Canon PowerShot SX260 HS Digital Camera Review

Dynamic Range

Big step. This is the first time we've performed a dynamic range test for a fixed-lens camera. We aren't scoring yet, but will be developing a baseline over the coming months. Very exciting.

Anyway, the SX260 HS is capable of 7 full stops of dynamic range at ISO 100, and manages to hold pretty steady from there. 6.72 stops are possible at ISO 200, 6.41 at ISO 400, and indeed the camera is still capable of over 6 stops even at ISO 800. From there, coinciding with additional noise reduction, dynamic range drops sharply down to 3.83 stops at ISO 1600, and 3.19 stops at 3200.

Obviously we have nothing except interchangeable lens cameras to compare this to, but based on what we've seen so far, we expect the SX260 HS will eventually be regarded as a great compact camera for dynamic range. More on how we test dynamic range.