Blog Capture Every Moment with Canon PowerShot SX30 IS: A Review

In this blog, we dive into one of Canon's best-selling cameras, the PowerShot SX30 IS. We cover its features, usability, pros, and cons. Whether you are a professional photographer or just a hobbyist, this camera is perfect for capturing every moment. With its advanced zoom feature, high-quality image resolution, and user-friendly interface, the Canon PowerShot SX30 IS is a top pick worldwide. Keywords: Canon PowerShot SX30 IS, camera review, best camera, high-quality images, advanced zoom, user-friendly interface, professional photography, hobbyist

Written by Victor Chan | Updated: Mon May 01 2023

Canon PowerShot SX30 IS article cover photo

Key Features

Sep 14 2010

Announced

14 megapixels

Resolution

BrandCanon
Sensor Type1/2.3-inch
SensorCCD
Weight601g
MSRP$429USD

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Overview of the PowerShot SX30 IS

Choosing the right camera can be overwhelming, especially if you are new to the photography world. With endless options available, it's essential to find a camera that is both user-friendly and capable of capturing high-quality images. The Canon PowerShot SX30 IS is a popular pick for photographers worldwide. In this review, we will dive into the Canon PowerShot SX30 IS's features, usability, and overall performance. By the end of this blog, you'll have a better understanding of why this camera is one of the best on the market.

Canon PowerShot SX30 IS Pros and Cons

Now, we will look more closely at our review of the Canon PowerShot SX30 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

35x optical zoom
Image stabilization
14.1 megapixel resolution
Full HD video recording
Articulated LCD screen
Face detection technology
Customizable user settings
Macro mode for close-up shots
Compatible with external flashes

Cons

No manual focus ring
No RAW file support
Small sensor size
No built-in GPS
Relatively heavy and bulky
Limited low-light performance
Slow autofocus in some situations
Only runs on rechargeable battery pack
Limited aperture range

Build and Construction

Body and dimensions

Canon PowerShot SX30 IS

Weather sealed
Dimensions123 x 92 x 108mm
Weight601g
Thickness108mm
Weight
Min
Avg
This
Max
Thickness
Min
Avg
This
Max

Weather Sealing

The Canon PowerShot SX30 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 2.70" screen, with a display resolution of 230k dots. This makes the Canon PowerShot SX30 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 SX30 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 SX30 IS has a 14MP sized CCD sensor. You can shoot at maximum resolution of 14 pixels. Canon PowerShot SX30 IS has a native ISO range of 80 - 1600 which can be boosted to null - null.

Key Features

Sep 14 2010

Announced

80 - 1600

ISO Range

Sensor1/2.3-inch
Extended ISOnull - null
Max resolution4320 x 3240 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 SX30 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 SX30 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/SDXC/MMC/MMCplus/HC MMCplus
Battery Life
Battery ModelNB-7L
HDMI
USD
Wireless Connectivity

Storage

The Canon PowerShot SX30 IS supports SD/SDHC/SDXC/MMC/MMCplus/HC MMCplus 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 SX30 IS uses the NB-7L 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 SX30 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 SX30 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 SX30 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 SX30 IS?

The Canon PowerShot SX30 IS features a CCD sensor

Is the Canon PowerShot SX30 IS weather sealed?

No the PowerShot SX30 IS does not have weather sealing.

When was the Canon PowerShot SX30 IS announced?

The Canon PowerShot SX30 IS was announced on Sep 14 2010

Does the Canon PowerShot SX30 IS have in-body image stabilization?

Yes the PowerShot SX30 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 SX30 IS?

The PowerShot SX30 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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