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Canon SX1 Comparison Review

The Canon PowerShot SX1 IS is a fixed lens compact camera that was announced in September 2008 and is equipped with a 1/2.3-inch sensor. It offers a resolution of 10 megapixel.

camera

Is the Canon SX1 a good camera? The SX1 has a Camera Elo of 1089. This rating puts the SX1 below average of all superzoom compact cameras. In terms of its sensor size category (small sensor cameras), the SX1 also ranks below average. Based on its within category standings, the camera earns a 2.5-star performance rating. – Well, the Canon SX1 is more than 16 years old, and there have been many other good digital cameras released since 2008.

Headline Specifications
Canon SX1
Fixed lens compact camera
28-560mm f/2.8-5.7
10 MP, 1/2.3" Sensor
1080/30p Video
ISO 100 - 1 600 (100 - 3 200)
Electronic viewfinder (202k dots)
2.8 LCD, 230k dots
Swivel screen (not touch-sensitive)
4 shutter flaps per second
128 x 88 x 88 mm, 615 g

Read on to find out more about the camera's size, sensor, features, reception by expert reviewers, and how it compares to other digital cameras.

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Body comparison with a credit card

The physical dimensions of the Canon SX1 relative to a credit card are illustrated in the side-by-side display below. Three consecutive perspectives from the front, the top, and the back are presented. All width, height and depth measures are rounded to the nearest millimeter.

Canon SX1 vs credit card front
SX1 versus credit card top view
SX1 and credit card rear side

The table below summarizes the key physical specs of the Canon SX1 alongside a set of similar cameras. If you want to review a particular camera pair side-by-side, just move across to the CAM-parator tool and choose from the broad selection of possible comparisons there.

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Body Specifications
    Camera
Model
Camera
Width
Camera
Height
Camera
Depth
Camera
Weight
Battery
Life
Weather
Sealing
Camera
Launch
Launch
Price
Street
Price
1.
 
Canon SX1 128 mm 88 mm 88 mm 615 g .. n Sep 2008 US$ 599ebay.com
2.
 
Canon G16 109 mm 76 mm 40 mm 356 g 360 n Aug 2013 US$ 549ebay.com
3.
 
Canon SX10 123 mm 88 mm 87 mm 600 g .. n Sep 2008 US$ 399ebay.com
4.
 
Canon SX20 123 mm 88 mm 87 mm 600 g .. n Aug 2009 US$ 399ebay.com
5.
 
Canon SX40 123 mm 92 mm 108 mm 600 g 380 n Sep 2011 US$ 429ebay.com
6.
 
Canon SX50 123 mm 87 mm 106 mm 595 g 315 n Sep 2012 US$ 429ebay.com
7.
 
Canon SX60 128 mm 93 mm 114 mm 650 g 340 n Sep 2014 US$ 549ebay.com
8.
 
Canon SX70 127 mm 91 mm 117 mm 608 g 325 n Sep 2018 US$ 549 amazon.com
9.
 
Panasonic FZ150 124 mm 82 mm 92 mm 528 g 410 n Aug 2011 US$ 499ebay.com
10.
 
Panasonic FZ200 125 mm 87 mm 110 mm 588 g 540 n Jul 2012 US$ 599ebay.com
11.
 
Panasonic FZ300 132 mm 92 mm 117 mm 691 g 380 Y Jul 2015 US$ 599 amazon.com
Note: Measurements and pricing do not include easily detachable parts, such as add-on or interchangeable lenses or optional viewfinders.

The listed prices provide an indication of the market segment that the manufacturer of the cameras have been targeting. The Canon SX1 was launched in the US market at a price of $599. Usually, retail prices stay at first close to the launch price, but after several months, discounts become available. Later in the product cycle and, in particular, when the replacement model is about to appear, further discounting and stock clearance sales often push the camera price considerably down. Then, after the new model is out, very good deals can frequently be found on the pre-owned market.

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Sensor comparison with a 35mm slide

The size of the sensor inside a digital camera is one of the key determinants of image quality. A large sensor will tend to have larger individual pixels that provide better low-light sensitivity, wider dynamic range, and richer color-depth than smaller pixel-units in a sensor of the same technological generation. Further, a large sensor camera will give the photographer additional creative options when using shallow depth-of-field to isolate a subject from its background. On the downside, larger sensors tend to be associated with larger, more expensive camera bodies and lenses.

The Canon SX1 features a 1/2.3-inch sensor and has a format factor (sometimes also referred to as "crop factor") of 5.6. Within the spectrum of camera sensors, this places the Canon SX1 among the smaller-sensor digicams that favor affordability and compact design.

Canon SX1 sensor measures

Consistent information on actual sensor performance is available from DXO Mark for most cameras. This service assesses and scores the color depth ("DXO Portrait"), dynamic range ("DXO Landscape"), and low-light sensitivity ("DXO Sports") of camera sensors, and also publishes an overall camera score. The table below summarizes the physical sensor characteristics and sensor quality findings and compares them across a set of similar cameras.

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Sensor Characteristics
    Camera
Model
Sensor
Class
Resolution
(MP)
Horiz.
Pixels
Vert.
Pixels
Video
Format
DXO
Portrait
DXO
Landscape
DXO
Sports
DXO
Overall
1.
 
Canon SX1 1/2.3 10.0 3648 27361080/30p19.010.314435
2.
 
Canon G16 1/1.7 12.0 4000 30001080/60p21.011.723054
3.
 
Canon SX10 1/2.3 10.0 3648 2736480/30p19.010.314435
4.
 
Canon SX20 1/2.3 12.0 4000 3000720/30p19.210.522537
5.
 
Canon SX40 1/2.3 12.0 4000 30001080/24p19.610.940941
6.
 
Canon SX50 1/2.3 12.0 4000 30001080/24p20.311.217947
7.
 
Canon SX60 1/2.3 14.2 4608 30721080/60p19.210.812739
8.
 
Canon SX70 1/2.3 20.2 5184 38884K/30p20.612.1106351
9.
 
Panasonic FZ150 1/2.3 12.0 4000 30001080/60p19.410.913240
10.
 
Panasonic FZ200 1/2.3 12.0 4000 30001080/60p19.110.811437
11.
 
Panasonic FZ300 1/2.3 12.0 4000 30004K/30p19.311.09738
Note: DXO values in italics represent estimates based on sensor size and age.

Many modern cameras are not only capable of taking still images, but also of capturing video footage. The SX1 indeed provides movie recording capabilities. The highest resolution format that the SX1 can use is 1080/30p.

Feature comparison

Beyond body and sensor, cameras can and do differ across a range of features. The adjacent tables list some of the other core features of the Canon SX1 along with similar information for a selection of comparators.

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Core Features
    Camera
Model
Viewfinder
(Type or
000 dots)
Control
Panel
(yes/no)
LCD
Specifications
(inch/000 dots)
LCD
Attach-
ment
Touch
Screen
(yes/no)
Max
Shutter
Speed *
Max
Shutter
Flaps *
Built-in
Flash
(yes/no)
Built-in
Image
Stab
1.
 
Canon SX1202 n2.8 / 230 swivel n 1/3200s 4.0/s Y Y
2.
 
Canon G16optical n3.0 / 922 fixed n 1/4000s 2.2/s Y Y
3.
 
Canon SX10202 n2.5 / 230 swivel n 1/3200s 0.7/s Y Y
4.
 
Canon SX20202 n2.5 / 230 swivel n 1/3200s 0.7/s Y Y
5.
 
Canon SX40202 n2.7 / 230 swivel n 1/3200s 10.3/s Y Y
6.
 
Canon SX50202 n3.0 / 461 swivel n 1/2000s 2.2/s Y Y
7.
 
Canon SX60922 n3.0 / 922 swivel n 1/2000s 6.4/s Y Y
8.
 
Canon SX702360 n3.0 / 922 swivel n 1/2000s 10.0/s Y Y
9.
 
Panasonic FZ150202 n3.0 / 460 swivel n 1/2000s 12.0/s Y Y
10.
 
Panasonic FZ2001312 n3.0 / 460 swivel n 1/4000s 12.0/s Y Y
11.
 
Panasonic FZ3001440 n3.0 / 1040 swivel Y 1/4000s 12.0/s Y Y
Note: *) Information refers to the mechanical shutter, unless the camera only has an electronic one.

The LCD screen on the Canon PowerShot SX1 IS is flexibly attached to the body. In particular, the LCD is hinged on the side and can be flipped out for odd-angle shots in both portrait and landscape orientation. Also, this fully articulated, swivel type of LCD attachment is often appreciated by videographers for its flexibility. Moreover, v-loggers like the design because the screen can be turned to be front-facing.

articulated screen
Flexible screen on the SX1

One convenient feature of the SX1 is the presence of an on-board flash. While this built-in flash is not very powerful, it can at times be useful as a fill-in light to brighten deep shadow areas.

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Connection comparison

For some imaging applications, the extent to which a camera can communicate with its environment can be an important aspect in the camera decision process. The table below provides an overview of the connectivity of the Canon PowerShot SX1 IS and, in particular, the interfaces the cameras (and selected comparators) provide for accessory control and data transfer.

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Input-Output Connections
    Camera
Model
Hotshoe
Port
Internal
Mic / Speaker
Microphone
Port
Headphone
Port
HDMI
Port
USB
Port
WiFi
Support
NFC
Support
Bluetooth
Support
1.
 
Canon SX1Ystereo / mono--YES2.0---
2.
 
Canon G16Ystereo / mono--mini2.0Y--
3.
 
Canon SX10Ystereo / mono---2.0---
4.
 
Canon SX20Ystereo / mono--YES2.0---
5.
 
Canon SX40Ystereo / mono--YES2.0---
6.
 
Canon SX50Ystereo / mono--mini2.0---
7.
 
Canon SX60Ystereo / monoY-mini2.0YY-
8.
 
Canon SX70-stereo / monoY-micro2.0Y-Y
9.
 
Panasonic FZ150Ystereo / ---mini2.0---
10.
 
Panasonic FZ200Ystereo / monoY-mini2.0---
11.
 
Panasonic FZ300Ystereo / monoY-mini2.0Y--

The SX1 has a zoom lens built in (5-100mm f/2.8-5.7), which, in full frame equivalent terms, provides a focal length range from 28 to 560mm. The camera is, hence, ready to shoot, while remaining more compact in size than an interchangeable lens camera with an optic that offers similar focal length and aperture specifications.

Further information on the features and operation of the SX1 can be found in the free online Canon SX1 Manual or on the Canon support site.

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Expert reviews

While the comparison of the spec-sheets of cameras can offer a general idea of their imaging potential, it says nothing about, for example, the handling, responsiveness, and overall imaging quality of the SX1 in practical situations. At times, user reviews, such as those published at amazon, address these issues in a useful manner, but such feedback is on many occasions incomplete, inconsistent, and unreliable. This is why hands-on reviews by experts are important. The following table reports the overall rankings of the cameras as published by some of the major camera review sites (amateurphotographer [AP], cameralabs [CL], digitalcameraworld [DCW], dpreview [DPR], ephotozine [EPZ], photographyblog [PB]).

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Review Scores
     Camera 
 Model 
 AP 
 score 
 CL 
 score 
 DCW 
 score 
 DPR 
 score 
 EPZ 
 score 
 PB 
 score 
Camera
Launch
Launch
Price
Street
Price
1.
 
Canon SX1..+ +..+..3.5/5 Sep 2008 US$ 599ebay.com
2.
 
Canon G164/5+....4.5/54.5/5 Aug 2013 US$ 549ebay.com
3.
 
Canon SX10..+ +......4/5 Sep 2008 US$ 399ebay.com
4.
 
Canon SX20..+ +..73/100..4/5 Aug 2009 US$ 399ebay.com
5.
 
Canon SX40..+....4.5/54/5 Sep 2011 US$ 429ebay.com
6.
 
Canon SX503/5+ +..72/1004.5/54.5/5 Sep 2012 US$ 429ebay.com
7.
 
Canon SX603/5+ +..75/1004/54.5/5 Sep 2014 US$ 549ebay.com
8.
 
Canon SX70..+ +3.5/5..3.5/53.5/5 Sep 2018 US$ 549 amazon.com
9.
 
Panasonic FZ1503/5+ +..76/1004/54.5/5 Aug 2011 US$ 499ebay.com
10.
 
Panasonic FZ2003/5+ +..80/1004.5/54.5/5 Jul 2012 US$ 599ebay.com
11.
 
Panasonic FZ300..+ +....4.5/54.5/5 Jul 2015 US$ 599 amazon.com
Note: (+ +) highly recommended; (+) recommended; (o) reviewed; (..) not available.

The above review scores should be interpreted with care, though. The ratings are only valid when referring to cameras in the same category and of the same age. Thus, a score needs to be put into the context of the launch date and the launch price of the camera, and comparing ratings of very distinct cameras or ones that are far apart in terms of their release date have little meaning. It should also be noted that some of the review sites have over time altered the way they render their verdicts.

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Canon SX1 FAQ

Below are some additional questions and answers concerning some particular features of the SX1.

What technology is the imaging sensor in the Canon SX1 based on?

The camera has a CMOS (Complementary Metal–Oxide–Semiconductor) sensor at its core.

What is the ISO sensitivity range of the Canon SX1?

The camera has a native sensitivity range from ISO 100 to ISO 1600.

Does the Canon SX1 feature an autofocus assist light?

Yes, the camera has a lamp built-in that can illuminate the subject and improve autofocus in low-light settings.

What is the fastest shutter speed that can be used with the Canon SX1 for flash photography?

The SX1's flash sync speed is 1/500 sec.

Which battery does the Canon SX1 use?

The camera gets its power from the Canon 4xAA, which is a rechargeable Lithium-Ion power pack.

Camera to camera comparisons

In case you are interested in seeing how this camera compares to another one, just use the search menu below. There is also a set of direct links to comparison reviews that other users of the CAM-parator app explored.

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    Specifications Summary
    Camera Model Canon SX1
    Camera Type Fixed lens compact camera
    Camera Lens 28-560mm f/2.8-5.7
    Launch Date September 2008
    Launch Price USD 599
    Sensor Specs
    Sensor Technology CMOS
    Sensor Format 1/2.3" Sensor
    Sensor Size 6.17 x 4.55 mm
    Sensor Area 28 mm2
    Sensor Diagonal 7.7 mm
    Crop Factor 5.6x
    Sensor Resolution 10 Megapixels
    Image Resolution 3 648 x 2 736 pixels
    Pixel Pitch 1.67 μm
    Pixel Density 35.55 MP/cm2
    Moiré control no AA filter
    Movie Capability 1080/30p Video
    ISO Setting 100 - 1 600 ISO
    ISO Boost 100 - 3 200 ISO
    Screen Specs
    Viewfinder Type Electronic viewfinder
    Viewfinder Field of View 100%
    Viewfinder Resolution 202k dots
    Top-Level Screen no Top Display
    LCD Framing Live View
    LCD Size 2.8 inch
    LCD Resolution 230k dots
    LCD Attachment Swivel screen
    V-logging Friendliness No front-flip
    Touch Input No touchscreen
    Shooting Specs
    Focus System Contrast-detect AF
    Manual Focusing Aidno Peaking Feature
    Maximum Shutter Speed 1/3200s
    Continuous Shooting 4 shutter flaps/s
    Silent Shootingno E-Shutter
    Time Lapse Photographyno Intervalometer
    Fill Flash Built-in Flash
    Storage Medium SDHC cards
    Single or Dual Card Slots Single card slot
    UHS card support no
    Connectivity Specs
    External Flash Hotshoe
    USB Connector USB 2.0
    HDMI Port YES HDMI
    Wifi Support no Wifi
    Body Specs
    Battery Type Canon 4xAA power pack
    Body Dimensions 128 x 88 x 88 mm
    (5.0 x 3.5 x 3.5 in)
    Camera Weight 615 g (21.7 oz)

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