Value (8.0)
At an introductory price of $299, the Canon PowerShot SX100 IS is a strong contender in the 10x optical zoom market. When compared to the entire point-and-shoot market, the PowerShot SX100 is a bit on the expensive side, since some cameras can be found for around $100. On the other hand, when compared to other 10x cameras with optical image stabilization, the SX100 IS is a bargain. Most other cameras in this class are priced at $350 or more. With solid image performance and face detection, the Canon SX100 IS is an admirable choice.
Who’s this Camera For?
Point and Shooters – The Canon PowerShot SX100 IS is geared toward more advanced point-and-shooters. With its 10x zoom and manual PASM modes, the camera is made for users who are looking to upgrade from their first digital camera.
Budget Consumers – For those strictly interested in mid-range zoom cameras with optical image stabilization, the SX100 IS is definitely a good choice. The PowerShot camera has an intro price of $299, which is usually what current online retailers price older cameras with an original price tag of $350.
Gadget Freaks – Techies won’t be too interested in the Canon PowerShot SX100 IS. Early adopters tend to go for cutting edge cameras with Wi-Fi or touch screens.
Manual Control Freaks – Shooters who like to flex their manual muscles can do so with the Canon SX100 IS. The camera has the full set of PSAM modes. Manual users might also want to upgrade to a SLR.
Pros / Serious Amateurs – Professional photographers might consider the PowerShot SX100 IS as a backup camera for their SLR. Its compact size, long zoom, optical image stabilization, and manual controls are all good points to consider when choosing a vacation camera.
Comparison
Panasonic Lumix TZ3 – As a portable point-and-shoot with a 10x optically stabilized lens, the Panasonic TZ3 is a strong rival to the Canon SX100 IS. At about $225 online, (same $299 introductory price), the Panasonic TZ3 now retails for less than the Canon camera. Both have 10x optically stabilized lenses, but the cameras have different focal lengths. The 7.2-megapixel TZ3 has an equivalent 28-280mm for wider shots, but the 8-megapixel SX100 IS has an equivalent 36-360mm for telephoto shots. The Panasonic point-and-shoot has a lower sensitivity threshold at a maximum resolution of ISO 1250 (full resolution) and 3200 (lower resolution), while the Canon has ISO 1600 at full resolution. Our lab tests show the Panasonic TZ3 has better dynamic range compared to the Canon SX100 IS. The $75 users will save on the Panasonic will result in a loss of face detection, a feature the Canon camera has.
Canon PowerShot TX1 – Canon loyalists might also consider the PowerShot TX1 hybrid. Both the PowerShot SX100 IS and the PowerShot TX1 tout 10x optical zoom lenses with optical image stabilization. The TX1, however, is geared more for video with its ability to capture high definition movies. The 7.1-megapixel TX1 captures HD video at up to 1280 x 720 at 30 fps, compared to 640 x 480 at 30 fps on the 8-megapixel SX100 IS. Both possess Canon’s face detection technology and sensitivity ranges up to ISO 1600. The TX1 has a 1.8-inch flip-out screen, compared to the 2.5-inch built-in LCD on the SX100 IS. The HD-enabled TX1 has a whopping $400 online price ($499.99 original price), which is enough to make even Canon loyalists hesitate to pay the extra $100 for a better Movie mode.
Fujifilm FinePix S700 – At a current online selling price of $190 ($249.95 original price), users will lose a mere megapixel with the 7.1-megapixel Fuji camera, compared to the 8-megapixel Canon SX100 IS. More importantly, the Fuji S700 does not come equipped with optical image stabilization like the Canon camera does. The Fuji camera simply has Digital Picture Stabilization. Both the Fuji S700 and Canon SX100 IS have 2.5-inch LCD screens. The Fuji screen, however, has a higher 230,000-pixel resolution versus the 172,000-pixel monitor resolution on the Canon LCD. Both employ sensitivity up to ISO 1600 at full resolution. The optical image stabilization is too vital to pass up, however, even for the extra savings.
Nikon Coolpix S10 – The 6-megapixel Coolpix camera has lower resolution than the 8-megapixel PowerShot SX100 IS. Both come with 10x optical zoom lenses with image stabilization. Canon uses lens-shifting optical image stabilization, while Nikon uses sensor-shifting mechanical stabilization, called “Vibration Reduction.” Both come with 2.5-inch LCD screens, but the Nikon monitor rotates whereas the Canon SX100 IS monitor is built into camera body. The Coolpix S10 also has a higher 230,000-pixel monitor resolution compared to the 172,000-pixel resolution of the Canon PowerShot SX100 IS. The Coolpix S10 costs more, at $349.95 online (original $399 price).
