Overview
The Canon Powershot SX210 IS offers extra zoom power in a compact body. This camera has 14 megapixels and a 14x zoom lens. The lens has wide angle capabilities too.
I would say the Powershot SX210 IS is aimed at someone who is looking at a clear step up from a standard point and shoot digital camera. As well as having extra zoom you also have access to manual controls allowing you to fine tune shutter speed, aperture size and focusing.
Other features include High Definition movies, image stabilisation and a 3 inch LCD screen. On top of these you will find additional features for controlling flash that you rarely find with other brands.
Out of the batch of 11 cameras I was testing at the same time the Powershot SX210 IS had the best quality LCD screen. It was bright, clear and easy to see in bright sunlight.
On the whole picture quality is very good, but there were one or two issues I discovered that concern me.
Main Features
Megapixels:
Zoom:
LCD Screen:
Dimensions:
Weight:
14
14x
3 inches
105.8 x 59.3 x 31.9mm
215g
Macro:
HD Movies:
Manual Controls:
Batteries:
Memory Cards:
5cm
Yes
Yes
Lithium-ion Rechargeable
SD / SDHC / SDXC
Image Quality - See Sample Images Below
Outdoor Scenic Shots in Good Light
I like the overall look of my scenic shots. The contrasting colours work well and the photos are sharp.
There was a surprising amount of purple fringing showing in my tests. When this happens with other digital cameras it is usually very difficult to detect unless you make extra large prints. With the Powershot SX210 IS it is more noticeable and you may find yourself needing to clean up with an image manipulation package if you are taking pictures in very bright conditions. The fringing is most noticeable with the lens zoomed all the way in.
Part of the reason for my surprise was that the previous model in this series showed little evidence of the problem.
With the lens fully zoomed in I also could see a hazy effect around the boats. This also shows on the windows of my shot of a building. This may become an issue with larger prints.
Portraits
There should be few problems when it comes to taking portrait shots. The Powershot SX210 IS should be able to produce good quality portrait shots in a variety of situations. Starting with my outdoor portrait it is sharply focused and has accurate colours.
Using flash indoors the Powershot SX210 IS gets the lighting levels more or less spot on. The picture is bright and the light is spread right across the photo and into the corners. Despite there being plenty of light it is subtle enough not to wash out the colour from the shot.
With flash turned off the camera makes a further good attempt. Once again the camera does well to inject plenty of brightness into the shot. This shot is brighter and shows greater detail than most cameras manage.
Macro, Colours and Noise
The level of detail showing in my macro shot impressive. The downside is that purple fringing is an issue again. This is likely to show up when take pictures of shiny objects and increase print size.
I think the colours and the brightness the Powershot SX210 IS are one of the strengths of the camera. I like the deeper colours of the foliage showing in my landscape shots.
There are issues as a form of haze appears around some objects in sunny conditions. This could be down to the amount of megapixels Canon have squeezed onto the sensor.
Summary
The Powershot SX210 IS does most things very well. However when I review a Canon digital camera I have very high expectations. In this instance those expectations have not quite been met.
Style
I like the way this camera feels in the hand. It appears to have been well made. It has quite a long look to it. The corners of the camera are rounded and it has a bit of a retro style. It is available in gold, purple and black. The flash unit pops up on top of the camera.
Shutter Lag Times
Single Shot
Five Shots
Single Shot With Flash
Five Shots With Flash
Turn on Time
0.39 seconds
15.49 seconds
1.12 seconds
22.17 seconds
2.58 seconds
Ease of Use
There are a number of features packed away inside the body, so it will take a little while to get to grips with everything.
Points I Like
Picture quality - Features - High Definition movies - LCD Screen - Handy Size
Where it Could Improve
Shutter delay with flash - purple fringing
Product Shots
Front View
Back View
Top View
Sample Menus
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Related Pages
Canon Powershot SX210 IS Review Canon Powershot SX210 IS Specification Canon Powershot SX210 IS Sample Images Canon Powershot SX210 IS Features
Review Date
June 2010
