Derrick
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The PowerShot SX1 IS is the perfect hybrid between compact and DSLR cameras. It is small enough to carry around with you everywhere you go, and powerful enough to be used for virtually any scenario. If you want a futureproof camera, then this one is worth a look.
I have been a huge fan of the PowerShot ‘super zoom’ series of cameras, ever since the launch of the impressive PowerShot S5 IS about two years ago. It was with much anticipation that I awaited the review unit of the new flagship ‘super zoom’ camera from Canon, the SX1 IS. As you may have guessed, the ‘super zoom’ nomenclature hints at the massive zoom capabilities of this camera, and as you will see further on, super zoom is not an exaggeration.
This camera’s form factor has not changed all that much from its predecessor. While the design has been tweaked, the shape will be a familiar sight to PowerShot S5 IS users. The PowerShot SX1 is a comfortable camera to use with enough weight in the body to allow for a solid grip.
One of my favourite features of the S5 IS was its vari-angle LCD, which could swivel around to give you numerous viewing angles and made photography in awkward positions easier. This camera, however, features a widescreen 2.8-inch LCD to accommodate the camera’s HD video capture capabilities - a really great feature if you would like to shoot a little video on the side. The video quality is rated Full HD and has a resolution of 1080p at 30fps. The still-image resolution is ten megapixels, courtesy of Canon’s new DIGIC 4 image processor. The DIGIC 4 processor also gives this camera new face-detection capabilities, which include the ability to detect a face that is at an angle to the camera. The new processor will also allow the camera to automatically snap a picture soon after a new face enters the frame. This is particularly handy for self-portraits and group shots you would like to be part of.
Probably the most impressive of the new features is this camera’s mammoth 20x optical zoom. Yip, that is right; this camera has a 28mm to 560mm zoom lens, capable of f2.8 at 28mm. Even though the sensor is physically smaller than that of DSLRs, the image quality at full zoom is very impressive. While the image stabiliser will prevent camera shake at extended zooms, its maximum ISO rating will allow for somewhat noisy but very satisfying low-light photography.
The Canon PowerShot SX1 IS also features comprehensive manual controls, which are great if you ever have the desire to have more control over your photos. Naturally, there is a full auto mode, as well as an extensive array of image-preset modes. Yet another superb feature of this camera is its Macro feature. In fact, there are two: normal Macro and Super Macro. Super Macro allows for a minimum distance of 0mm. This is so close that your subject can touch the lens and still be in focus... incredible!
The PowerShot SX1 IS is the perfect hybrid between compact and DSLR cameras. It is small enough to carry around with you everywhere you go, and powerful enough to be used for virtually any scenario. If you want a futureproof camera, then this one is worth a look. I have already made up my mind and decided to ditch my SLR in favour of this more versatile ‘super zoom’ compact camera.
I have been a huge fan of the PowerShot ‘super zoom’ series of cameras, ever since the launch of the impressive PowerShot S5 IS about two years ago. It was with much anticipation that I awaited the review unit of the new flagship ‘super zoom’ camera from Canon, the SX1 IS. As you may have guessed, the ‘super zoom’ nomenclature hints at the massive zoom capabilities of this camera, and as you will see further on, super zoom is not an exaggeration.
This camera’s form factor has not changed all that much from its predecessor. While the design has been tweaked, the shape will be a familiar sight to PowerShot S5 IS users. The PowerShot SX1 is a comfortable camera to use with enough weight in the body to allow for a solid grip.
One of my favourite features of the S5 IS was its vari-angle LCD, which could swivel around to give you numerous viewing angles and made photography in awkward positions easier. This camera, however, features a widescreen 2.8-inch LCD to accommodate the camera’s HD video capture capabilities - a really great feature if you would like to shoot a little video on the side. The video quality is rated Full HD and has a resolution of 1080p at 30fps. The still-image resolution is ten megapixels, courtesy of Canon’s new DIGIC 4 image processor. The DIGIC 4 processor also gives this camera new face-detection capabilities, which include the ability to detect a face that is at an angle to the camera. The new processor will also allow the camera to automatically snap a picture soon after a new face enters the frame. This is particularly handy for self-portraits and group shots you would like to be part of.
Probably the most impressive of the new features is this camera’s mammoth 20x optical zoom. Yip, that is right; this camera has a 28mm to 560mm zoom lens, capable of f2.8 at 28mm. Even though the sensor is physically smaller than that of DSLRs, the image quality at full zoom is very impressive. While the image stabiliser will prevent camera shake at extended zooms, its maximum ISO rating will allow for somewhat noisy but very satisfying low-light photography.
The Canon PowerShot SX1 IS also features comprehensive manual controls, which are great if you ever have the desire to have more control over your photos. Naturally, there is a full auto mode, as well as an extensive array of image-preset modes. Yet another superb feature of this camera is its Macro feature. In fact, there are two: normal Macro and Super Macro. Super Macro allows for a minimum distance of 0mm. This is so close that your subject can touch the lens and still be in focus... incredible!
The PowerShot SX1 IS is the perfect hybrid between compact and DSLR cameras. It is small enough to carry around with you everywhere you go, and powerful enough to be used for virtually any scenario. If you want a futureproof camera, then this one is worth a look. I have already made up my mind and decided to ditch my SLR in favour of this more versatile ‘super zoom’ compact camera.