*Hi,
*After 4 months and nearly 14, 000 pictures, I say that this camera takes crisp(DSLR quality) pictures at up to 10m and crispier videos at any distance.
Time between 2 shots is 2 seconds during which the shutter closes and therefore the LCD is blank. I'm using Transcend Class 10 Memory card. Video of any length is recorded onto the card in 2 seconds as compared to several seconds on a Class 6 MC.
This is THE best non DSLR P&S camera available at this price. I recommend this camera to amateurs only. The only camera(DSLR) better than this, is the Canon 1100D(2 lens kit & Digic 4 Proc) which costs 38, 000.
You should go for this camera because: its a Canon(watch National Geographic Obama's White House and you will see that the White House Chief photographer and his staff use Canons) and the 35X zoom.
You will find my video clips at https://youtube.com/user/dpkpande & Photos at https://flickr.com/photos/dpkpande/
Recipe for Photography.
I think the recipe for a great picture consists of the camera, the subject, the photographers talent, atmospheric conditions(time of day, ambient light, wind, heat, humidity and even the heat rising from the ground when taking zoom shots, etc) and good proportions of good luck and hard work.
After reading the review, download the SX30 manual(10mb, PDF, 190pgs, very detailed) from the Canon website and familiarize yourself with the functions of the camera.
Canon SX30 IS Review.
I have recently been gifted the Canon Powershot SX30 IS camera. This is my second Canon after the Canon A570(also reviewed on Mouthshut).
SX30 IS belongs to a special category of cameras called the Super Zooms. It is better than Point & Shoot(P&S) Digicams in every way but the picture quality(Not the Video), is slightly lower than top of the line DSLRs.
The Camera.*
Almost all owners, users and critics love it for its build quality(Made in Japan), phenomenal 35X Optical zoom, Manual controls, Image Stabilisation, Superior Video quality and stereo sound, at half the price of a decent DSLR, some have criticized it for its 14 Megapixel ability crammed on to a tiny CCD sensor, too much automation and the lack of RAW format imaging.
Canon has tried to put in the maximum number of goodies in one economical model with the SX30 IS.
It comes with a highly articulated beautiful LCD(although low in pixel count compared to its rivals). It has a CCD sensor(unlike the CMOS on DSLR's), Digic IV processor, 720p HD video capability & micro USB and Tv & HDMI Output.
Unlike lower range P&S cameras which work better even on Auto mode, you will be best advised to use P or other modes on this model. Although the Auto feature is totally controlled by the camera(even ISO settings), it is still very easy to use of beginners, as the camera adjusts and focuses itself onto the subject by using its own modes. It even goes to macro mode by itself in Auto, if you take it too near to your subject.
The body is all smooth tough plastic, except the front face which has a sandpaper finish for better grip. Your right thumb should always be at the dedicated thumb rest otherwise you risk to pressing the Zoom assist or the review button.
There is attachment for external flash above the viewfinder. The hot shoe cap, external viewfinder and cable attachment cover are made of rubberized plastic for comfort.
You get a dedicated video recording button near the LCD. You can take pictures even as the video is being recorded, but you will hear the click of the shutter, see the pic shot and then the video will continue.
The SX30 can be switched on by both the power and review button. It is not necessary to remove lens cap before powering up.
You can save power by reducing LCD brightness, adjusting flash power and default sounds and by using the Electronic viewfinder.
The 35X Zoom.
The 35X Optical zoom is the main selling point of this camera. It zooms from 24mm - 85 -100 -135 -200 -300 -500 - 840mm. You have the option of using digital zoom from 35X to 140X. I have found that, when hand held, zooming upto 70X is not a problem(pictures do get grainy), but beyond that a tripod would be advisable.
Once you have seen the results from the zoom, it will become addictive to see and shoot at distances. Its like having a telescope attached to a camera.
Zooming sound is barely noticeable during video recording, although the lens barrel is the most plasticky part of the entire body.
Some people have complained that many a times the SX30 does not focus on what they are trying to shoot. The problem is that they have zoomed into the subject more than what is necessary. Simply zoom out a bit and your subject will automatically be in focus.
Image Stabilization, IS.
IS works very well even when you or the subject is in motion. It makes a flashing warning when I hold the camera above my shoulder level, even that only in some tricky positions and angles.
The LCD.
The LCD(2.7 in across) is the least pixilated amongst Canon’s rivals. It has a deep bluish tinge and is set a couple of mm into its casing. When turned into the body, it is off and the Electronic Viewfinder(EW) is on. Looking through the EW feels like watching a cinema screen from a back row seat. It shows everything you will see on the LCD.
When pulled from the camera, the LCD switches on and can be articulated at various angels. Despite its lack of major pixels, it is wonderful to look at and use. You can reduce or increase the brightness depending upon the light around you. At full brightness, it has a clear display in direct sunlight.
Images.
SX30 has a 16:9 Widescreen mode but at 3744x2104 OR 7 Mega pixels only, it is a big let down and you won't want to use it. File sizes range from a measely 1.4 Mb to 3.5 Mb depending on various settings. It is better to stick with the Larger image capture and to be aware as you shoot, that you'll have to crop 25% of the image off the top and or bottom, to make it fit into a 16:9 aspect. Always try to take 2 shots, 1 in large(for detail) and 1 in Wide(for pc viewing) of your favorite subjects.
The Battery.
Full battery charge takes 2 hours. I have now, on various occasions, taken 300+ & several minutes of video without expending 1 out of 3 battery bars indicator.
The Sensor.
Canon SX30 IS has a CCD sensor, most noticeable by the vertical purple line at the source of light. Check the video on YouTube. The only advantage of the CMOS sensor is the absence of the purple streak and about 15% less power consumption.
Weight.
The camera weighs in excess of 600 gms and needs getting used to if you are shifting from a P&S camera. It needs 2 hands operation for stable shots with the left hand held below the body or below the barrel, the right thumb on its dedicated slot, the index finger on the shutter and the rest three fingers around the right grip. With practice one hand operation is also possible.
Popularity.
This model has been out there for a year now. Its popularity can be gauged by the number of amateur videos you find on YouTube and dedicated photo groups on Flickr. You can do wonders with this model, just check out what people have done on Flickr Canon SX30 IS Groups on Flickr.
Dpkpande.
