After reading so many (mostly) positive Canon sx 210 reviews, I decided to try it out myself. You can only do so much research before you have to decide to test a product yourself.
What convinced me to buy the Canon sx 210 is? Here's a short list:
- 14x optical zoom with optical image stabilizer
- fun effects like fisheye,
- evolved face detection
- HD film
- smart auto mode
- typical Canon quality
- price
Another neat feature, which I haven't used yet, is the Face Detection Self Timer. You know how with most timers you have to rush to get into the picture on time? With the Face Detection Self Timer the Canon sx 210 is will wait until the photographer's face is in the picture before making the shot. No more family pictures of you vaguely stumbling into the shot.
As to be expected from Canon, the sx 210 is has very good image quality. Even when you zoom in on your computer you'll notice the pictures are more than sharp enough for enlargements of up to 8.5 x 11. Thanks to the optical image stabilizer even pictures taken at the far end of the telezoom are still very crisp. That said, I never use the digital zoom (one of the first things I changed in the menu). Keep in mind that if you do use digital zoom, you're pictures won't look as crisp. But honestly, why would you need digital zoom when you have a 14x optical zoom.
For worry-free photography, the Smart Auto Mode is the ideal setting. This Canon sx 210 review wouldn't be complete without mentioning this set and forget mode. The 22 settings make this the perfect mode whenever you're out having fun and don't want to think too much about takin snapshots about what's going on. Never worry about lighting, shutter speed, iso and what not. The Canon sx 210 is has it all covered.
As I mentioned at the start of this Canon sx 210 review, I'm used to bulky SLR cameras with heavy lenses. So for me, the Canon Powershot sx 210 is is tiny and lightweight. That said, I've read in other Canon sx210 is reviews that other users find it to be somewhat heavy. Personally, I think the fact that it's solid and perhaps a bit heavier than other point and shoot cameras makes it easier to hold steady when taking a picture. Especially considering the fact that the sx210 is has a 14x optical zoom doesn't make it big in my book (that superzoom has to go somewhere...).
There are a few point and shoot cameras that are a bit faster than this one. However, after messing around with the settings a bit, I've managed to speed it up significantly. A class 6 micro SD card instead of a class 4 will further improve the speed. Also, because burst mode takes only about 4 pictures between writing to the sd card, you're less likely to miss a one of a kind picture because your camera is writing 20 pictures to your card.
All the different settings make it necessary to read the manual if you want to make the most of the Canon Powershot sx210 is. Even though the Smart Auto Mode is very convenient, I do recommend you take the time to get to know more settings. You never know when you might end up in a situation where the auto mode simply doesn't cut it.
The only design flaw the Powershot sx210 is has in my opinion is the position of the pop-up flash. It's at the exact spot where I hold the camera with my left hand. This might not be a problem if you're used to photographing with a point and shoot though. And I seem to be getting the hang of holding it a little differently. I do like the fact that it pops up and can be closed manually. Not all situations allow flash photography, so along with the sx210 ability to shoot in low ligthing, you won't have to miss any pictures in difficult circumstances.
So what's my conclusion in this Canon sx 210 review? It's a great point and shoot camera for anyone looking for great picture and film quality, lots of manual settings while still being able to make quick snapshots automatically. Even if you think you don't need a 14x optical zoom, you'll quickly get used to it (and miss it when you change to a camera with smaller zoom range). Looking at the price and quality, you cannot get a better deal. |
