Exploring the Versatility of Canon PowerShot SX10 IS: A Comprehensive Guide

If you're a photography enthusiast looking for a versatile camera that can capture stunning images and videos, the Canon PowerShot SX10 IS is worth considering. Featuring a powerful zoom lens, advanced image stabilization, and user-friendly features, this camera is designed to help you unleash your creativity. In this blog post, we're going to explore the features of the Canon PowerShot SX10 IS and help you understand why it's an excellent choice for photographers of all skill levels.

Written by Victor Chan | Updated: Mon May 01 2023

Canon PowerShot SX10 IS article cover photo

Key Features

Jan 15 2009

Announced

10 megapixels

Resolution

BrandCanon
Sensor Type1/2.3-inch
SensorCCD
Weight600g
MSRP$399USD

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Overview of the PowerShot SX10 IS

Are you in search of a camera that’s both versatile and user-friendly? Look no further than the Canon PowerShot SX10 IS. With a powerful zoom lens, advanced image stabilization, and an array of features catering to photographers of all skill levels, the Canon PowerShot SX10 IS is an excellent choice. In this blog post, we’ll delve into the features of this versatile camera, exploring its capabilities and helping you understand why it’s a popular choice among photo enthusiasts. Whether you’re a budding photographer or an experienced shutterbug, the Canon PowerShot SX10 IS is a camera that’s sure to impress. So, let’s dive in!

Canon PowerShot SX10 IS Pros and Cons

Now, we will look more closely at our review of the Canon PowerShot SX10 IS camera. We will see what it can do and compare it to other cameras like it. We will tell you what's good about it and what's not so good. This way, you'll know if it's the camera for you!

Pros

High-quality images and video
Fast and accurate autofocus
20x optical zoom
Image stabilization for steady shots
Large LCD screen for easy viewing
Manual controls for advanced users
Good low light performance
Camera body is lightweight and easy to handle
Affordable price point

Cons

No full-frame sensor
Limited dynamic range
No 4K video recording
Battery life could be better
Focus can struggle in low light
Limited ISO range
No weather sealing
No interchangeable lenses

Build and Construction

Body and dimensions

Canon PowerShot SX10 IS

Weather sealed
Dimensions128 x 88 x 87mm
Weight600g
Thickness87mm
Weight
Min
Avg
This
Max
Thickness
Min
Avg
This
Max

Weather Sealing

The Canon PowerShot SX10 IS is not sealed against water and dust, so it's important to be careful when using it in such conditions. If you often shoot in environments with water or dust, it's recommended to check out another camera with weather sealing.

Design and Handling

Main design features

View FinderElectronic
Screen TypeFully Articulated
Screen Resolution230k dots
Body typeSLR-like (bridge)

Suitable for:

PhotographyAbove Avg.
VideographyAbove Avg.
TravelAbove Avg.

LCD Screen

This camera has a fully articulated 2.50" screen, with a display resolution of 230k dots. This makes the Canon PowerShot SX10 IS very suitable for those looking for a vlogging camera as you can view yourself while shooting selfies. Unfortunately, the camera does not have a touch screen, which may make it less user-friendly.

Viewfinder

PowerShot SX10 IS includes a electronic viewfinder with n/a of resolution with a coverage of n/a and a magnification of n/a. This feature enhances the camera's suitability for outdoor photography in bright conditions.

Image Quality

Canon PowerShot SX10 IS has a 10MP sized CCD sensor. You can shoot at maximum resolution of 10 pixels. Canon PowerShot SX10 IS has a native ISO range of 80 - 1600 which can be boosted to null - null.

Key Features

Jan 15 2009

Announced

80 - 1600

ISO Range

Sensor1/2.3-inch
Extended ISOnull - null
Max resolution3648 x 2736 pixels

DXO Sensor Scores

Overall

not tested

Color Depth

not tested

Dynamic Range

not tested

Low Light ISO

not tested

DXO mark sensor scores

The DXOmark rankings indicate that the Canon PowerShot SX10 IS camera has excellent color depth performance, which refers to the number of colors the sensor can distinguish. Additionally, its dynamic range is also excellent, allowing it to retain high amounts of details in both bright and dark areas of a scene. The camera's low light ISO performance is excellent, which is an important factor to consider if you plan to use it in dimly lit indoor environments or at night. Overall the image quality of the PowerShot SX10 IS is excellent

Crop Factor

Camera crop factor (or focal length multiplier) refers to how a camera's sensor size affects the apparent field of view of a lens. Crop factor is determined by comparing the size of a camera's sensor to that of a full-frame sensor, which is a standard reference size for camera sensors.

Size comparison

Medium FormatFull FrameAPS-C (Sony, Nikon)

Crop factor calculator

Crop factor

1x

Full frame equivalent

24mm

This camera: 1/2.3-inch

24mm

850100150200

Connectivity, storage, battery

StorageSD/SDHC/MMC card
Battery Life
Battery Model
HDMI
USD
Wireless Connectivity

Storage

The Canon PowerShot SX10 IS supports SD/SDHC/MMC card with 1 slots for storage. This may suffice for everyday use. However, for professional applications such as wedding photography, it is not recommended as a memory card malfunction could lead to the loss of all footage.

Battery

The Canon PowerShot SX10 IS uses the undefined model of undefined. This is rated for undefined shots which is high. If you intend to take photos or record videos for an extended period, it might be a good idea to bring along additional batteries.

Photography Features

Flash

The Canon PowerShot SX10 IS has built in flash which is great for event photography and in low light situations. It also offers a flash shoe that allows you to attach external flashes. This provides more versatility in your lighting choices.

Shutter

The Canon PowerShot SX10 IS boasts a maximum mechanical shutter speed of 1/3200s, which is ideal for shooting fast-moving subjects in bright environments, such as in sports photography. Faster shutter speeds enable you to freeze the action and capture every detail, making it easier to get the perfect shot.

With a continuous mechanical shutter speed of n/a or an electronic shutter speed of n/a, this camera is not capable of capturing the perfect moment more easily, making it not as suited for wedding, sports, and wildlife photography. Higher shutter speeds make it easier to capture fast-paced action, ensuring that you never miss the perfect shot.

Autofocus

The Canon PowerShot SX10 IS includes contrast detection autofocus (AF), with 9 number of focus points.

While contrast detection is generally more accurate and precise, phase detection autofocus is faster and more effective in most situations, particularly when photographing moving subjects.

Phase detection autofocus works by dividing the incoming light into pairs and then analyzing how they intersect on the camera's sensor. This method allows the camera to determine not only if a subject is in focus but also the direction and distance needed to adjust the focus to achieve perfect sharpness.

On the other hand, contrast detection autofocus works by analyzing the contrast of an image and adjusting the focus until the highest contrast is detected. While this method is very accurate, it can be slow, especially in low light conditions or when photographing moving subjects.

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FAQ

What is the sensor size of the Canon PowerShot SX10 IS?

The Canon PowerShot SX10 IS features a CCD sensor

Is the Canon PowerShot SX10 IS weather sealed?

No the PowerShot SX10 IS does not have weather sealing.

When was the Canon PowerShot SX10 IS announced?

The Canon PowerShot SX10 IS was announced on Jan 15 2009

Does the Canon PowerShot SX10 IS have in-body image stabilization?

Yes the PowerShot SX10 IS does have in-body image stabilization that can compensate for camera shake, making it easier to shoot handheld in low light conditions.

What is the ISO range of the Canon PowerShot SX10 IS?

The PowerShot SX10 IS has a native ISO range of 80-1600, which can be expanded to ISO null-null for even greater sensitivity in low light conditions.

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