Canon PowerShot SX230 HS Review | 108 Data compared

The Canon PowerShot SX230 HS is a compact megazoom camera that updates its predecessor, the SX210 IS, by replacing the older 14-megapixel CCD sensor with a 12-megapixel back-illuminated CMOS sensor. While the 28mm-equivalent wide-angle lens and 14x zoom remain unchanged, the new sensor significantly upgrades camera operation by delivering faster shooting performance and superior low-light photo quality. Additionally, this model marks a first for the PowerShot lineup by integrating a built-in GPS receiver, allowing users to automatically geotag their photos as they snap them. The review highlights several key strengths and weaknesses, ultimately awarding the camera a 7.5 out of 10 score. On the positive side, the camera boasts excellent colour accuracy, manual controls, creative shooting options that encourage user experimentation, and great-looking video quality. However, it is held back by slow shooting performance and subpar GPS functionality when compared to its market competitors. Reviewers also noted that the overall body design could use improvement, the battery life is disappointingly short, and the built-in lens is neither as wide nor as long as competing models in the same size category.

The Canon PowerShot SX230 HS is a compact superzoom digital camera that pairs a powerful 14x optical zoom lens with built-in GPS capabilities inside a slim, pocketable frame. Evaluated highly for its extremely sharp image quality and reliable speed, the camera captures an average of 2,195 lines per picture height and can shoot up to three images per second in continuous mode. Notable advantages include excellent performance in low-light environments without a flash up to ISO 800, a high-resolution 3-inch LCD screen, and non-proprietary mini-USB and mini-HDMI ports for easy connectivity. Furthermore, its simple GPS feature allows seamless photo geotagging compatible with software like Picasa and iPhoto. Despite its strong overall design, the camera has several functional drawbacks that hold it back from perfection. While it shoots high-definition video, 1080p recording is strictly limited to 24 frames per second, and users cannot refocus the lens while a video recording is actively in progress. Additionally, the display's 16:9 widescreen aspect ratio mismatches the camera's native 4:3 image sensor, creating distracting black bars on both sides of the screen when framing or...

The Canon PowerShot SX230 HS, evaluated on DPReview, is recognized as a consistent travel-zoom camera featuring a 12.1-megapixel BSI CMOS sensor and a 14x (28-392mm) lens, praised for producing sharp JPEGs on its 3.0-inch LCD and offering 1080p video. Key pros include effective optical image stabilization, good dynamic range, and integrated GPS functionality. Conversely, the camera exhibits notable chromatic aberration, lens distortion, and relatively slow autofocus compared to competitors. Ergonomic drawbacks include an awkward power button placement, and image quality suffers at ISO 1600, showing a significant loss of detail.

The Digital Photography School review highlights the Canon PowerShot SX230 HS as a feature-packed, travel-friendly compact camera that stands out for its high performance and strong 14x optical zoom lens (28-392mm equivalent). This slim device relies on a 12.1-megapixel CMOS sensor that handles low-light situations exceptionally well, maintaining remarkably clean photos without noticeable image noise up to ISO 1600. Photographers will appreciate its versatile manual exposure adjustments, built-in GPS geotagging features, and Full HD 1080p video capabilities with continuous autofocus. The camera also features a robust mode dial that prevents accidental setting adjustments, ensuring a smooth shooting experience on the go. However, the review details a few design shortcomings that require some patience to navigate. Users cannot capture still photos while recording movies, and wide-angle shots are prone to barrel distortion. Physically, the tiny black power button is incredibly difficult to locate quickly, and the rear control dial is confusing to operate. The camera can also take slightly longer than a second between sequential regular shots. Ultimately, while the controls will require extra time to master, it remains an exceptional...

The ePHOTOzine review highlights the Canon PowerShot SX230 HS as a feature-packed travel compact camera, featuring a 12.1-megapixel back-illuminated CMOS sensor, a 14x optical zoom lens, and integrated GPS. Key advantages include a durable, pocketable metal body, a large 3-inch widescreen LCD, full P/A/S/M manual exposure controls, and Full HD 1080p video recording with optical zoom usage. Conversely, the review notes significant cons related to operational speed and handling. Specifically, the continuous shooting mode is slow at only 2.5 frames per second, and the rear control dial is described as confusing and awkward to operate.

The Canon PowerShot SX230 HS is a pocketable travel-zoom camera that features a 12.1 Megapixel back-illuminated CMOS sensor, a 14x optical zoom (28–392mm equivalent), and a built-in GPS receiver. Ideal for video enthusiasts, it stands out with a 3-inch 16:9 widescreen display and offers Full HD 1080p recording at 24fps, alongside unique modes like Movie Digest and Creative filters. Its core strengths lie in excellent low-light image quality, highly efficient 4-stop optical image stabilisation, and reliable scene detection that makes point-and-shoot operation seamless. Furthermore, the camera introduces a High speed burst mode capable of shooting 6.5fps at a reduced 3M resolution. However, the camera has several design flaws, most notably a pop-up flash that activates automatically every time the camera powers on, requiring users to manually push it down if not needed. Battery life is also weak, delivering an unimpressive 210 shots per charge, which drains even faster when using the continuous GPS tracking log. While the zoom range is impressive, it lacks the super-wide-angle field of view found in competing models, and the built-in GPS frequently struggles to lock...

The Canon PowerShot SX230 HS is a compact travel-zoom camera that features a 12-megapixel high-speed CMOS sensor, a 14X optical zoom lens (28–392 mm equivalent), a 3-inch widescreen LCD, and built-in GPS functionality. It provides versatile shooting options ranging from a Smart Auto mode and multiple creative scene filters to full manual exposure and manual focus controls. Performance highlights include a remarkably quick 1.2-second startup time and unlimited continuous JPEG shooting when paired with a high-speed card. Furthermore, its Full HD 1080p video capability delivers commendable stereo sound and allows the use of continuous autofocus, optical zoom, and dynamic optical image stabilization during recording. Image quality stands out as a primary asset, delivering sharp, well-saturated photos at low ISO settings, and retaining acceptable details and manageable noise up to ISO 1600. It is also one of the few models in its class to support physical accessories like an optional slave flash and a 40-meter waterproof case. Despite its strong performance, the camera is held back by several notable design and functional drawbacks. Ergonomically, it suffers from a completely smooth front...

The Expert Reviews breakdown of the Canon PowerShot SX230 HS highlights it as a highly capable pocket-sized ultra-zoom camera that delivers impeccable photo quality. Thanks to its 12-megapixel back-illuminated sensor, the camera produces remarkably low noise levels in bright daylight, alongside smooth, clean low-light shots even at high sensitivities like ISO 1600. Its 14x optical zoom lens remains sharp across the entire 28-392mm focal length range, successfully matching the detail resolution of rivals with larger zooms. Users will appreciate the first-rate implementation of full manual controls, an intuitive navigation dial wheel, and superb 1080p video quality captured with crisp stereo sound and smooth autofocus on its wide 3in screen. Additionally, the built-in GPS radio allows for seamless photo geotagging. However, the review points out several notable drawbacks, including a modest 14x zoom range that is less flexible than its immediate market competitors. Standard shot-to-shot performance is somewhat sluggish at 2.2 seconds apart, though a 0.9fps continuous autofocus mode helps compensate for this lag. Minor chromatic aberrations (colour fringing) appear around high-contrast lines, and the maximum video recording clip length is...

The Amateur Photographer review highlights the Canon PowerShot SX230 HS as a feature-packed, affordable travel compact with fast autofocus, effective low-light performance, and sharp, punchy image quality. Its "HS system" successfully maintains high image detail up to ISO 1600, while the evaluative metering provides well-balanced exposures. Amateur Photographer Limitations include significant image detail loss at ISO 3200 and a tendency for the metering system to clip highlights, requiring manual exposure adjustment. Additionally, the review notes the lack of RAW file support and a limited aperture range for more advanced users. Amateur Photographer

The Trusted Reviews evaluation of the Canon PowerShot SX230 HS highlights it as a highly capable, easy-to-use travel compact featuring a 14x optical zoom in a pocket-friendly body. Key strengths include excellent image quality and effective image stabilization, particularly at long focal lengths. Conversely, the review notes significant ergonomic flaws, including the lack of a right-hand finger grip, and the absence of RAW file support for enthusiast users. Additionally, the integrated GPS, while useful, causes heavy battery drain during operation. Trusted Reviews

The Canon PowerShot SX230 HS is a feature-rich, 77%-rated travel-zoom compact offering excellent detail, a 14x optical zoom (28-392mm), and full manual controls, according to DPReview. It features fast, reliable operation and Full HD 1080p video, with the added benefit of built-in GPS for travel photography. However, the camera suffers from noticeable lens distortion and chromatic aberration in high-contrast scenes. Additionally, its 3.2 fps continuous shooting speed is slower than competitors, and the premium price for the GPS feature may not be justified for all users.