Canon Powershot SX1 and SX200 Digital Camera Review

The photography industry is ramping up for the year's biggest event. It is the annual PMA (Photography Manufacturers' Association) trade show in Las Vegas. If I could pick a vacation spot next month as an amateur photographer, it would be PMA. This year, Canon has announced two new entries in the mid-level compact camera market. Actually, there are many new products by Canon and others, but this article will deal with two. The Powershot SX1 IS and Powershot SX200 IS are packed with improvements and new features that will make photographers at all levels, from rank amateurs to professionals, take a long look.

The Canon Powershot SX1 IS is an upgrade of the SX10, and it has actually already hit the camera market, but it has not yet been offered in the US. In spite of being an upgrade, it is a prosumer model with features like none before it. It is the first non-DSLR to have the CMOS sensor that is included in the DSLR professional models. The ISO range of the SX1 goes from 80 to 1600 with only slight image deterioration at the high end. Here are some of the other specs:

• 10 megapixels


• Variable position 2.7" LCD


• 20x Optical Zoom (28mm to 560mm)


• Hotshoe (for external flash)


• DIGIC 4 processor


• 1080p HD video records at 30fps


• Suggested Retail Price $599

Video recording on this camera is as good as a dedicated video camera. It can be played back on a HD television with great clarity. For the amateur photographer who is looking for a professional look, with video capabilities, but does not want the hassel of carrying equipment and switching lenses, this may be the one for you. It could also be the "carry everywhere" camera for professionals. The second of the two SX models offered in March is the Canon Powershot SX200 IS. This is a truly compact camera with amazing power and flexibility. It will capture close-up at 28mm and zoom to 12x (336mm). It is sleek and good-looking, coming in 3 designer colors, black, blue, and cranberry. This new digital camera has an array of controls and options to give the user as much or as little control over the outcome as desired. Some of the notable specs are:

• 12.1 megapixels


• 12x Zoom (28-336 mm equivalent)


• Digic 4 processor


• Optical image stabilization to reduce camera blur


• 720p HD video


• ISO up to 3200


• 3" LCD


• Suggested Retail Price $349

The Canon Powershot SX200 IS is a little package with a powerful punch. It is a great camera for outings or vactions. It can be carried anywhere because it is a true compact, yet has the capablility to take large enough pictures to easily print at 8 x10 and much larger. It will capture HD video as good as a dedicated camcorder. It will most undoubtedly put Canon at the top of their game once again.

I am an amateur photographer, specializing in things of nature. My website is http://www.thewayeyeseeit.net. I have a passion for Canon equipment, and I recently did a similar review at http://www.squidoo.com/canon-powershot-sx200-is. Please check out that review for some added video links about the new Canon Powershots.

Canon PowerShot SD790IS Reviewed and Taken to the HOT Seat

I admit it. Yeah, I'm a digital camera fanatic. And many of the point-and-shoot digital cameras I own were bought impulsively and on a whim. And it's NOT a very good idea! The last 3 or 4 cameras I've had performed way below my expectations. Blurred, hazy, unclear - that's how I'd describe MOST of the images I've captured with those crappy digital cameras, and that's being nice!

Heck! Some of the photos I've taken were beyond recognition. I was utterly disappointed, and I decided to replace them with a digital camera that delivers GREAT and not mediocre photographs. BUT this time, I made sure that I'm going to wiser when I shop to buy digital cameras.

This is where I first encountered the Canon PowerShot SD790IS.

The features do look great like the -
- 3 inch LCD screen
- 7 Megapixels
- 3x Optical Zoom
...do look great.

It seems like this addition to the Canon PowerShot series is a MUST-have. BUT bent on not making the same mistake again, I took a few days checking out forums, reviews, etc. just to make sure I'm informed before I buy it. As far as reviews go, Canon PowerShot SD790IS sounds impressive. So I summoned my courage, contemplated about this digital camera for a couple of minutes, and then I hit "Checkout".

I was planning to use it on a trip so I opted for a faster deliver method that brought this Canon PowerShot to my hands after 3 days. What made Canon PowerShot SD790IS impressive, in my opinion, aren't the reviews or the ravings about it, it's the quality it delivers! Not to mention the 3 inch LCD screen of Canon PowerShot SD790IS was really hard to ignore. I mean I have seen 2 or even 2.5 inches of LCD screen for other digital cameras, BUT this was my first seeing one with 3 inches.

And it didn't fail me! The images on the LCD screen of Canon PowerShot SD790IS are crystal-clear, amazingly detailed, and colorful, enabling me to shoot for great pictures in almost any angle. And the photographs delivered by Canon PowerShot SD790IS are nothing short of amazing, too! And The result?

This is absolutely a camera that deserves your look if you're after quality. Check out this in-depth review of Canon PowerShot SD790IS.