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Like full HD video in still cameras, one of the newest trends to hit the
prosumer camera segment is the inclusion of high quality CMOS sensors. CMOS
sensors are normally used in digital SLR cameras and are preferred because of
their high sensitivity to light, low noise and larger sizes. So the SX1 is the
first prosumer camera from Canon to get a CMOS sensor, but as a result, the
price is also pushed up beyond the entry level DSLR kits. What do we call the
SX1 IS then? The advanced prosumer? The professional prosumer? That's a double
misnomer!
It's fairly easy to get to grips with the camera. All the controls fall
easily to hand and you'll be using them without looking in no time. Ergonomics
are certainly top-notch, and so is the build quality. The 16:9 widescreen
electronic viewfinder and LCD is a nice touch and hints at the full HD
widescreen video on offer.
The macro mode is outstanding, with the camera able to focus on something
that's touching the lens in super macro mode. As expected, you also get full
creative control including exposure, ISO, white balance, color modes and manual
focus. While it looks the same, comparing the SX1 IS to some of its smaller
brothers (like the S5 IS and SX10 IS), you'll be surprised at how much bulk and
heft has been added. Weight and size wise there's not much difference between
the SX1 IS and an entry-level DSLR like the Nikon D60 or Canon EOS 1000D.
Now coming to the final image quality. I have to say that I was expecting a
lot from the CMOS and Digic 4 combination and was disappointed in the end. The
sensor was far too noisy at anything above ISO 400. To get the best quality, I
found myself clicking only on ISO80 (which in turn only worked while shooting
outdoors in adequate light). The full HD video was a revelation though. Seems
that Canon has worked harder on getting the video right rather than the stills.
By comparison, even the Canon EOS 5D Mark II (reviewed in LD April 2009) does
full HD video. But it costs Rs 2,20,000 with a kit lens and it only records mono
sound. The textured finish of the camera is very upmarket and very like some of
the more expensive DSLRs-a far cry from the smooth plastic finish of some of
Canon's other prosumer cams like the SX10 IS. The flip out LCD is much higher
resolution than normal (2,30,000 dots) for pin sharp previews. Possibly a manual
focus ring on the lens would have added to the appeal (you can still use manual
focus, though using the scroll wheel at the back). And I wish an HDMI cable was
bundled with the camera.
Canon PowerShot SX1 IS
Rs 36,995 |
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Pros
Full HD video, 20x zoomCons
Noisy above ISO 400, expensive
Sold by
Canon India, www.canon.co.in |
Specs
10 Megapixel CMOS, DIGIC 4, 20x optical zoom (28-560mm), image
stabilization, 2.8-inch 16:9 aspect twist and tilt LCD, full HD (1920 x
1080) video at 30fps, SDHC , 4 x AA batteries, 585 grams
Verdict
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It's a tough call then. Should you go for an entry-level DSLR with a basic
kit lens? Or spend about the same amount and get the SX1 IS? On one hand, the
SX1 IS has a great 20x optical zoom lens with optical image stabilization, full
HD video recording with stereo sound, a CMOS image sensor like the DSLRs, great
battery life, a twist and swivel high resolution widescreen LCD and all the
creative control of a DSLR. But noise levels from the CMOS sensor leave a lot to
be desired. The images are unusable at anything above ISO 400 (while you can
comfortably click photographs at ISO 1600 on a Canon EOS 450D and not feel the
difference). On the other hand, the DSLR is an expandable system with loads of
different types of lenses available (it's a different matter that extra lenses
will cost you more than the camera itself). The entry DSLR won't have video
recording, articulating display and will possibly skip optical image
stabilization too. Pushed to take a decision, I'd probably go for the DSLR and
if the budget was a concern, the much cheaper SX10 IS suddenly starts looking a
lot more attractive.
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