Canon PowerShot SX130 IS Review

Review posted 10/05/2010

Quick Take

Pros

Excellent image quality 12x optical zoom with Optical Image Stabilization is easy for handheld shooting 720p HD video captures excellent videos with stereo sound Smart auto allows anyone to operate it Full Manual mode for total control Powerful pop-up flash

Cons

Shot-to-Shot and burst are a little slow No dedicated video recording button No audio input for HD video recording

Bottom Line

The SX130 IS is an easy to use, yet powerful compact digicam. With smart auto and manual controls, anyone can find an appropriate shooting mode. Although the performance lacks a little, the camera more than makes up for it with its image quality and features. Read more in our Full Conclusion.

Canon has just released the PowerShot SX130 IS, the replacement of the popular SX120 IS from last year. This new model boasts some impressive upgrades, including 12-megapixels of resolution, a wider 12x optical zoom lens (28-336mm equivalent), a 3.0-inch LCD screen, 720p HD video recording with stereo sound, and AA power source.

In addition to these appealing options, the SX130 IS also offers a wide variety of useful exposure modes, including Smart Auto, Program AE, Aperture priority, Shutter Speed priority, full Manual, and 21 scene mode settings. All of these specifications are wrapped up into a compact super-zoom shell.

PowerShot SX130 IS key features:

• 12-megapixel; 1/2.3-inch CCD imager
• 12x wide optical zoom lens covers 28-336mm
• Canon's Optical Image Stabilization
• DIGIC 4 Processor
• Smart Auto, plus 21 scene modes
  
• 3.0-inch, 230,000 dot LCD screen
• Intelligent Contrast Correction
• Red-Eye Correction
• Blink Detection
• Motion Detection Technology
• Program AE, Aperture/Shutter speed priority, and full Manual
• 720p HD video recording with stereo microphones
• Compact, super-zoom style body
• Powered by two AA batteries
• SD/SDHC/SDXC memory card slot

The Canon PowerShot SX130 IS is available now with a retail price of $249.99 US.

Visitors of Steves can visit the stores below for real-time pricing and availability. You can also find hot, soon to expire online offers on a variety of cameras and accessories at our very own Camera Deals page.