Canon PowerShot SX220 HS Review | 108 Data compared

The Canon PowerShot SX220 HS is an adaptable, robust compact superzoom camera available in purple or grey with a silver trim. Shifting from its predecessor's CCD sensor to a 12.1-megapixel backlit CMOS-type chip, it significantly elevates image quality by delivering detailed, natural-looking photographs with warm, vibrant colours. Its core strengths include a long 14x optical zoom, effective image stabilisation, and full manual controls alongside beginner-friendly automated features like a "smart shutter". It also caters to amateur filmmakers with 1080p high-definition video recording at 24fps and an HDMI output for big-screen viewing. However, the camera suffers from notable layout and performance issues. A major design flaw is the poorly positioned pop-up flash, which automatically deploys on the top edge exactly where a user's left index finger normally rests. The 3-inch wide-screen display has a high resolution, but its wide-screen aspect ratio remains largely wasted during standard 4:3 still photography, leaving black bars on either side. Optically, there is a hint of softness to the images, mild barrel distortion at the 28mm wide-angle setting, and a drop to a lower 720p resolution

The Canon PowerShot SX220 HS is a highly capable, compact super-zoom featuring a 12-megapixel back-illuminated CMOS sensor that provides superior high-ISO performance and quick operation. It is praised for its 14x optical zoom, full HD video recording with stereo sound, and effective image stabilization. However, the review notes the 14x lens exhibits noticeable vignetting at maximum zoom, and the 16:9 rear screen is awkward for composing standard, non-widescreen, photographs. Despite these limitations, the camera is recommended as a versatile travel companion. ePHOTOzine

The Canon PowerShot SX220 HS is a competitively priced travel compact featuring a 14x optical zoom, 1080p video, and full manual controls, praised for its natural color reproduction and fast autofocus. Despite these strengths, the review notes significant drawbacks, including a poorly designed rear control wheel, awkward 16:9 screen ratio for stills, and noticeable barrel distortion with high-ISO noise.

The Canon PowerShot SX220 HS serves as an exceptionally reliable travel and outdoor sports companion, providing an optimal balance between performance, features, and price. The reviewer praises its BSI CMOS sensor for image quality and its PSAM manual exposure modes, which provide a great opportunity for photography beginners to progress. The camera stands out due to its 14x optical zoom and high durability, operating smoothly over a year of heavy use in extreme weather conditions like mountain biking and rafting. Additionally, its versatility is expanded by the third-party CHDK firmware community—which unlocks advanced capabilities like RAW processing and motion detection—and Canon’s official WP-DC42 waterproof case for aquatic environments. However, the camera requires several clear compromises. The user highlights a notably poor battery life that fails to last two days, requiring the purchase of extra backup batteries for extended outings. Physical flaws include an occasional jamming lens mechanism from outdoor debris, which requires manual cleaning or using a thumb nail to unjam. In terms of software and functionality, the camera lacks an automatic panorama mode, and its compact screen fails to...

The Canon PowerShot SX220 HS is a compact, metal-bodied digital camera that is highly praised for its excellent travel-friendly performance and intuitive functionality. Key advantages include a powerful 14x optical zoom with image stabilization, a 12.1-megapixel sensor, and the capability to shoot full HD video. Users will appreciate its highly intelligent "Auto" mode, which automatically adjusts to macro settings for close-ups, alongside beginner-friendly features like "Easy Mode" and an automated "Scan Mode" that triggers the shutter only when it detects a smile. Additionally, the unique "Movie Digest" feature captures seamless 4-second clips prior to taking a photo to build a daily video journal. On the downside, the camera presents a few minor usability quirks and design annoyances. The interface navigation can initially be confusing; the reviewer notes it took considerable time to realize that the left and right sides of the wheel scroll through menus, leading to an accidental incorrect date setup. Furthermore, the flash automatically pops up upon startup, which can be easily blocked or hindered if you accidentally place your thumb over it. Some creative features, such as...

The Pocket-lint review highlights the Canon PowerShot SX220 HS as a highly versatile, pocketable travel zoom camera that successfully bridges the gap between basic point-and-shoot functionality and advanced manual control. Key pros praised in the evaluation include its robust selection of capture modes—ranging from full manual control, program, aperture, and shutter priority modes to creative effects like miniature and toy camera looks. The camera also delivers strong video performance, offering impressive 1080p Full HD video recording at 24fps with full use of the 14x optical zoom during filming and rich stereo sound. Furthermore, its 12.1-megapixel backlit CMOS sensor and DIGIC 4 processor pair up to ensure fast autofocusing response alongside vibrant and highly detailed image results at wide and mid-zoom ranges. Conversely, the reviewer marks several distinct cons stemming from its compact design compromises and lens limitations. Physically, the lack of a proper right-hand grip leaves your thumb resting directly over the back dial, while the left index finger frequently blocks the automated pop-up flash mechanism. Performance setbacks include visible image noise even at lower ISO settings, making full-sized image...

The ⁠TechRadar review highlights the Canon PowerShot SX220 HS as a powerful, pocket-friendly superzoom compact camera designed to balance high-end manual controls with user-friendly automation. Built around a 12.1MP back-illuminated CMOS sensor paired with a DIGIC 4 processor, the camera features an impressive 14x optical zoom (28-392mm equivalent) and Canon's Optical IS stabilization system to optimize low-light performance. It accommodates users of all skill levels by offering full exposure control ranging from a 32-preset Smart Auto mode to entirely manual adjustments. For multimedia creation, the device records full HD 1080p video at 24fps with stereo sound, features unique Super Slow Motion video recording up to 240fps, and frames everything on a 3-inch widescreen LCD. The primary strengths of the camera lie in its incredible zoom range, wealthy selection of exposure controls, and overall high-quality images optimized by its high-sensitivity sensor architecture. However, the reviewer notes distinct optical drawbacks, pointing out prominent chromatic aberrations and purple fringing that persist across the lens range, along with minor barrel distortion and telephoto vignetting. Additionally, while the 3-inch widescreen LCD is perfectly tailored for...

DPReview's Q3 2011 travel zoom group test highlights the Panasonic Lumix DMC-TZ20 (ZS10) and Canon PowerShot SX230 HS as top contenders, with the Panasonic excelling in versatility and the Canon offering superior image quality. The Panasonic is praised for its 16x zoom, GPS, and touchscreen, while the Canon boasts excellent 1080p video, manual controls, and robust image performance. Cons across the group included noise issues at high ISOs and reduced image sharpness at maximum zoom, common compromises in compact travel cameras. The review concludes that the best choice depends on whether the user prioritizes zoom range and features (Panasonic) or image quality and build (Canon). The DPReview 2011 travel zoom group test evaluated six compact cameras, highlighting the versatility of packing large 18x optical zoom ranges into small, pocketable bodies. Key advantages included high-quality 1080p video, fast autofocus, and the integration of GPS functionality, with the Sony HX9V and Canon SX230 HS leading in image quality and sharpness. Conversely, the review noted that all tested models suffered from detail loss and smearing when viewed at 100%, largely due to the...