Why
is an optical zoom important?
The SX510 HS has a 30x optical zoom, which
is great for getting in close. These retain the clarity, as they use the glass
inside them to magnify the subject rather than cutting into pixels like a
digital zoom does, resulting in lower quality images.
The PowerShot SX510 HS is a super
compact, lightweight camera with
a massive 30x optical zoom that can fit in the palm of your hand - perfect for
travel
Boasting a wide-angle lens, a 30x optical
and 60x digital zoom (giving it a huge 35mm equivalent range of 24-720mm) and a
12MP sensor, as well being only just over $330, the Canon PowerShot SX510 HS is
a nifty little camera. If you are on a budget but looking for something that
will take nice landscape shots, as well as capture sharp long distance shots,
this will certainly impress.
A small, although not pocket-sized camera,
the SX510 HS’s build is sturdy, and as all the important buttons are
intuitively placed, it feels natural to operate. With a side grip that
protrudes far out, the SX510 HS can easily be used one-handed – this is also
helpful when you are zooming into the distance, as you can keep the shot
steady. Shooting modes here include Manual, Aperture Priority, Shutter
Priority, as well as Program and Automatic, giving enough of a selection to
keep creative options open. Viewing images on the three-inch screen gives great
colour rendition, but there is no viewfinder, so using the screen can be tough
on bright days as it will reflect the sun. There is, however, built-in Wi-Fi,
GPS tagging and full HD video.
Canon’s ZoomPlus technology doubles
the zoom range allowing you to get even closer
Importantly, image quality is great, with
bright, vivid colours and a great tonal range. However, the best results are
produced from daytime shooting or by using the flash. The ISO ranges from
100-3200 so you can shoot in low light, although at ISO 800 noise starts to
become prevalent. As mentioned before, there is a built-in fl ash that takes a
while to ready, but when used is powerful, even if it isn’t automatic and you
need to manually raise it. There was a presence of purple fringing too, with a
slight lean to overexposure, but the zoom managed to keep shots sharp even when
zoomed right in.
All in all, with the $360 price bracket in
mind, you get a lot for your money. From manual shooting modes to an excellent
zoom range, plus prints that can be enlarged, the Canon SX510 HS isn’t perfect
but is a solid option for those on a budget. With manual options and helpful
features, it’s a great budget option, but a viewfinder and better ISO
performance would improve it greatly.
12.1MP High Sensitivity CMOS Sensor
provides beautiful quality and detail
With manual options and helpful features,
it’s a great budget option, but a viewfinder and better ISO performance would
improve it greatly.
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Specifications:
·
Image Sensor: 1/2.3 type back-illuminated
CMOS, Approx. 12.1M
·
Image Processor: DIGIC 4 with iSAPS technology
·
Lens: Focal 4.3 – 129.0 mm, Zoom Optical 30x -
ZoomPlus 60x –
Digital Approx. 4x
·
Shutter: 1 – 1/1600 sec.
·
LCD Monitor: 7.5 cm (3.0”) TFT, Approx.
461,000 dots
·
Interface: Hi-Speed USB & dedicated
connector, HDMI Mini
Connector, A/V output, Wi-Fi
·
Power Source: Rechargeable Li-ion Battery
NB-6LH
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