Canon PowerShot SX1 IS

Review Index – (updated 22 October’09)

ImagingResource
“The question really comes down to image quality. I find that to be on a par with the SD990 IS and SX10 IS, exhibiting the same minor problems with chromatic aberration and noise in the shadows of sunlit shots that are not evident on printing standard size enlargements.”

DigitalCameraInfo
“The Canon SX1, at $599.99, is the most expensive ultrazoom in our test group by a substantial margin. If video quality is a key factor for you, there’s really no comparison. And even if you’re concentrating on stills alone, both the Nikon and Olympus delivered notably lower image quality scores.”

Digital Trends
“The Canon PowerShot SX1 IS has a lot going for it, as well as some drawbacks. After testing it we really can’t wait for the 2010 version of this camera as Canon takes care of the issues we – and other reviewers – have detailed. In the meantime, this is an excellent mega-zoom for the photographer willing to learn its idiosyncrasies, take the time to master its capabilities, and spend $600.”
Rating:  

InfoSync
“It’s quite a coincidence that the PowerShot SX10 IS, Eos 500D and PowerShot SX1 IS all produced similar results regarding fringing and contrast. Up close, we were able to snag a few decent Macro shots, though we had to boost the ISO in order to capture this particular one. The PowerShot SX1 IS just didn’t like low light.”
Rating:  

PCMag
“You shouldn’t expect D-SLR performance from the SX1, especially when it comes to image noise. When shooting at ISO 1600, which is used for capturing images in low light, the SX1 performed well for a point-and-shooter, but the Canon EOS Rebel XSi delivers only 47 percent of the noise the SX1 does. On my tests there was also some chromatic aberration, which suggests that color fringing could be visible in images.”
Rating:  

DCResource
“Overall the PowerShot SX1 took good quality photos. Exposure was consistently accurate, though the SX1 clips highlights, perhaps a little more than its cheaper sibling. Color and sharpness are both satisfying — no complaints there. The SX1 may have CMOS sensor like Canon’s digital SLRs, but don’t expect the image quality to be comparable. You’ll spot some speckled or grainy noise in low contrast and shadow areas of your photos, even at ISO 80.”

Digital Camera Review
“The camera shares a lot with the SX10, such as basic image quality and general operating characteristics, but the SX1 IS wins most of the important battles, if only incrementally, when we start talking about bottom line performance: a bit better shutter lag, faster continuous shooting rates both with and without AF, faster single shot-to-shot times, and faster flash recycle times with a slightly shorter range. Then there’s the HD movie capability the SX10 IS (and most other competitors) lack and the RAW shooting option.”

CNET
“Though it’s as big as and priced like a cheap dSLR, the Canon PowerShot SX1 IS delivers similar performance plus a 20x zoom lens and HD video that those can’t provide. And while it’s relatively expensive for its class and has some interface quirks, as long as you don’t need ultra-high-speed burst shooting, it’s probably the best megazoom option we’ve tested thus far.”
Rating:  

Hands-On Video at GearLog

Steves Digicams
“Canon has produced one awesome digital powerhouse, that can be used by anyone! The SX1 is a perfect “bridge” camera that fills the gap between consumer point-n-shoots and entry-level dSLR systems. While the price is close to a dSLR kit, there are several features you will not get on most dSLRs at this price point, like the 20x optical zoom, image stabilization, a 2.8-inch articulating LCD, full HD movie mode, etc.”

DPReview
“As it stands the SX1 – whilst interesting – offers too little to justify its high price, and while I’m sure that as its price falls it will become more attractive to a wider range of potential buyers, at the moment it’s impossible to see why you would buy one over the SX10 IS.”
Rating:  

DPInterface
“This is an excellent ultra-zoom camera which is very capable in both still shooting and movie recording. The SX1has possibly everything you could wish for: 20X zoom, a large, rotating LCD for angled shots, full manual controls with RAW, a 4 FPS burst mode (At full resolution!!), very fast performance, full HD 1080p movie mode and the list goes on… and it definitely deserves a Highly Recommended here.”

ITReviews
“We found this camera available online for considerably less than its £589 SRP, and although it is still expensive for a non-DSLR camera, the range of new technologies, solid design, far reaching zoom and Full HD movie capability should ensure the SX1 IS has a legion of fans.”

CameraLabs
“Canon’s PowerShot SX1 IS is arguably one of the most technologically successful hybrid cameras to date, offering both 10 Megapixel stills and Full HD 1080p video recording in a compact body with a 20x zoom, fully articulated screen, fast continuous shooting, flash hotshoe and HDMI port. As described above, there’s really very little this camera doesn’t offer.”
Rating:  

CNET Australia
“The SX1 IS is a great camera for those who don’t want the bulk of an SLR but desire the flexibility of different shooting modes and customisable options, with a long lens. The inclusion of (good quality) HD-video recording just makes the package even more appealing.”
Rating:  

PhotoReview
“Colour accuracy was fair in our Imatest assessments, which revealed the slightly elevated saturation, particularly in reds and blues, that is common in small-sensor digicams. Skin hues were slightly off the mark and Imatest also showed some colour drifts in orange and cyan hues.”
Rating:  

PCWorld
“The design is exactly what you’d expect: big and chunky — more of a Jeep than a sleek and stylish snapper. It is one of the largest non-SLR cameras we’ve used. Still, it is comfortable to hold and you have to make some tradeoffs for the gigantic zoom. The most notable design feature is the rotatable, widescreen LCD display, which offers a little more flexibility.”
Rating:  

PhotographyBlog
“Again, like the SX10 IS, image noise doesn’t reach unattractive levels until ISO 1600, and even this is comparable to results at ISO 800 from lesser models. Avoid the ISO 3200 equivalent setting though, unless you’re aiming for an image that resembles a painting left out in the rain. This leads us to conclude that in fairness the change of chip from CCD to CMOS (the latter of which historically always used to be the poorer relation), hasn’t really made much noticeable difference – positively or negatively – to image quality, meaning that you can’t, or shouldn’t, choose between the SX10 IS and SX1 IS on that feature alone.”
Rating:  

Firmware

Canon has announced a new firmware upgrade for the SX1. Version 2.0.0.0 adds RAW image recording.
Firmware Version 2.0.0.0