Canon PowerShot SX280 HS Review | 108 Data compared

The PCMag review awards the Canon PowerShot SX280 HS an Editors' Choice for its impressive 12.1-megapixel sensor, 20x optical zoom, and fast DIGIC 6 processor. Notable pros include swift performance with 60fps 1080p video, superior high-ISO image quality, and built-in Wi-Fi and GPS. Cons, however, center on poor battery life when using the GPS/Wi-Fi, and the zoom motor noise being audible in videos. Furthermore, while strong, the image quality falls slightly short of smaller-zoom competitors.

Canon PowerShot SX280 HS Review Summary The Canon PowerShot SX280 HS is a compact megazooom camera praised for its versatile shooting modes catering to all photographer levels, an excellent 20x optical zoom lens, and impressive image stabilization. Powered by the Digic 6 image processor, the camera features an autofocus system that is 50 percent faster than its predecessor, the SX260, alongside reduced image noise at high ISO settings. Furthermore, the camera excels in capturing high-quality full HD 1080p video at up to 60 frames per second. It also incorporates built-in Wi-Fi and GPS functionalities, allowing for seamless location tracking and photo sharing directly to mobile devices. Despite these advanced performance capabilities, the camera suffers from significantly short battery life, which deteriorates even faster when utilizing the Wi-Fi, GPS, or movie capture options. Users are heavily advised to carry extra batteries as the device cannot be charged via USB. Additional drawbacks include a poorly placed motorized flash that can trigger error messages if blocked, a slow f/6.8 aperture at the maximum telephoto end, and a complete lack of standard panoramic or...

The Canon PowerShot SX280 HS is a compact travel camera featuring a 20x optical zoom lens, delivering very good image quality with vibrant colors and high detail. Key strengths include 14fps burst shooting, built-in GPS, and Wi-Fi functionality. However, the review cites significantly short battery life, particularly when using GPS and Wi-Fi, as a major drawback. Other cons include restricted high-speed shooting settings, the lack of an automatic HDR mode, and no in-camera panorama stitching.

The Canon PowerShot SX280 HS is a highly capable 12-Megapixel pocket super-zoom camera featuring a 20x optical zoom lens (25-500mm equivalent) backed by an effective five-axis optical image stabilization system. Equipped with Canon's DIGIC 6 image processor, the camera stands out by sticking to a lower resolution than its competitors to prioritize better low-light performance and image quality up to 6400 ISO. It introduces notable upgrades over its predecessor, including built-in Wi-Fi, integrated GPS with direct Assist data downloading capabilities, and smooth Full HD 1080p video recording at 60fps. However, the camera has several functional setbacks, most notably an initial firmware bug that severely compromised battery life by triggering premature low-battery alerts in movie mode, requiring a firmware update (version 1.0.2.0) to achieve its true 57-minute movie runtime. Additionally, the zoom motor is distinctly audible during video capture, and the camera lacks popular competitive features like an automated sweep panorama mode and a touch-screen interface. The Wi-Fi features are somewhat basic, lacking a remote control option, and activating creative modes like "Miniature" oddly forces awkward restrictions on photo aspect ratios...

The Canon PowerShot SX280 HS is a travel compact camera highlighted by its 20x optical zoom lens (25-500mm equivalent) and its position as the first Canon camera to debut the Digic 6 processor. This processor upgrade provides notable advancements in low-light noise performance and video capabilities, allowing users to capture smooth 60fps movie footage. Designed to appeal to both beginners and advanced photographers, it features an array of automated functions—such as the Hybrid Auto mode that creates a daily "Movie Digest"—alongside full manual control (including aperture and shutter priority modes). It also targets the travel market with convenient, built-in Wi-Fi and GPS tracking functionalities. While the camera delivers strong image quality with good colour accuracy, sharp details, and admirable low-light performance, it lacks a few features advanced users might expect. Most notably, it offers no raw shooting capability, preventing users from capturing unprocessed image data. Reviewers also noted physical and operational limitations, specifically pointing out the lack of a touchscreen interface and the inability to manually set a specific autofocus (AF) point. Despite these drawbacks, at its retail price point,...

The Canon PowerShot SX280 HS is a travel-friendly pocket ultra-zoom camera featuring built-in GPS and Wi-Fi capabilities for location tracking and mobile transfers. It delivers class-leading photo and video quality, highlighted by exceptionally sharp 1080p video recording at 60fps and minimal JPEG noise up to ISO 800. The camera offers robust user control through functional physical mode dials, a rear control wheel, manual focus, and flash exposure compensation, all encased in a solid, one-hand-friendly metal body. However, the camera has notable limitations, starting with a poor battery life of only 210 shots, which drains faster when GPS, Wi-Fi, or video recording are active. The Wi-Fi implementation is strictly for transfers and lacks remote camera control, while initial pairing with certain mobile devices can be problematic. Additionally, performance lags behind competitors with a 1.6-second delay between standard shots, the camera lacks a movable autofocus point for creative framing, the microphone picks up internal lens zoom noise during video recording, and images occasionally exhibit chromatic aberration at long telephoto ranges.

The Canon PowerShot SX280 HS is a highly capable travel camera that manages to pack advanced imaging technology into a remarkably small, pocketable frame. Author Andy Mossack notes that despite its compact size, the device provides a sturdy, travel-ready design equipped with a powerful 12.1-megapixel CMOS sensor and the advanced DIGIC 6 processing engine. Key highlights include an impressive 20x optical zoom lens that automatically retracts upon shutdown, full 1080p HD video recording capabilities up to 60 frames per second, and built-in Wi-Fi connectivity. Additionally, it offers broad versatility, featuring a range of automated scene formats—such as smart shutters and advanced smile detection capable of recognizing 35 faces—alongside a comprehensive suite of manual layout controls aimed at more serious photographers.

The Canon PowerShot SX280HS is a robust travel compact featuring a 20x optical zoom and the DIGIC 6 processor, delivering standout image quality, vibrant colors, and low noise at high ISO settings. Notable for its high-speed performance, the camera offers 60fps Full HD video and a 14fps continuous shooting mode, along with built-in GPS and Wi-Fi. However, the review cites disappointing battery life as a major issue, especially with GPS and Wi-Fi active. Additional drawbacks include the inability to use the 14fps burst mode in manual shooting, the lack of auto-panorama or HDR modes, and an awkward pop-up flash design.