Tuesday, August 30, 2011

Canon Powershot SX30IS - The pre-SLR

I've often been asked 'Which DSLR do I use to capture photos?'. I thank them for the praise even before replying to the specific question as I use Point and Shoot Canon SX30IS which captures equivalent and at times better images compared to SLRs.

Specifics:
Resolution: 14.1 megapixels
Zoom: 35x wide-angle optical zoom (24-840mm)
Stability: Optical Image Stabiliser
Video: 720p HD video with stereo sound and optical zoom
Display: 2.7 inch colour vari-angle LCD
Output: HDMI output
Battery: Lithium-ion rechargeable batteries (have shot 500+ images on high resolution before having to recharge)

Can use: SD/SDHC/SDXC memory cards
Dimensions: 4.2 x 4.8 x 3.7 inches
Weight: 1.3 pounds (Heavier however less bulky as compared to SLRs)

Why SX30IS?
- 35X Optical Zoom: This point-and-shoot digital camera comes with a massive 35x Wide-Angle (24-840mm) Optical Zoom lens. With it, the wildlife, beachside or sports arena images are far better captured. Moreover, above 35X it translates in to 140x Digital Zoom. Also available while shooting videos

- Optical Image Stabilizer Technology: This helps translate high zoom-in pics in to better clarity. OIS automatically detects and corrects camera turbulence preventing blurred images due to shaky hand. Even the pictures captured in motion can get you crisp and neat shots and eliminates the need of tripod.

- Large 2.7 inch Vari-angle LCD: Not only this is superior to viewfinder or other static image displays, it benefits while capturing images by rotating at various angles i.e. Road image captured at ground zero, top view of a group pic, etc. It also serves as a mirror image enabling to click self portraits with precision

- Smart Auto Option: For the beginners, this function intelligently analyzes shooting conditions and automatically selects an appropriate setting from 28 specially defined settings. Moreover, it will automatically switch to macro when you close in an object

In addition, this camera uses a VCM (Voice Coil Motor) for high-speed, quiet, energy-efficient lens movement with precise control.

On the flipside if you are either looking for a sleek one-hand shoot camera or a fully-professional SLR, this one's not for you as it falls in between going towards SLRs. Also, it doesn't take photos in RAW format which are better resolution images easy to work with. While this camera works well under dark conditions with a flash, it may generate a bit of noise or blur under yellow lights at night. Having said that the lens reflex (delay in taking 2nd image) is too slow in the dark

All in all a great buy (available $350+ online) with respect to its peers in the same category!

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