Canon PowerShot SX1 IS

The Canon PowerShot SX1 IS was launched in the UK around the end of 2008. Most digital cameras these days seem to have a life-span of little over 12 months, as the camera makers rush to continually update their product line and introduce revised versions every six to 12 months.

In the case of the SX1 however it is still going strong – which says something about how good it was when first introduced.

What is unique about the SX1 is that it was the first non-SLR digital camera to offer Full HD (1080p) video recording, in addition to its 10 megapixel, 20x zoom, still capabilities. A number of other digicams around at the time offered 720p HD video, but none offered 1080p, and certainly not at the high bit rate offered by the SX1. In fact, so good is the HD video of this camera, that few other rival models exist today which can deliver the same results. Which goes some way to explaining why Canon have yet to update the model.

As I was so impressed by the SX1 at launch I eventually bought one. I was not disappointed and continue to enjoy using it today.

Here is the ‘mini-review’ I wrote some time ago…

…

After much research I chose the SX1 (over SX10 or Panasonic FZ28) as a replacement for my A610.

Despite reading reviews, my first impression was that it was larger than expected… and perhaps a little heavier. Expectations are subjective of course, but this is no `pocket’ camera! It’s very solid (think `small DSLR’ rather than `compact’), and though mainly plastic it’s very well built. The lens surround is metal, and there’s a metal tripod thread. It feels comfortable when held, and the weight should help avoid camera shake (as does excellent Image Stabilisation).

(Note – if you `rock’ the camera gently whilst off there’s a slight clunking noise, sounding like a loose item inside. You don’t hear this when switched on. Apparently Canon say that it’s perfectly normal. So don’t be disconcerted!)

The second thing that stood out was the clarity of the display. The 2.8 inch screen is considerably larger than my A610′s and very crisp and colourful. The viewfinder display is less impressive, but useable, but with the main screen so clear I’ll probably use that more.

The 20x zoom lens is quite long when extended and reach is impressive. The lens cap is a pain – ideally it would be attached with a cord, but it can clip to the neck-strap. I miss an `automatic’ lens cover but there you go.

If you’ve used another Canon compact you’ll find the UI and menus familiar. There are many options to navigate, but all are accessed via a straightforward system, with `shortcut’ buttons provided on the body (MF, ISO, Macro, Timer, Exposure compensation and a dedicated video record button which is really useful – no need to find video `mode’ before filming). The widescreen display is used well with info neatly arranged to get the most from the space provided. In `normal’ photo mode the image occupies the central area with settings shown on the right and left avoiding obscuring the image. Switch to widescreen mode for stills (and HD video) and the image then occupies the full width.

STILLS

The `$6 Million’ question is how good is the image quality? I’d say very good.

Overall quality of picture in terms of sharpness, focus, colour, exposure and so on, is very good. In terms of `noise’, from what I’ve seen the SX1 delivers generally good results. Initial tests were mainly indoors in natural light – a `worst case scenario’ test. Generally the SX1 coped well and shots in brighter light are obviously better! Using `Auto’ at mainly 100 or 200ISO shots were clean and tidy. At normal viewing resolution no real noise is visible. Zoomed to 2, 4 or even 6 megapixels images are fine and prints at 6×4, or perhaps even A4 size, should be fine.

At 100% the 10 megapixel indoor images do exhibit some `graininess’. However, this is probably `normal’ for most 8+ megapixel compacts, which are pushing the limits of what a small sensor can achieve. With good light outdoors, I’m sure the SX1 is capable of producing superb shots, and at 10 megapixels opportunities are presented for cropping and enlarging.

Outdoor shots, despite dull weather, have come out very well. The zoom allows you to get in very close to subjects. Also, the wide angle (28mm) is great for group and indoor shots.

HD VIDEO

A large attraction of the SX1 is its Full HD video (1080p). With this the SX1 is something of a pioneer.

I shot several videos and converted to WMF using WinFF on my PC for smooth playback (see comments other review). With settings of 30000bps, 30fps, 1920/1080, the WMFs played back smoothly. Quality is superb – every bit as good as hoped for. Surprisingly, though Canon recommend Class 6, video worked fine with my Class 4 card (Sandisk Ultra II, 8Gb).

Indoors video came out fine, and though the SX1 can `overexpose’ in bright light it is no worse than my `normal’ camcorder.

One great thing is that you can grab 2 megapixel stills from the video. This is like having 30fps `burst mode’ on the camera. Just convert to .wmv and via Windows Movie Maker you can save any frame as a JPG – perfect for 6×4 prints!

HD video is all I hoped it would be. Shoots fine, looks superb, CD quality sound, easily transferred to PC (no more `capturing’ from tape) and with right software excellent results are achieved. It really does give you an HD camcorder in a stills camera. You’d want a good capacity card (16GB=56mins), but 16Gb are now available from about £20. The SX1 fits less video on a card than many HD camcorders, but there’s a simple reason: Most HD camcorders encode at between 15 and 24Mbs – whereas the SX1 shoots at around 43Mbs!!…. And it shows!

EARLY CONCLUSIONS

The SX1 is a great, all-in-one, `bridge’ camera. Well built, great zoom & wide angle, feels solid, takes good pictures, and superb video. With many features, manual controls, macro, 4fps burst mode, and so on, you get a lot for your money. There’s a neck strap (you’ll need it), a useful remote control for photos, video and playback, a composite video lead for TV, a USB lead, and PC software for photo/video playback. Sadly the main manual is on CD and for HDTV playback you’ll need an HDMI cable. The camera takes AA batteries – personally I like that – AAs are cheap, so easy to carry spares, and good rechargeables last a fair while.

The SX1 isn’t a `small compact’ nor a DSLR, but for high zoom, less bulk, and HD video in a stills camera the SX1 is the ideal choice. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!

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