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James Hardy photo
Japan, Tokyo
1 Level
724 Review
37 Karma

Review on πŸ“· Canon PowerShot SX160 IS 16.0 MP Digital Camera Review: 16x Wide-Angle Optical Image Stabilized Zoom, 3.0-Inch LCD (Red) (OLD MODEL) by James Hardy

Revainrating 4 out of 5

The camera is way better than I thought!

For the past 2 years I've been looking at Canon SX series cameras, but as I'm a person who only gets satisfied with cameras using lithium batteries can, I have shied away from them. So I finally did it after reading that the AA battery life is getting better. If you buy multiple batteries, preferably Eneloops, you'll be happy. ADVANTAGES: * Captures GREAT, CLEAR photos with TRUE COLOR as well as GREAT MACRO (close-up) shots. (I took a few grainy photos while playing with it, but that was my fault due to the poor light with no flash). carry around - this camera comes in handy - if you have big hands or fingers you won't accidentally hit the wrong buttons, lots of space - I have short short fingers and short nails as I type a lot these ultra compact cameras don't suit me!* Very happy with the battery life; I've taken over 250 pictures and a few videos with Eneloops, they still work (the AA alkaline batteries that came with the camera didn't last long) - for Eneloops - see my link below. * Image stabilization turns off automatically when you mount the camera on a tripod, which I always forget about other cameras (AUTO mode). The more you zoom out, the more it shakes); Normally I would have to use a tripod with other cameras.* You can optically zoom the video during the video, the audio is not muted during the zoom function. The zoom motor is VERY quiet, as soon as you press the video/video button it becomes almost silent - the way it does it amazes me.* Easy to use in AUTO mode; and it also has full manual P/A/S/M control, so it's a camera you can grow into if you're a beginner. * Features a mode dial - some cameras, including cheaper Canon models, pick up the dial from the top. Camera and switch to menu-only format. CONS: * Shutter response time is a little slow, probably due to the AA batteries (I'm using a class 10 SD card, so it's not the case). I'm not sure you'll like this camera if you're trying to capture fast-moving kids or pets. If you can get her to stay still for a few seconds, you're fine. * Build Quality: It's plastic, but if you're careful with your cameras, you'll be fine. The battery door feels a little more secure than the cheaper Canon models I've looked at, it's spring-loaded, unlocks, and pops out of the way. Plastic Tripod Mount (Ugh! Why couldn't metal be used?)* This camera can't be pocketed, you need a pocket. Also, a camera this size needs a neck strap, not a flimsy hand strap like the one in the box.* The 230k LCD doesn't impress me, I've bought cheaper 460k cameras. You may be dissatisfied with the quality of a photo when you view it on the LCD and pleasantly surprised after you download the photo to your computer. RANDOM THOUGHTS: 1. My camera was made in JAPAN! Don't say you will; I know that when it comes to Panasonic cameras, sometimes the same model comes from different countries. I don't know anything about Canon.2. I haven't found the perfect P&S digital camera yet. This one isn't perfect either, which is why I got 4 stars. You need to weigh the pros and cons for YOUR specific camera needs. I've tried other cheaper basic Canons and either returned them or given them away to friends.3. There are strap holes on either side of this camera, but they are so small that they only fit in the small loops that are found on the wrist straps. I think I found a neck strap that works, see my link below. I have now ordered one.4. I uploaded a short video to YouTube, I'm Yarii41 on YT; If you search for "Canon SX160 Video Review" you should find it. I can't post a link here as links to other sites are not allowed in our reviews. ENELOOP BATTERIES: Sanyo XX Battery Powered by eneloop, 2500 mAh typ. / 2400 mAh minimum High Capacity, 4-Pack AA Ni-MH Precharged Batteries CANON CASE: Canon PSC-3300 Deluxe Soft Case for Canon SX130IS Digital Camera SD CLASS 10: 16GB Transcend SDHC Class 10 Flash Memory Card TS16GSDHC10E NECKLACE: OP/TECH USA 2201021 Bin/Op Strap-QD- for Compact Cameras and Binoculars - Neoprene (Black)

Pros
  • DIGIC 4 image processor, runs on 2 AA batteries
Cons
  • Definitely a bad product