor System LCD, with the Low Light mode for sharp images in dimly-lit situations.
It also captures stunning HD movies with Dynamic mode for enhanced image stabilization when shooting movies using wide-angle settings. Capture smooth HD video (720p) with stereo sound for a truly natural, high quality HD experience. The PowerShot SX210 IS not only goes wherever you do, but takes your photography and video to a whole new place, too.
PowerShot SX210IS Highlights
Powerful 14x optical zoom with Optical Image Stabilizer
With the PowerShot SX210 IS’s powerful 14x optical zoom, you’ll get up-close fast, handy at sports and school events as well as everyday creative shooting. And with Optical Image Stabilizer, camera shake is greatly reduced even when shooting while walking, helping to ensure clarity and acuity in all your images.
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Improved Dynamic mode for enhanced image stabilization
Canon technology helps to ensure your high definition movies are as shake-free as your stills. When shooting movies at wide-angle settings, the PowerShot SX210 IS uses the advanced Dynamic mode to greatly reduce camera shake that can occur when you are shooting while walking. Your HD movies play back steadily and without jerky movement.
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14.1-megapixel resolution will generate 16.5 x 23.4-inch prints
For all its easy operability, the PowerShot SX210 IS nevertheless has a formidable feature set. 14.1-megapixel resolution delivers a wealth of detail to every image, and allows you to crop and enlarge any portion of your shot freely, up to poster-sized 16.5 x 23.4-inch prints.
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28mm wide-angle lens to capture more in your frame
The 28mm wide-angle lens captures more in every frame, and gives your photography more flexibility. Everyone fits in a family gathering shot. You’ll capture more image in every shot, and add greater depth to your overall photography.
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3.0-inch wide PureColor System LCD
The PowerShot SX210 IS’s high resolution (230,400 dots) 3.0-inch wide PureColor System LCD gives you the big picture, whether you’re shooting, reviewing or showing off your images. This high-resolution screen offers a crisp, clear picture to make shooting, playback and using the camera’s menu functions especially convenient. Clear and bright, it features Night Display for easy viewing in low light.
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HD shooting capability at 720p with stereo sound plus HDMI output
The PowerShot SX210 IS lets you record video in beautiful high definition (1280 x 720 pixels). The camera also makes it easy to enjoy HD movies (and still photos) on your HDTV with a mini-HDMI connector for direct connection to a high-definition TV monitor. You’ll enjoy the HD experience with no degradation of image or audio in the signal, plus the ability to display up to 130 still images at once.
The PowerShot SX210 IS also includes spectacular movie functionality. With the Movie button, simply push and you can start shooting video and never miss the perfect moment. When shooting movies, you can get up close with the 14x optical zoom for riveting detail and realism, from the overall appearance to facial expressions! And the camera’s Smart AUTO technology that helps ensure the perfect still image works to bring that same quality to your movies.
DIGIC 4 Image Processor with evolved Face Detection Technology
Canon’s most advanced image processor, DIGIC 4, delivers evolved Face Detection Technology that keeps every face in every photo looking its very best. The technology finds and tracks the faces of moving subjects until you’re ready to shoot, then delivers perfect focus. In addition, exposure, flash and white balance are compensated, so that faces exhibit natural skin tones and backgrounds are properly exposed.
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iSAPS Technology is an entirely original scene-recognition technology developed for digital cameras by Canon. Using an internal database of thousands of different photos, iSAPS works with the advanced DIGIC 4 Image Processor to improve focus speed and accuracy, as well as exposure and white balance.
Face Detection Self-timer automatically detects an increase in the number of faces and makes the appropriate adjustments. For instance, to include the photographer’s face in a group shot, there’s no need to rush in. Just put the camera on a stand or tripod, specify Face Detection Self-timer, and the camera will wait for the photographer’s face to get on-camera before it takes the shot. Motion Detection tracks moving subjects in a much larger range, and the Servo AF retains focus on a moving subject after the shutter button is pressed halfway-allowing you to wait for the perfect shot without refocusing.
Intelligent Contrast Correction DIGIC 4 also makes possible the i-Contrast (Intelligent Contrast Correction) system, which controls the compensation level in pixel units to brighten dark areas while leaving bright areas unchanged for better images where the main subject is dark, and more natural transition. The PowerShot SX210 IS can even use i-Contrast in playback mode to adjust images that were shot without the setting activated.
Red-eye Correction provides three options for removing red-eye from subjects in flash pictures.
1) Red-eye Correction during shooting actually identifies and corrects red-eye in human subjects as pictures are taken.
2) The PowerShot SX210 IS can be set to automatically detect and correct red-eye during image playback.
3) You can manually locate any red eyes in a scene during image playback on the LCD screen, and command the camera to remove them.
Life doesn’t give you second chances to capture special times. That’s why the PowerShot SX210 IS features an ISO 1600 setting that reduces the effects of camera shake and sharpens subjects in low-light situations, giving you greater shooting flexibility. ISO can be expanded up to 6400 when you select Low Light mode.
New scene modes for more creative shooting
The Canon PowerShot SX210 IS offers creative effects similar to those found in professional lenses. Miniature Effect creates an illusion where very large objects appear in miniature proportions. Turn soaring cityscapes into a scene in seemingly dollhouse-like proportions.
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Fisheye Effect uses barrel distortion to warp the image around the center, giving a distinctive curvature effect to the photo. The curvilinear images produced by Fisheye Effect can suggest the curve of the Earth, the inside of a dome, or the image you see through the peephole of a door.
With an ISO of 400-6400, the Low Light mode takes the Canon PowerShot SX210 IS bravely into the shadows-literally! Now even scenes notorious for having insufficient light, such as those lit by candles, fire, or street lamp, come through in fantastic color and clarity, with less noise. You can keep the feel of the scene intact without adding additional light, so the result will be scenes with the visual accuracy, depth and clarity you expect from a Canon camera.
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The Canon PowerShot SX210 IS also has Smart Shutter technology, which detects faces in the scene and releases the shutter automatically in response to the appearance of an additional face, or when a smile or sassy wink occurs. These technologies help to make your photography less rushed and more natural, so getting the perfect shot is even easier.
Smart AUTO mode intelligently selects from 22 settings
Just set the Canon PowerShot SX210 IS to Smart AUTO and you’re ready for maximum enjoyment from your picture taking every time. It’s a relaxing and satisfying way to shoot because you can completely concentrate on your subject knowing that the camera has the technical details covered. Advanced Canon technology intelligently analyzes your situation and shooting conditions. Then it automatically selects an appropriate setting from 22 specially defined settings. So whether you’re photographing flowers, a captivating sunset, or your friends at the park, you can be confident that you’re getting dramatic, memorable images.
Shooting Modes
Advanced presets for the best possible photos under certain conditions. With 12 Shooting Modes plus 11 Special Scene Modes, you’re ready for whatever shot comes your way.
Servo AF/AE continues to focus and track subject
In PowerShot SX210 IS’s Servo AF mode, Auto Exposure (AE) functionality is linked to the Auto Focus (AF) frame, creating a sophisticated Servo AF/AE that delivers sharp focus and proper exposure of subjects on the move.
Now you can wait for the shot you want, with no need to reframe and refocus. With the shutter button pressed halfway, Servo AF/AE will continue to focus and track your subject as the moment you want to capture approaches. Press the shutter fully, and you’ve got your shot-with tight focus and perfectly calibrated exposure.
Smart Flash Exposure
Smart Flash Exposure is a technology that can produce excellent flash exposures across a wide range of conditions, and helps ensure against over- or under-exposed images. The detail and color of your photo remain intact and truer to life even in challenging lighting.
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What’s in the Box
- PowerShot SX210 IS Body
- Lithium-ion Battery Pack NB-5L
- Battery Charger CB-2LX
- Wrist Strap WS-DC9
- Digital Camera Solution CD-ROM
- USB Interface Cable IFC-400PCU
- AV Cable AVC-DC400ST