Canon PowerShot SX30 IS Review

Review posted 10/27/2010

Quick Take

Pros

35x optical zoom is the most versatile lens currently on the market Captures nice 14-megapixel still photos Excellent performance for its class Optical Image Stabilization is easy for handheld shooting and video 720p HD video captures excellent videos with stereo sound 2.7-Inch Swivel Vari-Angle LCD for touch shooting conditions Full zoom available while recording videos Smart auto allows anyone to operate it Plenty of advanced controls, like Full Manual mode for total control Powerful pop-up flash Excellent battery life

Cons

Chromatic Aberrations in most images Face detection struggled a little with moving faces No audio input for HD video recording

Bottom Line

As one of the most powerful mega-zoom cameras on the market, The SX30 IS features a 35x wide optical zoom, 14-Megapixel imaging sensor and a 2.7-Inch Vari-Angle LCD. With great image quality and outstanding performance, this is the perfect camera to have in your bag to cover a variety of shooting situations. Read more in our Full Conclusion.

Canon has finally released the successor to their popular PowerShot SX20 IS from last year, with the all new PowerShot SX30 IS. While many of the SX30's core features are similar to it's sibling, Canon has completely redesigned the exterior of this camera, along with adding some awesome new features. These included increased resolution up to 14-megapixels, a larger 2.7-inch Vari-angle LCD screen, and more importantly the World's first 35x optical zoom lens unit. This powerful new lens boasts an amazing zoom range of approx. 24-840mm in 35mm equivalence, making the SX30 IS the most powerful Ultra-zoom camera currently on the market (as of 9/2010). To help you capture sharp images when using the telephoto capabilities of this camera, Canon has included their legendary lens-shift optical image stabilization technology into the heart of this lens, which will greatly increase the quality of your long telephoto shots; we still recommend you use some sort of camera support however.

PowerShot SX30 IS Features:

• 1/2.3-inch, 14-megapixel CCD image sensor
• Canon's DIGIC 4 image processor
• Ultra wide 35x optical zoom lens 24-840mm equivalent zoom range
  
• Lens-Shift type optical image stabilization system
• Articulated 2.7-inch Vari-angle 'Pure Color II' LCD flips forward and rotates 270 degrees
  
• SmartAuto choose from 22 specially defined settings for optimum results in various situations
• Advanced TTL autofocus system
• Low-light focus assist illuminator
• SmartAuto, Program AE, Shutter-speed priority, Aperture priority, Manual, and Custom exposure modes
• 16 Pre-programmed creative scene modes for specific shooting situations
• iContrast intelligent contrast correction
• Record's 720p HD video w/stereo sound @30fps (640x480 or 320x240 resolution also available), length limited to memory capacity or 4GB clip size max.
• 1.3fps Continuous burst capture of Large/Fine images(up to 3.6fps in Low Light mode)
  
• Face Detection AF/AE/FE/WB and new Face Detect Self-timer mode
• Evaluative, Center-weighted or Spot metering options (fixed to the center or linked to the AF frame)
• Stitch Assist mode for perfect panoramas
• Exposure and Flash compensation: +/-2EV in 1/3-step increments
• White Balance: Auto, 7 presets and two Custom settings
• Orientation sensor that automatically detects vertical or horizontal shooting
• Built-in, manual pop-up flash unit
• Hot shoe accommodates Canon Speedlites
• Shutter speeds of 15 seconds to 1/3200 second
• Selectable ISO settings from 80 to 1600 (up to 3200 using special lower resolution scene mode)
• Built-in stereo microphones and speaker
• Uses Canon's powerful NB-7L 7.4v 1050 mAh Li-ion battery pack (up to 400 shots per charge using the EVF or 370 with the LCD)
• Direct print and PictBridge Compatible
• USB 2.0 high-speed connectivity for PC and Mac
• SDHC/SD/MMC/MMC Plus compatibility
  

The PowerShot SX30 IS is available now with a MSRP of $429.99 US. 

What's in the box?:

• PowerShot SX30 IS Body
• Lithium-ion Battery Pack NB-7L
• Battery Charger CB-2LZ
• Neck Strap NS-DC11
• Lens Cap
• Case for Hot Shoe Cap
• AV Cable AVC-DC400ST
• USB Interface Cable IFC-400PCU
• Digital Camera Solution CD-ROM

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