Canon’s SX130 IS crams a 12x optical zoom lens with image stabilisation into a portable, compact body – and all for under £180. Is this mid-range zoom compact an ultimate bargain? What Digital Camera’s Canon SX130 IS review takes a look…
Canon PowerShot SX130 IS Review
Verdict
Canon PowerShot SX130 IS review – Verdict
The Canon PowerShot SX130 IS is a very capable and affordable mid-range zoom compact camera. Its 12x optical zoom (28-336mm) lens with image stabilisation is great in use and having HD video is an extra bonus. The overall specification is top quality for the sub-£180 price point, though the final build quality and relatively bulky size may be deemed less attractive than some of the (more expensive) competition.
The overall image quality is a little bit of a let down when inspecting more closely, though the combination of lens capability and lower-ISO sensitivity can make for great day to day shots – just avoid the higher ISO settings.
12x zoom compacts tend to not come in at a more affordable price point and the SX130 is well laid out, easy to use and certainly comes recommended.
Details
Power:2xAA batteries
Dimensions:113.3 x 73.2 x 45.8 mm
Weight:Approx. 308g (including battery/batteries and memory card)
Other:Image Stabilisation, 720p HD movie mode
Sample Photos:Click to view the Canon PowerShot SX130 IS sample image gallery
Connectivity:Hi-Speed USB (MTP, PTP) dedicated connector (Mini-B compatible)
Flash Modes:Auto, Manual Flash On / Off
Memory Card:SD / SDHC
ISO Range:80-1600
White Balance:Auto (including Face Detection WB), Daylight, Cloudy, Tungsten, Fluorescent, Fluorescent H, Custom
Shutter Speeds:15 - 1/2500 sec
Exposure Modes:Auto*, Program AE, Shutter priority AE, Aperture priority AE, Manual, Easy, Portrait, Landscape, Kids & Pets, SCN (Smart Shutter (Smile, Wink Self-Timer, FaceSelf-Timer), Low Light (2.0MP), Super Vivid, Poster Effect, Color Accent, Color Swap, Fish-eye Effect, Miniature Effect, Beach, Foliage, Snow, Fireworks), Movie
Metering System:Evaluative (linked to Face Detection AF frame), Centre-weighted average, Spot (centre)
File Formats:JPEG (Fine, Standard)
LCD:3in, 230k-dot (3:2 ratio)
Lens:12x optical zoom (28-336mm)
Sensor:12.1MP