Canon SX100 IS

Sudeep Naik, Feb 15, 2008 1800 hrs IST

It's 8MP, and it has 10x optical zoom... and much more. But you'll have to think this one out

10x zoom lens, optical image stabilization, PASM modes, good sharpness, well-implemented face detection, good macro mode, good battery life

Expensive, too large for a pocket, unreasonably high chromatic aberration, higher-than-acceptable noise content at higher ISO settings, LCD display washing out in bright light, long flash cycles

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EXPERT REVIEW

The average consumer digicam has come far, far away from being just a point-and-shoot version of its older sibling, the digital SLR. The need of the average consumer for better pictures and a high-zoom lens on an easy-to-use camera, too, has been met, if you look at some of the models available in the market. Now, advanced features and better pictures -- traditionally associated with DSLRs -- have started percolating down to the entire range of cameras.

One such example is Canon's new SX100 IS, a neat little number that sports an 8MP sensor and a 10x optical zoom lens supported by an Optical Image Stabilization system. So how good is it?

The Camera

The sensor on this model is 8.0MP (effective), and there's a 10x Canon zoom lens with a focal length of 36 - 360 mm as well as a 4x Digital Zoom feature. As the name suggests, it has an Optical Image Stabilizer; this is a Lens Shift stabilizer system that provides up to three stops of camera shake correction. This is bound to be useful when the 10x zoom is using being used, because the effect of camera shake is directly proportional to the lens magnification.

Beginners will find the SX 100 IS a good option, since it has a variety of automatic controls and scene-mode options. It also offers a fully-manual mode that will be appreciated by more experienced users.

Featured on the camera are a 2.5-inch, 172,000 pixel resolution LCD, an ISO range of 80 to 1600, live histogram in record mode, and the usual PASM (Program, Aperture Priority, Shutter Priority, and Full Manual) modes.

We wouldn't say it's huge, but the SX100 isn't meant to fit in a shirt pocket.

USER COMMENTS

PowerShot SX100 Hi I got it for 305$ from Redmond(WA),USA..I think this was some what costly..it includes 29$ for 4 GB memory stick, actual camera cost is 249$ and rest is tax...was it a costly deal

by aditya mandleka, Pune, on Jun 17, 2008 03:07 AM, Report abuse Reply

Please check e-Bay India. The product is available for 11k with 10 interest free EMIs.

by Laveti, Hydrabad, on Apr 17, 2008 10:29 AM, Report abuse Reply

hi i plan to buy canon powershot SX100 IS in 12200 is it best price for this camera i need ur suggestion.

by shahid, kharagpur, on Apr 14, 2008 08:53 AM, Report abuse Reply

its damm pricy in India the international price is 10500 INR i am getting it for same price in Gulf. one of my colleague got it from USA 4 months back for same price 10500 INR aproxx

by mustu, riyadh, on Feb 18, 2008 02:36 PM, Report abuse Reply

hi, How do i check for latest rates of cam lenses for gulf/riyadh on the net. i wud like to buy one next week. Where should i be shopping for it in riyadh? thanks, vikram

by vikram, bangalore, on Mar 12, 2008 05:33 AM, Report abuse

How does it compare with SONY DSC H3? its also an 8MP, 10X optical zoom camera. Can you please provide the comparison? which is better in terms of specs, performance? obviously SONY is little cheaper having been priced at 15,990 INR

by balalsatya, udupi, on Feb 17, 2008 06:25 AM, Report abuse Reply

instead for the same price u can get Sony H9 which has 15x zoom. 18500 INR. in gulf

by mustu, Riyadh, on Feb 18, 2008 02:40 PM, Report abuse

Get Panasonic DMC - FZ18 instead, its much better camera at the same price tag!

by Abhishek Mitra, Kolkata, India, on Feb 16, 2008 06:47 PM, Report abuse Reply

i have A630 an excellent stuff indeed,full paisa vasool!!!!

by manojbangalore, bangalore, on Feb 16, 2008 10:12 AM, Report abuse Reply

Please check & correct your self A720 IS-- is 8 MP & street price is 9k an excellent choice. Street price of SX-100IS is 12k- not 18.5k However if one is to spend 12-13 k it is best spent on Panasonic TZ3 - more compact-with 10X zoom from wiide 28mm to 280 MM and better ratings.

by vijayshimla, Shimla 171001, on Feb 15, 2008 07:35 PM, Report abuse Reply

Vijay ... there is a difference between 'Showroom' street price and 'parallel import' street price ... the prices you've quoted is parallel import price .... for which you dont get orignal canon warranty.

by MaxAxe, Delhi, on Feb 15, 2008 10:59 PM, Report abuse

Hi Vijay, how about A720, I am planing to take the A720 IS. Any feedback (good/bad)? Also I am thinking between A720 IS and A650 IS. Any thoughts?

by Prabhat, Orissa n Hyderabad, on Feb 16, 2008 08:58 AM, Report abuse