Canon Powershot SX200 IS

Review Index – (updated 10 October’09)

Buy-n-Shoot
“It is a highly recommendable unit that would make a great travel companion or gift for somebody who enjoys compact photography (and high definition video recording) and, in this case, its ability to switch between fully automated shooting, numerous pre-programmed and specific scene settings, and more manual-based shooting all within seconds.”
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Neocamera
“Reliable focus and exposure plus the best white-balance system from a compact camera we have seen in a long time. By default, colors are slightly more saturated than reality which, along with generally bright exposure, makes for punchy images.”

DPInterface
“The Canon PowerShot SX200’s speed and image quality were both ‘typically Canon’. The camera’s picture taking speed was above average, except the continuous shooting department. Image quality was very good as well; noise levels are kept fairly low with good center sharpness.”
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DPS
“The camera is an appealing long zoomer, but lacking in a few areas: there’s no RAW capture and it has poor continuous shooting performance. However, the camera did deliver quality images.”

PCWorld
“The Canon PowerShot SX200 IS is one of those rare point-and-shoots that are as easy to use as they are versatile, thanks to its intuitive controls, its big-time zoom lens, its addictive in-camera features, and its stellar image quality. We can’t find much to dislike about this camera. If you’re not put off by its bulkier-than-usual size, it’s a great buy for $350.”
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Shutterbug
“The SX200 IS is a handy traveling companion for those who want a pocketable camera with very good image quality and a host of options that will encourage you to make some fun shots. To me it’s a great camera to have along on a walk or hike, and would recommend it for artists who like to shoot photos as sketch diaries.”

Photo Review
“Low-light performance was above average for long exposures, particularly between ISO 100 and 400. From this point, image noise became increasingly visible, although at ISO 800 – noise would be unlikely to interfere with print quality at enlargements up to A4 size. At ISO 1600, we observed a small increase in overall noise levels but automatic noise-reduction processing produced noticeable softening in both long exposures and flash shots.”
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Imaging Resource
“Image quality, while suffering the usual small-camera blurry corners and chromatic aberration, showed surprisingly little distortion and accurate color. The big complaints are that the popup flash can’t be closed and close-up focusing was not accurate (which can be impossible to detect on the LCD). But the overall experience of using this versatile digicam was such delight.”

GoodGearGuide
“As it stands, the Canon PowerShot SX200 IS is a very good camera with plenty of features for everyone: novices will make good use of the easy mode, while experienced photographers will appreciate the manual features. It’s a comfortable camera to hold and it has the ability to take some very good shots — even in dim light.”
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Neutral Day
“The SX200 IS truly can meet multiple needs: macro, wide angle, telephoto, even high definition video. Overall performance may not win blue ribbons in any given category, but the SX200 IS does most things very well, with an approachable interface, enough controls for enthusiasts to be happy with, a competent lens, and yes, it even takes great pictures.”

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PCAuthority (As compared to the Panasonic ZS3/TZ7)
“With picture quality on par, and both cameras being easy to use (the Canon aided by helpful menu explanations), it was hard to separate both models. The Panasonic outclasses its rival with its video abilities, but Canon is our pick for more advanced users with its manual modes.”

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LetsGoDigital
“For now, the Canon SX200 IS provides versatile setting possibilities, an effective ISO range and a nice focal length. The camera also provides high picture quality, but unfortunately drops a stitch with its lens. Still, the Canon PowerShot SX200IS deserves a high ranking, a camera with true potential!”
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Cameras.co.uk
“This is a very good all round camera. The lens offers great flexibility and the features offer a great deal of scope. I like the picture quality it produces and it appears to have been well made. There are plenty of features to get your teeth into and it is hard to beat in its class.”
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Trusted Reviews
“The PowerShot SX200 IS is a rare camera, a genuinely good all-rounder. It has an attractive modern design, good build quality, comfortable easy-to-use handling, a wide range of user options and full manual exposure control. It performs well in a wide range of situations, and produces generally good results. It’s just a pity it’s so expensive, and that the competition is so good.”
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CNET
“I’m not thrilled with parts of the design, especially the mechanized flash, but none are so serious as to rule out the camera. Photo quality is very good for a megazoom as is its performance. Still, the lack of optical zoom while recording in Movie mode will no doubt steer some potential buyers away.”
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CNET Asia
“The shooter houses all the essential knick-knacks such as a wide-angle lens and HD video-recording function that keeps it in line with its competitors’ models. However, we were surprised the image quality wasn’t up to the Japanese company’s standard. That could be the ultimate deal breaker for this point-and-shoot.”
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Camera Labs
“The PowerShot SX200 IS is an impressive camera with some great features, and fulfills its brief to deliver a flexible super-zoom range with HD movies in a pocketable form-factor. Indeed it’s sufficiently good to easily earn our Recommended award.”
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RegHardware
“Canon has managed to squeeze a quart into something a little larger than a pint pot. The PowerShot SX200 IS has a good range of features, including a very versatile zoom, and offers much for both beginners or DSLR users looking for a smaller camera to take on their travels. Handling is good, although it’s let down by a quirky pop-up flash system.”
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CNET UK
“The Canon PowerShot SX200 IS’ manual exposure modes might tempt keen photographers, but these are undermined by the awkward controller. The image stabilisation is good, but the pictures are average.”
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DigitalCameraReview
“The SX200 comes off as just a little – dare we say it? – boring. Sure, it’s a reasonably solid camera that will give you little of substance to complain about (especially if you’re just looking for snapshots). But in spite of several upgrades over the SX110, the sum of these parts doesn’t always seem to add a lot to the overall experience. On the one hand, several key improvements – from HD video shooting to a wide-angle lens to a li-ion battery – have (finally!) given Canon an SX-series contender that’s capable of challenging Panasonic on turf long dominated by its Lumix TZ/ZS models.”

TechRadar
“While the camera lacks some of the finer points of the legendary PowerShot G9 and PowerShot G10 models, like their physically larger image sensors, hotshoe attachments and the ability to shoot in RAW as well as JPEG, it offers amazing versatility and excellence in image quality.”
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PhotographyBlog
“The 3 inch LCD screen has a lower resolution, the continuous shooting speed is over twice as slow, the lens is a little slower, the flash inexplicably pops-up for every shot. Which leaves us with a still very capable camera that will particularly appeal to the more experienced photographer, but also a camera that comes a clear second in the race, rather than occupying the top spot on the winners’ podium.”
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Digital Trends
“The Canon PowerShot SX200 IS is a very good choice for an all-around digicam—even for people who don’t travel that much. It takes fine people shots, works simply in smart auto, offers plenty of scene modes, and even lets you tweak manual adjustments. Definitely keep the ISO at 400 and lower; do that and you’ll have a fine camera that’ll last for years, a good selling point in these tough times.”
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InfoSync
“The Canon PowerShot SX200 IS exhibited a fair overall performance in bright light, given its basic imaging sensor and high pixel count, but we had more success in low light. Certain aspects of entry-level imaging were present at times in bright light, such as fringing and an unimpressive dynamic range.”
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DCResource
“Photo quality was very good in most respects. The SX200 took photos that were well-exposed, though (like most of its peers) it is prone to highlight clipping. Colors were accurate and vibrant, and subjects have the “smooth” appearance that is a Canon trademark. While Canon cameras got a bit noisier when the DIGIC 4 processor arrived, you can still get very nice results when light levels are good. In good light, you can make mid-to-large-sized prints through ISO 400. In low light, you’ll want to keep the ISO at 200 or below for best results. Purple fringing will pop up here and there, though it’s never horrible.”