I just returned (last night) from a 12 day MIT alumni safari trip in Tanzania. I’ve been a serious amateur photographer for 50+ years, and had planned to take my Rebel xsi and two zoom lenses. I bought the sx1 3 months ago to evaluate it, and after many hours of using it, shooting test shots vs. the xsi, and traveling with it, I decided to take only the sx1 to Tanzania. Four people in our group had quality DSLRs and big lenses; one had an HD DVR. I am VERY happy that I chose to take the sx1. I got many more very good stills and HD videos than any one else. The DSLR people did get some exceptional stills that are better than anything the sx1 could do, but I knew that would be the case. My sx1 was always with me, always a second or two away from taking a quick shot, and even mixing stills and HD video simultaneously. I love that you can zoom while shooting video. I used Energizer “ultimate lithium” non-rechargeable AA batteries. I got 800 stills and 45 minutes of video on the first set before the “low battery” warning.
For me, reviews that point out that the sx1 image quality is not quite as good as a DSLR+lens that are 4x bigger and heavier are not helpful. It is true, and should be obvious. The big lenses are also better in dim light. In good light and mid-distance scenes, I can’t tell the difference in 8×10 images from my best DSLR and my pocket Canon SD970.
I had a choice of taking the sx1 on safari, with a total weight of 1.47 pounds including batteries, or the xsi plus a canon 17-85 and a sigma 50-500 zoom, total weight 7.05 pounds without cases and charger. The sx1 was more than worth the image quality tradeoff, and the ability to shoot HD video was a real bonus. I’m fairly new to video, but using PowerDirector I’m integrating stills and video, all 1080 HD quality, into a really attractive presentation.
I found that the Tamrac 5230 case was best for the sx1 on safari. I wore it on my belt, with the top unzipped (it has velcro and snap closures as well as the zipper). I put the spare batteries, lens cleaner, etc. in a big zip-lock bag and folded that in the bottom of the Tamrac, under the camera. The Tamrac would fit into the zip-lock bag in a downpour. I got an adapter (LensMate, I think), and kept a 58mm skylight filter on the lens, with no lens cap. I could wipe the filter clean quickly without worrying about scratching the lens. I kept a tiny tripod in the outer pouch of the Tamrac, and I was ready for anything.
If you are considering a camera in this size and price range, and you want the 20x zoom and HD video, you will love the sx1.
Copyright (c) 2009 Richard Walker
When buying a digital camera, you have either a choice to get a solid camera performer or a versatile shooter that can do many tricks, but still take good pictures. Here are two wonderful cameras that may suit one of your preferences and your budget as well.
Canon PowerShot SD880 IS
The Canon PowerShot SD880 IS is a slightly high-end camera that is priced around $250, which is not bad for a 10-megapixel shooter that has splendid photo quality. In fact, the sleek design and the photo quality alone is what makes this camera winner.
Features and Components
The excellent image quality is backed by the new DIGIC 4 Image Processor - the successor of the DIGIC III Image Processor found in the lower-end cameras. This is a combination of technologies that improve Face Detection, adds Servo AF, better corrects contrast, and captures enhanced photos. There is some noticeable fringing when photos are taken, but the new image processor makes the Canon PowerShot SD880 IS a powerful point Canon PowerShot S2IS 5MP Camera and shoot camera even on automatic modes.
Advanced users will like the different shooting modes to capture all sorts of subjects and the 4x optical zoom can allow great high-resolution shots that don't look very pixilated. Like other Canon Cameras, the Canon PowerShot SD880 IS has the same Print/Share button that allows easy printing or sharing of photos.
Bottom Line
The Canon PowerShot SD880 may not have the best button placement for some, but it is a top performer in the point and shoot category.
Samsung i8
The Samsung i8 is a cheaper alternative that easily captivates in look. But it sacrifices a bit of the camera quality in exchange for adding fun features that a selected bunch will enjoy.
Features and Components
On the camera side, the Samsung i8 can take photos up to 8 megapixels. It has a decent image processor that can bump up the image clarity a bit and has some functions that can automatically correct the exposure or contrast balance. It also has 5 levels of sharpness, contrast, saturation for photo enthusiasts to get the perfect picture. The zoom function isn't very impressive, but the other features like Digital Image Stabilization and Face Detection should allow for some pretty impressive shots.
The Samsung i8 is able to play MP3s and supports SRS Wow HD and surround sound modes. Headphones can be plugged into the camera and the neat multitasking feature allows you to take pictures or view slideshows while jamming to the music. The only drawback to this is that it drains the battery much quicker.
Fortunately, the Samsung i8 doubles as a portable multimedia player as well and can play full-length movies as long as it fits in the card. It is also capable of reading certain text formats and comes with a World Tour Guide Information feature that provides useful information on destinations.
Bottom Line
Nothing really excels in the Samsung i8, but the combination of different features and exceptional camera functions make this multi-purpose device worth the $180.
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{ 7 comments… read them below or add one }
i purchased this as a replacement for my last canon digital powershot elph. i was in love with my last camera, but it was lost/stolen on vacation. i got a great deal on this camera, so i went for it although i didn’t actually need all those megapixels (12+!). after shooting with this camera for my friend’s wedding i found it easy to carry, attractive, and with many nice features . it shoots great pictures. i adore the sepia and black and white shooting features. i am still having difficulty with the auto-face-focus feature (not always accurate, but pics come out nice anyway), and selective foreground focusing, but its really a great camera. i recommend.
I found I was reluctant to bring my larger cameras with me as they get in the way. This camera does everything I expected of it. Only 3X zoom but great for the small size. I wish you could recharge thru the USB connection as you can do with so many other devices. The main item that attracted me to this particular camera was that besides the view screen it also has a viewfinder. Bright sunshine sometimes makes the LCD screens hard to see. Although this one is quite bright.
I’ve had 4 digital cameras and, without a doubt, this one’s the smartest and most compact camera I’ve ever owned. You can drop into a pocket and forget it’s there. The images are crisp and the ease of use is excellent.
can’t beat this camera especially for the money. For years I’ve wanted a small camera to shoot both video and stills and not only is it here but it shoots HD and you can go super high quality on the pictures. All in an inexpensive Very compact little package. I wish I could get around using it’s software to download pics and video but it’s okay and it’s a small price to pay for an awesome camera.
It arrived promptly the box is sealed.
it’s a gift so I don’t know if it works yet or not.
After use it everyday for two months, I think I can say something.
the good:
1.- picture quality. CMOS sensor is realistic. The camera doesn’t add any make up to the picture. Same quality than the G9, with it’s 12.1MP CCD sensor. Noise appears at ISO 800 without flash. Personally, I never go that far in ISO selection. I prefer low ISO settings. This sensor do the job perfectly.
2.- speed. pretty fast stat up and continuous up to 4pps.
3.- impressive video quality. very good sound. No intrusion of zoom motor, neither in high speed zoom. Very precise and powerful zoom.
4.- built in flash turn on and off is easy. Simply raise it to fire it or leave it hiden if you want your picture natural. The camera will do the precice adjust so your picture is always good. (shake warning if too dark)
5.- wireless remote control is a must in entertainment cameras. this camera comes with one that can be used to control the player too. You can use it as a HDMI video player if you previously record the films in the card.
6.- vary angle 2.8″ LCD wide screen. very useful.
THE BAD:
1.- the lens cap: Easy to lost. It should have a small cord to hold it so you can let go right after take it off the lens. precious moments lost because you have to engage it to the neck strap. And if you don’t use the neck strap?…
2.- I almost always press accidentally the button “display” trying to open the screen. Need to be relocated.
3.- Lack of poketability: Spontaneous pictures lost. You have to decide whether you prefer to take this camera with you or leave it in the car… because it’s big and noticeable. My soon stop being itself when he notice the camera in my hands… you know.
4.- remote control: Easy to lost. It should came with a holder attached to the neck strap.
5.- have to set at one of the night modes to get more than one second of aperture. You can’t get it on speed priority mode.
6.- EVF is bad compared with the resolution in the main screen. but is useful if you want to capture the moment.
Over all, I really like it. The picture out of the CMOS sensor is another thing. It feels like a DSLR, as it’s the same sensor. Everybody likes it’s pictures and videos quality, resolution and brightness.
Upgraded from an older point and shoot Canon. Really researched this camera. So far, I love it. I’m used to the Canon menus, so using this camera was an easy change. Daytime pic’s are great. Night shots are challenging, but with a little experiimentation and a steady hand, I’ve taken some great pic’s. And the video mode in HD is amazing. Some have said the playback is jerky, I have a newer laptop and decktop PC, and the video is playback is fine. Great camera!
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