The most recent Canon camera to be added to its powerful SX-series is the Canon Powershot SX230 HS, dubbed as the most advance model in the series, for this season.
Here’s our Canon Powershot SX230 HS camera review.
The Canon cameras under the SX-series is Canon’s compact super-zooms. The previous models such as the SX210IS and SX200IS are marketed with IS at the end of its names for Image Stabilization. Now the Canon SX230 has HS tagged at the end of its name and it represents Canon’s High Sensitivity system which is the most powerful and latest addition to Canon technology.
In spite the ‘HS’ tag, the Powershot SX230 still has an optical image stabilization function.
Canon has loaded its latest compact super-zoom camera with impressive specs which include a 12 megapixel CMOS image sensor and a 14x optical zoom lens. The Canon Powershot SX230 can shoot 1080p HD video recording. Want to be more impressed? The Canon SX230 also has a built-in GPS. Photos are viewed with its 3.0 inch LCD.
The camera sells for a slightly steep US$349 price tag.
THE FEATURES
The Canon SX230 has smart auto but it also offers manual control which allows users to adjust relevant exposure settings such as aperture, shutter speed, ISO. The camera also has a pre-defined 32 exposure settings, so one setting can fit the many situations you find yourself in.
BUILT AND HANDLING
The Canon SX230 did not change much from the past models of the SX series. There is an additional hump found in the body which is the GPS sensor. The body is still compact and easy to handle, you can wrap both hands around the SX230. It is a bit bulky though compared to relatively ‘easy to slip in a pocket’ point and shoot cameras.
There is a tiny raised hand-grip located at the front of the Canon camera which give a more secure grip. The locations of the zoom controls is designed to give you easy framing.
There is a separate shooting mode for full HD capture in order to capture quick video recordings of spontaneous moments.
VIEWFINDER
Canon did an upgrade with the Powershot SX230 HS when it comes to its LCD which has twice the resolution of previous models. There’s a wide 16:9 aspect ration and 100% frame coverage
WHAT’S THE HS BUZZ
The Canon Powershot SX230 uses the HS designation but what exactly is that technology? The High Sensitivity System is broken down to a fast CMOS type image sensor and their DIGIC 4 processor. It’s a backside-illuminated sensor and it offers less noise even at higer ISO speed are cranked up. Plus with the HS system the consumptions is more effecient.
ZOOM
The Canon SX230 does not have a offer a fast f/2.x maximum aperture. However, it does have a quick f/3.1 which is still quite fast for a 14x zoom lens. For all the zooming activities, Canon offers optical image stabilization system and gives 2-3 stops of compensation which enables you to cut down on blurring.
The zoom allows for a great field of view which comes out nice whether you are shooting close-ups of family and friends or your taking landscape photos.
There can be lens distortion at a full wide angle which can be a problem, zooming in a bit solves the problem.
IMAGE QUALITY
The latest digital camera from Canon captures great outdoor photos. Images are sharp as a tack throughout all zoom range but can be soft when it comes to wider angle. The images are clear though and the camera passes with flying colors.
Use Smart Auto because it takes great pictures but for best quality the Program mode is a good option.
When it comes to indoor images, it was not quite as impressive as the outdoor ones. The flash is very weak. You can adjust the ISO but higher settings leave with fuzzy pixels. The ISO system though is better than what is offered in the digital camera market. You can go as high as ISO 800 and still produce good images. At ISO 3200 there is still fine detail to be seen.
HD VIDEO
HD video is a normal feature in most compact cameras. The SX230 has a 1080p HD video (1920×1080), at 30fps with stereo sound. You can use the zoom lens while shooting the video. Of course the quality of the video can’t rival HD SLR videos but it is decent enough to capture great memories.
GPS FUNCTION
One of the selling point of the Canon Powershot SX230 is the built-in GPS. You can turn the function on and off, turning it on takes up battery power faster. When the GPS is turned on you will have an access to Google maps which shows you your exact destination.
The Canon Powershot SX230 HS is a good upgrade from the previous SX210 model with impressive features to offer. If you like a compact super zoom camera with GPS capabilities then you should check the SX230 out. The camera has bit of a steep price tag though, you should definitely check other models with super-zoom and GPS feature.
Canon - PowerShot SX230HS 12.1-Megapixel Digital Camera - Black
This digital camera features 14x optical and 4x digital zoom to bring you close to the action and image stabilization to help capture clear, crisp images. Smile and face detection help ensure you get a great shot every time.
14x optical/4x digital zoom3" LCD 1080p HD video modeGPS tracker
Product Features
- Flash modes Include auto, on, slow synchronization and off for taking pictures in a variety of conditions.
- Special effects Add an artistic touch to your photos. Effects include black-and-white, sepia, vivid and contrast adjustment.
- Face detection technology Isolates subjects in-frame and optimizes conditions to take ideal pictures of friends and family. Smile mode automatically snaps a picture when a subject smiles.
- GPS tracker Lets you mark photos with the location.
- Secure Digital memory slot >> Store more photos! Find compatible memory cards in our Memory Center!
- Autofocus For clear photos.
- USB interface For simple data transfer.
- DIGIC 4 image processor For enhanced picture quality.
- High ISO sensitivity (up to 3200) For improved image capture in low-light conditions. Optical Image Stabilization reduces image blur caused by camera shake and vibration.
- White balance options Include auto, daylight, cloudy, tungsten, fluorescent, underwater and custom.
- Scene modes Include sunset, toy camera effect, monochrome and more.
- 1080p HD video mode Records high-quality videos with stereo sound. Movie Digest mode records a short video clip right before a photo is taken and then combines 1 day's worth of clips into 1 video.
- 3" color TFT monitor For a clear display.
- 12.1-megapixel 1/2.3" CMOS image sensor Captures high-resolution images up to 4000 x 2248 pixels.
- 14x optical/4x digital/56x total zoom Lets you get close to the action.
| Manufacturer | Canon |
|---|---|
| Model | PowerShot SX230HS Black |
| Width | 4.2" |
| Height | 2.4" |
| Depth | 1.3" |
| Weight | 7.9 oz. |
| Camera Long Zoom | Yes |
| Camera Use | Compact|Fun & Basic |
| Shockproof | Yes |
| Coldproof | Yes |
| Waterproof | No |
| Smile Mode | Yes |
| HD Movie Mode | Yes |
| Color Category | Black |
| Touchscreen | No |
| Software Included | Solution Disc |
| Tripod Mount | No |
| Imaging Sensor Size | 1/2.3" |
| Imaging Sensor Type | CMOS |
| AC Adapter | Optional |
| Batteries | 1 battery pack NB-5L (included) |
| Image Storage Capacity | Varies |
| Exposure Control | Shutter |
| File Formats | JPEG, DPOF |
| Audio | Yes |
| Video Outputs | NTSC, PAL |
| Interface | USB |
| Camera Dock | Not included |
| Self-Timer | 10 sec. |
| Movie Mode | Yes |
| ISO Equivalent | Auto, 100, 200, 400, 800, 1600, 3200 |
| Focus Range | 2" - infinity (wide), 3.3' - infinity (telephoto); Macro: 2" - 1.6' (wide) |
| External Flash Mount | Yes |
| Orientation Sensor | Yes |
| White Balance | Auto, daylight, cloudy, tungsten, fluorescent, underwater, custom |
| Flash Modes | Auto, on, slow synchronization, off |
| Flash Range | 2.5' - 11.5' (wide); 3.3' - 6.6' (telephoto) |
| Aperture Range | f/3.1 - f/8.0 (wide); f/5.9 - f/8.0 (telephoto) |
| Shutter Speeds | 1 - 1/3200 sec. |
| Text Overlay | Date and time |
| Compatible Memory Formats | Secure Digital (SD) |
| Internal Memory | None |
| Face Detection | Yes |
| Image Stabilization | Yes |
| LCD Screen Features | TFT color |
| Viewfinder | LCD only |
| Lens Focal Length(s) | 28mm |
| Lens Features | Wide-angle lens |
| LCD Screen Size | 3" |
| Digital Zoom | 4x |
| Optical Zoom | 14x |
| Image Resolution | Up to 4000 x 2248 |
| Megapixels (Total) | 12.1 |
| Megapixels (Effective) | 12.1 |
| Included Items |
|---|
| Wrist strap (WS-DC11), Solution Disk V88 |
| A/V cable (AVC-DC400ST) |
| Battery charger (CB-2LX) |
| Canon PowerShot SX230HS 12.1-Megapixel Digital Camera |
| Battery pack (NB-5L) |
| Main Features |
|---|
| Smart AUTO intelligently selects the proper settings for the camera based on 32 predefined shooting situations |
| 12.1 effective megapixels, 1/2.3-inch high-sensitivity CMOS; 14x optical zoom and 4x digital zoom |
| Powerful 14x Optical Zoom with Optical Image Stabilizer and a 28mm Wide-Angle lens. |
| Full 1080p HD Video for exceptional quality with stereo sound, plus a dedicated movie button for easy access |
| Remember where you were and when your pictures were taken with a GPS tracker that records your location, and a logger |
| Canon's HS SYSTEM with a 12.1 MP CMOS and DIGIC 4 Image Processor |
| Optional Accessories |
|---|
| AmazonBasics 21-in-1 USB 2.0 Flash Memory Card Reader |
| AmazonBasics SDHC Class 4 32GB Secure Digital Card |
| AmazonBasics SDHC Class 10 4 GB Secure Digital Card |
| AmazonBasics SDHC Class 4 16GB Secure Digital Card |
| AmazonBasics 8 GB Class 4 SDHC Flash Memory Card |
| Similar Products |
|---|
| Canon PowerShot SX230 HS Digital Camera Battery - Premium TechFuel® NB-5L Battery |
| Brand New Canon Digital Camera Lithium-Ion Replacement NB-5L Battery |
| Case Logic TBC-302 Ultra Compact Camera Case with Storage (Black) |
| AmazonBasics SDHC Class 10 4 GB Secure Digital Card |
| AmazonBasics High-Speed A to C Type, HDMI to Mini-HDMI Cable with Ethernet (6.5 Feet/2 Meters) |
Product Images
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Camera you WILL love!!!
I just bought this camera and I'm extremely happy with it. Very fast shutter speed, great stabilization, and it does really well in low light. Most point and shoots that I've had in the past haven't even compared to this camera. The 14x zoom is so clear. The video quality looks amazing too. The editing options it has are really fun to play around with. I also like the size. For having 14x zoom it's pretty small.
Great camera, good pictures.
Once you get used to pushing the button down halfway to prepare for your picture, when you actually want to take the picture it's pretty much instant. I have two boys and try to get a lot of action shots and I do capture most of them! It takes some getting used to holding the camera as the flash is on the top left side normally where you would put your left hand. But once you get used to it, it's not a big deal. It's very easy to use for a beginner as well! So far I am very pleased with this camera. Get at least two batteries because it does seem to go through batteries quickly!
My new camera
Pictures look good. But the camera is hard to get use to holding it. If you hold it with both hands, and turn it on, the flash pops up where you are holding it with your left hand. I have to get use to holding it in a different fashion. There is really no comfortable way to hold this camera with out the fear of dropping it. And the strap is a very poor quailty strap and way to long. I put a different strap on it right a way. Getting back to holding the camera, either the flash is popping up on your first finger, it you hold it top to bottom, or your thumb is on the back viewscreen if you hold front to back.
Great Camera
Used this for a couple of months including three weeks in Italy. Took 3000 photos and am well satisfied. The GPS can take some time to kick in and cannot be used between tall buildings. Also the front moving cover bent from minor contact with something.
A great general purpose camera!!
I've had this camera for about a month now and it's great. Takes awesome pics even when zoomed in to 14X. I bought a high end 4GB memory card when I bought this and it seems to take great 1080 hd video. I have had no problems using the 1080 hd video at all. I bought an inexpensive HDMI so I could play the video on my 46" flat screen and they look great. I was really surprised at the video quality! I would definitely recommend getting a bigger memory card though if your going to take a lot of video because you can only get about 15 min. on the 4GB card. The only complaint I have is that the wrist strap is very cheap and I would recommend getting a better quality one right away.
I love this camera
I love that it is easy to use. The lack of a touch screen is wonderful, the selection wheel makes it far easier to use and harder to mess up. I like the features and the different functions and picture styles make simple pictures look professional. I scrapbook a lot and so the quality of the shots means a lot to me. It fits easily in my purse so I can have it handy whenever I need it. I would definately recomend it to any and all of my friends. It was a little pricey, but I feel that it was worth the money I put into it. I would recomend getting a second battery, I took so many pictures at my friend's wedding that I had to charge up in the middle of the reception.
Just what I wanted!
I should have done more research before I ended up with the Canon . In fact I had a Fuji film 2950 that I returned, Nikon 9100 cool pix returned, Panasonic Lumix ZS8 that I returned. I never return items. This was a first time for this. I am very happy with my purchase. Actually the Lumix was a nice camera, but I still liked the Canon better. The only feature that I am not crazy about is the pop up flash, it does get in the way a little, you just have to get used to it. The zoom is great. This is an advanced point and shoot camera. It is not a tiny tiny little camera, it is a good size weighs about 7 oz.. Can't go wrong. I don't know why Canon does't make the point and shoot with view finders any more. That would be a nice added feature when taking photos in the sunlight.
Love Canon
First off i always owned Canon cameras, i bought this camera for my first niece. very easy to use great quality pictures brilliant zoom, 1080 Great Camcorder. Battery life is great, as well as the GPS tracker. I highly recommend this Camera won't regret it..!!
HS system
Not much more to say. I really like this camera, but mostly bcz of the HS system. I've barely used the flash bcz of this, and that's awesome. Most of the time a low light subject ends up looking brighter than it is. Go check out other tech reviews for more specs, and look into this HS system a bit more. It's pretty cool.
Excellent camera!
This camera is easy to use, has many features and settings that are simple to find and use and give you great results! The zoom is wonderful and gives me sharp, clear pictures zoomed all the way in and without using a tripod! It takes excellent pictures AND video. I use it all the time and it is always with me!
Awesome camera!
The price for this camera was great, and the pictures are great.The speed on this camera is great I have had some very slow cameras before but this is very fast. The only bad thing about this camera is where the flash is but other than that it's the best camera ever.
The lens cap is automatic & broke/ got stuck.
The lens cap is automatic and got jammed or stuck after a few days use. I'm very disappointed in this camera and would not buy it again. It do not do well under travel conditions.
Better than the rest.
I was looking for a camera to replace one my wife lost at the zoo. Given that our last camera lasted three years, I wasn't afraid to spend a little more $ this time around. I set my sights on three cameras: 1. Canon 230HS ($299) 2. Nikon S9100 ($280) 3. Sony HX9V ($350) - eliminated based on it being over-priced IMO All are top-of-the-line "travel zooms" and I stumbled upon a review of these three cameras at www.dpreview.com (great site). Based on their overall conclusion, I bought the Nikon S9100. After using it for a week, I was disappointed by it's lack of features and "auto everything". I also disliked the fact that it charges the battery in camera only, and the continuous shooting options weren't working out for taking action shots of my 13 month old. I returned the Nikon and exchanged it for the canon 230HS. I couldn't be happier!!! The Canon 230HS is spectacular. There are incredible options both manual and automatic, the pictures are better, the autofocus is better, and the continuous shooting mode has provided loads of great shots already. Even better, the batty has a dedicated charge unit included! All in all, the Canon 230HS is the best of the best in this class. It has the options of a DSLR in a compact body. The GPS is a nice touch, but the battery discharges quickly so you'll need a spare. Still, If you're looking for a great camera for the next 3-4 years, buy this one and enjoy!
Great camera
I purchased this camera December 2011. Took it to Jackson Hole, Wyoming along with my Nikon SLR with it's many lenses and a Sony point and shoot camera. I used all 3 to take the same pictures and the Canon Powershot SX230 blew them all way. Love this camera!!!
Amazing zoom and great picture quality
I almost didn't buy this camera because of a bad past experience with a Canon camera. But, after testing it out in the store, I knew it was the camera for me. This camera takes excellent quality pictures. I keep it on the "Auto" setting all the time, and it takes great pictures in any condition (sunlight, dark, motion, etc.). Picture colors are very accurate. Better than any other compact/point-and-shoot camera I tried in the store. I especially like the 14x zoom on the camera. That is a feature you normally need a DSLR camera for. The battery is a rechargeable lithium-ion battery. It lasts quite a long time. We took the camera on vacation, and took around 300 hundred pictures and some videos before having to recharge the battery. Video is HD quality. The camera focuses and snaps photos very quickly. Shots we would have definitely missed with our old camera (due to focusing issues or shutter speed) came out beautifully with this one. The only downside I see to this camera is the pop-up flash. It sometimes gets in the way. And by that I mean you have to be careful where you are holding the camera (finger placement) as you turn it on, or the flash won't pop-up. And sometimes you can accidentally push the flash down just holding the camera normally. But, once you become used to the flash, you know to be careful with finger placement on that side of the camera.
A bunch of features at your finger tips.
Great quality pics. The GPS feature is ideal for travelers. The long zoom is incredible. The smile detection feature works like a charm. Great camera packed with more than what you need.
Great Camera
Love this camera - It was the smallest i could find with the largest telephoto lens and with good reviews - the photos are quite good even at the 14 X zoom - One needs to download the booklet though in order to read how to use all the features -
Good Video
I bought this for its (1) compactness and (2) video. The full-HD video is great! The quality of stills is not so great. Plus in low-light there is a lot of noise. But I have DSLR for those, so it's OK.
Great value
I've had this camera for over a month now and love it. I am very happy with the overall quality of the images and the ease of use. I previously tried the Nikon S9100 and was very disappointed with the image quality. When using a point and shoot I expect to get decent pictures by just pointing and shooting. This Canon is very good for the price range. My only complaint on this camera is that the lens cover pieces that retract and close when the camera goes on and off are very fragile and thin -- they are easily dented or bent when in in the closed position if you were to put this in your pocket with any other items in the pocket. Overall I'm very happy with it.
Overall pleased
The pop-up flash takes some getting used to because of it's position. When I first got the camera and was turning it on, I often accidentally held down the flash. Once I got used to it and changed how I held it, it was no problem. I like how once you turn the camera off, the flash folds down. The menus take some getting used to, but I imagine that's because there are so many effects and adjustments available. There is a favorite/easy mode and, of course, an auto mode. Some of the fun effects, probably similar to other cameras, are fish-eye effect, toy camera effect, and miniature effect. I couldn't find an aquarium setting. Maybe I wasn't looking in the right place. Let me know if you find it - or how to replicate it using other adjustments. Also, it's a bit harder to delete a single image/video, for better or worse. I think it's something like 4 button pushes through the menu. No major complaints.
Very disappointed
My wife bought this for me because she knew I liked Canon products. By the time the Best Buy return-for-refund had passed I was still trying to figure out the bells and whistles; it was not until we returned from a trip that I tried to download the movies and discovered a) they were in MOV format (no option in camera to choose AVI or MPG) and the fine print in the instruction manual says - oh the images may jump and be uneven - if you want to view them properly just copying them back to the camera! I called Canon customer service and they told me oh, just convert them to AVI using ZoomBrowser which was as cumbersome a process you could imagine. I am thoroughly disgusted. No wonder it was on sale.
Great camera
I've only had this camera for less than a month and I absolutely love it. The photo quality is great! Since I've only had it for less than a month, I can't provide a more detailed review as I need to play around with more of it's features. I'm sure anyone who loves Canon cameras will love this one too!
Very easy to use, love this camera
I would recommend this product for beginner photographers.
Overall great travel zoom.
Overall this is a great camera, however the zoom is pretty slow. Besides that, it has good image stabilization and for the price, can't be beaten.
Great little camera
I like its small size and the ease of focusing, the automatic flash pop up when I remember to move my fingers out of the way. I also like the fact that the on/off switch is not on the top so cannot be accidentally engaged.
Advanced features, but easy to use!
This is a great starter camera which has expansive features. I bought the camera for my wife; who loved it, but so did I! I'm using a "manual" guy and this camera had those features, too! The Creative Filters also offered neat effects you see in upper end models, like the Canon T2i. I liked the customized timer/delay which an inquiring person could adapt to bracketing (if using CHDK ;) ). I was disappointed by battery life; however, once you are notified of low battery, it still has about 20-30% left! Pick up a spare just in case! We experienced dark spots on the images after 4-5 months over moderate use. Warranty by Canon covered the issue. Dust on the sensor (internal) is especially noticeable on a blue sky.
I love this Camera! Its a must purchase!
I take lots of pictures of a little one in motion so I need a really good camera. I had a bigger over priced camera which I hated so I sold it and bought this hopping that it was the one.....and it was! I would suggest it to anyone.
Video quality
This is the best digital camera that I have ever had. The anti-shake feature is great. I take a lot of movies with it and you'd thought I was using a tripod.
Great quality for a point and shoot camera
Was looking for a compact camera with good picture quality and features. So far this one has worked out great. I don't want to lug around a bulky SLR or DSLR. I've gone through about three nikon's over the past 4 years so I figured I would try something new.
Nice pictures but...
Purchased this camera after researching Nikon 9100 and 8200. While the pictures are good the pop up flash is very annoying. Upgraded memory card to San Disk 16. In sun light screen is ok but the deal breaker is the battery life or lack there of. What was otherwise a good point and shoot I choose to return it, could not live with poor battery life. Why can't Cannon make cameras with better battery life like some other manufactures?
Not worth the money
I purchased this camera and compared to my old Kodak, the Sony WX9, Sony HX7, Sony HX9v. Of all those cameras it was the lowest in performance. My biggest problems were: low light/indoor shots definately not up to par with the sony on indoor shots, the auto mode takes way too long to focus-I missed several shots of my kids who were barely moving and when I got the shot most were soft or blurred. The lag time between shots and then add in focus time is just inexcusable in this price range. Also the red eye reduction is a joke, I do like how it automatically corrects red eye for you, cool feature, however, it does not fill in the entire pupil so you can see a ring of red around it, if you are not printing large prints you probably won't notice but I noticed on my laptop screen, and when I zoomed in on camera screen. Whenever my children sat still long enough for me to focus & take shot the picture was awesome. However, out of about 130 shots, I had only 5 that were perfect in focus, perfect white balance, and perfect color, and sharp. I feel that for a the name of canon and the price they command there is not excuse for these shortfalls, even though they have nice in camera features and this one surprisingly for canon is quite user friendly. Bottom Line, don't waist your money. After 5 cameras I finally found the one that was as close to good as I am going to get which was the Sony HX9v.
Yes!
I got this camera for it's size and the control. This is perfect for the front pocket for those fast and easy shots and also has enough juice in it to go manual. I see some had said it was too heavy. Really?! I own a Mark-IV and that is a tank to carry around. This is like putting a library card in your front pocket. It's light and easy to use. I got this point and shoot primarily for it's size and manual settings. I like the control it allows, unlike other point and shoots. This is perfect for me and what I use it for.
I have enjoyed my new camera from MN>ME>FL.
Very nice camera. I wouldn't be without it. It's much more then a beginners camera but not as complex as an SLR.
Great Camera, lots of features
As others have stated the screen gets nearly useless in bright sunlight, and no RAW shooting. That is the only negatives I can find with this camera, so far. I would really like to see a viewfinder. The video is excellent for such a small camera, and the photos are clean and crisp. I think most people will find the camera a great little point and shoot for when they don't want to pack the DSLR. It easy to use for the beginners, and has enough features to challenge all but the most avid photo people out there, your choice. The screens are fairly easy to navigate, and did I say yet how nice the screen is? The screen is very nice for viewing and taking pictures and videos. The battery life is a little short, but extra batteries are cheap. I purchased a Lenmar DLC5L from newegg for $9.56, works as well as the original, maybe better for two times the battery life. Now I need a bigger memory card. I like the fast start-up time and it is quick to take pictures, no delay on the shutter like some small cameras I have used. All in all a nice little camera, that does a superb job. Handles very well and does what it's supposed to do. Some complained about the audio, I find the audio to be very good. It picks up low volumes very well and filters wind quite nicely. I think you will like the purchase, I am very pleased.
Great for pictures, not so much for video
I had this camera for the 2 week trial period, after trying a Sony DSC-HX7V previously, and had definite mixed feelings about it. It is supposedly the best of the mega-zoom premium point and shoot for photos. It was good, although not great in that area (although some of that may be that I never learned to use all the settings correctly). But the video wasn't nearly on par with the Sony. I was looking for an all around camera that could do both well, if not perfectly. Ended up returning the Canon and getting the Sony DSC-HX9v. So far it has taken better pictures than the HX7V and almost equal with the Canon. But the video is silky smooth and I like it's features (like Panorama) more. The Canon is a very good camera and a fine choice for many. Just not me.
Fantastic camera
I bought this camera to carry in my pocket every day for shooting Misc Pictures and to take video with. It has worked fantastic for this and I have loved the pictures and video it has taken. Well worth the money!!
Great compact camera
I bought this camera as a replacement for a Nikon P500 camera I recently lost. The P500 is a great camera but I decided I wanted a more compact camera with advanced features. I compared a lot of cameras before deciding on getting the Canon SX230HS. What impressed me about this camera were the many features and DSLR settings in such a small package. I've had the camera now for about 6 weeks and I am completely satisfied with the purchase. The camera takes excellent photographs and HD video.
Expected more from Canon
For the first time I am considering buying a Nikon over a Canon. I bought it because of the extended zoom...big mistake. Couldnt even enjoy it due to fact the pictures came out blurry most of the time, unless you took your time and held the button down before shooting the picture. And forget about asking someone else to take a picture for you...Instructions are difficult too. Not for someone who is use to just pointing and shooting like most of Canons other cameras in the $ 300.00 price range. I knew something was up when the price dropped $100.00 within 3mos of my purchase. Dont buy just for extended zoom.
great all around
great camera with nice design. It is a little cumbersome to hold due to the flash position but not a big deal. great pics so far and got a great price during holiday season. easy to use features for beginner and battery life is pretty good. Haven't used it much in low light yet but pics have been very nice so far. I had a nikon for 12 years and wasn't sure if the cannon would have the same quality but I am pleasantly surprised and pleased with purchase
Great Camera, Average Image Quality
I like the features, the zoom lens, GPS, creative filters, etc, but the image quality isn't impressive. It's probably the best in it's class, but still not awesome. We have a SD1200 IS that's a couple years and I think it takes better photos. The video quality is good. A 16x9 display on a camera that shoot standard 4x3 is kind of a waste. In normal shooting you get black bars on the sides, so you really end up with screen size that's less than 2.5 inches. It switches to wide screen when shooting video and that looks really nice, but the video format is huge. A four minute clip was like 1 GB at 1080p. The battery is dead after around 100 pictures and a few videos if you use the GPS. Most people would probably love this camera, but I guess I've turned into an image quality snob. One of the main reasons I bought the camera is to take out hunting. I wanted something small with a good zoom lens, and I got that out of the camera, so it serves it's purpose for me. I might recommend this camera, but with some caveats on what your expectations are. As always, the Canon interface is great, very intuitive and easy to use.
Good camera with program to manual operation
Pros - good pictures, large zoom range, and multiple settings. Cons - flimsy lens cover shutter and front protector. Gets bent easly and inhibits lens cover movement.
Pretty good camera, not worth the extra $
I like the camera and it takes good quality photos. I am not an expert by any means, but I have had several digital cameras through the years including a Nikon slr. I have had nikon, canon, panasonic, fuji and kodak. I have always been impressed by canon and the quality of the pictures. That is why I chose canon again. Last year I bought the panasonic fh-20 and this year this one so both me and my wife could take pictures on vacation. We got them developed and they both look good. Maybe my expectations were too high, but I expected better quality from Canon. The zoom is much better, but other than that I am not sure it was worth $150 more.
Easy to use; compact; dependable lithium battery
Great size for kayaking, hiking, traveling. Easy to use. Dependable - works all the time. No "lens error" readings! Instant auto focus, even while zooming. Its software won't work in our 10 yr old Power Mac G4 computer, be we are upgrading our computer asap. Canon & Mac work together well!
Great camera: easy to use + great pics
Great camera! We purchased it for a trip to Australia just a week before leaving. The camera proved extremely easy to use, and everyone in our family was able to shoot effectively right from the start. The camera's wide angle lens allowed for great in-door (close-up) pictures, while the zoom allowed us to capture wildlife around us -- even at a surprising distance. The SX-230's produced great pictures in every kind of lighting we encountered.
Phenomenal Camera!
This should be just about the easiest review ever. Canon has really raised the bar with the SX230HS. From the easy to navigate menus, the slim camera body, shockingly great zoom, and unmatched clarity, this camera truly has it all. I would be hard pressed to believe that there is another point-and-shoot camera in it's price range that could compete. I am completely satisfied with this purchase, and I am very picky with cameras. Would I recommend this camera? Yes, 100%!
Great second camera
I have DSLR that I use most of the time but occassionally want a smaller compact camera when traveling and this camera fits my needs. The picture quality and ease of use are excellent. It has a lot of great manual settings that allow me to get great shots every time. I would highly recommend this camera.
Awesome
I absolutely love this camera. I am a scrapbooker and litterally takes hundreds of pics a week of my kids, grandkids, pets, and all of their activities. This camera is simply amazing, easy to use, and pic quality is unbelievable. Definitely recommend!
great picture quality
Just like any digital camera there is some getting used to time with this camera. It was recommended by the store rep and I feel it was a good choice. It would have been nice if the mini-hdmi cable came with the camera as well. That's about the worst thing I can offer about this camera package.
Two Week Review - Canon SX230 HS
I've owned this Canon SX230 HS camera for just over two weeks now. During this time I've done about everything this camera offers - auto and manual. Overall, I gave it top ratings since the picture quality is fantastic and has nice features - especially the 14x zoom and that's what I wanted. GOOD Fantastic colors Many good features Auto and manual controls Good menu and easy navigation of controls Zoom is outstanding (optical at 14x) Zoom has variable speed when taking photos Low light shots are very good BAD 1080/24 video is VERY choppy (biggest complaint) 720/30 video is good (but its not 1080) Don't like the location of the popup flash (you can manully open or close it) Battery goes out pretty quick so buy an extra battery or two This review form only allows one area for both picture (photo) quality and video. The picture/photo quality are tops - 5 stars. However, if there was a separate video rating, at most it would be a 3. Lower resolutions are also available and no problems with them but I expect better HD videos. Overall the camera is very good and if I was buying again, I would buy this camera. The only thing I really have a serious issue with is the 1080/24 video - it really is not good for fast moving objects but ok for really slow or near still video.
Great camera
Takes great pictures and is easy to figure out and use.
This is a great camera!!
I took this camera to a concert and I was absolutely amazed at the camera's ability to zoom in while still maintaining a great picture quality.
awesome picture quality and high zoom
If you want the best picture quality and highest zoom for the price, this camera is definitely for you. Canon quality has always been the best, so don't be fooled by other companies that have a bit higher zoom or megpixel rating. This camera offers the best features for the price. For those complaining about battery life - all cameras with big zooms and people using them with the flash will shorten the battery down to a few dozen pictures. Use these in the daylight with low zooming, and they last to 300 or more pictures. I've had sony's, olympus and several canons. The older canon has taken well over 8000 pictures and is still going strong and it is 2 years old.
Works OK in Auto, but hard to change settings.
I bought camera because it had manual settings like my EOS D7. But the D7 is easier to change settings and get to ones you need. This camera can be confused by different lighting situations and it is cumbersome to change the AF settings to spot focus. Fill flash does not do a good job if subject is too dark because of light background. The AF sometimes does not get a good reading.
professional settings without the bulk! great pics
i bought this camera because i decided the larger SLR cameras were too complicated for my lifestyle. i don't have time to take classes and learn all about the features and techniques. this camera has advanced settings while still able to fit in my pocket. love it! i did however experience an issue with the lens door sticking open. i recommend buying a case so nothing in your pocket damages the camera. I will post pics on tanglife-com for those who want to see the quality. enjoy.
Good camera if you don't demand top quality images
Don't really want to rehash things already stated in previous reviews. I ended up returning the camera because the image quality wasn't meeting my standards (too much noise at anything above ISO 100). If you are a casual photographer, the image quality should be just fine. I gave this camera 4 stars because it really is the best travel zoom. My conclusion is that if you want mega zoom in a compact, image quality takes a backseat. In place of the SX230 I bought a Canon S95 and so far I am quite satisfied. The lack of big zoom, true HD video, and GPS is worth it to get a bright lens and much cleaner images.
Wow! Great features and images
This is by far the best Canon camera I have owned. Great image quality and very fast. Burst shooting is smooth and even. The features in manual mode are far more than I was expecting. The low light setting is also equally exciting. I need a small, handy, camera for taking photos of live music events. This one is just what I needed. The pop up flash really helps to reduce red eye and is easy to access. I used to have a SD3500 from Canon and I liked it a lot but the features on the SX230 are far more usable and accurate. Pick one up and enjoy.
Great camera for a point and shoot-love the zoom
I took this with me to Europe. I loved the extra zoom and it took great pictures. It is a little heavy for a small camera but not a problem. The features were easy to use and understand for those of us who don't know much about cameras. My daughter is a "camera" person and says she may get this one as her new small camera.
a bit disappointed
This camera can take great pictures, however, many times it is very slow to auto focus causing either a missed shot or blurry image. Overall its a good and easy to use camera and the good pictures are very good.
Love it, but still missing my old SD800IS
I have to share that from a features and specs standpoint, I love all that this camera has to offer ... it's almost a compact DSLR. Great pictures, but very sensitive, so have to be careful as a picture can be blurred if a fly comes by before the picture is snapped. The overall quality is very much aligned to my SD800IS and then some, but I'm annoyed by 2 things... 1) the location of the flash is horrible ... it's pop up, and that it usually where my hand is. if you prevent the flash light to come up, there is no way to get it up other than turning it off and then on. seriously annoying. 2) battery life ... it blows. my other camera i didn't have to worry about charging ... this one, you better fork up a spare battery (look online as you can find them for cheap). it's a inconvenience really more than anything else. I'm happy with it as the pictures are sharp and it's loaded with features and control, AND has true HD video. But you can see the cons that make my give it a good as opposed to excellent.
very pleased
Great camera. Takes good quality pics. Definitely happy with my purchase.
I PURCHASED THE GPS CANON IN EVERETT, WA BEST BUY
THE CAMERA WAS NOT PRESENTLY PROPERLY! TO COMPLICATED TO USE EASILY AND I WAS NOT TOLD ABOUT THIS OR I WOULD NOT HAVE PURCHASED THE CAMERA...I WAS TOLD THAT THE LOCATION WOULD AUTOMATICALLY SHOW UP ON EACH PICTURE!
Amazing camera and feature packed!
This Canon Powershot model is brand new for the Canon lineup this season, and already I could tell there are some huge improvements. First and foremost is the zoom. 14x optical is a versatile number, so your camera can go where you want to go without the bulkiness in size. I've never had to worry about snapping a picture of a farther object with this camera. Next would be all the creative features you can find in the scene mode. Some features like Color Accent and Fisheye either require an expensive lens for such an effect or a time consuming process in photo editing software. This is definately a camera for creative eyes. the manual mode on this camera is a great way to get your feet wet with taking the reins of your camera and really exposing great shots. A lot of concepts found on D-SLR cameras has been incorporated into the SX230 IS such as a light meter, exposure bracketing and shutter/aperture control. The only downside I could think of was the placement of the in-camera flash. Its located at the top left corner of the camera, where most people usually place their finger for grip. Its nothing to major in my opinion. All it requires is just a little time to adapt and then this Canon camera will perform amazingly!
I recommend it.
I saw my friend got this camera and were amazed with the picture quality so I got one too.
All the features of a DSLR in a compact form
I tried other camera's and returned them because the photo quality was poor and the ease of use was a little "too technical" when your trying not to miss one of those, "Kodak Moments". I find this camera to be easy to use after exploring all its features. I really like the special effect features. Too many to mention, but love:miniature effect, color saturation, B&W, sepia,etc, vintage edges, landscape, etc. It takes great fireworks photos too! The zoom is awesome, especially at a concert. The stability is far better then others I've tried and I'm satisfied. The print quality is satisfactory and I can see the detail of my childrens freckles or a tiny bee on a plant. I'm unsure of my opinion on the resolution. I have had other camera's with better quality in the past. I find the best setting to use is Auto.The camera is a little heavier then my old Olympus point and shoot, but it has more features including the better zoom. The video setting is also very good, but the sound is not the greatest. The one downfall is the battery life is poor. They are expensive, but it is best to have a back up especially when on vacation. There should be an owner's manual, but its a disc for online use. Overall, I am pleased with my purchase.
Camera for people who don't remember
This camera has a GPS feature that marks where pictures were taken. Some of us say we will rember where picture was taken now a camera that does it for you it is also easy to use and compact for all it can do.
Excellent Point and Shoot, but miss the viewfinder
This is an excellent point and shoot camera. The quality approaches that of many DSLRs. The lack of a viewfinder makes tracking fast moving subjects a little difficult, particularly if you are using the optical zoom at it's limit. My only other complaint would be the automatic lens cover that sometimes sticks partly open when the camera is powered down, and then does not open fully when the camera is next powered up! The features/modes rival many cameras at double the price. I do not leave the GPS on all of the time due to battery depletion. It is a nice feature to have on when you have the signal available though. I have had success shooting the full moon, while hand holding, a test I like to perform with each camera I own/use. Due to the large sensor size and the high zoom ratio, I can get photos that show the craters as though I were using a small telescope with a camera mount...all while hand holding! I always keep a spare battery and SD card in my pocket, as I find that I take so many snapshots with this camera that I run out of power and memory! It has become my permanent sidekick!
A lot of features
Low light photos were better than my other cameras. Someone complained about the battery life but if you turn off the GPS when not using the camera, it prolongs the life of the battery. I keep extra batteries and I do find I am switching out more often but I feel it is a minor inconvenience. Still learn more of the camera.
Great product from great service
the stuff from bestbuy was soooooo friendly, he just keep me feel like a real customer when I ask questions. the product is great in look, and the pictures taken from it are great. the rotate pan is a little confusing if you do not like to read the operator's book. It's a great purchase in bestbuy overall.
best camera ever owned
very user friendly. different setting are explained upon switching to them. awesome picture quality.
Purchased for the Zoom
I mostly purchased this camera for the zoom and lightness. I haven't used the camera enough yet to be able to review all its features but I am very pleased with the zoom and auto face focus. It fits nicely in a pocket or purse. No complaints!
We love this camera; good starter camera
This camera was a gift to my daughter who wants to be a professional photographer. This is a great learning camera. It is more than a Point n Shoot camera but less that a professional SLR digital camera. She was able to figure out the features of this camera right away with only reviewing the User Manual. In fact, I have a Canon EOS Rebel T2i and we compared photos we both took of a spider's web and her camera produced the better picture. We both love the camera.
Too much noise to be great
The camera size and zoom range are strong suits for the camera, but the noise level prevents from it from getting higher marks. Camera does OK in bright light but the photos seem flat (like most point and shoots) due to too much processing. Indoors, I force the camera to ISO 400 because there is too much noise at higher ISOs. Still, there is much more noise than with my 6 year old DSLR. If you're looking for something to take snapshots, this camera will do it, but the pictures won't be great unless there is a LOT of light. Previously had an S90 that did about the same but cost even more.
Auto mode makes it simple
I have only had camera for a month but just finished a vacation where I used it a lot. Auto mode takes great shots. I experimented with the program mode with great results. I tried the panoramic mode but unable to complete shots. I am sure it was my lack of knowledge but without a printed manual to refer to I was at a loss. I guess that is the only negative thing I found with the camera. There are a ton of features and it would be nice to have something to refer to "on site". I hope to learn and commit to memory the many programs and modes of operation. I haven't tried the movie mode. The battery seemed to last pretty well. I used the camera all day taking shots and the battery held up. I did buy a spare battery just in case.
Takes Great Pictures and Fits in the Pocket
Picture quality is by far my top criteria for a camera, and this one continues Canon's reputation for taking wonderful pictures. In spite of its mega zoom, it easily fits in my pocket. Some have questioned the life of a battery charge, but I've found it more than enough for a non-professional photographer.
Good pocket camera
The camera is very good for a pocket camera with manual controls. The Auto controls are not great - they overuse variation in ISO rather than flash (e.g. shooting indoors at ISO 1600 vs. just filling with a flash).
Great close-ups
This cameras zoom capability is fantastic. It's easy to use and takes great pictures. Only downside is the location of the pop up flash. It's in the same place I'd like my hand to be.
Very happy with purchase
This is not a simple point and shoot camera, but the picture quality is excellent. I would have liked to buy a simpler camera, but I tried a couple and they could not compare with the picture quality. It is missing some features I liked on other cameras, such as a simple stitch feature. The wide angle HD video and wide screen photos are a nice and the single button video or photo feature is very useful. As the summary says, I am very happy with the camera but there are a few things I would change, but then nothing is perfect to every person.
This camera is pretty awesome
I bought this camera a couple months ago for the zoom and GPS features. I went on vacation to Tokyo and Yokohama and got some great pictures. Discovering the miniature/tilt shift filter for videos/stills was a nice surprise. Controls are easy to use. My only complaint is with the GPS acquisition time, which is still faster than most but I guess I had unrealistic expectations.
Superb HD Video
Great camera specially a pocket video camera. Plug and play video on Mac no softwares needed. Not so gr8 of a picture camera at this price. Annoying flash pop up on start up. Very delicate at handling,
medium experience - not a beginners aim and shoot
I LOVE the camera. It is not for beginners as I have had to take the time to learn the and I haven't completely figured it out yet. I LOVE the pictures it takes and the zoom is AMAZING. It is a camera I hope to have for a VERY long time. I would absolutly get again even though it was more than I was plannng to spend but well worth every penny! If you are looking for a camera that you've had some experience with but are looking to grow in your ability advance in your picture taking this is the camera for you!
Great Camera
Enjoy thr ease of using this camera. It take great pictures and HD video.
Easy to learn/use. Great zoom & picture clarity.
I really like the features on the Cannon Power Shot SX230HS and all the features it offers. It was easy to use and provides quality photos. It does not disappoint.
Great camera for a beginner
I am looking forward to taking many family pictures.
great quality pics and easy to use
have had this camera only a month or so but used it right away for a trip to acadia, maine and it took awesome pics including close-ups, great zoom with no blurring and also did not need flash in most dark areas...pics came out looking great and much better than with my older model powershot. My daughter loves the fisheye effect for her friends and the video is much better quality than other camera's. Also looks great when viewing on our HDTV. Good camera for the price. I was able to fit it into the side pocket of my hiking pants without it annoying me all day!
Great camera!
I absolutely love this camera! I had read so many reviews trying to find a good camera for concerts,and shows. They all had bad reviews,though. And a Best Buy sales rep recommended this camera to me,so I got on and read reviews on it, It has such fun settings to mess around with. It's great for concerts,and basically anything. Great camera and not having to go professional and have problems trying to take them to shows,and stuff. It's amazing on the beach,the lighting and all. Great zoom! Great battery life. (Lasts about 2 hours shooting continuously). The HD Video is great,too! I love everything about this camera! I recommend getting it if you're into high quality pictures.
great camera and affordable.
my 2nd time to buy this camera, 1st one a gift to my daughter- an excellent camera ,A + ,good also for video taking.
Canon is the only camera I will buy.
The Canon lens are the best. This camera is easy to carry in your pocket, making it readily available to take a picture. This camera is the best of point-and-shoot cameras I have owned.
Great Features / Quality
This is an outstanding camera for its price range. It's a little heavier than the other digital cameras I looked at (which somehow just feels like better quality...) :) and has a great optical zoom without being a massive camera that's too awkward to carry around. It also has lots of exciting features like color accent and color swap which are fun but you can also put it on manual mode so if you're so inclined, you can learn the tools to be a better photographer while still having the ease of use for when you just want to take a quick, high quality picture. My one complaint is the flash popping up in the corner. It took me a while to realize that if I had my hand over it when turning it on then the flash will not pop up on its own to take pictures. This is easy to fix though. You just pull up the flash when you need it and push it down when you don't! I chose this over the Nikon Coolpix S9100 even though the Nikon has a higher optical zoom (18x) it does not allow you to go in full manual mode. As chance would have it, my friend bought the coolpix and at a recent party we both took lots of low light photos and I think my pictures came out with much better color. Win for the Canon! :)
Love this camera
I bought this camera to replace a Kodak 5MP 10X zoom camera. It took great photos but was to big and bulky to always carry around. The Canon PowerShot SX230HS is a very nice compact size, but has the features and quality of larger more expensive cameras. I absolutely love the 14x zoom. The picture quality is great and I especially love the results of taking photos in low light without a flash. My primary uses for the camera are to capture our 18 month old son and vacations. This camera is fast, never have to wait in order to get that perfect shot of our son and it takes great pictures when he is running around. Went to DC for a few days and have the best pictures ever. Outside in full sun, at dusk of the monuments, in low light in museums (without flash). Great camera
LOVE this camera!!!
This is an amazing camera! My favorite part: the ZOOM! Enabling the digital zoom gives you an unreal ability to dial in on that far away object that you can barely see with the naked eye. I love it! The features are awesome!! The picture quality is great! I love going to sporting events and capturing the action with the continual shutter mode. The smile detector shutter is pretty cool. I would recommend disabling the GPS to extend the battery life. Although this camera is pricey for a compact digital camera, it is well worth the extra money. BUY IT!!
Great features for a compact camera
I bought this for a trip to Utah and Las Vegas as a replacement for a smaller Canon Elph which is ultra-compact but not that great for quality shots. The new camera is only a bit bigger but has a LOT more features and control. I like to play with exposure and other settings but wanted something compact, and this allows for a lot of freedom. The Auto mode works pretty well for most shots if you don't want to think too much. The video quality is awesome for such a small package. It was even able to take a couple of knocks when I almost dropped it (I luckily caught the metal edge) but I wouldn't want to test it again. The only drawbacks I've found is that the buttons/dials are a bit small (not much of a problem for me) ,the GPS does take quite a while to acquire, and the battery life is a bit short (probably because of the GPS). Definitely buy a spare battery. When I got mine, the sales associate recommended a good package of a spare battery and case, both of which I needed, and it saved me some money.
Takes great pictures in dark places.
I've only used this camera for a few weeks but it feels comfortable in my hands, and I don't get a lot of camera shake. I used it on a trip to Indonesia and have some excellent pictures. It does a good job taking shots out of a moving car. In the kids mode good shots of a group of people where one or more might move. But I don't like the location of the flash because it is where I usually hold the camera, so it interfers with the pop up. Also if there was backlight there was no way to put a flash on in the Auto mode.
Quality Camera with a zoom
I like the camera and it takes good pictures. My primary complaints are that it is complicated to manually adjust the flash on/off and the controls for adjusting camera settings are not intuitive. I would buy this camera again, it will just take some time to master all of the features.
Great camera
It was a good purchase. Very easy to use and lots of features.
Simple to use
Camera is compact allowing easy carrying. Lens fogs up too easily when moving indoors out causing a hazy photo. Pop up flash is in a poor location making camera difficult to hold during shooting. Other features are simple to navigate for a beginner like myself.
Not good at all - very disappointed!
Very disappointing for a Canon. This was my fourth Canon, my first was 20D, my second an A630, my third was 7D. I purchased the SX230HS for a trip to Europe this August. My primary reason for purchasing it was the GPS tagging. I had the camera in my possession for five days in that time I had to charge the battery four times. I only managed to take about 40 exposures. The GPS proved unreliable, many photos were not tagged GPS took a long time to establish it's position, but really the complete lack of battery life is why I returned it to the store. It is a sad day when Panasonic makes a better product then Canon.
Great Camera in Low Light!!
I used this camera to photograph's my son's concert recital and was AMAZED at how well the pitcures came out in the low light!! I am also extemely happy with the 'compactness' of the camera even though it has a 14x optical zoom built in. This is a great compliment to my Canon 5D Mark II when I need a more portable solution.
Nice Camera
Great picture quality. Good zoom capability. Easy to use features but you can get as technical as you want with adjusting every and any setting yourself. Capabilities that you can grow into or not - your choice. Auto features produce VERY nice pics if you are not inclined to monkey with detailed settings.
Great camera for zooming
Enjoying this camera so far. Wish I had a screen protector for it. A view finder would be good when the sun is bright.
Great Camera
I bought this camera for my trip to Hawaii and I decided to test run and take some pictures. My first problem was the flash , it;s in the wrong place I've got big hands and the flash keeps getting in the way, the second problem is the Battery life I charged this battery for a day , put in the camera and it only lasted about 40 mins and yes I have a second battery and it too did'nt last. Overall I like the camera and I've owned Canon cameras, but this one has issues ??? I don't know if it's the GPS burning out the batteries or something else ,I'll be taking it back to the store I purchased it from beccause it was on sale for Black Friday. Canon I hope you take a look into this product ,I like Canons but this one was disappointing.
Nice Point-and-Shoot With Zoom
It takes great pictures and the zoom is great on a compact camera, but the interface is in my opinion loaded down with too many options. I also would recommend a spare battery if you use the GPS. Enabling GPS logging and shooting 35 pictures over the course of an hour and a half drained the battery completely without the flash.
Excellent
It is an excellent camera with great optical zoom and megapcs. The main defect is the position of flash light which is lever like that makes somewhat difficult to handle. Rest is fine.
DSLR quality and features
I have a Canon DSLR that is a few years old and love it. I also have a Canon pont n shoot that is great but When I saw this Camera which was a point n shoot with DSLR settings and features I knew I had to get it. - Unlike some reviewers, I actually like the pop-up flash because it makes it easy to turn flash off and use the HS capabilities. - Auto mode works for 90% of pictures you will ever take and this camera's auto mode is supurb. -14X zoom is great for a small camera such as this. My other point n shoot is only a 3X - The DSLR settings and capabilities make it possible for astro photography and many other things you cannot due easily with a regular point n shoot camera. - The GPS is obviously very handy if you are out camping or site seeing and want to "tag" the photo. I turned the GPS off unless I need it. Turning the GPS off makes the battery life what it should be. - This camera takes better video than my sony digital handycam. Canon is the best camera maker in my opinion. Nikon is a close 2nd, so whatever you do never buy a sony or anyone else. Canon all the way.
Fragile poor gps
Have had camera for a week. It will lock up GPS in the middle BB parking lot, but not, after 15 minutes, in the middle of a backyard where a Garmin will lockup in 2 minutes. Smaller and easily fits in shirt or front pants pocket, but don't put it there. The automatic lens cover metal is extremely thin and will deform if pressed by cloth of pants. Get the extended warranty you will need it. After 5 days my camera is in the shop for 2-4 weeks to get the dimples removed so that the cover closes. Also, has tendency to go to high ISO so pictures a fuzzier than they should be. Takes good pictures in P mode where you can limit to ISO 400 which is virtually noise free. The Panasonic it replaced was a much sturdier camera. Not sure how I will protect it when it gets back. Again, it can fit into a pocket, but its not safe to do this, even if its the only thing in that pocket. Auto-focus tracking is a bit weird, but if it stays out of the shop I'll probably get used to that.
The flash bugs me, but it works well
I'll get this out of the way first- I absolutely HATE the fact that the motorized flash automatically opens every time it is turned on. The flash was built awkwardly, too. Everyone (including me) who has used the camera has had their finger over the flash when they turned it on. It seems to be the natural way that people hold a camera. The problem is that if your finger is on it, it doesn't open, so you have no flash. You have to turn it off, then turn it back on to get the flash to activate again. Having said that... I just took this on a 1-month vacation in Thailand. I used it in "P" mode 90% of the time, with the flash set to "off." It took great photos at night with no flash! The camera takes sharp, clear photos. I tend to take pictures of everything, and sort through the shots to keep later. I often take photos from the car, while walking, etc. This camera can sometimes be slow to focus, but it generally catches the shot. It can focus at a relatively close distance, too. The "tracking" feature is kind of nice, but occasionally it turns on and I can't get it to stop. I'm sure that's just a setting I haven't figured out, but after using it for a month, I think anyone should be able to know the features on their camera... so maybe this is something they should work on. (Or maybe I should read the manual.) I selected this camera because it was very similar to another one, but this also had a GPS feature. What I learned was that the GPS seems to eat up your battery life. I wound up turning it off. I shot a little bit of video with it, and it seems to work pretty well. Overall, it's a decent pocket camera- but the flash really bugs me!
not happy : (
This camera is taking "smoky", "cloudy" pictures...I will be returning it to the store...The flash is also in a bad place...The video is nice....
Great Camera
Having trouble downloading to my PC was due to Class 4 SD card, It needs at least Class 6, which I didn't know beforehand. As with any camera, try to check it out beforehand to help ensure it will meet your expectations. I like the movie clip mode, which takes stills and also creates a mini-movie of each scene, which seemed to really capture the spirit of things. It doesn't have the fastest sensitivity, largest zoom range or features, But I feel Canon did a good job of providing better-than-most in most categories. And it is small enough that I can put it in a small case, put it on my belt and have available for unexpected opportunities while vacationing, at theme parks and family gatherings. Canon also included auto-orientation of horizontals vs. verticals. There are other options but I prefer to remove the SD card and download directly to my PC. Overall I felt it seemed to be a flexible, easy-to-use system. Just allow for some time to familiarize yourself before anything major. I'd have preferred to use an HDMI cable connection to show directly on our TV at times. But it has to be a fairly recent model with requirements mine didn't have. If you have more than one using the camera, you can pick simple settings or more advanced choices.
Great camera
Great camera with many features. The 14X zoom, HD video, AF smart tracking, auto scene and manual shooting make this camera a good buy. The camera is slightly larger than other comparable cameras and that may be because is the gps. If you don't need the gps get the SX220HS. The only negative is the battery life which is poor so you will need to carry an extra battery or two. An 8 or 16 GB SD is a must if you are planning to shoot HD video. If it were not for the battery life I would have given the camera a 5 star rating. Print the manual and read it so you can take advantage of the many features.
Awsome
This little camera is just as good as using my slr camera and its alot easier to carry around. I would recommend this to anyone.
Just another camera
I was sold on this camera by a Best Buy sales associate. I explained that I was looking for a video camera that can zoom in and out while recording as the old Kodak model I have does not and takes bad night photos. He suggested this camera and showed me some features. It looked like what I was looking for but after getting it home and working with it ---it's just another camera with the same basic features and issues. The flash works when it wants to, the optical stabilization doesn't work as well as I thought it would and when shooting video if your lighting is not right then your video will not be right either. Overall I probably should have returned it and purchased the Sony I was originally looking at. Purchase an extra battery!!!! canon Battery NB-5L
Great camera for the price.
The sx230 is easy to use. Under smart setting it automatically decides which setting to use. ie landscape, portrait, low light. My daughter is showing me all the advance setting it has. Priced against competitors cameras you get more options and quality for the money.
Doesn't live up to some of the reviews...
This is an o.k. camera. I read several reviews on it before buying, and honestly expected more out of it. In a head to head comparison against the Sony DSC-HX9V it holds it's own in some situations, and falls short in others about 50% of the time. It's about $70 less than the Sony though, so it's really a matter of personal preference as to the two cameras. They both offer decent picture quality, the Canon has trouble in low light and puts a blue tint on things. I do like the fish-eye effect it has, and have used it to make some interesting photos !
Great Camera
I love this camera! The picture quality is outstanding. Also, I took some Video at Christmas and the HD playback on my computer is awesome! The picture is so clear and sharp it was as though you were right there in the video. My only dislike about the camera is that it is a little difficult to figure out what settings to use and the manual is online. I hate to read manuals on the computer.
Returned it
I bought it for something smaller than my Canon A-610, which is a very good camera, but bulkey for putting it in, and out of, my pocket, although I have done so for four years, and 12 hours a day during cruiss of 65 to 108 days); and for the zoom, as my A-610 is only 4x. When I found that it does not come with a GOOD PRINT owners' manual (it's on a disc, which is not practical for use outside of the house), I took it back. I wrote a sharp letter to Canon, but they don't care.
Good everyday camera, great video
Got this camera after choosing between Canon S95 and don't regret it. Telezoom and ability to zoom while recording video beats a bit better low-light quality of S95. S100 can zoom while recording video, but doesn't have telezoom and costs almost twice as much as SX230.
Camera sent to us with defective flash
This review is mainly for Best Buy, and not for Canon. I ordered this camera on Thanksgiving Day for a good deal on BestBuy.com. It said it would ship within 3-7 days, however I waited nearly 3 weeks before I even received an e-mail saying it was shipped to my address. Once it arrived by husband and I started talking pictures right away, and noticed the photos were somewhat blurry. It said the flash was on, but nothing was happening. We thought that we didn't have the settings configured correctly, but didn't quite know how to fix it. We were able to pull up the flash with our finger, and thought this might be what needed to happen to make it work. It wasn't until a month later when we were at Target, we saw the same camera. We turned on the camera, and much to our surprise the flash popped up on it's own without any manipulating. We found ourselves shocked that our camera was supposed to be doing the same thing, and the camera assistant told us that the flash was supposed to automatically turn on, by itself. So needless to say, I immediately called Best Buy only to find out that there is a 14 day return policy and here I was at day 30. Best Buy would not budge, regardless of the circumstance. First, I wait nearly a month to receive my camera, and then the camera I receive is defective and they won't replace it! I had to call Canon and now they are going to work on it and I won't get it back for another two weeks. Thanks a lot Best Buy for nothing.
A real mixed result
After reading tons of reviews, I chose the Canon SX230HS - but after a few hundred photos I am very mixed on this camera. There are some great things this camera can supposedly do, but we have a disproportionate amount of out-of-focus photos. I blame both the user (myself) and Canon for the situation. Primary con #1: Technology is both a habit and profession for our family, but when it comes to cameras we just want to point and shoot, so we tend to shoot 90% of our photos using the Auto setting on any camera. The "Auto" mode on ALL of our prior Sony and Kodak cameras has been great , however, the Auto mode on the SX230HS has been a terrible experience resulting in a very large percentage of the photos being out of focus (and of course sometimes there is no second chance). No, it is not a shaking issue or anything else - just the Auto setting. The user-error was being foolish enough to assume the Auto mode would be as reliable as the other cameras, and then not discovering the Auto mode was NOT focusing consistently until it was too late. Canon's error was allowing an Auto mode to exist on a camera that so frequently and consistently locks on the wrong focus point. Many people may disagree with my comments, especially based upon all the other positive reviews, but we are not a newbies to point and shoots and this really happened. For example, at Christmas the Auto mode kept locking on people's knees when they were sitting down or the items behind them - very seldom did it detect the face even though the person was the prominent item in the image. We thought that possibly the camera was struggling due to interior lighting issues, but we have now taken many outdoor photos (shaded areas, sunny, cloudy, etc) and it struggles locking onto the correct object in Auto mode outside as well. Primary Con/Surprise #2: The 14x optical zoom was only marginally better than the 8x optical zoom on our Kodak. Yes, we did the lens spec comparisons since we know simple zoom magnification comparisons can be very deceptive -- all I can say is that on paper the difference between the lens equivalencies looked substantial, but in real life the SX230's 14x zoom only has a marginal improvement over our 8x Kodak. Primary Con #3 As others say commonly, the battery life is exceptionally short. The Positives: 1.) If you do not use the Auto mode, but select the proper mode from the options (which there are many), it can take very sharp pictures. 2.) The size is fantastic - while it zooms about the same as the Kodak we have, it is pocket size! 3.) There are both good and bad components about how little light it requires. Our house is painted in mostly earth-tones. The good is the SX230 works in interior light conditions that the Kodak and Sony struggled with handling. The bad is that if we used auto-flash on the SX230, it sometimes does not even flash inside our house and the photo becomes noisy due to lack of light. Our solution is to force the flash when we are inside and to slightly cover the flash with a finger to scale it back - not ideal, but so far so good. 4.) The ability to take constant photos (about 8 per second as long as you hold your finger down) is really helpful for casual sports analysis. They are not necessarily always perfectly focused, but it really helps analyze baseball and golf swings. 5.) The HD video is impressive. For us, this camera has many great features, but we really do not like the idea of the Auto mode failing to take reliable basic pictures. If you only use a camera for basic shots and prefer not to have to think about using the right mode before the shot, then I would suggest exploring more options. Not terrible enough to fight the hassle of returning, but not good enough to recommend.
Great camera!!
This camera produces great quality pictures, I would highly recommend this product.
Great value, great camera!
Great value, great camera, especially since the price dropped during Christmas 2011. I picked this camera up before going to a college basketball game. The optics by far were the biggest (pleasant) surprise of the camera! Our seats were in the upper bowl and using only optical zoom, i was able to zoom in on a single player! I am also amazed at how smooth the camera is. I'm used to shutter lag and interfaces that are cumbersome, but this is neither cumbersome, nor is there ANY shutter lag. I have absolutely no remorse with this camera for $200. It is a GREAT buy and pairs well with my T3i. In fact, two other people have already purchased the same camera since I have given it such high reviews and they are just as satisfied. Enjoy!
This a Camera for the Person who needs Simplicity!
I love this camera, it's so easy to use, and I love to make movies too! It's really simple to learn, and it takes wonderful pictures.
So easy a Caveman can use it
I bought this for my wife and she loves it. Very easy to use, great pictures, what more could you ask? 1080HD Video? Yes it has that too.
Great Camera!
I'm glad I bought this camera. I was looking for 'the next step up" from a regular point and shoot camera, and I think this is it - all in a compact camera. I'm happy I didn't buy one of the larger 'bridge cameras. This fits in a regular camera case, so it's a great size. Some reviews talk about the placement of the flash, which is in an odd spot, but don't let it deter you from buying this - you'll adapt quickly. My biggest problem (which isn't crucial) is the length of the wrist strap - it's too long (and I don't have small hands). It doesn't feel secure on my wrist while I'm using it. I'll have to tie in some knots to make it smaller. I haven't really read the instruction manual yet. Some of your regular shooting options are buried deep in the camera - like nighttime shooting. I haven't used the GPS and probably won't - it wasn't a selling feature for me. - Paid $199 after Thanksgiving.
Zoom a great feature.
The SX230-HS is quite good for such a compact camera. I wanted a pocketable camera that produced reasonably high quality results. (I mostly use my Canon 7D.) The SX230 exceeded my expectations - especially with the 14xis optical zoom and pop up flash. It was a bit pricey when I bought it ($279), but many vendors now offer it at a more competitive price level (Best Buy $249). I would have given it that fifth star if it had an optical view finder.
Another Canon Winner!
Fits in my shirt pocket and takes photos like a very expensive camera.
Good Camera for all around general photography
The short time I have used this camera, I have found it to be really great. There are a lot of features that I have not had the oppurtunity to try.
Overall, returning!
I thought that this camera was going to work really well for me since you are able to use it in auto mode and even manual, Av, etc. I was really exctied when I got it. After using it, I noticed that people in the pictures were looking a bit orange. I also noticed that the flash did not go off when it should have in low light. Even when the flash was up, it did not go off most of the time. Not impressed with this camera at all. Honestly, I would not buy it. I am exchanging it for another one myself.
Beginner
Wow!!! easy follow the instruction... better than Sony DSC-V3 camera
Terrible location of flash!
This camera was the free replacement to my previous canon powershot that needed repair, which I LOVED! But this "upgraded" model is not a better form of the previous camera. Biggest issue is the location of the flash. The location of the pop-up flash is located right where my index finger on my left hand sits while holding the camera. So when you turn on the camera or hold it to take a picture, the flash doesn't pop up. You have to remember to manually pull it up and hold the camera differently to take it with the flash. This usually means i have a lot of dark pictures. Second issue... the video function is not obvious, so read your user's manual before attending a wedding and trying to quickly turn on the video to record the vows. Third -- the camera only comes in Black.
Great camera for a beginner
Good zoom for its size and easy to use. My WIFE can take pics with it. If you knew my wife you would understand what I'm saying. Video isn't bad either. Only thing is, as others stated before, the flash pops up EVERY time you turn it on. Nice screen on back for good view of what you're shooting.
Best camera i have ever owned under $200
I am amazed at the zoomed in pictures. I have told ten friends to buy this camera and will continue to be a major fan. The video on HD mode is a ten.
Great camera for the price
I've always bought Sony but this time I decided to go with this Canon its picture quality is perfect. I wouldn't change anything about it expect in high light areas the flash does not come on when it needs to.
A very nice camera
This is a nice camera with alot of features including long exposure efects, great indoor and outdoor picture quality also the image stabilization is incredible. The flash position is not a problem cause you dont really need it that much and it is easy to put it down or up whenever you like.
Great camera
Bought this camera for a trip out west and was not disappointed. It has an awesome zoom and is great for action shots, took pictures while gocarting and turned out great, crystal clear. Can also take pictures while recording video, which was a great feature when videoing Old Faithful.
Perfect Camera for a Perfect Picture
I bought this camera to take with me on vacations and for pictures for special events. Unlike some of the people who write in all CAPS and some who compare the camera to professional cameras around $1,500.00, this camera is an ideal camera for the average person. It's small and compact yet it packs a big punch. When you go to the store to look at the camera, compare the zoom on it compared to other cameras. You will be totally astonished! This will come in handy when the subject you are taking a picture of is far away and you want to get that close up shot. Your pictures will come out crystal clear every time and if you have any camera experience, you can adjust some of the setting manually like the aperture and such, but honestly I don't mess with this, but it is nice to know I could.
Great Pictures, Great Camera
Love this camera. It takes fabulous pictures, great zoom and easy to review. Best camera I have owned
Good camera but difficult to fine tune settings
I really like the camera and it is very easy to use on the basic settings. It is quite difficult to use some of the functionality because you have to barely touch the function key and then choose the action you want. Touch it too hard and it gives you another set of functionality. Some expected functions are missing or hard to find.....I haven't found a black and white setting or color select....perhaps they are available but I am not one to read instructions so if they are available, they are not exactly obvious. All that said it is a great little camera with more functionality than normally available on a camera of this size and price point. The picture and video quality is excellent.
For the serious TRUEHD enthusiast.
This camera can be slightly overwhelming for a first time digital camera user. But if they can read a manual there is hope. Ive had nothing but superior true HD photo and video from this particular model. Ease of functions and the flow to which they are incorporated are unparalleled. If you like high quality true HD I can only say this camera is it!
Love this camera!!!
I bought this camera as a replacement for another one. I love it!! The 14X zoom lens is really great. My last camera was a 10X zoom, so I wanted one equally as much or more so. It tastes great pictures. It's very compact & fits in your pocket so you can take it anywhere.
ok
I expected more from cannon, always have been a big fan, my first camera was a cannon. 1flash is not in a great location sometimes your hands are on the way, you lean to adapt, but if you ask someone else to take them...forget about a good picture. 2. Battery life is horrible.....not a good feeling known that you can only take some many pictures before it dies. 3. features are not as simple as it may seem, you almost have to go through the whole manual. picture quality for the money is not so great...better off buying a $100 kodak camera it's just as good.
Brilliant Colored Photos!
This is my kind of camera, beautiful and easy. I love the feel, weight, and look of this camera - but more important, I like the finished product. The pictures are clean and sharp and show brilliant clarity in color. Takes good pictures in low light situations, too. See the pictures I took with my new Canon camera that I have attached. (Strawberries and Phoenix Desert Sunset) I am hoping that this camera lasts a long time. Thanks Canon!
Excellent photos.
Beautiful, high-quality photos. Nice features. Definitely not overwhelmingly complicated. Perfect point and shoot.
Nice!
This is a split review. I bought this to replace a camera that someone dropped. This is approx the same camera. Newer so it has some updates. The camera is excellent, easy to use, great zoom. It's a little pricey for what other brands offer though. The other half, I ordered it online for store pickup. It came with a 4gb card and case(thanks). The card is kinda small for a 13mp camera but its free. 2hrs after I placed the order, it wasnt ready, they spent 45mins looking for it and entering who knows what into their computer/register to finish the sale. Then for the next 2 weeks, I had an identical pending charge on my MasterCard and an email every day stating they were going to cancel my order to be picked up. I guess someone finally picked it after I bought it and they were tired of looking at it on the shelf. So great camera, one hand doesnt know what the other is doing service.
Great camera for family photos
I enjoy my camera especially with the grandchildren activities
An excellent camera for the money.
This camera has all the features needed to take great pictures and video.The HD feature is better than I expected for a camera costing far less than I thought I'd have to pay. The other features like the Zoom also provides quality pictures. This Canon is just excellent.
i like it
it's really cheap than asia so i bought it but remember don't drop it , fix is expensive , but the camera is good , easy to use and looks beautiful.
LOVE this camera
I bought this camera primarily because of the 14x zoom, I wanted something to take to concerts/sporting events when I can't take my DSLR. My old point and shoot was the Canon SD500 which only had a 3x zoom. The 14x zoom on this is amazing, the pictures were so crisp. I went up to 27x digital zoom and still had great pics. There is also a low light setting which I used at a concert and the pictures came out great. The video is also great, the sound was crystal clear and great picture. I didn't think it was choppy at all like I read in a previous review. The battery life is pretty low compared to my old camera so I will probably buy a 2nd...I had the camera on for about 2hrs straight, I took about 100 pics and about 5 min worth of video and it was fine. The battery warning started flashing while I was doing a 3 min video at the end but after I finished it went back up to 2 bars. It takes a little getting used to with the flash popping up where I would usually hold the camera but no big deal. Love the camera so far and I just wish I had something like this sooner. Also wish it was priced around $299 like similar ones out there.
great camera
Slr features on a point and shoot. Great picture quality. Excelent in low light.
I love this camera's catch of dark scenes
I use my camera mainly to take school pictures for the Yearbook. Most of my students are African Americans. Many of the pictures I take are in the gym. This camera takes the best pictures without the flash. Other cameras I got greenish pictures of the gym and very dark pictures when people were far away. Other cameras got great pictures of White people but I always needed to edit the ones of African Americans, the pics were so dark you couldn't tell who was who. This camera adjust the light sensibility and without the flash makes the best pics. And, it is so easy to cancel the flash. Now I need to get used to not having regular batteries and needed to have always a charged battery ready.
The best camera I have ever owned!
This Point and Shoot type camera is awesome! We bought this camera to capture the developements of our new child and I can't begin to tell you how satisfied we are with this camera. I have yet to use the flash, and even in low light conditions, the picture quality is exceptional. I have had people ask whether or not we are using an EOS type camera! Great, Great, Great. I can only imagine how much better I will become with this camera as I learn more about it. I think the possibilities will amaze me even more.
Great camera
Easy to use, small and convenient, unbeatable price, great pictures. Perfect solution for us -- not wanting to win prizes for our photos, but wanting something better than cellphone pictures. Awesome.
Great picture quality!
I was looking for a compact camera that would still have great picture quality. I did a lot of research online and it seemed like this camera had the best picture quality overall. The only feature I wish worked better was the photostitch to make a panoramic. The program doesn't make a perfect stitch but I'm sure I need practice, too! There was a Sony model that had a panoramic feature built in but I had read the picture quality wasn't as great and that's what really counts! Some people complained about the location of the flash, but I found it easy to work around, I don't even notice anymore! Another thing I was really happy with was that it takes pictures really quickly and doesn't take a lot of time to "process" on most settings. There is also a "Kids & Pets" setting that makes it really easy to take pictures of moving subjects! Action shots are not really an issue with this camera. I'm definitely an amateur but these are the things that I was trying to find reviews about in the past so I hope it helped some other amateurs out there make a decision!! I love this camera!
Best purchase I've made in a while
Great point & shoot camera for someone who wants more than their camera phone but doesn't have the photography skills to make it worth investing in a DSLR. This camera has 14X zoom which makes it great for everything and takes great moon-and-stars shots with its nighttime settings. It was recommended to me by a friend, and I would definitely recommend it to others. Make sure to take a look at all the great features in the manual -- the only downside is that it comes on a CD-ROM.
Very versitle.
This camera has so many great features it takes alot of practice to master it. Picture quality is excellent , and overall quality rivals my 35mm pro system I lugged around full of lenses, etc!
LOVE this camera!
I absolutely LOVE this camera. It is by far and away the best point and shoot camera I've come across. The zoom is outstanding, the functions are great, you are able to program your own settings manually or use the "easy" or "auto" modes at any time. You are able to adjust the shutter speed, aperture, ISO, etc. There are also a lot of fun features such as "miniature effect", "fish eye", "color swap" and more. Not to mention the 14X optical zoom which I couldn't live without. I really could go on forever about all the features. The picture clarity is amazing, I have had endless wonderful comments and beautiful pictures all around. The only thing that I dislike is the fact it has no view finder... sometimes when zoomed to the maximum it can be quite tricky to find your subject, especially if said subject is in motion. As well as on a very sunny day it can be hard to see the screen properly, as you will have with most digital cameras. All in all a wonderful camera! I also purchased this during a sale and got the great price of $199. Well worth every penny! You will not be disappointed!
(2 votes, average: 4.50 out of 5)
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