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| Canon PowerShot SX200IS Review |
Overview This is considered a mid-level point and shoot camera, and performs in exactly the way you’d expect. There are a few great automatic options, but virtually no manual controls. There are a few areas where the camera will allow you to manually input ISO speeds and the like, but nothing compared to more advanced cameras. For what it was designed for, this is a great camera that produces reasonably high quality photographs. Snapshots With the image stabilization features and the wide angle lens, it’s easy to get great shots. The 12.1 megapixel sensor works very well in conjunction with the DIGIC4 image processor, and has been considered to be one of the more reliable setups in digital cameras. ISO Speeds as low as 80 and as high as 1600 offer quality images in most circumstances. However, the continuous shooting capabilities fall flat at less than a single frame per second, which makes catching fast moments harder to do.  Video The video on this camera is recorded in either of the standard resolutions, or in 720p. This allows you to take quality videos from a digital camera without having to buy a camcorder. Video from this camera offers a great alternative to continuous shooting, and with the proper computer programs, you can freeze frame and edit one of the thirty frames per second to create still images. Nevertheless, this will not function like a camcorder, and some videos can be compromised in certain situations. Photo Quality and Extras For a compact, this camera does exceptionally well on the quality front. The photos are bright and crisp, and can be taken in a variety of lighting and movement conditions. However, the ISO speed is a little limiting, and while it probably won't work well at a race track, it is more than acceptable for most daily situations. Also, the wide angle lens allows you to capture more of the moments you shoot. Because this is a point and shoot camera, most of the options are automatic. However, this point and shoot offers a few more manual controls than others, as well as the ability to adjust many different features. There is onboard editing, and easy to use transfer/playback interfaces. One of the best features of this camera is the 12x built in zoom, which allows you to take both wide angle shots and tight portraits.  Downside There are a few downfalls with this camera, and the most significant of these is design of the camera's flash. In many situations, there will be no need to use a flash when you are going about your daily life. However, the fact that the camera's pop-up flash is always up when the camera is in use seems to be a design flaw, as it could get damaged if someone forgets it’s up. Another drawback is the short battery life of the camera. Even though a proprietary Lithium Ion design was used in this camera, it is still limited to about 250 shots per charge. Conclusion For someone who is looking for a great point and shoot camera that offers a lot of quality and the ability to shoot in many different settings, this is the one for you. However, it is by no means the best for the price of $330 or so, but it is one that can be used by almost anyone. The slim design is great for a go anywhere style, but it is also a drawback that makes it slightly more sensitive. Nevertheless, if you choose to buy this camera, you’re sure to be very happy with it. Sample Pictures Taken with the Canon PowerShot SX200IS (click any of the images below to see the full resolution image)      |
