Canon PowerShot SX1IS 10 MP CMOS Digital Camera with 20x Wide Angle Optical Image Stabilized Zoom and 2.8-inch LCD
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Brand | Canon |
Model Name | Canon PowerShot SX1IS |
Maximum Webcam Image Resolution | 10 MP |
Photo Sensor Size | 1/2.3-inch |
Image Stabilization | Optical |
Max Shutter Speed | 1/3200 seconds |
Min Shutter Speed | 15 seconds |
Metering Description | Multi, Center-weighted, Spot |
Form Factor | SLR-like (bridge) |
Effective Still Resolution | 10 |
About this item
- First PowerShot to feature a 10.0-megapixel Canon CMOS sensor
- Full HD (1920 x 1080 pixels at 30 fps) movie mode plus HDMI output
- 28mm wide-angle 20x optical zoom lens with Optical Image Stabilizer
- 2.8-inch Vari-angle LCD widescreen; DIGIC 4 Image Processor with Face Detection Technology
- Compatible with SD/SDHC, MMC/MMC Plus/HC MMC Plus (not included)
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Price | $129.99$129.99 | $185.41$185.41 | -17% $149.00$149.00 List: $179.99 | $398.98$398.98 | -13% $338.00$338.00 New Price: $389.00 | $379.00$379.00 |
Delivery | Get it as soon as Sunday, Mar 24 | Get it as soon as Sunday, Mar 24 | Get it as soon as Sunday, Mar 24 | Get it Mar 26 - Apr 1 | Get it Mar 22 - 26 | Get it as soon as Sunday, Mar 24 |
Customer Ratings | ||||||
Picture quality | 4.3 | 3.8 | 4.1 | — | 4.7 | 5.0 |
Image stabilization | 3.6 | 3.8 | — | — | 5.0 | 4.8 |
Zoom | 5.0 | 4.1 | 4.3 | — | — | — |
Sold By | Peacock Store | Amazon.com | Amazon.com | Acute Tek (We Record SN) | BluebirdSales | Amazon.com |
display type | — | LCD | LCD | LCD | LCD | LCD |
display size | 2.8 inches | 3 inches | 3 inches | 2.8 inches | 3 inches | 2.7 inches |
lens type | zoom | Telephoto | Wide Angle | zoom | — | Telephoto |
zoom type | Optical, Digital | Optical Zoom | Optical Zoom | Optical, Digital | — | Digital Zoom |
shooting modes | Movie | Panorama, Automatic, Easy | — | Automatic | Automatic | Automatic |
connectivity tech | HDMI, USB | wired, wireless | USB | HDMI, USB | HDMI | Wi-Fi |
video resolution | FHD 1080p | 1080p | 1080p | HD 720p | 1080p | 1080p |
optical zoom | 20 multiplier x | 40 multiplier x | 25 multiplier x | 4 multiplier x | 3 multiplier x | 0 multiplier x |
What's in the box
Product Description
From the Manufacturer
Put your hand around the perfectly-shaped grip of Canon’s sporty new PowerShot SX1 IS and you’re ready for a shooting experience that’s advanced in every way. Superb still images powered by Canon’s DIGIC 4 image processor, evolved Face Detection Technology and a wide-angle 20x optical zoom are only the beginning. You can also create Full HD movies and see every detail on your HDTV thanks to the HDMI output. Plus, the 10.0-megapixel SX1 IS is the very first PowerShot equipped with a CMOS sensor, a hallmark of Canon’s lauded EOS line.
PowerShot SX1 IS Highlights
Create Full HD movies with your camera
If you long for the convenience of an advanced still camera that also creates superb movies, the new PowerShot SX1 IS was developed with you in mind. Movies shot in Full HD (1920 x 1080 pixels) capture your memories with clarity, realism and brilliance. The PowerShot SX1 IS also makes it easy to enjoy HD movies and photos on your HDTV with a mini-HDMI cable for direct connection to a high-definition monitor. This allows you to enjoy the full quality of HD with no degradation of image or audio in the signal, but also improves playback functionality, letting you view up to 130 still images at once.
The first PowerShot to feature a 10.0-megapixel Canon CMOS sensor
Canon’s proprietary CMOS sensors were formerly reserved for its storied EOS line. The PowerShot SX1 IS is the first PowerShot that gives you access to the astonishing imaging power of this technology. Unlike the CCD sensors on most digital cameras, CMOS sensors convert and amplify signals before they are transferred to the image processor. This enables the CMOS sensor to produce exceptionally clean image data, free of the stray signals that can mar images. The resulting images show a notable brilliance and clarity.
Wide-angle 20x optical zoom lens with Optical Image Stabilizer
The PowerShot SX1 IS features Canon’s precision 28mm wide-angle lens that allows you to shoot any scene from wide-angle to telephoto. It lets you capture more in every frame, so everyone fits in a family gathering shot. When it’s time to take a closer look, a 20x optical zoom (35mm film equivalent 28-560mm) greatly minimizes camera shake and maximizes the brilliance of every detail. The camera uses a USM (Ultrasonic Motor) for high-speed, quiet, energy-efficient lens movement with precise control. Focal length is conveniently indicated on the lens barrel.
The SX1 IS is equipped with Canon’s acclaimed Optical Image Stabilizer Technology that automatically detects and corrects camera shake--one of the leading causes of fuzzy or blurred shots. Even when zoomed in, you can get steady, crisp, brilliant images you’ll be proud to shoot and share. And Canon’s Optical Image Stabilizer Technology is convenient to use. It functions perfectly with or without a flash.
2.8-inch Vari-angle LCD widescreen plus viewfinder
The camera’s 2.8-inch LCD widescreen gives you the big picture, whether you’re shooting, reviewing or showing off your images. This high-resolution screen offers a crisp, clear picture to make shooting, playback and using the camera’s menu functions especially convenient. Clear and bright, it also features Night Display for easy viewing in low light. It also has an electronic viewfinder that provides sharp images when you shoot close-up with the Super Macro shooting mode.
Full range of shooting and recording modes including RAW + JPEG
The PowerShot SX1 IS’s RAW mode lets you shoot images without JPEG compression. It gives you clearer images and complete creative control in editing. RAW images are transferred directly to the computer where they can then be edited using image adjustment software or a processing application to adjust your images as you please. The camera can also be set to allow the simultaneous recording of both RAW and JPEG images while shooting.
A World of Advantages with Canon’s Technology
Canon's DIGIC 4 image processor has evolved Face Detection Technology that tracks the faces of moving subjects and lets the shooter enter the frame seamlessly with the Face Detection Self-Timer.
DIGIC 4 image processor Canon’s most advanced image processor, DIGIC 4, delivers evolved Face Detection Technology that keeps every face in every photo looking its very best. The technology finds and tracks the faces of moving subjects until you’re ready to shoot, then delivers perfect focus. In addition, exposure, flash and white balance are compensated, so that faces exhibit natural skin tones and backgrounds are properly exposed.
iSAPS Technology is an entirely original scene-recognition technology developed for digital cameras by Canon. Using an internal database of thousands of different photos, iSAPS works with the advanced DIGIC 4 Image Processor to improve focus speed and accuracy, as well as exposure and white balance.
A Face Detection Self-Timer automatically detects an increase in the number of faces and makes the appropriate adjustments. For instance, to include the photographer’s face in a group shot, there’s no need to rush in. Just put the camera on a stand or tripod, specify Face Detection Self-Timer, and the camera will wait for the photographer’s face to get on-camera before it takes the shot. Motion Detection tracks moving subjects in a much larger range, and the Servo AF retains focus on a moving subject after the shutter button is pressed halfway--allowing you to wait for the perfect shot without refocusing.
Intelligent Contrast Correction
DIGIC 4 also makes possible the i-Contrast (Intelligent Contrast Correction) system, which controls the compensation level in pixel units to brighten dark areas while leaving bright areas unchanged for better images for more natural transitions when the main subject is dark. The PowerShot SX1 IS can even use i-Contrast in playback mode to adjust images that were shot without the setting activated.
Red-eye Correction provides three options for removing red-eye from subjects in flash pictures:
1) Red-eye Correction during shooting actually identifies and corrects red-eye in human subjects as pictures are taken.
2) The PowerShot SX1 IS can be set to automatically detect and correct red-eye during image playback.
3) You can manually locate any red eyes in a scene during image playback on the LCD screen, and command the camera to remove them.
Life doesn’t give you second chances to capture special times. That’s why the PowerShot SX1 IS features ISO 1600 and High ISO Auto settings that reduce the effects of camera shake and sharpen subjects in low-light situations, giving you greater shooting flexibility. ISO can be expanded to 3200 when you select the ISO 3200 Special Scene mode.
25 Shooting Modes including 12 Special Scene Modes
When you’re taking pictures, the only thing you want to think about is your subject. With the PowerShot SX1 IS, you can count on exact focus no matter where your subject is in the frame. You’ve got Shooting Modes including Special Scene Modes that give you breathtaking, exhilarating pictures even when shooting conditions are tough.
The Complete Print Solution
Print/Share Button for easy direct printing and downloading, plus ID Photo Print and Movie Print with select PIXMA Inkjet Photo Printers and SELPHY Compact Photo Printers.
The PowerShot SX1 IS’s Print/Share button makes direct printing easier than ever. Simply connect the PowerShot SX1 IS to a Canon PIXMA Inkjet Photo Printer or SELPHY Compact Photo Printer or any PictBridge compatible photo printer, press the lighted Print/Share button and print! Also use the Print/Share button to transfer images to a computer (Windows® and Macintosh®).
Print your own ID photos in up to 28 different sizes or use the Movie Print function to output multiple stills from a recorded movie on a single sheet with a Canon SELPHY Compact Photo Printer.
What's in the Box
- PowerShot SX1 IS body
- AA-size alkaline battery (x4)
- Neck strap (NS-DC7)
- Wireless controller (WC-DC300)
- Digital Camera Solution CD-ROM
- USB interface cable (IFC-400PCU)
- Stereo video cable (STV-250N)
- Lens hood (LH-DC50)
- Lens cap
Review from dpreview.com
Learn more about this camera
at DPReview.com Canon PowerShot SX1 IS: Recommended (just) by dpreview.com
Canon's popular superzoom range of cameras began with the release of the PowerShot S1 IS back in 2004, and has been incrementally upgraded each year with more features and more pixels, with the last update being the PowerShot S5 IS announced in May of 2007. In September of 2008 Canon announced dual successors to the S5 IS. The cheaper of the two models is the Powershot SX10 IS, which features a 10 MP CCD sensor behind a 20X image stabilized lens, with the more expensive camera - the SX1 IS - adding RAW mode, a CMOS sensor, faster continuous shooting speed, and HD 1080p video recording.
Canon pioneered the use of CMOS sensors in digital SLRs (starting way back in 2000 with the EOS D30) - and they have long been used in cheap imaging devices (such as mobile phones and no brand 'keychain' digicams), but until now they haven't made their way into mainstream compact cameras. The reason has been simple; they just haven't been good enough. CMOS sensors have more circuitry built into the chip itself than CCD sensors, leaving less room for actually capturing light. This isn't a problem when you're working with a sensor with a large surface area, but at very small sizes it means lowered sensitivity - and that means noise and all the image quality problems associated with removing it.
Any problems with CMOS on large (DSLR) sensors were fixed long ago, and it is now the dominant technology in all but the cheapest models. The quest to fix them for smaller sensors has taken a lot longer, but it's one that continues because the possibilities offered by the on-chip processing capabilities of a CMOS sensor are simply too enticing for camera manufacturers to ignore (quite aside from the fact they use less power and are, in theory, a lot cheaper to mass produce). The SX1 IS, along with Sony's HX1 and the Ricoh CX1, is the first in a new wave of CMOS-sensored 'serious' compact cameras, and though few claims are being made about how the use of CMOS will affect image quality per se, they all sport unique features (high speed capture, HD movies, clever image stacking modes) which are only possible because this technology.
Like every camera in this range since the original S1 IS, the SX1 is designed to be a 'hybrid', combining stills and movie photography in a single device (the S1 IS was one of the first cameras to feature a dedicated Movie record button). But the use of a 16:9 format screen and viewfinder - plus the use of a CMOS sensor capable of full 1080p capture - means that the SX1 is unique in the range (and different to the SX10) in that it gives almost as much weight to movie capture as it does stills.
PowerShot SX1 IS vs PowerShot S5 IS - key changes
- Higher resolution sensor (10MP vs 8MP)
- New 28 - 560 mm equiv lens
- Digic 4 processor (S5 IS was Digic III)
- Larger, higher resolution LCD screen (2.8 inches vs 2.5 inches)
- HD movie recording at 1080p (1920 x 1080)
- 'My Menu' system
- Greatly increased continuous shooting (burst) speed
- RAW file format is back
Looking for specific info?
Product information
Auto Focus Technology | Face Detection, Multi-area, Single, Live View, Contrast Detection |
---|---|
Display Resolution Maximum | 230,000 |
Photo Sensor Size | 1/2.3-inch |
Photo Sensor Technology | CMOS |
Effective Still Resolution | 10 |
Maximum Webcam Image Resolution | 10 MP |
White balance settings | Auto |
JPEG quality level | Fine |
Image Stabilization | Optical |
Video Capture Format | MPEG-4, H.264 |
Video Capture Resolution | FHD 1080p |
Video Standard | MPEG-4 |
Viewfinder Type | Electronic |
---|---|
Screen Size | 2.8 Inches |
Display Fixture Type | Fully-articulated |
Batteries Required? | No |
---|---|
Number of Batteries | 1 Lithium Ion batteries required. |
Are Batteries Included | No |
Rechargeable Battery Included | No |
Battery Cell Composition | Lithium Ion |
Battery Description | AA batteries (NiMH recommended) |
Battery Weight | 50 Grams |
Target Gender | Unisex |
Digital Scene Transition | zoom |
Connectivity Technology | USB, HDMI |
Continuous Shooting Speed | 4 |
Wireless Communication Technology | Yes |
Flash Memory Type | SD/SDHC/MMC card |
Special Feature | Image Stabilization |
Skill Level | Professional |
Form Factor | SLR-like (bridge) |
Hardware Interface | HDMI |
Audio Recording | Yes |
Photo Sensor Technology | CMOS |
Lens Type | zoom |
---|---|
Optical Zoom | 20 x |
Digital Zoom | 4 x |
Zoom Type | Optical, Digital |
Autofocus Points | 9 |
Camera Lens Description | 28 Mm |
Compatible Mountings | Canon EF |
Focus Type | Autofocus & Manual |
Maximum Focal Length | 560 Millimeters |
Minimum Focal Length | 28 Millimeters |
Expanded ISO Maximum | 1600 |
---|---|
Expanded ISO Minimum | 100 |
Max Shutter Speed | 1/3200 seconds |
Min Shutter Speed | 15 seconds |
Metering Description | Multi, Center-weighted, Spot |
Shooting Modes | Movie |
Model Name | Canon PowerShot SX1IS |
---|---|
Brand | Canon |
Model Number | SX1IS |
Customer Reviews |
3.6 out of 5 stars |
Best Sellers Rank | #135,802 in Electronics (See Top 100 in Electronics) #838 in Digital Point & Shoot Cameras |
ASIN | B001SER44W |
Color | Black |
Included Components | Tripod, Lens Cap, Battery, HDMI Cable, Neck Strap |
Processor Description | digic 4 |
Item Dimensions LxWxH | 5.04 x 3.46 x 3.46 inches |
---|---|
Item Weight | 585 Grams |
Warranty & Support
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Customer reviews
Customer Reviews, including Product Star Ratings help customers to learn more about the product and decide whether it is the right product for them.
To calculate the overall star rating and percentage breakdown by star, we don’t use a simple average. Instead, our system considers things like how recent a review is and if the reviewer bought the item on Amazon. It also analyzed reviews to verify trustworthiness.
Learn more how customers reviews work on AmazonCustomers say
Customers like the quality, ease of use, and zoom of the digital camera. They mention that it has a powerful zoom and is easy to carry around. Customers appreciate the service. However, some customers have different opinions on image quality, size, audio quality, and battery life.
AI-generated from the text of customer reviews
Customers like the quality of the digital camera. They mention that it has provided them with some great photographs, the LCD screen is great, and the display modes are excellent. They also like the huge live display screen, the size and clarity of the LCD, and that the camera is awesome.
"...All pertinent information (and then some) are displayed in the EVF and are easy to read thanks to the diopter adjustment next to the viewfinder...." Read more
"...Movies are stable and look good, although a little jerky at times. The dedicated movie button is cool too...." Read more
"...The display is stunning and the display modes which include viewing the histogram are excellent...." Read more
"...The Powershot SX1 IS is that camera.PROS: excellent pics, and excellent HD video (as presented on our Sony 47" 1080p LCD)...." Read more
Customers find the digital camera easy to use. They say that the controls are easy to reach and the built-in flash is easy to turn on and off. The camera is easy-to-carry around and uses AA batteries. Customers are impressed with the camera's features and say that it does it pretty well.
"...The SX1, although being eminently useful, replete with myriad features and still able to produce impressive images, is going to lose any tit-for-..." Read more
"...Very few camcorders can do 1080P, but this camera does it, and does it pretty well...." Read more
"...The Canon user interface makes learning how to use this camera very easy and intuitive...." Read more
"...Very helpful...." Read more
Customers are satisfied with the zoom of the camera. They mention that it has a powerful zoom, with a 50x zoom lens. The built-in flash turns on and off. The telephoto is particularly intense. The reads and writes are very fast using a Ultra II 16 GB card.
"...a cell phone camera, looks and feels like a DSLR and has a magnificent 50x zoom lens, extended and retracted with a USM (Ultrasonic motor)...." Read more
"...packed with features that make is sound like a good idea to buy: 20× zoom, included lens hood, swiveling LCD display, 1080p video, etc...." Read more
"...And, oh yes, the zoom. The massive zoom is fantastic.The lens cap design could do with a bit of an improvement...." Read more
"...I prefer low ISO settings. This sensor do the job perfectly.2.- speed. pretty fast stat up and continuous up to 4pps...." Read more
Customers are satisfied with the service provided by the seller. They mention that the response time is incredible, the zoom is sharp and fast, and the ability to shoot at close to 4 fps is a real nice feature for a point-and-shoot camera. They also appreciate the extremely fast shipping and the great communication with the seller, who is always available to assist. Overall, customers are happy with their purchase and recommend the product to others.
"...be compared to many cell phones, I believe it has more processing power than any cell phone...." Read more
"...quality: Canon went with a CMOS sensor to increase the speed, and it is fast, but the picture quality suffers...." Read more
"...The ability to shoot at close to 4 fps (in some modes) is a real nice feature for a point-and-shoot...." Read more
"...This sensor do the job perfectly.2.- speed. pretty fast stat up and continuous up to 4pps.3.- impressive video quality. very good sound...." Read more
Customers are mixed about the image quality of the product. Some mention that it produces great HD video and still photos, and takes decent low contrast photos. However, others say that the picture quality has not improved that much with more megapixels.
"...eminently useful, replete with myriad features and still able to produce impressive images, is going to lose any tit-for-tat comparisons with today..." Read more
"...Picture quality is excellent and the image stabilization works as well as expected...." Read more
"...was probably the biggest sleeper because it offered superior video and audio quality compared to many HD video cameras today...." Read more
"...a CMOS sensor to increase the speed, and it is fast, but the picture quality suffers...." Read more
Customers are mixed about the size of the camera. Some mention that it's small and light, while others say that it is heavy and non-pocketable.
"...It’s big and nicely knurled and has a “MASP” style layout (Manual, Aperture Priority, Shutter Priority and Program)...." Read more
"...In terms of portability, it is not. It's bulky, but comfortable to use...." Read more
"...It is not as bulky as the SLR and it is less complicated too. The 20x zoom is very useful...." Read more
"...life (uses 4-AA's) and its relatively heavy weight and large non-pocketable size (size does matter, especially for heavy traveling)...." Read more
Customers are mixed about the audio quality of the camera. Some mention that it has very little noise under ISO 400 and the noise doesn't get too bad up to ISO 800, while others say that it produces poor quality audio.
"...It has very little noise under ISO 400 and the noise doesn’t get too bad up to ISO 800...." Read more
"...There are some noise issues and it seems like pictures never come out crisply in focus...." Read more
"...The overall quality of the video and audio captures are so good that you forget that this is primarily a stills camera than a camcorder...." Read more
"...the downsides are the poor autofocus precision and high noise over ISO 200. over all a very good camera. 4/5 stars" Read more
Customers are mixed about the battery life of the camera. Some mention that the use of AA batteries is sufficient, while others say that the battery is critical and that you need to use good quality rechargeable batteries.
"...the one feature that is most practical is that the SX1 is powered by four AA batteries...." Read more
"...about this camera that I've experienced over the years are its short battery life (uses 4-AA's) and its relatively heavy weight and large non-..." Read more
"...use of AA batteries..." Read more
"...Battery life is critical, you need to use good quality rechargeable batteries...." Read more
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Back in those days, digital photography hadn’t even dipped a toe into the ocean of print production. Film still reigned supreme and after the film had been exposed and developed, it would have to be converted to CMYK separations—typically by huge Scitek scanners. From there, “color separation” film was made, through which printing plates could be exposed. However, the new digital photography could cut out the very expensive middle man and produce a “scan” (the digital photo) without the need for hundred thousand dollar machines the size of Buicks. Alas, three decades later (and still producing beautiful 2.7 megapixel photos), my beloved Nikon D1 was stolen.
Soon thereafter, I retired and even though I wanted another DSLR like the D1, I couldn’t afford one. So, for a long time, I looked for and researched dozens of used cameras. One very obsolete camera caught my eye. The Canon Powershot SX1 IS (the IS stands for Image Stabilization), is today, quite obsolete (like my D1 was a year after it was made). After reading numerous reviews and watching a dozen YouTube videos, I searched Amazon for an SX1, convinced I would never find one. To my amazement, several used SX1s were listed by private sellers. One of these sellers described his SX1 as “barely used with no scratches on the lens or LCD panel.” I snapped it up almost immediately after reading that. When it arrived in a generic brown box, it contained the camera, a neck strap and nothing else. However, for a “used” camera, it looked like it had just come from the factory…no scratches anywhere, and no sign of wear whatsoever. (So lucky!) It was in perfect working order, right down to its most inconsequential feature. I immediately purchased a better neck strap, 16 top-rated nickel-metal hydride double-A rechargeable batteries, the most advanced battery charger I could find, a “tulip” lens shade, a UV filter and a nice little canvas camera bag.
When it was new, the question was really whether to buy the SX1 (considered a point and shoot “bridge” camera) or, for the same money, a real, full-sized Nikon or Canon DSLR with interchangeable lenses. If I had been in the market for a new camera back then, I would have spent my $660 on a real DSLR. For a retiree on a tight budget, however, plunking down $129 on the SX1 made a lot of good sense. My photos aren’t going to be featured in high-end catalogs or print advertisements anymore. Few if any people would be looking at my photos besides myself. So all I really needed was a camera with a lot of features that would be fun to take photos with.
I’m going to dispense with most specifications and performance, because I don’t want this to become a p*****g (urination) contest. The SX1, although being eminently useful, replete with myriad features and still able to produce impressive images, is going to lose any tit-for-tat comparisons with today’s cameras. So let’s talk about what I like about the SX1.
The Canon Powershot SX1 IS has a tiny little, although not the smallest, 1/2.3-inch size, 10-megapixel resolution CMOS sensor. Today, cell phone cameras have sensors the same size or bigger and slightly more resolution. The D1 had an APS-C size sensor with 2.7 megapixel resolution, so in my mind, I wasn't really giving up much. The SX1, however, unlike a cell phone camera, looks and feels like a DSLR and has a magnificent 50x zoom lens, extended and retracted with a USM (Ultrasonic motor). Even though, at this point, the 11 year old SX1 can be compared to many cell phones, I believe it has more processing power than any cell phone. This is because the images I get out of the SX1 look better than any cell phone photos I’ve ever seen and compare favorably to the images I used to get out of my Nikon D1. It has very little noise under ISO 400 and the noise doesn’t get too bad up to ISO 800. Also, I don’t believe any cell phone has a 50x zoom lens capable of producing 560mm (35mm equivalent) photos. The SX1’s amazing “super zoom” lens is capable of a 28mm-560mm zoom range. Of course, this seems paltry compared to today’s super zooms, but it’s all I need. 560mm takes a pretty impressive photo of the Moon.
The SX1 has a dizzying array of menu options for its dizzying array of great features. One of my favorite SX1 features is the ability to take RAW plus JPEG photos at the same time. The RAW photos are stored as .CR2 (Canon RAW version 2) files next to their .JPG equivalents. RAW files are typically 14.1MB, while JPEGS are typically 2.45MB. Canon’s free Digital Photo Professional (DPP) software opens both RAW and JPEG files and allows you to process them with a surprisingly robust set of adjustments. Of course, the .CR2 files can also be opened in Photoshop, Paint Shop Pro’s Camera RAW Lab, or practically any photo manipulation software or dedicated RAW processing software.
I used to enjoy processing the RAW (.NEF) files that came out of my D1. Unfortunately, the D1 wasn’t capable of RAW plus JPEG shooting like the SX1 is. The SX1 can accommodate SD cards up to 32 GB. Don’t think that’s enough? A 32 gig SD card is big enough to store 1,756 RAW photos and 1,756 JPEG photos together, or 7,105 Large, Superfine JPEGs or 10,000 Large, Fine JPEGs. 10,000 JPEGs of every other size and resolution available on the SX1 can be stored on a 32 gig SD card. 10,000 photos should pretty much cover any vacation—even a 2 week safari in Kenya. In fact, you might even find that shooting just 1,756 photos on such a vacation may be overkill. If it’s not, just slip another 32GB SD card into your camera bag (I have four in my camera bag).
Another great feature of the SX1 is its tilt-and-swivel, articulated 2.8” LCD, which lets you take low and high angle photos as well as selfies. Even better yet is the SX1’s EVF (Electronic View Finder). Just having the option to look through a real viewfinder instead of looking at an LCD screen is a big comfort. Looking through a real viewfinder means bright light won’t bother you and in the dark, you’re not as conspicuous or annoying to others. All pertinent information (and then some) are displayed in the EVF and are easy to read thanks to the diopter adjustment next to the viewfinder. I loved optical viewfinders for many years and found it difficult to get used to LCD screens. Now, I love EVFs even more than optical viewfinders because of the wealth of information they provide. The SX1’s EVF is especially great because it provides tremendous eye relief (go ahead, Google “eye relief” in relation to optical devices). There is a surprising amount of depth and black around the frame of this EVF, which makes using it a pleasure and a comfort.
Many point-and-shoot cameras are tiny little things meant to be stuck into the breast pocket of a shirt and therefore have no Mode Dial. The SX1, however, is a little bigger and heavier than most other point-and-shoots and has a great Mode Dial. It’s big and nicely knurled and has a “MASP” style layout (Manual, Aperture Priority, Shutter Priority and Program). Of course, in lovably quirky Canon-speak, it’s actually a “MAvTvP” layout or Manual, Aperture value, Time value and Program. Everyone else either has a MASP layout or a PASM layout, or something along those lines. It also has a “C” thrown in there for Custom. In addition, there’s the usual Auto mode, Portrait mode, Landscape mode, Night mode, Sports mode, multiple special Scenes mode (SCN), a Panorama Stitch mode, and of course, Video mode. Some professional reviewers claim that the Video mode is the best part of the SX1 and it does indeed produce very nice, high definition videos.
As I mentioned earlier, the SX1 is bigger and heavier than most point-and-shoot cameras, giving it closer to a DSLR feel than a point-and-shoot feel. In addition, it’s styled to look like a DSLR, what with the SX1’s right hand grip and pop-up flash-containing pentaprism look. Go ahead, Google "pentaprism," too. In fact, the SX1 simply looks like a really small DSLR, especially to those unfamiliar with it. I’ve even had some other photographers ask me what type of Canon SLR I was carrying. Of course, compared to a full-frame DSLR or even an APS-C DSLR, the SX1 is small and light. If you’ve ever had to lug a real DSLR around all day on a nature hike, you’ll appreciate the SX1’s size and weight.
Other than size, weight and the many features of the SX1, perhaps the one feature that is most practical is that the SX1 is powered by four AA batteries. Many real DSLRs utilize proprietary battery packs, which are quite expensive to replace (and sometimes difficult to even find). This means that when your battery finally conks out while you’re taking photos on your Hawaiian vacation, you’d better have another battery pack for backup at the ready (and hope you remembered to pack it.) Of course, if you left that battery pack back at the hotel, you’re going to have to forget about photography for the rest of your expensive sightseeing tour. And when you finally get back to your hotel to retrieve that battery pack, you’d better hope you remembered to recharge it, or you’ll have to miss most of the evening with your family at the beach. Don’t be in a hurry, either, or you just might get hit by a tour bus as you try to cross busy Kalakaua Avenue.
Now, if your camera had been powered by AA batteries, you could have easily stashed four of them in your trouser pocket and continued taking photos during your sightseeing tour. Even if you use rechargeable AA batteries and forget to recharge them, you can simply visit any of the million or so ABC stores along Kalakaua Avenue, buy an inexpensive set of four alkaline AA batteries and still enjoy a snap-happy evening with your family at the beach.
The good:
HD Video: The 1080P movie capability is pretty awesome. Very few camcorders can do 1080P, but this camera does it, and does it pretty well. Movies are stable and look good, although a little jerky at times. The dedicated movie button is cool too.
Rapid shooting: 5 frames per second at full res is pretty amazing - this is DSLR territory.
LCD screen: the size and clarity are awesome, and the articulating feature is a must have for me. It would be perfect if not for the polarizing - see below.
Build quality: This is the most solid camera of this type that I've used. DSLR like.
The bad:
Picture quality: Canon went with a CMOS sensor to increase the speed, and it is fast, but the picture quality suffers. It is still pretty good, but pictures from the old trusty S5 are better - less noise, crisper, more detailed.
Controls: Canon went from increment buttons on the S5 to a thumb dial on the SX1. This is used to change ISO, shutter speed, aperture and other settings I regularly access. The dial is just fussy and hard to use.
Lens: Here I am comparing it with an S5 with a 1.8X teleconverter, achieving similar magnification. The the S5 images are better in every way, clearer with less distortion and fringing.
LCD screen: Great screen BUT, and this is a big one for me... it is polarized the wrong way! Arg. The S5 screen is polarized such that when wearing polarized sunglasses, you can clearly see the screen in landscape position. The SX1 screen is polarized 90 degrees off from the S5. In other words when looking at he screen in landscape position, it is totally black with polarized sunglasses. This is a big one for me, since I love polarized glasses, and like to be able to shoot without taking them off.
HD aspect ratio. You have to switch the camera from 4:3 to 16:9 to shoot HD video. Kind of a hassle switching back and fourth when shooting video & photos.
So I am using the SX1 mostly because of the HD feature. But aside from the build quality, HD, and still shooting speed, I prefer the old S5.