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Canon SX1 IS

The Canon PowerShot SX1 IS is a successor to 2007’s PowerShot S5IS. This mid-level compact digital camera differs from its predecessor by improving several of the core features relating to image quality and performance. The SX1 IS is the first PowerShot to feature a 10 megapixel Canon CMOS sensor, which allows the camera to offer full resolution continuous shooting at 4fps, as well as 1080p HDTV video capture at 30fps. This camera also features a near-silent 20x wide-angle optical zoom. The SX1 IS also features Canon’s new DIGIC 4 image processor, which improves the camera’s motion detection capabilities by constantly adjusting the ISO and focus to prevent image blur. This camera comes with full manual controls, allowing for more advanced users to precisely tweak their photos. This camera is suitable for users who want the simplicity of a point and shoot, yet the flexibility of a more advanced manual camera in one package.

Where to Buy

Canon SX1 IS
MSRP $599.99
Release date April, 2009
Brand Canon
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want it
have it
tag it
Pros & Cons49
Reviews10
Details
Buy It10
Competitors5
Comments2
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Pros & Cons

ProSCORE
10 reviews
83
negative
mixed
positive
9 positive
0 mixed
0 negative

[i] How is the ProSCORE calculated?

show me!

Pros:
Do you agree?
•
20x optical zoom
+9agreedisagree

•
manual control option for the aperture and shutter
+8agreedisagree

•
1080p video recording
+7agreedisagree

•
compatible with a variety of easy to find/affordable storage memory (SD/SDHC/MMC/MMC Plus/HC MMC Plus)
+7agreedisagree

•
includes a wireless remote control for shooting and playback
+7agreedisagree

•
affordable
+7agreedisagree

•
2.8" screen
+6agreedisagree

•
high speed continuous shooting
+5agreedisagree

•
RAW support has been added
+5agreedisagree

•
uses AA batteries, rather than proprietary batteries.
+5agreedisagree

•
compatible with a range of professional accessories
+3agreedisagree

•
Outstanding photographs under right conditions
+3agreedisagree

•
zoom is really fast and quiet
+3agreedisagree

•
super macro is outstanding
+3agreedisagree

•
Good size/weight for larger hands
+3agreedisagree

•
Stereo audio
+3agreedisagree

•
Wide ranging articulating LCD screen
+3agreedisagree

•
RAW + JPEG support
+2agreedisagree

•
macros all the way down to 0cm (touching the lens)
+2agreedisagree

•
full manual controls rivaling DSLRs
+2agreedisagree

•
starts up and ready to take picture really fast - shuts down really fast too
+2agreedisagree

•
multiple face detection is great
+2agreedisagree

•
face detect timer allows photographer to casually enter picture - no rush to beat the timer
+2agreedisagree

•
shutter timers can be set to 2 or 10 seconds with 1 to 10 shots in sequence
+2agreedisagree

•
red-eye reduction using either strobe flash or within camera software automatically (goodbye to the strobe flash!)
+2agreedisagree

•
hotshoe compatible with E-TTL II flash attachments and 3rd party equivalents
+2agreedisagree

•
LCD can be flipped against the camera to protect from scratches
+2agreedisagree

•
zoom works quietly while filming in 1080p
+2agreedisagree

•
memory cards are easy to swap out
+2agreedisagree

•
HDMI out for HDTV hookup
+2agreedisagree

•
remote can control camera when connected to HDTV
+2agreedisagree

•
first non-DSLR camera from Canon that utilizes their CMOS sensor which allows fast burst modes, 1080p and other pluses
+2agreedisagree

•
Auto Exposure Bracketing (AEB) +/-2 for HDR images
+2agreedisagree

•
Digital zoom all the way to 80x
+1agreedisagree

•
Easy to use custom color modes allow for more artistic expression
+1agreedisagree

•
software wind filter for audio
+1agreedisagree

Cons:
Do you agree?
•
no external microphone input
+4agreedisagree

•
grainy in low light
+4agreedisagree

•
Lens cap falls off easily, no tether
+3agreedisagree

•
dial doesn't give feedback (too smooth, no clicks)
+2agreedisagree

•
no 720p video mode
+1agreedisagree

•
AF works too hard in low light
0agreedisagree

•
need special filter adapter to add 3rd party filters
0agreedisagree

•
Tripod hole not centered to lens, making panorama shots a little difficult in certain situations
0agreedisagree

•
awkward photo deletion
-1agreedisagree

•
non-interchangeable lens
-1agreedisagree

•
no RAW support
-2agreedisagree

•
somewhat bulky
-2agreedisagree

•
certain flash mounts hide the remote control sensor
-2agreedisagree


10 people added to this review by submitting or voting on pros and cons. Add your say!
See individual votes »

Details

Features

  • 20x wide-angle optical zoom
  • sensor: 10 megapixel Canon CMOS (4fps continuous shooting)
  • image processor: DIGIC IV
  • 1080p HD video (1920 x 1080)
  • focus: auto and manual
  • flash: auto with red eye reduction
  • 2.8" TFT LCD screen (230,000 pixels)
  • connectivity: HDMI Mini, USB 2.0, AV out
  • file formats: JPEG (Exif 2.2), DPOF 1.1, AVI video (Motion JPEG compression)
  • storage: SD/SDHC/MMC/MMC Plus/HC MMC Plus
  • power: AC power adapter and Ni-MH battery charger kit
  • dimensions and weight: 128 x 88 x 88 mm, 585 g

Submit a link

This report was started February 20, 2009 at 1:28 pm by shadowtech
with the last edit occurring Today, 10:49 AM by navitta
This page has been viewed 2194 times, with 208 edits by 11 contributors.
See the full report history »

Buy It

Canon SX1 IS

• Canon PowerShot SX1IS 10 MP CMOS Digital Camera with 20x Wide Angle Optical Image Stabilized Zoom and 2.8-inch LCD

• PowerShot SX1 IS Black Digital Camera

UPC: 013803101218

EAN: 013803101218

MPN: SX1IS

Competitors

Canon SX1 IS is ranked 2nd among it's competitors.  See the top picks in Digital Cameras »
Pentax K-x

Pentax K-x

MSRP  $649.95    Released  September, 2009
Pros
  • auto picture mode - automatically selects the best preset mode for the photo you're trying to take, ideal for newbies
  • HDR shooting mode
  • can store images in RAW format
Cons
  • viewfinder doesn't show selected auto-focus points
  • crazier coloured bodies will be Japan only
  • runs on AA batteries
ProSCORE
3 reviews
91
Vote! (1 vote)
vote Canon SX1 IS 0% vs. vote Pentax K-x 100%
FujiFilm FinePix S200EXR/S205EXR

FujiFilm FinePix S200EXR/S205EXR

MSRP  $599.99    Released  July, 2009
Pros
  • optical image stabilization
  • RAW format support
  • 14.3x optical zoom
Cons
  • large size
  • high price
  • non-removable lens
ProSCORE
1 review
64
Vote! (0 votes)
vote Canon SX1 IS   vs. vote FujiFilm FinePix S200EXR/S205EXR  
Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ35

Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ35

MSRP  $379.99    Released  August, 2009
Pros
  • 18x optical zoom; very high
  • extended battery life of approximately 470 pictures
  • improved optical image stabilization (supposedly 2x better than the previous generation)
Cons
  • big for a point-and-shoot
  • User Interface sometimes poor - mystery descriptions like "Mode1 / Mode2" for stabilization, short on explanatory text which could help.
  • Full operating instructions only supplied on CD, not in print.
ProSCORE
3 reviews
87
Vote! (1 vote)
vote Canon SX1 IS 100% vs. vote Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ35 0%
Olympus E-600

Olympus E-600

MSRP  $599.99    Released  November, 2009
Pros
  • great value when compared to the upgraded E-620
  • affordable price
  • great entry-level option - affordable price, 18-scene modes, etc...
Cons
  • buttons are not backlit like those on the E-620
  • does not accept the more common SD/SDHC flash memory
  • artificially restricted firmware to deferenciate this model from the upgraded E-620 - lacks two-shot multi exposure mode, aspect-ratio based crop mode
ProSCORE
1 review
64
Vote! (0 votes)
vote Canon SX1 IS   vs. vote Olympus E-600  
Nikon Coolpix P90

Nikon Coolpix P90

MSRP  $499.95    Released  February, 2009
Pros
  • utilizes easy to find, affordable and capacious SD/SDHC flash storage
  • affordable price
  • 24x optical zoom
Cons
  • potentially too large or expensive for the majority of consumers
  • still a point-and-shoot, can never replace a DSLR
  • bulky for a point-and-shoot
ProSCORE
1 review
67
Vote! (2 votes)
vote Canon SX1 IS 100% vs. vote Nikon Coolpix P90 0%

Suggest a new competitor to add to the list of competing products.
If the product hasn't yet been added to ProductWiki, submitting it here will also start the product report.

Comments

1.  avatar claymadsen said:

im a photo addict! kidding aside, i like to take photos either of my family or just myself. and the images capture by the SX1 is i can say very very good. the pictures are clear and crisp. i recommend this to everyone.
Feb 21, 2009 11:15am
2.  avatar Brewskie said:

I've only been using this camera for 3 days and already I am having a ball with it. I find it to be very easy to use for the most part. The more advanced features will take some time to learn.

While the camera is the best in its class, in my opinion, it still doesn't equal a DSLR camera. But you aren't paying the price of a DSLR either.

This camera is perfect for those who feel they are ready for a more advanced camera but don't want to spend the extra cash, or can't afford a DSLR. The advanced settings in this camera are simply outstanding, but you could find yourself hunting around for that setting you saw a day ago.

 

If you are looking for an easy point and shoot then this camera isn't for you, you'd be better off buying a cheaper camera, though the Canon SX1 can handle point and shoot just fine. But spending the money for a camera like this for just pointing and shooting doesn't make sense. This camera was built with the advanced amateur in mind. To compare this camera with simple point and shoot cameras is like comparing apple to oranges. This camera is a beast when it comes to the level of adjustments you can make that has no comparison to cheaper models.

While the camera has a tendency to have a lot of noise in low light situations I find that basic controls in a digital darkroom, like PaintShopPro X2, is efficient is clearing the photos up rather nicely.

Check out the photo I added under the Gallery tab of the squirrel. It was hand held taken in full auto mode about 50 feet away from the squirrel and only resized. Click the Zoom link under the photo to see the full size.

 

Also, check out the black photo. It was taken with the lens cap on the camera. It shows the amount of noise the Canon SX1 IS produces in low light situations. Taking a photo under the lens cap is a great way to compare how different cameras handle low light situations. Again, look at the image in full size to really see the noise. "Despeckle" and a couple other filters in PaintShopPro (or PhotoShop) will get rid of this noise pretty well.

When It's all said and done Canon has pulled out the stops with this camera. It's a lot of fun to play with and I'll be using this for years to come.

Aug 24, 2009 9:58pm
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Reviews

Sort by: Most helpful  •  Newest  •  Most positive

Brewskie

avatar
August 27, 2009
approved
reviewer
ProSCORE
80
negative
mixed
positive
35 pros
9 cons
trustedtrusted
love itlove it
have ithave it
4 out of 4 people found this review helpful.

Pros

  • 20x optical zoom
  • manual control option for the aperture and shutter
  • 1080p video recording
  • compatible with a variety of easy to find/affordable storage memory (SD/SDHC/MMC/MMC Plus/HC MMC Plus)
  • includes a wireless remote control for shooting and playback
  • affordable
  • 2.8" screen
  • high speed continuous shooting
  • RAW support has been added
  • uses AA batteries, rather than proprietary batteries.
  • Outstanding photographs under right conditions
  • zoom is really fast and quiet
  • super macro is outstanding
  • Good size/weight for larger hands
  • Stereo audio
  • Wide ranging articulating LCD screen
  • RAW + JPEG support
  • macros all the way down to 0cm (touching the lens)
  • full manual controls rivaling DSLRs
  • starts up and ready to take picture really fast - shuts down really fast too
  • multiple face detection is great
  • face detect timer allows photographer to casually enter picture - no rush to beat the timer
  • shutter timers can be set to 2 or 10 seconds with 1 to 10 shots in sequence
  • red-eye reduction using either strobe flash or within camera software automatically (goodbye to the strobe flash!)
  • hotshoe compatible with E-TTL II flash attachments and 3rd party equivalents
  • LCD can be flipped against the camera to protect from scratches
  • zoom works quietly while filming in 1080p
  • memory cards are easy to swap out
  • HDMI out for HDTV hookup
  • remote can control camera when connected to HDTV
  • first non-DSLR camera from Canon that utilizes their CMOS sensor which allows fast burst modes, 1080p and other pluses
  • Auto Exposure Bracketing (AEB) +/-2 for HDR images
  • Digital zoom all the way to 80x
  • Easy to use custom color modes allow for more artistic expression
  • software wind filter for audio

Cons

  • no external microphone input
  • grainy in low light
  • Lens cap falls off easily, no tether
  • dial doesn't give feedback (too smooth, no clicks)
  • no 720p video mode
  • AF works too hard in low light
  • need special filter adapter to add 3rd party filters
  • Tripod hole not centered to lens, making panorama shots a little difficult in certain situations
  • awkward photo deletion

Comments

"

I've only been using this camera for 3 days and already I am having a ball with it. I find it to be very easy to use for the most part. The more advanced features will take some time to learn.

While the camera is the best in its class, in my opinion, it still doesn't equal a DSLR camera. But you aren't paying the price of a DSLR either.

This camera is perfect for those who feel they are ready for a more advanced camera but don't want to spend the extra cash, or can't afford a DSLR. The advanced settings in this camera are simply outstanding, but you could find yourself hunting around for that setting you saw a day ago.

 

If you are looking for an easy point and shoot then this camera isn't for you, you'd be better off buying a cheaper camera, though the Canon SX1 can handle point and shoot just fine. But spending the money for a camera like this for just pointing and shooting doesn't make sense. This camera was built with the advanced amateur in mind. To compare this camera with simple point and shoot cameras is like comparing apple to oranges. This camera is a beast when it comes to the level of adjustments you can make that has no comparison to cheaper models.

While the camera has a tendency to have a lot of noise in low light situations I find that basic controls in a digital darkroom, like PaintShopPro X2, is efficient is clearing the photos up rather nicely.

Check out the photo I added under the Gallery tab of the squirrel. It was hand held taken in full auto mode about 50 feet away from the squirrel and only resized. Click the Zoom link under the photo to see the full size.

 

Also, check out the black photo. It was taken with the lens cap on the camera. It shows the amount of noise the Canon SX1 IS produces in low light situations. Taking a photo under the lens cap is a great way to compare how different cameras handle low light situations. Again, look at the image in full size to really see the noise. "Despeckle" and a couple other filters in PaintShopPro (or PhotoShop) will get rid of this noise pretty well.

When It's all said and done Canon has pulled out the stops with this camera. It's a lot of fun to play with and I'll be using this for years to come.

"

Competitors

Brewskie prefers Canon SX1 IS over Nikon Coolpix P90
Did you find this review helpful?
Yes
 / 
No

claymadsen

avatar
February 21, 2009
approved
reviewer
ProSCORE
73
negative
mixed
positive
8 pros
3 cons
have ithave it
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.

Pros

  • 20x optical zoom
  • manual control option for the aperture and shutter
  • 1080p video recording
  • compatible with a variety of easy to find/affordable storage memory (SD/SDHC/MMC/MMC Plus/HC MMC Plus)
  • includes a wireless remote control for shooting and playback
  • affordable
  • 2.8" screen
  • compatible with a range of professional accessories

Cons

  • no external microphone input
  • no RAW support
  • somewhat bulky

Comments

"im a photo addict! kidding aside, i like to take photos either of my family or just myself. and the images capture by the SX1 is i can say very very good. the pictures are clear and crisp. i recommend this to everyone."
Did you find this review helpful?
Yes
 / 
No

Yale

avatar
February 20, 2009
approved
reviewer
ProSCORE
73
negative
mixed
positive
8 pros
3 cons
1 out of 2 people found this review helpful.

Pros

  • 20x optical zoom
  • manual control option for the aperture and shutter
  • 1080p video recording
  • compatible with a variety of easy to find/affordable storage memory (SD/SDHC/MMC/MMC Plus/HC MMC Plus)
  • includes a wireless remote control for shooting and playback
  • affordable
  • 2.8" screen
  • compatible with a range of professional accessories

Cons

  • no external microphone input
  • no RAW support
  • somewhat bulky

Did you find this review helpful?
Yes
 / 
No

Fila

avatar
September 15, 2009
approved
reviewer
ProSCORE
85
negative
mixed
positive
29 pros
5 cons
have ithave it
love itlove it

Pros

  • 20x optical zoom
  • manual control option for the aperture and shutter
  • 1080p video recording
  • compatible with a variety of easy to find/affordable storage memory (SD/SDHC/MMC/MMC Plus/HC MMC Plus)
  • includes a wireless remote control for shooting and playback
  • affordable
  • 2.8" screen
  • high speed continuous shooting
  • RAW support has been added
  • uses AA batteries, rather than proprietary batteries.
  • Outstanding photographs under right conditions
  • zoom is really fast and quiet
  • super macro is outstanding
  • Good size/weight for larger hands
  • Stereo audio
  • Wide ranging articulating LCD screen
  • RAW + JPEG support
  • macros all the way down to 0cm (touching the lens)
  • full manual controls rivaling DSLRs
  • starts up and ready to take picture really fast - shuts down really fast too
  • shutter timers can be set to 2 or 10 seconds with 1 to 10 shots in sequence
  • hotshoe compatible with E-TTL II flash attachments and 3rd party equivalents
  • LCD can be flipped against the camera to protect from scratches
  • zoom works quietly while filming in 1080p
  • memory cards are easy to swap out
  • HDMI out for HDTV hookup
  • remote can control camera when connected to HDTV
  • first non-DSLR camera from Canon that utilizes their CMOS sensor which allows fast burst modes, 1080p and other pluses
  • Auto Exposure Bracketing (AEB) +/-2 for HDR images

Cons

  • no external microphone input
  • grainy in low light
  • Lens cap falls off easily, no tether
  • dial doesn't give feedback (too smooth, no clicks)
  • no 720p video mode

Competitors

Fila prefers Canon SX1 IS over Nikon Coolpix P90, Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ35
Did you find this review helpful?
Yes
 / 
No

xadefx

avatar
October 6, 2009
approved
reviewer
ProSCORE
85
negative
mixed
positive
17 pros
3 cons

Pros

  • 20x optical zoom
  • manual control option for the aperture and shutter
  • 1080p video recording
  • compatible with a variety of easy to find/affordable storage memory (SD/SDHC/MMC/MMC Plus/HC MMC Plus)
  • includes a wireless remote control for shooting and playback
  • affordable
  • 2.8" screen
  • high speed continuous shooting
  • RAW support has been added
  • uses AA batteries, rather than proprietary batteries.
  • compatible with a range of professional accessories
  • Outstanding photographs under right conditions
  • zoom is really fast and quiet
  • super macro is outstanding
  • Good size/weight for larger hands
  • Stereo audio
  • Wide ranging articulating LCD screen

Cons

  • no external microphone input
  • grainy in low light
  • Lens cap falls off easily, no tether

Did you find this review helpful?
Yes
 / 
No

Robb Lincoln

avatar
September 29, 2009
approved
reviewer
ProSCORE
89
negative
mixed
positive
8 pros
1 con

Pros

  • 20x optical zoom
  • manual control option for the aperture and shutter
  • affordable
  • RAW support has been added
  • uses AA batteries, rather than proprietary batteries.
  • multiple face detection is great
  • face detect timer allows photographer to casually enter picture - no rush to beat the timer
  • red-eye reduction using either strobe flash or within camera software automatically (goodbye to the strobe flash!)

Cons

  • non-interchangeable lens

Competitors

Robb Lincoln prefers Pentax K-x over Canon SX1 IS
Did you find this review helpful?
Yes
 / 
No

Procisutobt

avatar
September 24, 2009
approved
reviewer
ProSCORE
89
negative
mixed
positive
8 pros
1 con
love itlove it

Pros

  • 20x optical zoom
  • manual control option for the aperture and shutter
  • 1080p video recording
  • compatible with a variety of easy to find/affordable storage memory (SD/SDHC/MMC/MMC Plus/HC MMC Plus)
  • includes a wireless remote control for shooting and playback
  • high speed continuous shooting
  • RAW support has been added
  • uses AA batteries, rather than proprietary batteries.

Cons

  • grainy in low light

Did you find this review helpful?
Yes
 / 
No

waynetheweapon

avatar
June 18, 2009
approved
reviewer
ProSCORE
100
negative
mixed
positive
8 pros
0 cons

Pros

  • 20x optical zoom
  • manual control option for the aperture and shutter
  • 1080p video recording
  • compatible with a variety of easy to find/affordable storage memory (SD/SDHC/MMC/MMC Plus/HC MMC Plus)
  • includes a wireless remote control for shooting and playback
  • affordable
  • 2.8" screen
  • compatible with a range of professional accessories

Cons

Did not agree with any cons

Did you find this review helpful?
Yes
 / 
No

Dennis Chan

avatar
July 25, 2009
approved
reviewer
ProSCORE
100
negative
mixed
positive
1 pro
0 cons

Pros

  • high speed continuous shooting

Cons

Did not agree with any cons

Did you find this review helpful?
Yes
 / 
No

navitta

avatar
Today, 10:49 AM
approved
reviewer
ProSCORE
100
negative
mixed
positive
1 pro
0 cons

Pros

  • 20x optical zoom

Cons

Did not agree with any cons

Did you find this review helpful?
Yes
 / 
No

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This product is also known as:

SX, 1, SX1