Besides providing quite a number of features for amateurs and enthusiasts alike, the Canon PowerShot SX110 IS proves to be a camera that can go the distance with its noteworthy picture quality and 10x zoom function.
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Included in the package are two AA batteries, a 32MB memory card, a USB Interface cable, an AV cable, a wrist strap, and a Canon Digital Camera Solution Disk. The carrying case is not included.
The camera did not feel cheap: the buttons and dials were well made, while its body is solid. The mode dial, zoom lever, shutter button, power button, and flash can be found on top of the unit, while the LCD screen, Control dial (which also functions as a navigation key), as well as the Print/Share, Face Selector, Exposure/Image Erase, Function Set, Display, and Menu buttons are found on the unit’s rear. This layout makes it easy for a user to have access to all the camera’s functions using one hand.
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The unit is ready to use as soon as the batteries and memory card are installed. Beginners can set the mode dial to ‘Easy Mode’ (the icon with the heart) to shoot photos without having to tinker around with the settings. An Auto Mode that allows a user to adjust the ISO settings (Auto or High), and turn on the Face Selection, Macro Shot, and Timer functions, is also available for more control.
The SX110 IS also has seven different modes in its ‘Image Zone’ (Portrait, Night Snapshop, Indoor, Landscape, Kids and Pets, SCN or Special Scene, and Movie) that will automatically adjust its settings for optimal shooting.
In addition, it also comes with four manual/semi-manual modes in its ‘Creative Zone’ (Program AE, Shutter Speed, Aperture, Manual Aperture and Shutter Speed) that caters to advanced photographers looking for more control.
Shifting from one function to another can be done in an instant due to its well-labelled buttons and dials, and large 3-inch LCD screen. Icons displayed on the screen were not obtrusive, giving us more space to look at when composing shots.
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Though only a secondary function, Canon should have done more to provide users with better video function. The SX110 IS’s 10x optical zoom was not available while taking videos and only utilises digital zoom as soon as one starts recording. The unit records videos at 640×480, which may not be good enough for those who want clearer and more vivid recording.
While the camera took decent shots, it suffered from extreme lags between shots. There were times when we had to wait for about four seconds before we were able to take the next shot. We also found battery life to be short, so users are advised to purchase rechargeable batteries and bring it along during long vacations (especially when there are no convenience stores nearby).
Despite its minor drawbacks, the Canon PowerShot SX110 IS is still a good camera for users who want a powerful optical zoom. It is able to produce good shots and can be handy on trips where zooming in is the only way to get decent shots. It is available now with an RRP of $399.
See page over for product specifications and final rating.
Canon PowerShot SX110 IS Specifications:
CCD/Image Processor
Effective Number of Pixels: 9.0MP
Size/Filer Array: 1/2.3 inch / Primary colour filter (Bayer)
Processor: DiG!C III
Lens
Focal Length (Optical): 6.0 (W) – 60 (T) mm
35mm film equivalent: 36 (W) – 360 (T) mm
f/number: f/2.8 – 8.0 (W) / f/4.3 – 8.0 (T)
Shutter Speed: 15 – 1/2500 sec.
Zoom: Optical approx 10x; Digital approx 4x
Image Stabiliser: Optical (Lens Shift Type)
Shooting Functions
AF System: TTL Autofocus / Manual Focus
Focusing Frame: Face Detect, Centre, Manual
Face Detection: Auto Focus, Auto Exposure, White Balance, Flash
Range: Normal: 50cm – infinity, Macro: 1cm – 50cm
LCD Monitor: 3.0-inch LCD monitor (approx 230,000 dots)
Flash
Flash Modes: Auto, on, off, Red Eye Correction, Red Eye Reduction, Slow Synchro, FE Lock, Safety FE
Flash Range: Normal: 50cm -3.0m (W) 1.0m – 2.0m (T)
Selectable Shooting Modes
Shooting Modes: Auto, P (Program), Tv (Shutter Priority), Av (Aperture Priority), M (Manual), Easy, Portrait, Landscape, Night Snapshot, Kids and Pets, Indoor, Special Scene (Night Scene, Sunset, Foliage, Snow, Beach, Fireworks, Aquarium, ISO 3200), Movie
My Colours: Vivid, Neutral, Sepia, Black & White, Custom Colour
Image Recording Format
Still image: JPEG Compression (EXIF 2.2 Compliant)
Colour Space and JPEG Compression: sRGB; Superfine, Fine, Normal
Movies: AVI (Image Data: Motion JPEG; Audio Data: WAVE monaural)
Battery Size: AA Alkaline battery (x2) or Size AA rechargeable NiMH battery (x2)
Optional Charger/AC Adaptor: AC Adaptor Kit ACK800 (contains CA-PS800)
Dimensions (W x D x H) 110.6 x 70.4 x 44.7 mm (ex. protruding parts)
Weight: 245g
Canon PowerShot SX110 IS | $399 | | www.canon.com.au
For: Solid build; Photo quality; Easy button and dial layout; Manual exposure controls
Against: Lags in between shots; No optical zoom in movie function; No carrying case included
Conclusion: Get close to the action with Canon’s powerful zooming camera