The Canon PowerShot SX210 IS is aimed at users seeking powerful performance in a highly compact body, and features a broad range of advanced technologies. The camera features a 14x optical zoom, making it well and truly a superzoom camera.
Jump to:
- Reviews
- Videos
- Specifications
The new camera features a 14 megapixel sensor. An f/3.1-5.9 lens starts at a wide 28mm angle and offers 14x optical zoom.
A 3.0 inch wide-aspect display occupies the back panel. Like the SX200 before it, the SX210 will record 720p HD video, but this time it’s available through a dedicated video record button. Much of the control layout remains the same from the previous generation, though the mode dial has been moved to the back panel.
Main features:
* 14x zoom, 28mm wide-angle genuine Canon lens
* 14.1 Megapixels with compact, metal body in three colour options*
* Canon 4-stop optical Image Stabilizer with Dynamic IS
* Wide 7.6cm (3.0″) PureColor II G LCD with enhanced strength and visibility
* HD Movies (720p) with optical zoom, stereo sound and HDMI
* Easy to use with Smart Auto, Face Detection and on-screen Hints & Tips
* Smart Flash Exposure and i-Contrast for best results in all situations
* DIGIC 4 and Servo AF/AE for ultra-fast response and high image quality
* Manual, Av and Tv modes for full creative control
* Shooting modes including Smart Shutter, Low Light, Fish-eye and Miniature Effect
Good:
- HDMI output for playback of images or videos on a compatible HDTV / display
- SD/SDHC/SDXC card reader for the use of pre-existing and future SD flash storage cards – the industry standard (easy to find, capacious and affordable)
- designed for easy use of Eye-Fi (wireless SD card)
- 14x optical zoom
- records video in 720p high definition with stereo audio
- optical image stabilization
- “Smart Shutter” allows users to trigger a photo with a simple facial gesture such as a wink or smile
- easy YouTube upload functionality
- pop-out flash
- clean aesthetic
Bad:
- only available in purple, gold and black
- high price for a rather simple point & shoot
- low resolution display – 230k dot
Reviews
Digitalcamera HQ writes:
“Its predecessor, the SX200, did have a few design issues, but based on the looks alone, the SX210 looks like it’s been almost entirely re-done so those shouldn’t be an issue. This also includes the lusted-after feature of optical zoom during video mode, which is 720p HD.”
Electricpig writes:
“We’re also big fans of the Canon PowerShot SX210 IS’s build: it’s a sturdy compact with some lovely curves and brilliant pop up flash…”
TechRadar writes:
“We can’t find much to complain about this camera when it comes to image quality, and build quality, as you might reasonably expect from a camera costing the better part of £350. It’s superb.”
TrustedReviews writes:
“It is an expensive camera but it does offer more genuinely useful features than almost anything else in its class. Build quality and handling are excellent, overall performance is superb and the picture quality is better than expected for such a densely populated sensor.“
Steve’sDigicams writes:
“Image noise is handled well on the SX210 for a consumer point-n-shoot. While you can see traces of luminance noise at even the lower ISO settings when viewing photos at 100%, the camera’s processor does well at keeping levels down as you increase the sensitivity. I feel that even the maximum ISO 1600 setting is able to produce usable photos for small to mid sized prints.”
BuyNShoot writes:
“It produces consistent images in its automatic setting and the results straight out of camera should look pleasing in a 6×4 print…as a camera to document your travels, and celebrations, along with the ability to get really close to the action without being noticed, the SX210 does a fine job.“
Stuff.tv writes:
“The 3in LCD screen is bright and easily visible, even in bright sunlight, and offers roughly as much detail as most rivals – although not the insane crispness of the Nikon S8000.”
PCMag writes:
“The Canon PowerShot SX210 is a no-nonsense camera that packs a long 14x optical-zoom lens into a small body. But this camera doesn’t excel in low light, and images show some color fringing.”
NeutralDay writes:
“the SX210 is still a nice camera, whose compact size, long lens, and respectable image and easy video abilities easily earn it a “Recommended”, however, our personal opinion leads us to preferring both the Sony HX5V and the Panasonic ZS7, if one can live with shorter, but still versatile lenses.”
CameraLabs writes:
“In short, the SX210 IS is a good camera which makes several key improvements over its predecessor, but one that’s up against very tough rivals which are arguably more compelling overall. As such we can Recommend it, but it falls short of the Highly Recommended rating awarded to the Panasonic TZ10 / ZS7 and Sony HX5.”
Canon SX210 IS equipped with 3″ widescreen LCD
A new 7.6 cm (3.0”) widescreen PureColor II G LCD features a 230,000-dot resolution, displaying images with pin-sharp clarity. Using a tempered glass design, the PureColor II G LCD offers increased strength, and its thin construction provides higher contrast and improved visibility in shooting and playback. Wide viewing angles make it easy to share images with friends immediately after capture, while the 16:9 aspect ratio is ideal for capturing and viewing HD video.
DIGIC 4 processor
The camera utilises the latest DIGIC 4 processing, providing superb image quality and fast operation. Employing a number of powerful, intelligent technologies, DIGIC 4 empowers users to capture their best memories exactly as they experienced them. Smart Auto with Scene Detection Technology makes it easy for users to get outstanding pictures in all conditions, intelligently detecting the scene and selecting the optimum settings from 22 variables. i-Contrast maximises brightness gradation every time a shot is taken, revealing detail in dark areas of pictures while preventing blow out in highlights – a tool that can also be used to correct photos in playback mode. New Smart Flash Exposure also controls flash levels according to shooting conditions, providing the right amount of flash for all situations, from brightly backlit scenes to macro shots.
Canon PowerShot SX210 IS camera offers creative control
The Canon SX210 IS offers full manual control over camera settings, allowing users to get more creative with their pictures. Aperture, shutter speed, ISO and focusing can all be controlled manually, enabling users to experiment with their images and develop their photographic skills. New and creative shooting modes also make photography fun for beginners. A new Fish-eye Effect mimics the distortion of a fish-eye lens, while a Miniature Effect can make subjects look like miniature-scale models. For users that just want to point and shoot, Easy Mode is a truly automatic feature – disabling access to advanced settings and removing screen icons so users can concentrate solely on the subject they want to shoot.
Record HD movies
Users can capture quality HD video on demand, thanks to a dedicated movie record button that allows them to immediately start shooting movies, even if the camera is not set to Movie mode. For the first time in any Canon compact camera, Smart Auto technology has been extended to movies, intelligently detecting shooting conditions and selecting optimum settings from 18 variables. 720p HD footage is recorded at 30 frames per second, with stereo sound included to provide high quality audio, while the quiet 14x zoom lens offers the capacity to zoom close up to subjects that would normally be out of the reach.
Dynamic image stabilizer in HD video mode
For smooth movie capture, the PowerShot SX210 IS also features a new Dynamic Image Stabilizer. A technology inherited from Canon video cameras, Dynamic IS further reduces the shake caused by a user’s movement, such as walking. When movies have been captured, the integrated HDMI mini connection offers a lossless way to share video – and images – on HDMI-compatible devices including HDTV screens.
Videos
Specifications:
Sensor:
• 1/2.3″ Type CCD
• 14.1 million effective pixels
Image sizes:
• 4320 x 3240
• 3456 x 2592
• 2592 x 1944
• 1600 x 1200
• 640 x 480
• 320 x 140
• 4320 x 2432
Movie clips:
• 1280 x 720 @ 30fps [HD]
• 640 x 480 @ 30fps [L]
• 320 x 240 @ 30fps [M]
Maximum clip length:
• Upto 4GB or 1/2 hour [HD]
• Upto 4GB or 1 hour [L or M]
File formats:
• JPEG (Exif v2.2)
• DPOF 1.1
• MOV [H.264 + Linear PCM (stereo)
Lens:
• 28 – 392mm (35mm equiv)
• f=5.0-70mm
• 14x optical zoom
• F3.1-5.9
Image stabilization:
• Yes (Lens-Shift)
Digital zoom:
• up to 4x
Focus:
• TTL
AF area modes:
• Face Detection AiAF / 9 point
• 1-point AF (center or Face Select and Track)
AF lock:
• Yes (On/Off Selectable)
AF assist lamp:
• Yes
Focus distance:
• Closest focus distance 5 cm
Metering:
• Evaluative (linked to Face Detection AF frame)
• Center-weighted average
• Spot (center or linked to Face Detection)
ISO sensitivity:
• Auto
• ISO 80
• ISO 100
• ISO 200
• ISO 400
• ISO 800
• ISO 1600
AE lock:
• Yes (on/off selectable)
Exposure compensation:
• +/- 2EV in 1/3 stop increments
Shutter speed:
• 15-1/3200 sec
Modes:
• Auto
• Program AE
• Shutter priority AE
• Aperture priority AE
• Manual
• Easy
• Portrait
• Kids & Pets
• Landscape
• Night Snapshot
• Scene
• Movie
Scene modes:
• Portrait
• Indoor
• Smart Shutter(Smile, Wink Self-Timer, FaceSelf-Timer)
• Low Light (3.5MP)
• Color Accent
• Color Swap
• Fish-eye Effect
• Miniature Effect
• Beach
• Foliage
• Snow
• Fireworks
• Stitch Assist
White balance:
• Auto (including Face Detection WB)
• Daylight
• Cloudy
• Tungsten
• Fluorescent
• Fluorescent H
• Custom
Self timer:
• 2 or 10sec
• Custom
Continuous shooting:
• Approx 0.7 fps
Image parameters:
• My Colors (My Colors Off, Vivid, Neutral, Sepia, Black & White, Positive Film, Lighter Skin Tone, Darker Skin Tone, Vivid Blue, Vivid Green, Vivid Red, Custom Color)
Flash: Auto, Manual Flash On / Off, Red-Eye Reduction, Slow Sync
• Face Detection FE compensation
• Safety FE compensation
• Flash exposure lock
• +/- 2 EV in 1/3 stop increments. Face Detection FE
• Range (75cm-3.5m (W) / 1.0m-2.0m (T))
• Manual : 3 levels with internal flash
• External HF-DC1 flash (optional)
LCD monitor:
• 3.0″ TFT
• 230,000 pixels
• 100% coverage
• Adjustable
Connectivity:
• HDMI connector (Mini-B)
• USB Hi-Speed
• AV out (PAL / NTSC switchable)
Storage:
• SD, SDHC, SDXC, MMC, MMCplus, HC MMCplus
Power:
• Rechargeable Li-ion Battery NB-5L
Weight (with batt):
• 215 g
