Canon PowerShot SX120IS 10MP Digital Camera with 10x Optical Images Stabilized Zoom and 3-inch LCD
by Canon
Our Price: $138.00
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Category: Digital Camera
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Digital Photo Product Details
Manufacturer: CanonAudio: English (Original Language)
Model: SX120IS
Product features:
- High-powered 10x wide-angle optical zoom with Optical Image Stabilizer
- 3.0-inch PureColor System LCD; Smart AUTO detects and analyzes faces, brightness, colors, distance, and movement
- Easy Mode takes all the guesswork out of the equation by determining the right shooting mode
- DIGIC 4 Image Processor; 10-megapixel resolution for poster-size, photo-quality prints
- Powered by AA batteries (included); capture images to SD/SDHC memory cards (not included)
- Powered by AA batteries (included) , capture images to SD/SDHC memory cards (not included)
- DIGIC 4 Image Processorand 10-megapixel resolution for poster-size, photo-quality prints
- 3.0-inch PureColor System LCD , Smart AUTO detects and analyzes faces, brightness, colors, distance, and movement
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- Aperture 3
- Manfrotto 7302YB M-Y Tripod with Ball - Replaces 725B
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- Canon CBK4-300 AA Battery & Charger Kit for Cameras (Retail Package)
Digital Cameras Photo Reviews of Canon PowerShot SX120IS 10MP Digital Camera with 10x Optical Images Stabilized Zoom and 3-inch LCD
Customer Review: Powerful Point & Shoot Camera for it's class.
Summary: 5 Stars
Ammendment; Announcement from Canon: New version out any day now. It's on their site.
**** Canon SX130is has 720p HD video with VARIABLE ZOOM ****
This is my secondary camera and I am very pleased with how it performs. My primary camera is the Canon SX20is which shares a few features that this one has as well as some that are just better. The menu layout is nearly the same so the learning curve between the two is easy. The decision to get this as a secondary unit was based on these similarities as well as my familiarity with Canon.
This is not really a pocket camera. At least for a pant pocket for most users, but it will fit easily into a jacket pocket or purse just fine. It's not in the same class as a full size DSLR either, so comparisons with such really isn't a fair game. But it can take some really nice pictures for the camera it is. I've posted some pictures to illustrate differences in zoom power, macro focus and picture detail. Just look for the the alligator pond, cluster of blooms and the standing helicopter. Further over in the samples is shots of a bird house in my back yard taken just as the sun was setting to illustrate a lower amount of light. And there's a picture of the pool at night with the flash to illustrate how powerful it is. They were all taken in hand held standing positions, in auto mode and no cropping was used. Some zoom comparisons are true to full frame.
I really like the performance of the camera and have had very little disappointment in it. It does so well in fact, when using it, I've yet to wish that I had my primary camera instead. It seems the most common disappointment in other reviews is the lack of a view finder. This is true, but I believe that having an electronic one would have not only raised the price but the size of the camera itself. And personally, I've never taken a better aligned shot with a cheap optical "pass thru" view finder than that with a rear screen.
I've had some great results with auto mode shots. All the samples I've posted were taken in auto. But the camera also has manual control settings as well to take even better shots and be creative as well. In a sense, you have the best of both worlds in picture taking. Several pocket cameras don't have this option.
The large lens opening makes this camera appealing too. It allows for a greater amount of light to come into the camera for a better pictures. Several pocket cameras have much smaller lens openings.
The zoom ring surrounds the shutter button so composing the shot and taking the picture are right there together in very little motion.
If you want a camera to take rapid shots, you'll have to pay somewhat more for such a unit, but this unit won't be determining the winner of any horse races so to speak.
But this is a pretty smart camera. It can determine what kind of shot you are taking and set itself for the best effect needed. And you always have the option to program the effect you want as well. The menu is very easy to follow in it's layout, especially due to the control wheel on the back. This also makes for great control for viewing pictures you've taken already.
Having the combination of 10x power optical zoom and 10MP resolution is somewhat rare in this class of camera. Several other units usually have one or the other, but rarely both in the same unit. There are some out there though but they usually cost more.
One of the appealing aspects of this camera is the fact that it uses standard AA batteries. Several critics disagree for various reasons. It's true that regular alkaline cells might be disappointing in this camera. That's because this unit has a large screen, 3 inches in fact. But this makes for a great view of what your are taking photos of. But I've discovered some large capacity batteries that last a long time in both of my cameras. Nickle Metal Hydride rechargeable batteries will do very well in digital cameras. High capacity ones do even better. Flashes recharge a bit faster with them as well. And buying an extra set for back up won't break the bank. Plus I don't see AA's being discontinued anytime soon, so as long as your camera is in working order, you'll be able to get replacements to continue using it. And if by chance you've taken so many pictures and run out, your fail safe alkaline cells can be found nearly everywhere in the world in common stores at good prices. You'll never miss a picture of life time due to a dead battery.
The batteries I spoke of are Ansmann 2850 mAh capacity cells. The higher this number is the longer it will last. In the review sites for such batteries, these and Eneloop brand rate very high in how well they hold their charge. Several commonly found cells don't truly hold up to their labeled ratings. But these two brands do.
The full manual does not come in the box, but it is down loadable on Canon's site and it can be found on the included CD. So you can read the manual before deciding to buy the camera if need be. I printed mine out in booklet form, double sided of course, and took it to a local office supply store to have it spiral bound with plastic covers front and back. Now I have the full book in hand. It only cost me $4.
The camera does have video capability but only in VGA resolution. And the zoom is not adjustable while video is in operation, only the digital zoom. But you can pre-zoom your image before starting the video. But IMHO, having HD and variable zoom would have added to the cost.
I recommend getting the batteries I mentioned, a class 4 (speed) 8GB SD card or better/higher and you'll get a little faster flash recharge rate and quicker times between shots. The "busy" indicator after taking a shot with mine lasts only about a second. Also format the SD card on initial (first time) use.
Please check out the photo samples I mentioned above and let those speak for themselves on what the camera can do. There are several video test shots on Youtube posted by several users, so check those out to see the quality. I think you'll be pleased even though it's VGA. (But if you use the digital zoom, it'll become grainy.) And there are some camera review videos as well that tell lots about the camera.
Read the manual and you'll discover that you have a pretty powerful and flexible camera.
More Canon PowerShot SX120IS 10MP Digital Camera with 10x Optical Images Stabilized Zoom and 3-inch LCD reviews:
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Description of Canon PowerShot SX120IS 10MP Digital Camera with 10x Optical Images Stabilized Zoom and 3-inch LCD
A big, easy zoom. Everything about the PowerShot SX120 IS is easy. The Smart AUTO feature makes every shot picture-perfect. An impressive 10x Optical Zoom with Optical Image Stabilizer keeps you sharp and steady. There?s even an Easy Mode that makes shooting super simple.Just set the Canon PowerShot SX120 IS to Smart AUTO and you're ready for maximum enjoyment from your picture taking every time. It's a relaxing and satisfying way to shoot because you can completely concentrate on your subject, knowing that the camera has the technical details covered. Advanced Canon technology intelligently analyzes your situation and shooting conditions.Digital Cameras
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