Overview
The Canon Powershot SX200 IS is a 12 megapixel digital camera with a 12x wide angle lens. Considering the length of lens Canon has given the Powershot SX200 IS the camera is a relatively compact size. It has a wide range of features including manual exposure modes, High Definition movies, a 3 inch LCD screen, manual focus and image stabilisation.
Why Buy The Canon Powershot SX200 IS
I like the range of features this camera has as well as the picture quality it produces. The camera is also a handy size.
Main Features
Megapixels:
Zoom:
LCD Screen:
Dimensions:
Weight:
12
12x
3 inches
103.0 x 60.5 x 37.6 mm
220g
Macro:
HD Movies:
Manual Controls:
Batteries:
Memory Cards:
0cm
Yes
Yes
Lithium ion
SD/SDHC
Image Quality - See Sample Images Below
Outdoor Scenic Shots in Good Light
The sharpness of this photo is excellent. With other cameras areas such as the trees may begin to look increasingly soft as you move up from snapshot sized prints. The Powershot SX200 IS produces an image that remains sharp. There is very little fall off in quality as you move away from the centre.
As with other cameras with a long zoom lens there is a hint of purple fringing around the tree tops in this picture if you make extra large prints. Otherwise sharpness is again above average, especially for a camera with a wide angle lens.
With the lens fully zoomed in there is also a suggestion of purple fringing in large prints where the sun catches the edge of the boats. Even so the levels are lower than many other super zoom cameras manage and in most cases this will only show in larger prints.
This picture confirms my findings in the previous outdoor shots. Sharpness is above average. This is probably helped by the larger size of lens you find on this type of camera. There is little fall off in sharpness as you move out towards the edges.
Portraits
I found the Powershot SX200 IS was capable of producing pleasing portrait shots. My outdoor portrait is bright and the colours have a natural look to them. There are no problems with sharpness and you should be able to take great, regular portrait shots.
Perhaps this picture could be a touch brighter, but overall I am happy with the photo. Colours are good and once again the Powershot SX200 IS is able to produce a sharply focused shot.
As with the indoor shot taken using flash this picture could be a little brighter. With any camera if there are situations you are aware of where a touch more brightness would help, try adjusting the exposure compensation. In most indoor or lowlight situations you will need to use flash to get the best possible shot.
Macro, Colours and Noise
This is an area where Canon digital cameras routinely outperform other brands in my opinion. The Powershot SX200 IS is able to focus from more or less in front of the lens and this camera is a good choice if you are planning to take close up shots with a compact digital camera.
I like the colours produced by the Powershot SX200 IS. They help the camera to produce vibrant pictures in most situations.
You are unlikely to want to use ISO 1600 unless there is no other way to get a photo. Overall though I found this camera was able to control noise levels pretty well.
Summary
I am impressed by the Powershot SX200 IS. You are unlikely to achieve much better picture quality unless you are prepared to pay a lot more for your camera.
Style
I like the design and picture quality of this camera. The front of the camera has a slight curve. The body is aluminium based. Red, blue and black versions are available.
Shutter Lag Times
Single Shot
Five Shots
Single Shot With Flash
Five Shots With Flash
Turn on Time
0.35 seconds
12.74 seconds
1.1 seconds
20.17 seconds
2.47 seconds
Ease of Use
There is a special easy mode if all you are looking for is a simple camera with some extra zoom. As you would expect if you wish to take advantage of all the features this camera offers it will take time to fully master the Powershot SX200 IS.
Points I Like
Picture quality - features - build quality
Where it Could Improve
Shutter delay with flash
Verdict
The Canon Powershot SX200 IS ticks most boxes. If you are looking for a smaller camera that offers extra zoom you are unlikely to find much better quality elsewhere.
Product Shots
Front View
Back View
Top View
Sample Menus
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Related Pages
Canon Powershot SX200 IS Review Canon Powershot SX200 IS Specification Canon Powershot SX200 IS Sample Images Canon Powershot SX200 IS Features Canon Powershot SX200 IS vs Panasonic Lumix DMC TZ7
Review Date
May 2009
