With the Zoom and Functions of a DSLR the Canon Powershot SX10IS Saves You Money: A Review

Digital camera consumers have long been asking for improved zoom in the less expensive non-DSLR market. Canon has really stepped up to the plate and come out with a number of models with advanced zooming options, and it has really paid off for them. This holiday season these long zoom cameras have really dominated the tops of the sales chart. The Canon Powershot SX10IS is one of those models. It has an unprecedented 20x wide angle zoom which really sets it apart from other non-DSLR cameras. Because of its popularity I have decided to get my hands on one this camera and give it a review.

Styling: 2/5

Features: 5/5

Image Quality: 5/5

Value: 5/5

Overall: 4/5

Product Overview:

The styling of the Canon Powershot SX10IS is similar to a DSLR. It is however a point and shoot as the lens is not interchangeable. This camera is quite heavy for a "point and shoot" and you will need to carry it in a camera bag. I found that it would be ideal to have a smaller point and shoot you could take with you all of the time and just carry this model when you know you'll concentrating on some serious photography. The LCD screen folds out 180 degrees which is a feature not seen on many point and shoots however I found it to be a little useless. They could have made the screen a full 3 inches versus its 2.5 inch setup it boasts now. The screen is adequately bright however the viewfinder should be used when shooting extremely bright lit subjects.

If you are an amateur photographer you may enjoy all of the features that the Canon Powershot SX10IS offers. Thanks to the ease of use while in easy shooting mode means that most people though will never come close to utilizing all of this camera's features. All of the menus are easy to navigate with large menu options accessible by a dial on the back of the camera. The zoom is accessed by a lever like switch on the front where your finger naturally rests. Shooting modes are accessible by a dial found on top. Shooting modes are not easy to change on the fly and require you to stop shooting to adjust them.

Image quality is fantastic. Often some of these cameras tend to falter during night shooting however I found this camera to be one of the more capable on the market today. I recently took shots of a night time flotilla parade with fantastic results.

Product Value:

If you are looking for the image quality and product features approaching a DSLR without spending all of that money then the Canon Powershot SX10IS is the perfect camera for you. This is please amateur photographers but due to it's bulk and weight will unlikely please the average consumer looking to take pictures on the fly. Competitively priced and just above $300 this camera is a bargain.