Canon PowerShot SX100 IS

Likes

- 10x optical zoom with optical image stabilization - Ergonomic hand grip for better handling - Excellent color accuracy - Sharp resolution - Good performance in low-light conditions - Video - Plenty of manual control - Affordable price for a 10x camera

Dislikes

- Very noisy at ISO 800 and 1600 - Poor dynamic range above ISO 80 - Slow burst rate - Scene modes separated into a menu and mode dial - Rotary control dial is too sensitive

Conclusion
The Canon PowerShot SX100 IS makes a solid impression. As the first in Canon’s new line, the SX100 IS performs well with its optical image stabilization and updated face detection. Even more, Canon earns major innovation points for the Face Select Tool, which utilizes a unique rotary dial that puts a spin (literally) on an old function. While most manufacturers have by now included face detection on their newer cameras, Canon took the face-finding technology a step further by allowing users to select which face to focus and expose. If the sensitive rotary control dial were improved in the next SX camera, it could easily one of the leaders in the niche 10x point-and-shoot category.

In terms of image quality, the SX100 IS is an excellent lower-priced option than the Canon PowerShot SD-series, but not significantly better than lower-priced options in the PowerShot A-series. In other words, most PowerShot point-and-shoots released this year have very similar image quality, with the exception of the PowerShot TX1 hybrid and PowerShot G9. PowerShot image quality this year has been marked by excellent color accuracy and white balance performance, nice-looking videos, but also lots of noise and low dynamic range at high ISO speeds. The SX100 IS has the added bonus of performing very well in low light. This camera would be an obvious choice for a relatively inexpensive 10x zoom camera, if it weren’t for the Panasonic Lumix TZ3, which has even better image quality.

In general though, the PowerShot SX100 IS makes strides in this class of cameras. It’s a good option for consumers looking to upgrade from a 3x optical zoom. The Canon SX100 IS isn’t revolutionary, but, all features considered, its $299 price tag makes it an attractive option.

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