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

Quick summary:

1. I really like this camera, especially being able to take HD video and optically zoom while recording.I also really like taking 4 fps of continuous shooting.

2. You really need to read (at least skim) through the instructions.Some of the ease of use benefits of a point-and-shoot were compromised to give you some of the versatility of a digital SLR.I'm not too crazy about the "Control Dial" to select menu options.Over all, the software seems a bit less intuitive than other Powershots I've used in the past.

3. Using Quicktime on Windows to view the HD video might result in jerky motion.HD video is smooth in Quicktime on a Mac.This is a Quicktime/Windows issue, not a camera problem.

4. The camera is solidly built, but it's a bit heavy.It's not ergonomically designed for extended video recording.

5. Consider reading and viewing a video demo by a professional at www.cameralabs.com/reviews/Canon_PowerShot_SX1_IS/

Long version:

I was very eagerly anticipating this camera.The key feature in the Canon SX1IS is the CMOS sensor used in the SLR product lines.I got really excited about a single camera with HD video, 20x optical zoom, 4 frames per second of continuous shooting, articulated screen, and standard AA batteries.I've owned several Canon Powershot models, and I've been very satisfied with them.I'm also an experienced 35mm SLR person.I thought that the SX1IS was going to be my perfect camera... or actually the perfect gift for my wife.

I am an amateur photographer whose primary subjects are my children playing sports.Since I work a lot, my wife actually ends up taking a majority of the photos.I was planning to get a digital SLR for her when I came upon the specs for the SX1IS.It seems as if Canon product managers have listened to everything I wanted in a digital camera.The biggest deals for me were

1. HD video with optical zoom enabled while you're filming
2. 4 frames per second of continuous shooting
3. 20x optical zoom
4. Ease of use of a point-and-shoot

Here are my series of reactions:

1. After the first set of photos and videos, I couldn't help but feel as if Canon has under-delivered on the promise of a nearly perfect camera for amateurs or perhaps my camera was defective.This was my review of the first batch of photos and videos:(please read on to the next section since my initial disappointment resulted more from ignorance and unfair expectations)

a. I wasn't getting anywhere near 4 frames per second.

b. In the AUTO mode, the photos seem to come out at a lower quality than my much cheaper Powershot A710 in AUTO mode.By lower quality, I mean that the color, contrast, and details appear not as good.

c. It is very cool to be able to zoom in and out while you are taking video, but the HD video footages came out jerky enough to be really annoying.

2. This didn't seem right, so I actually read the instructions and spent a few minutes googling for info.It quickly became clear that you really have to read the manual to use this camera effectively.The manual is not written especially well, but it contains the info you need.(FYI, I've NEVER read instructions on any of my other digital point-and-shoot cameras before, and I have been very happy with the thousands of photos I've taken.)

a. Getting 4 frames per second:I learned that you cannot shoot 4 frames per second in AUTO mode or SPORTS mode.SPORTS mode can only take continuous AutoFocus photos which is about 1 frame per second.Most of the other modes support fast 4 frames per second continuous shooting.In the 4 fps continuous shooting, only the first shoot will be in focus, the others will be out of focus if the subject moves towards or away from your camera.

b. Comparing photos from SX1IS with A710:I realized that I was taking photos at high zoom that the Powershot A710 was not even able to get, so this was not a fair comparison.For apples-to-apples outdoor photos, SX1IS does take superior photos, but indoor photos does seem grainier at similar zoom levels.However, the difference is really minor, and there are many many adjustments on the SX1IS that can more than compensate.

c. Jerky HD video playback:This is a really a problem with Quicktime on my Windows Vista (on 2.5GHz Quadcore CPU with 4GB of RAM & ATI Radeon 512MB graphics card, so not a hardware issue).I saw similar jerky playback with Quicktime on Windows XP.However, the videos play smooth and perfectly in Quicktime on a Mac OS X.By reading this review, I hope you don't get upset when your first HD video looks really bad because of the jerky motion.I'm sure that this is a temporary problem: either Apple will improve Quicktime playback on Windows, a better MOV player will be available, or software will be available to convert the MOV to another format that works better on Windows.

d. Further note:To make changes to a bunch of settings via the menu options, you have to use this ring on the function button (called the "Control Dial").It's the knurled outermost concentric ring surrounding the FUNC. SET button.You rotate this to select the menu options you want.Well, maybe I'll get used to it, but right now, this ring sucks.It's easy to miss the your menu item because you rotate this ring with just enough force, but if you press a bit too much, you end up with different options.This will probably suck to another plateau when I'm in bright sunlight looking through the viewfinder.

Here are 3 other things you might want to consider before purchasing this camera:

1. The camera feels very solid, but this also means that it is a bit heavy.

2. The form factor is for taking photographs, so if you plan to use this primarily for the HD video, your hands/arms will tire out.It is a bit awkward to keep the camera steady for extended video.HD camcorder will probably be better for you if your primary motivation is to take HD videos.

3. See a professional review with a video demo at www.cameralabs.com/reviews/Canon_PowerShot_SX1_IS/

I'm now having a great time taking lots of photos and videos with this camera.The 20x zoom, HD video, and 4 fps is worth the cost premium.


Click Here to see more reviews about: Canon PowerShot SX1IS 10 MP CMOS Digital Camera with 20x Wide Angle Optical Image Stabilized Zoom and 2.8-inch LCD

Product Description:
CMOS image sensor with 10-megapixel effective recording * 20X optical zoom * optical image stabilizer * 4X digital zoom/80X total zoom * 2-13/16" fold-out swiveling LCD screen * full 1080p movie mode (1920 x 1080 at 30 frames per second) with stereo sound * 16:9 widescreen photo mode (3840 x 2160) * image file formats: JPEG, RAW, RAW+JPEG *

Buy NowGet 17% OFF

Review of Canon EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 IS SLR Lens

PROS
* Very sharp across the image, even wide open.
* Low Chroma.I read a test ([...]) that found higher than normal amounts of CA in this lens at some apertures, but I don't see it.My standard test is to shoot bare tree limbs on bright sunny days & look for purple fringing, especially at the edges. I'm not seeing anywhere near the level of fringing shown in some of their test shots.If anything, I'd call it "low" I read elsewhere that one of Canon's goals in adding the aspherical element to this lens was to reduce CA, so I'm thinking maybe the lens tested in photozon.de was just a bad apple.
* Image Shake control works.I can't attest to how often it provides a full 4 stops worth of shake reduction, but I can see a very clear result when using it.
* Fast accurate focusing. One of the reasons I purchased this lens was because I was dissatisfied with the performance of my (more expensive) Sigma 17-35 EX (the newer model), which while sharp, is just too slow and inaccurate a focuser for close work in action sports. The new Canon solved that problem.
* Compact, light weight & unobtrusive.Not much bigger than a normal lens.
CONS
* Barrel Distortion at 18mm (28mm) While not exsessive for an inexpensive lens, this is one area where you will see benefit from spending hundreds of dollars for a much more expensive Canon "IS" or "L," or buying a fixed focal length lens. In most real world situations, itwasn't all that noticeable. I could usually correct for it in Photoshop, but this is not a lens for critical architectural work etc. I have taken hundreds of photos with this lens and barrel distortion has only called attention to itself a few times. I suspect this is one price paid for the very compact design.
* Not very fast. Another area where an "L" has an edge. At F3.5 28mm equivalent andF5.6 85mm this lens is relatively slow compared to a pro lens. This effects stopping the action in low light. OTH, you will have to spend hundreds more to get a usable top speed of F 2.8 and that is *only* one stop faster at 28mm equiv. I think both this lens' sharpness and the IS system mitigate this "Con."It took me a while to learn that I could shoot wide open at all focal lengths without having the outer third of the image turn to mush.That's pretty amazing for a zoom at this price. You don't have a stop or two you almost never use because it is too soft. And the IS system works well in low light, though that doesn't figure in in stopping the action.
* Does not have that red stripe.Sad to say, some will never buy this sharp, handy little lens because in is not an "L" and/or doesn't cost $[...].Yes, it does does look a little "plasticy," probably doesn't have the build quality for heavy, everyday use by a real working pro, and does not look massive mounted on your camera body, like a "fast" pro lens that's squeezing out that last F stop. But IMO, it looks very similar to Canon's newer IS lenses, so there is no scarlet letter immediately identifying you as "cheap." In other words, "Get over it."

So, why did Canon produce such a good lens at such a bargain price? I'd say that it's because Nikon announced their intention to do the same a little while ago. Also, Canon's old non IS 18-55mm lens had the rep of being something of a dog. Finally, several competing cameras now have IS built into the body. Canon had to respond with a sharp IS lens that they could put on the Rebels & the 40D. In terms of sales, the low end of the DSLR market is both hot and very competitive.We're the beneficiaries.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Canon EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 IS SLR Lens

Product Description:
Equipped with Canon's Optical Image Stabilizer (IS) technology, the Canon EF-S 18-55mm standard zoom lens is ideal for just about any application. IS technology compensates for camera shake by providing the equivalent effect of a shutter speed up to four stops faster. This allows you to take sharp handheld shots even in low-light conditions--a must for sports and nature photography. The lens also offers an aspherical lens element that corrects for aberration, thus producing a topnotch image throughout the zoom range, and a circular aperture that exquisitely renders out-of-focus backgrounds. Despite its minimal size, weight, and cost, the lens expands the picture-taking possibilities any time slow shutter speeds are needed.
Specifications

• Focal length: 18 to 55mm
• Maximum aperture: f/3.5 to f/5.6
• Lens construction: 11 elements in 9 groups
• Angle of view: 74 degrees @ 20 feet to 27 degrees @ 50 feet
• Focus adjustment: Autofocus (DC motor) with manual focus option
• Closest focusing distance: 9.8 inches
• Filter size: 58mm
• Dimensions: 2.7 inches in diameter and 3.33 inches long
• Weight: 7.1 ounces
• Warranty: 1 year

Buy NowGet 31% OFF

Review of Canon PowerShot SX20IS 12.1MP Digital Camera with 20x Wide Angle Optical Image Stabilized Zoom and 2.5-inch Articulating LCD

Let me start off by saying that I'm not a professional photographer.My decision to purchase the SX20 IS was based on a desire to get an excellent still shot camera, with high capacity zoom, that also had HD Video (720p) capabilities.So, I began my research and spent many hours scouring the web to make an informed decision.I had narrowed my choice to the Canon SX20 IS and the Panasonic DMC-FZ35.

Here are some of the key specs of each camera:

Optical Zoom (Canon: 20, Pana: 18)
Still image files (Canon: Not Raw, Pana: Raw)
Articulating LCD (Canon: Yes, Pana: No)
720p HD video per 2 GB (Canon: 10 min 33 sec, Pana: 15 min)
Video file format (Canon: .mov, Pana: AVCHD Lite)
Battery Type: (Canon: 4 AA, Pana: Li-ion rechargeable)
Stereo Audio (Both)
SD Card Storage (Both)

[...].

In the end I decided to go with Canon for a few key reasons:

#1. The articulating LCD (pull out, tilt/move) was a key factor, as I wanted to be able to shoot from many different angles.It came in handy very soon--the second time I used the camera--I was able to whip out the LCD and get some decent shots at a football game when I had to raise the camera high over my head to shoot over the folks standing in front of me.

#2. The ability to easily share video files.The .mov file format is a more widely accepted format, which can easily be shared (without processing/conversion).The files are accepted on sites such as You Tube. The files can be played with Quicktime and other media players (e.g. VLC).Although the Panasonic camera uses a format which is more compressed and allows more data to be stored on an SD card, the file format is not as wide spread and not as easy to share with others, without converting the file.

#3. Consumer Reports rankings for last year's model: Canon #1, Pana #5 (SX10 IS & Pana DMC-FZ28). I suspect the SX20 IS will follow the same trend this year when Consumer Reports releases their test results for 2009.

#4. Canon takes AA batteries.This makes the camera slightly heavier, but you'll always be able to get economical batteries in a pinch, without the need for buying a proprietary lithium ion battery.May I recommend Sanyo Eneloop rechargeable batteries. I bought some new on Amazon. They are excellent. I haven't charged them yet and I've taken 120 pictures and 40 minutes plus of 720p video. I've also played back the pictures and movies on my TV/Projector and transferred all files to my computer, using the same batteries, without charging them.And they are "..still going..."

Here are some sample pictures taken with the SX20 IS.Keep in mind that Flickr doesn't display the full, original picture which was taken in maximum resolution (in auto mode). [...].

I've taken some great up-close family shots and macro shots.They look great and are very detailed. I took some night/action pics (with the flash) and adjusted the shutter speed and ISO settings and the pictures looked great, given the conditions.

[...].

I apologize for the camera jitter in advance as I didn't have a tri-pod and I was in a tight area in the Stadium when I took the shots.

I must admit that I am thoroughly impressed with the video quality/resolution.I shot sample video from my 1 year old camcorder (Panasonic SDR-H40, a standard definition hard drive camcorder) and shot the same footage with the SX20 IS. The difference in quality was amazing.Not only was the Canon much sharper, but the richness and vibrance of the colors was so much better. I sold my SDR-H40 on Ebay within two days.I now will have only one camera to shoot stills and 720p HD video--the Canon SX20 IS. The videos from the SX20 IS looked awesome--on both my 32 inch 720p LCD and my 100+ inch screen via a 720p DLP projector. I connected the camera with an HDMI cable and bam, I was ready to watch great video and view still shots "on the big screen."See the above referenced links for video footage yourself.If I were given the opportunity to watch a football game shot in standard definition by ESPN or an HD version of the same game, shot with the SX20 IS (on a tripod, without my hand jitter), I'd pick the latter in a heart beat.

No buyer's remorse here!If you are looking for an SLR type camera, that does awesome stills and great 720p HD video (both zoomable at 20x optical), you'd be hard pressed to get more bang for your buck then the SX20 IS on Amazon.

One minor issue I've noticed is that when zooming in/out while shooting video, you can here a slight "click" when you initiate the zoom and when you stop the zoom.There is NO noise heard while the lens is zooming/telescoping in/out; the "click" is only heard when the zoom is initiated and when the zoom is stopped.The "click" is not that noticeable. I had to shoot footage in silence, after the kids had gone to bed, in order to distinguish the "click."In most shooting environments I don't expect it to be much of an issue.

Best of luck with your purchase decision.

P.S.By the way, the owner manual states that you must use the Canon software to transfer images/movies from the camera to a PC, else movies will not transfer (frames will be dropped) correctly and images shot vertically may be transferred in the horizontal orientation. So, don't just do a copy/paste of the files them self from the SD card.Keep this in mind as you view sample video on the web.






Click Here to see more reviews about: Canon PowerShot SX20IS 12.1MP Digital Camera with 20x Wide Angle Optical Image Stabilized Zoom and 2.5-inch Articulating LCD

Product Description:
With a 20x wide-angle zoom, the 12.1-megapixel PowerShot SX20 IS offers intelligent, versatile shooting power. Switch to Smart Auto mode for effortlessly great results, or shoot stunning HD movies.

Buy NowGet 40% OFF

Review of Canon Image Stabilized 12x36 II Binocular

These replaced an older version of these binoculars. The new ones are much lighter and the view seems to be brighter. While I do wish the IS button would toggle, it really is not much of an issue. However for the price it would be nice if Canon would include a hard case and some type of protection for the eyepeices, I wear glasses and with the rubber eye cups folded down the eyepeice lenses are very exposed. Overall I give these binoculars 5 stars.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Canon Image Stabilized 12x36 II Binocular

Product Description:
Field of View 262 ft./1000 yds. Eye Relief 14.5 mm Close Focus 19.7 ft. Weight 23.3 oz.**Weight excludes batteries. Dimensions (HxW) 6.9 x 5.0 in. Weatherproofing No Waterproofing Packing extra binocular power made easyBoost your viewing power with a wide, extra-bright field of view. Light, sleek and powerful, these advanced image stabilized binoculars keep images steady ... even if you're not! The 12x36 IS II binoculars are ideal for a wide variety of activities, including wildlife and bird watching, sightseeing, hiking, camping trips and surveillance. Get REAL close!Image Stabilizer TechnologyUse high-power binoculars and, before long, you'll notice how "binocular shake" begins to blur the details and tire your eyes. Image Stabilizer technology puts the power of steady viewing back in your hands?without the use of a tripod. Now you can be free from the effects of wind puffs, muscle fatigue and nervous disorders when you take control with Canon's image stabilizer technology:Vari-Angle Prism system of vertical and horizontal sensors detect motionMicroprocessor adjusts the Vari-Angle Prism system according to the amount of binocular shake detectedThis binocular technology provides instant adjustment of the refraction angle to compensate for motion. The image you get is crystal clear and free from blurs!Binocular features for high optical qualityImage stabilization isn't the only thing these binos have to offer. Canon includes these features for a sharp view of far-off animals and distant landscapes ... and much more!Doublet Field Flattener for edge-to-edge sharpness and distortion-free imagesMulti-coating for superior contrastLead-free glass for a healthier environmentEnhanced power-saving technology coupled with optional lithium AA batteries provide up to 12 hours of continuous use

Buy Now

Review of Fantasea FSD-770 1385 Waterproof Camera Housing for Canon Powershot SD770IS and SD1100IS Cameras

Item is as expected.

The shipping method is what is giving this product a negative review. Overnight means overnight, wasn't expecting an overnight package to be over3nights, guess that's in the fine print???... Had to wait 3 days for overnight shipping because of Friday? Checked FedEx website, and overnight delivery says available 7 days a week.

- just feeling a little jipped here.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Fantasea FSD-770 1385 Waterproof Camera Housing for Canon Powershot SD770IS and SD1100IS Cameras

Product Description:
Waterproof to 200'. Control buttons allow access to all essential control options. Consructed of lightweight durable injection molded polycarbonate. Radial O-Ring main seal. LCD screen glare protection. Stainless steel buckles and a 46mm threaded port ring. Includes a 1-year free D.E.P.P flood insurance policy.

Buy NowGet 25% OFF

Review of Canon 8 x 25 Binoculars - 7562A002

these things are great for everything from hunting to sports.the image stabilization is unbelievable.Watch cheerleaders at you next pro football game, and without the handshake that is typical of such activities!!!

Click Here to see more reviews about: Canon 8 x 25 Binoculars - 7562A002

Product Description:
Canon's range of binoculars brings the world within your reach. High-quality Canon optics in every model provides excellent edge-to-edge contrast and sharpness. All models feature environmentally friendly lead-free glass and a rubberized non-slip grip for easy handling, indoors or out.The world's smallest and lightest binoculars with built-in Image Stabilizer are ideal for travel, sports and wildlife. The built-in Image Stabilizer eliminates hand held shake and gives continuous operation for up to 6 hours. Modern and rounded design is both stylish and comfortable to use.

Buy Now

Review of Canon 8x25 Image Stabilization Binoculars w/Case and Neck Strap

They are, and they aren't, great binocs
What they are: as it says, the lightest and least expensive IS binoculars on the market (right now). The optics themselves are only merely very good, but - HAND HELD - with the IS activated, they allow me to read fine print about 20% closer than with my Leica 8x32 Ultras. On a rest, the Leicas are superior. It's the elimination of the jiggles - the 8x25 Canons don't give an image that's as bright and contrasty as those high dollar Leicas, but the steadier image more than makes up for that.
What they aren't: waterproof or armored. So have a care if you use them in conditions of rain or dust. They're much more complicated than simple binocs, with electric circuits inside, and the matter of reliability does come into consideration - but in the first year, they've survived life in the tote bag ,bouncing along dirt roads without a hiccup.Two more things: besides armoring and ruggedizing, Canon had to compromise _somewhere_ to make them this small. So, while the IS deals well with rapid human shaking. it doesn't seem to correct at all for slow motions. I imagine the engineers were forcd to leave off the sensors for slow motions, to fit everything else in. And, they use CR123 batteries, more expensive and harder to find in a pinch than AA batteries. Of course, if the batteries run dead, all your are left with is a functional set of very good, if a bit bulky, 8x25 binocs. What Canon has created is $300 binoculars that - hand held, with the IS active - outperform my high dollar Leica 8x32 Ultras. And, I imagine, the Nikon SE's, too. No kidding.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Canon 8x25 Image Stabilization Binoculars w/Case and Neck Strap

Product Description:
Whether you are sitting in the nosebleed seats of a stadium or an opera house, with Canon's 8 x 25 IS binoculars you'll get an outstanding close-up view of the action. The binoculars are designed to fit perfectly in your hands and have a rubber coating for nonslip grip and protection from damage. The focus dial is center-mounted and the image stabilizer controls are easily accessible from either hand. Canon's optical image stabilization technology eliminates shake and reduces curvature of field. The image stabilizer operates with a CR123A Lithium battery. The lenses are coated with Super Spectra multicoating that improves image quality by maximizing contrast and minimizing color smear.
Image Stabilization and More
With any high magnification binoculars, most users will experience frustrating image shake. Unless fixed to a tripod, image shake can render high magnification binoculars useless. Canon's IS technology is remarkably effective at eliminating this problem and is widely used by the television industry with Canon's professional broadcast quality video recording equipment. A special VAP (Vari-Angle Prism) corrective IS system sits between the objective lens group and the porro prism on each side of the binoculars. Within thousandths of a second of the binoculars being moved from their optical axis by vibrations, a detection system activates the IS mechanism. The VAP shape alters to refract or 'bend' the light path by precisely the right amount, thus fully compensating for the vibration. It is this essentially immediate response that effectively suppresses image shake.
Super Spectra Coating
A number of optical factors affect the brightness of an image, including the amount of incidental light that is reflected by the lens. An uncoated lens will refelect away as much as 8% of the incidentail light, significantly dimming the image. Canon's Super Spectra Coating prevents that reflection.
What do the numbers mean?
15x50? 8x25? The two numbers used to describe any pair of binoculars are their magnification - 8x, 12x, 15x and so on - and the diameter of their objective lenses - 25mm, 36mm, 50mm, and so on. The larger the first number is, the larger the object will appear to be in the objective lens. For instance, if you use a 10x lens and look at an object that is 100 yards away, it appears to be the same size as an object located just 10 yards away. The second number, the size of the objective lens, is important because the larger the objective lens, the more light it can admit for brighter, more detailed images, and the better suited they will be for lowlight situations.

A look inside

Buy Now