Canon PowerShot SX10 IS Digital Camera – Black (10MP, 20x Optical Zoom) 2.5″ Vari-angle LCD Featuring a 20x wide-angle (28mm) zoom lens, the PowerShot SX10 IS offers exceptional telephoto reach – with image stabilization for ultra sharp results. Canon’s DIGIC 4 processor ensures fast, high-quality imaging, while full manual control delivers total creative freedom.
Creative control – as much or as little as you like. Whether you’re new to digital photography or looking to explore your creative side, PowerShot lets you move at your own speed.
Helpful consumer’s review
I am not a camera expert, more of an enthusiastic amateur, and I am sure that much more qualified people will, given time, publish reviews for Canon’s latest UltraZoom. However, reviews are pretty scarce at the moment, so I will share with you my first thoughts on the SX10.
The camera is neat, and sits comfortably in the hand. It is not as light as some, but exudes the impression of quality with a solid look and feel. For those who are familiar with Canon, the immediate impression is of familiar controls and menu options. For those new to the brand then I don’t think that you will feel ‘at sea’. I had read some comments that the instructions with the camera are not very good, but I would disagree. The quick start guide is mimimal but adequate, and the accompanying CD does include a manual that runs through all of the features, how to use them, and when you might want to use them. It is not a teach-in to photography, but certainly acts as a useful reminder.
And what a set of features this camera has. It has the very latest DIGIC 4 processor that is only just coming in for Canon’s top end cameras, and this gives the SX10 a very comprehensive set of functions. For example, face detection is an absolute gem. If there is a face in your picture then the exposure and focus lock to it. The little focus square just follows the face around the picture. Even better, you can set the autotimer so that the cameras takes the shot when a face, or even an additional face, comes into frame. That is powerful processing.
Of course, all is lost if the optics and sensor are not up to the job. After a bit of experimenting, I am satisfied that Canon are onto a good thing with this camera. At full optical zoom, and heavily into the digital zone, you can take image stabilised shots that are crisp and without a trace of the chromatic aberrations that plague this type of picture. With a 28mm equivalent wide angle capability. this camera offers both ends of the spectrum.
So who wants this camera? I am sure that SLR enthusiasts will continue to state that the optics are compromised compared to interchangeable lenses. The point and shoot brigade will continue to buy tiny pocket cameras. However, for those who want to explore their photography then the SX10 might just be the right camera for you. And remember, it’s a Canon so it is never going to be a bad choice.
