Photographer’s Delight: Canon PowerShot SX1 IS
In yet another post about how to have a DSLR-like camera without it being a DSLR, I found the Canon PowerShot SX1 IS.
The 10-megapixel SX1 IS is similar to Canon SLR digital cameras in that it uses a CMOS sensor, which allows for full-resolution images. Thus you can shoot photos in either JPEG or RAW formats (or even both simultaneously). You can even take high-quality shots as lighting fast as four frames per second. It’s almost half the size of the Canon EOS 450D entry-level DSLR with an attached 18-55mm lens.
The Canon SX1 IS digital camera optical zoom optical magnification is 20x (28-560mm). The super macro mode will allow you to virtually put the lens directly on the subject to take a crisp shot. The camera employs a built-in flash but you can use an external one with the hot-shoe mount.
The 230,000 pixel LCD screen swings out from the body and pivots so you can take accurate shots when you need to hold the camera higher than eye view, for instance over a crowd. The electronic viewfinder on the other hand has a resolution of only 148,000 pixels so you may be disappointed with it. Nevertheless, it is full-frame.
In terms of imaging features, image stabilization as well as face detection technology is included, as with most cameras nowadays. With face detection the camera automatically adjusts exposure and aperture to yield a premium image taking into consideration the photo subject. There’s also something employed called i-Contrast, which essentially makes the subject look brighter when cast in a shadow. The magic behind the images is conjured by Canon’s DIGIC 4 processor.
Images can be saved to a plethora of storage cards: choose from SD, SDHC, MMC, MMCplus and HC MMCplus formats. These cards are cheap now so make sure you buy one that has at least 4GB in storage capacity. And no need for special digital cameras batteries to power the SX1 IS. It runs on four standard AA batteries, but since they run down fairly quickly, I would definitely stick with lithium ones that you can buy most anywhere. They may cost twice as much but they will last up to four times longer than regular alkaline batteries, based on my own experience. You can always invest in rechargeable batteries, too.
Video enthusiasts are also going to be pleased with the 1080i high-resolution footage that the SX1 IS delivers. The HDMI port will allow you to watch video footage on a high-definition TV. This is by no means an alternative to a camcorder, but if you don’t have one with you and need to shoot superb hi-def video, the SX1 IS is at your service. The built-in stereo microphone picks up sound quite well and the video is saved as a QuickTime movie. Mac users will love this camera for sure.
Alright, I think it’s safe to say that this might be the Holy Grail digital camera I and many others have been seeking a DSLR without being a DSLR. Call it a DSLR in disguise as a power zoom or a camcorder posing as point and shoot, whatever. Now, this is not the cheapest camera out there hovering around $599, but considering its excellent video capture, great optics and RAW imaging capabilities, the Canon PowerShot SX1 IS is certainly going to impress.
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