Reviews

A high-resolution, 20x zoom digicam that offers a wide range of adjustable controls plus 720p HD video recording with stereo soundtracks.Replacing the PowerShot SX10 IS at the top of Canon’s super-zoom range, the PowerShot SX20 IS has higher resolution than its predecessor and includes the ability to record video clips in widescreen, high-definition (1280 x 720 pixel) format. Otherwise, little has changed in the new model. With its SLR-like styling and large hand-grip, the SX20 IS is targeted at photo enthusiasts who want a cheaper, more compact camera for travelling – or even everyday use.

An advanced slimline digicam with a 12x optical zoom lens and HD movie recording capability.Announced in February, Canon’s PowerShot SX200 IS offers a challenge to Panasonic, which has long been the leader in the ‘traveller’s zoom’ digicam category. Equipped with a 12.1-megapixel CCD sensor and wide-angle (28mm equivalent) 12x optical zoom lens, the SX200 IS packs HD movie recording and the new TruCapture suite of automated functions into a slim, pocketable body. A 3.0-inch PureColor LCD II screen and mode dial with 13 settings combine to add extra appeal.

An affordable, 10x zoom digicam with a useful suite of controls and functions for family snapshooters.Canon’s PowerShot SX120 IS hits the market as the third in a series of affordable digicams with 10x optical zoom lenses and P, A, S and M shooting controls that began in 2007 with the release of the SX100 IS. Each update has involved a minor increase in sensor resolution plus some small tweaks to the body design and functionality. The on-going market position is unchanged; this camera is targeted at consumers who want a cheap, long-zoom camera.

A compact and attractive, long-zoom digicam that will suit travellers who prefer plenty of adjustable controls.Replacing the PowerShot SX100 IS the new 9-megapixel PowerShot SX110 IS combines increased resolution and a larger, higher-resolution LCD with a more compact body, which is available in silver or black. Like its predecessor, the SX110 IS is designed for family snapshooters but retains the suite of manual controls that is truncated in the latest A-series PowerShots (like the A2000IS).

Canon’s second 10-megapixel, 20x optical zoom digicam with advanced shooting controls.Last September, Canon announced two new 10-megapixel PowerShot SX-series digicams: the SX1 IS and the SX10 IS. The PowerShot SX10 IS has many of the features of the SX1 IS model (which we have already reviewed) but uses a CCD sensor instead of a CMOS chip. Both models feature stabilised 20x optical zoom lenses that span the equivalent of 28-560mm in 35mm format. The lens is threaded – but only for the clip-on lens cap and not for filters.

Lens-shift stabilisation and plenty of adjustable controls make this 12x zoom digicam attractive to travellers.In its PowerShot S5 IS, Canon has made some worthwhile improvements on its predecessor, the S3 IS, although the basic concept of the camera and many features and functions are unchanged. The new model has higher resolution (8 megapixels vs 6 megapixels) and a larger, vari-angle LCD. Its updated DiG!C III processor supports Face Detection AF and AE, in-camera redeye removal, Auto ISO shift and an extension of the sensitivity range to ISO 1600 (equivalent).

On test, the S60 delivered sharp images with natural-looking colours and moderate contrast and saturation levels. Exposures were positioned to provide an excellent balance between highlights and shadows. Long exposures taken after dark were noise-free at ISO 50 and 100 but noise affected at ISO 400.