Canon PowerShot SX510 HS: A Comprehensive Review

Searching for an affordable yet powerful camera? Look no further than the Canon PowerShot SX510 HS! Boasting impressive features and capabilities, this camera is perfect for both novice and experienced photographers. In this blog post, we'll take a deep dive into the Canon PowerShot SX510 HS, exploring its key features, benefits, and drawbacks, so you can decide if this camera is right for you.

Written by Victor Chan | Updated: Mon May 01 2023

Canon PowerShot SX510 HS article cover photo

Key Features

Aug 22 2013

Announced

12 megapixels

Resolution

BrandCanon
Sensor Type1/2.3-inch
SensorCMOS
Weight349g
MSRP$249USD

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Overview of the PowerShot SX510 HS

Are you in the market for a new camera? Whether you're a professional photographer looking for a backup camera or a hobbyist looking to upgrade from your smartphone, the Canon PowerShot SX510 HS might just be the perfect option for you. In this day and age, cameras are a dime a dozen, so how do you know which one to choose? By focusing on the features and capabilities that matter most to you and your photography needs. The Canon PowerShot SX510 HS is a camera that packs a punch, delivering impressive picture and video quality, an easy-to-use interface, and a variety of shooting modes. Keep reading to learn more about this camera and whether it's the right choice for you.

Canon PowerShot SX510 HS Pros and Cons

Now, we will look more closely at our review of the Canon PowerShot SX510 HS 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

30x optical zoom
WiFi and NFC connectivity
Full HD video recording
12.1 megapixels
Intelligent Image Stabilization
High-speed autofocus
Lightweight and compact
Easy to use interface

Cons

Small sensor size
Limited low light performance
No manual exposure controls
No external mic input
Not weatherproof
Limited battery life
No RAW image format

Build and Construction

Body and dimensions

Canon PowerShot SX510 HS

Weather sealed
Dimensions104 x 70 x 80mm
Weight349g
Thickness80mm
Weight
Min
Avg
This
Max
Thickness
Min
Avg
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Max

Weather Sealing

The Canon PowerShot SX510 HS 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 FinderNone
Screen TypeFixed Type
Screen Resolution461k dots
Body typeCompact

Suitable for:

PhotographyAbove Avg.
VideographyAbove Avg.
TravelAbove Avg.

LCD Screen

This camera has a fixed type 3.00" screen, with a display resolution of 461k dots. This makes the Canon PowerShot SX510 HS not as suitable for those looking for a vlogging camera as you cannot view yourself while shooting selfies easily. Unfortunately, the camera does not have a touch screen, which may make it less user-friendly.

Viewfinder

Canon PowerShot SX510 HS does not include a viewfinder. The lack of a viewfinder on the PowerShot SX510 HS camera may make it less suitable for outdoor photography in bright conditions.

Image Quality

Canon PowerShot SX510 HS has a 12MP sized CMOS sensor. You can shoot at maximum resolution of 12 pixels. Canon PowerShot SX510 HS has a native ISO range of 80 - 3200 which can be boosted to null - null.

Key Features

Aug 22 2013

Announced

80 - 3200

ISO Range

Sensor1/2.3-inch
Extended ISOnull - null
Max resolution4608 x 3456 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 SX510 HS 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 SX510 HS 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
Battery Life250 shots
Battery ModelNB-6LH
HDMI
USD
Wireless Connectivity

Storage

The Canon PowerShot SX510 HS supports SD/SDHC/SDXC 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 SX510 HS uses the NB-6LH model of battery pack. This is rated for 250 shots 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 SX510 HS has built in flash which is great for event photography and in low light situations. However it lacks an external flash shoe, which limits you to using the built-in flash.

Shutter

The Canon PowerShot SX510 HS boasts a maximum mechanical shutter speed of 1/1600s, 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 SX510 HS includes contrast detection autofocus (AF), with 1 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 SX510 HS?

The Canon PowerShot SX510 HS features a CMOS sensor

Is the Canon PowerShot SX510 HS weather sealed?

No the PowerShot SX510 HS does not have weather sealing.

When was the Canon PowerShot SX510 HS announced?

The Canon PowerShot SX510 HS was announced on Aug 22 2013

Does the Canon PowerShot SX510 HS have in-body image stabilization?

Yes the PowerShot SX510 HS 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 SX510 HS?

The PowerShot SX510 HS has a native ISO range of 80-3200, which can be expanded to ISO null-null for even greater sensitivity in low light conditions.

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