Customer reviews from usa.canon.com
Canon - PowerShot 10.0-Megapixel Digital Camera
Average customer rating
4.7
(300 Reviews)
Rating breakdown 300 reviews
5 Stars
229
4 Stars
54
3 Stars
12
2 Stars
1
1 Star
4
93%of customers recommend this product.
(
279 out of
299)
Customer Reviews for Canon - PowerShot 10.0-Megapixel Digital Camera
Customer Rating
5
Perfect for Me
on November 21, 2008
Posted by: kendp
from Schenectady, NY
I bought this camera on the basis of early reviews and my confidence in Canon cameras. It replaces a Powershot A620, which is an excellent camera, but does not have all the features that I would like for the landscape and street scene photos that I especially enjoy.
Most useful to me have been the following:
Wide angle lens. I didn't know what I was missing in the past by not having it. But now I would not have a camera without it.
20x zoom. Wow, what a difference compared to the 4x zoom I had previously. I can now reach out and get shots of distant views that I could only dream about previously.
The camera's weight and balance feel very good in my hands. I believe I would have less shake possibilities than before even without the image stabilizer.
Image stabilizer is something I would not want to be without in the future. Previously, without IS, I shot in 200 ISO to help guard against blurred photos. Now, with IS, I can shoot in 80 ISO with much less noise.
I-contrast is a great feature. I was trying to photograph a waterfall but was dissatisfied with all the shots because a shadow was hiding part of the rock wall it was passing over. I turned on I-contrast and the shadow disappeared just as though the sun had changed direction. Now I have I-contrast on automatic.
The controls make it easier than it was for me before to switch to continuous shooting. I don't have to go to the menu, just push a button.
The Scenic setting has many more options than I had before, making it easier to get good photos in a variety of situations. Additions to what I had before include Night Snapshot, Sports, Night Scenes, and Sunsets.
One feature that I still have, fortunately, is the ability to use regular AA batteries rather than having to buy a special battery pack. Rechargeable batteries are not expensive and last a long time.
Although I have not used this feature it, the camera has a hot shoe that makes it possible to install an external flash in the future if I want to use on.
I also like the option of being able to make the LCD brighter and easier to see in sunlight.
The camera is easy to use, but it works best if you read the manual so that you understand what is available. It is more advanced than a point-and shoot camera. It is also best if you work through the menu as there are some important choices available to you that help you personalize the camera for what you want to do with it.
No camera is perfect. The dial that is used to change shutter speed, aperture opening, etc., is one of the weakness on this camera. The dial is not as responsive as it should be and is poorly designed.
I would also prefer threads so that I could use lenses, especially a polarizer. There are a few threads so I can make a very thin polarizer that I have stick, but a normal thickness lens does not. Also, I am not confident the thin polarizer is really secure.
I would like to have an aperture value greater than 8.0 to get even more clarity in the background of landscape shots.
Would I buy the camera again? Do I recommend it to others? An unequivocal "yes" to both questions. If you want a camera with many of the capabilities of a DSLR , without the need to buy and carry a variety of lenses, this is a camera that should be on your short list.
Pros: Simple controls/menu, Nice features/settings, Bright LCD, excellent image quality, good battery life, see my review
Cons: see my review
I would recommend this to a friend!
Written by a customer while visiting usa.canon.com
Customer Rating
5
Filters Fit!
on January 17, 2009
Posted by: Coach
from Vancouver, BC
I've been reading a number of reviews which all stated that the new SX10 IS does not come equipped to enable the use of lens filters. This was a significant issue in determining my choice whether to buy the camera or not. Especially wanting to have the option of a UV filter to protect the lens. Upon going to a reputable camera store, they showed that indeed there are threads just inside the camera lens and further went on to attach 52mm filters to prove it. I was sold! The lens hood even fits over top. I have had the original S1 IS for five years now and have taken it around the world and brought back some fantastic photos. Although going to a dSLR was tempting, lugging the body and a couple of different lenses around in my backpack lured me back to this model - a 28mm to 560mm lens in one sleek body. Although all the new features are a bit daunting (and exciting) - it just gives me more reasons to go 'play' for a few more hours.
Pros: Simple controls/menu, Nice features/settings, Bright LCD, excellent image quality, Good Low-Light Performance, Lightweight/Portable, good battery life, durable, use of filters!
Cons: Difficult to use
I would recommend this to a friend!
Written by a customer while visiting usa.canon.com
Customer Rating
5
Amazing number of great capabilities
on July 6, 2009
Posted by: Loves digital
from Arizona
I've owned Canon SLR cameras for decades and now use a Canon 5D and 20D, which have taken many outstanding photographs. I usually carry both of them as I keep a 70-300mm lens on the 20D. These great cameras may now spend more time in the drawer since I was given the SX10 IS as a birthday present.
I have taken several hundred photos with the SX10 using macro, super macro, portraits, scenics, wildlife at full zoom, art shots, shots in the sun and shade, fill-flash and inside photos using the flash. I am absolutely delighted with the results. The color saturation, sharpness and detail are amazing! Only a handful were rejected, mostly because the focus wasn't sharp where I wanted it. The face detect sometimes missed a person on the edge and they weren't in sharp focus.
This camera has it all in one light, small, easy to carry size. It has amazing macro capabilities, with good depth of field, and a swiveling LCD that eases back pain while taking flower/bug photographs. The 20X zoom is outstanding in the optical range and useful in the digital zoom range. One press of a button captures video. It truly is an amazingly versatile camera!
The 10 megapixel images allow me to crop and edit to the size and quality I look for in post processing.
My only (small) complaint is that the lens hood doesn't have much tooth where it attaches to the camera so it can pop off going into my carry case. The lens cover stays in my pocket.
At first I was concerned with using AA batteries but I purchased rechargeable batteries and have been pleasantly surprised with how many photographs can be taken on one charge.
The bottom line is the SX10 IS delivers colorful, sharp, high quality images from macro to a long zoom. I love it!
Pros: easy to use, Simple controls/menu, Nice features/settings, Bright LCD, excellent image quality, Lightweight/Portable, good battery life, great macro capabilities, long telephoto lens, swiviling lcd
I would recommend this to a friend!
Written by a customer while visiting usa.canon.com
Customer Rating
5
Excellent camera, excelent value
on October 31, 2008
Posted by: jamarimutt
from Aguadilla, Puerto Rico
I upgraded from an S3IS and am very pleased with this purchase. Aside from the obvious lens improvement (20x vs. 12x, 28 mm vs. 35 mm), this camera is half as noisy (noise at ISO 400 = noise at ISO 200 on the S3), exposure compensation now has its own button, manual focus is much easier thanks to a rotating wheel, and the autofocus is more accurate. The camera is larger and heavier but this is not an issue for me. The only thing I don't like is the system used for attaching the lens cap... this is not easy to do and with the included (neat) shade attached it is actually quite difficult.
Pros: great lens!
Cons: lens cap attachment
I would recommend this to a friend!
Written by a customer while visiting usa.canon.com
Customer Rating
5
Great Camera for the Amateur!
on December 31, 2008
Posted by: Anonymous
The Canon SX10 IS is a great camera for the beginner/hobbyist. For the price it features great image quality and features. If you want to get creative and adjust aperture, ISO speed, shutter speed, etc..., while also being able to shoot in various modes and auto, this is the camera for you! If you don't want to spend $600+ on an SLR, but still want to be able to use the camera for taking creative shots, you should seriously consider this camera. I purchased this without breaking the bank and I love it! Not to mention the 20X zoom and the rotating monitor! Those can really come in handy! With the ability to fold in the display, you can prevent scratches, etc... to the display, you can tilt it down to take overhead shots or tilt it up to take lower shots.
Great macro camera! If you take close up shots, the Super Macro feature is great! One can almost get on top of the subject and the camera will still focus!
The only downside to this camera is that it takes ...4AA batteries... If you have a stockpile of batteries somewhere, then that is great; I would really recommend purchasing higher quality rechargeable batteries instead of using regular alkaline. You will soon find out that 2 packs a month is common for this camera to eat...or more if you use it often... Seriously, spend 10 bucks and get some rechargeables.
I purchased this camera for flexibility and value, and received both!
Pros: easy to use, Simple controls/menu, Nice features/settings
Cons: sucks batteries down...a lot
I would recommend this to a friend!
Written by a customer while visiting usa.canon.com
Customer Rating
5
This is THE sweet spot in digital photography
on June 7, 2009
Posted by: sylvainber
from oswego, il
I 'grew up' with a Canon XT-1 film SLR camera... only to find myself with point-and-shoot cams once my son was born (ps cams do capture the moment with little notice).
I've had the Powershots A520 and SX100IS, still own an A540 and have been wanting a 'real lens' ever since i abandoned the SLR/film world. I don't want to carry lenses anymore, a decent superzoom is more than adequate for travel photos) and this camera has the lens to capture great images (note: megapixels are wasted when a cam has a tiny lens)
I found in the SX10IS the perfect balance of features and automation. I can just turn it on and shoot in most cases if in a pinch... or take my time and take (manual) control of the cam for detail work)
The cam is a bit heavy... expected in this category. Battery life is excellent. Canon has really pushed the envelope with this model on the features.
Recommended: get a tripod for ppl portrait and landscape photos... get a speedlite flash if you really want to take night photography (lighting is the secret to great pictures... the built-in flash can only do so much). Get the 'cheat sheet' for this model (order it online)... it summarizes the manual in a tri-folded legal size (laminated) sheet. The manual is just too linear to be useful while traveling.
Pros: easy to use, Nice features/settings, excellent image quality, Good Low-Light Performance, good battery life, durable, the lens is awesome
Cons: Heavy/Bulky, learning curve for advanced featu
I would recommend this to a friend!
Written by a customer while visiting usa.canon.com
Customer Rating
5
Gotta Get One
on July 27, 2009
Posted by: Twostep
from Texas
I found my all around camera for still and video! I took a one week cruise to Alaska, I took over 1000 pics and 1 hour of video and didn't come close to filling an 8 gig SD card. The zoom is awsome (20x optical). Do not let the 4-AA batteries scare you. I got over 300 pics per battery change with rechargable batteries. The swivle screen is a nice feature, especially when taking photos over a group of people. This thing has so many bells and whistles it will still take a little while to reach it's potentential. However, it was easy enough for my wife to pickup, turn-on, point and shoot. It also has a fast response time from the time the button is pushed to the time the picture is taken, you don't have the 1 or 2 second delay. The external flash shoe is a plus for when I decide to get an external flash. The built in flash is a little slow on refresh time, but that is just a small issue. Don't skimp on the SD card, get the ultra II or III high capacity card and you will be set up. It is not a pocket camera. It is a solid camera, doesn't feel cheap. If you are a casual user, want lots of features, great pictures and a great zoom, this is the camera for you.
Pros: easy to use, Nice features/settings, Bright LCD, excellent image quality, good battery life, great zoom, good video mode
Cons: no lens cap tether, a little slow on flash refresh
I would recommend this to a friend!
Written by a customer while visiting usa.canon.com
Customer Rating
5
Better than I thought
on June 14, 2009
Posted by: Old Photo Bug
from Near St. Louis
The older one gets the harder it is to carry a good DSLR outfit so I thought I would try this. I call it my do-it-all camera. One compact package that can do almost everything my Rebel XT can do with a bunch of heavy accessories. At first I thought I would sell the XT but let’s face it a DSLR does better but less conveniently. I compared the cameras taking photos on a tripod at the same position. The DSLR is sharper but a small amount of work in my Photo Shop Elements and I can get very close. I have taken over 600 pictures with this over an eight month period. I noticed that many think this camera is heavy and bulky. Well in comparison to a DSLR it is small, light and handy.
Just keep this in mind. The best camera is the one you have with you.
Pros: Nice features/settings, Bright LCD, excellent image quality, Good Low-Light Performance, Lightweight/Portable, good battery life, durable, very versatile
Cons: Complicated controls/menu, needs filter threads
I would recommend this to a friend!
Written by a customer while visiting usa.canon.com