Canon PowerShot SX10 IS: the lot in one package
THE new Canon SX10 IS works like a Canon SLR — it is just a tad bulkier — and feels like a Canon. There are those photographers who are Canon SLR fanatics and there are those who feel the same about Nikon. This addition to the Canon range will keep the Canon faithful, faithful.
The main trick is that it has a 20 times zoom lens so that you need carry no other lens unless you need ultra wideangle. The telescopic end of the zoom would be pretty useless on a standard camera but Canon has a stabilization system built in which helps take care of the problem. The range is 28mm to 520mm and you almost certainly will never need more than that.
But, but, but. This camera has 10 megapixels and a sensor which does not take up the same space as a frame of film.
Very, very few cameras have this and none at the affordable end of the business. Thus you do get problems when you start pushing the ISO up, making the pictures faster in less light. In this respect, for example, the infinitely more expensive Canon EOS 5D Mark2 is a much better camera. It has a full frame CMOS sensor which runs at 22.1 megapixels and the quality of the images make the new PowerShot look a bit silly. The EOS can be pushed to ISO 25600 which should be useful for taking pictures of black cats in a coal-hole on a dark night.
The other major difference between the two cameras is the PowerShot SX10IS is around $350 while the body only version of the EOS is $2,699.
Which brings us to the eternal debate about the quality of images.
Most pictures these days are going to be viewed on a screen. If printed out it is probably going to be A4 maximum which means that ultra-high resolution is not required.
For me, for my budget, the Canon PowerShot SX10 IS wins hands down. It means you only need to carry one camera with no supplementary lens (a great blessing) and you are equipped to take any picture you need.
Yes, yes, there is a drop in quality at high speeds. But, sometimes, you can use the drop in quality to make the picture more immediate, more real. I am not sure the Canon PowerShot SX10 IS will be with us for a long time. In this area specifications change rapidly. But for me, it is a camera which I would seriously like to own.
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December 27th, 2008
Are those dollars quoted in Australian or American and if one ordered this camera whatg shipping costs, insurance and other expenses are involved please?
Thanks,
John Withers
December 27th, 2008
Just purchased the SX10 IS on December 23, 2008 in US for $350, at BestBuy
December 30th, 2008
I bought the SX10 from Best Buy as well on December 26th for $360 (I saw it for as low as $250 online but I like BB’s accidental damage insurance option). I later took it to a friend of mine who is a professional photographer and she loved it and is considering getting one for herself for quick shoots.