The new Canon PowerShot SX260 is the latest travel zoom camera from Canon, and replaces the old X230 HS model. The camera features a longer optical zoom lens, 20x, 25-500 mm, with 4-stop image stabilizer feature built-in, along with Intelligent IS Technology. The 12.1 MP shooter is illuminated with CMOS sensor, and the 3 inch LCD display offers 460k dot resolution. There is even a DIGIC 5 image processing engine, and support for full 1080p HD Movie Mode with complete true sound. The camera even features HDMI output, and a Smart Auto Mode with Scene Detection Technology. There’s also an easy mode for beginners. The camera also has a built in GPS utility Software for maps, and provides GPS logger function. There’s a full range of manual exposure modes for experienced photographers, and a support for fast 10.3 fps burst shooting with full 12 MP resolution. There’s even face identification, few creative filters, and other dozens of features to add whistles and bells to this device.
Let’s sum up the pros and cons of this gadget.
Pros:
- Different shooting modes for every need ranging from beginner’s level to advanced level.
- A Useful full long lens.
- Excellent Image Stabilization.
- Excellent photo and video quality for the given compact megazoom.
- Versatile all-rounder.
Cons:
- The options might need some time to get used to.
- A bit short battery life.
- Photo quality suffers in indoor, or in low light.
- Could be a bit sharper
- A bit slower in some areas of shooting performance.
At higher ISO levels, the camera gives some really excellent photographs, but as the ISO levels starts to drown, similar case happens with the photo quality. Low light photographs seem to have a bit of noise. Color saturation is surely a plus point with this gadget, as everything seems bright and well saturated with precise accuracy. Video quality seems incredible too, and the camera even supports optical zoom while capturing videos. At the rear of the camera, the shooting mode wheel on the top features about 12 options which are found in an entry level DSLR. The Easy Mode helps a beginner take smart photos by identifying the scene and the subject. It disables all the confusing settings allowing for a fuss free operation. The Smart Shutter Scene allows for the shutter to be controlled by a smile, or a wink, improving the overall user interface on the gadget.
Movie digest mode captures a 4 seconds movie before actually clicking a photograph, and then joins the clips from same day together to give a single VGA movie clip. Creative effects mode allows for 9 different perspective modes like fisheye, miniature and toy camera options, etc. Video is recorded in 1920 X 1080p full HD, with 24 fps rate, and dual audio. The new additional feature of Intelligent System helps keep the footage steady thereby improving the video quality.
The new camera on the overall features the much needed design tweaks, and offers excellent photo quality, with compact megazoom. Canon PowerShot SX260 comes in 4 vibrant colors: Black, Pink, Green & Gray. It will cost you around $280 and available to buy on Amazon. If you want a compact, easy to use and affordable camera, Canon PowerShot SX260 is a good choice for you.
Paul Lynne, Editor at ReviewMyThing, brings journalistic expertise to product reviews, offering concise insights across various categories. Passionate about empowering consumers, Paul’s analyses help readers make informed choices. Beyond work, he enjoys travel and gourmet coffee.