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Canon SX10 Comparison Review

The Canon PowerShot SX10 IS is a fixed lens compact camera that was revealed to the public in September 2008 and is equipped with a 1/2.3-inch sensor. It offers a resolution of 10 megapixel.

camera

Is the Canon SX10 a good camera? The SX10 has a Camera Elo of 992. This rating puts the SX10 below average of all superzoom compact cameras. In terms of its sensor size category (small sensor cameras), the SX10 also ranks below average. Based on its within category standings, the camera earns a 2.5-star performance rating. – Well, the Canon SX10 is more than 16 years old, and there have been many other good digital cameras released since 2008.

Headline Specifications
Canon SX10
Fixed lens compact camera
28-560mm f/2.8-5.7
10 MP, 1/2.3" Sensor
480/30p Video
ISO 100 - 1 600 (100 - 3 200)
Electronic viewfinder (202k dots)
2.5 LCD, 230k dots
Swivel screen (not touch-sensitive)
0.7 shutter flaps per second
123 x 88 x 87 mm, 600 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 side-by-side display below illustrates the physical size of the Canon SX10 vis-à-vis a credit card. Three successive views from the front, the top, and the rear are shown. All width, height and depth dimensions are rounded to the nearest millimeter.

Canon SX10 vs credit card front
SX10 versus credit card top view
SX10 and credit card rear side

The table below summarizes the key physical specs of the Canon SX10 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 SX10 123 mm 88 mm 87 mm 600 g .. n Sep 2008 US$ 399ebay.com
2.
 
Canon 450D 129 mm 98 mm 62 mm 524 g 500 n Jan 2008 US$ 799ebay.com
3.
 
Canon 1000D 126 mm 98 mm 65 mm 502 g 500 n Jun 2008 US$ 449ebay.com
4.
 
Canon 1100D 130 mm 100 mm 78 mm 495 g 700 n Feb 2011 US$ 449ebay.com
5.
 
Canon S120 100 mm 59 mm 29 mm 217 g 230 n Aug 2013 US$ 449ebay.com
6.
 
Canon SX1 128 mm 88 mm 88 mm 615 g .. n Sep 2008 US$ 599ebay.com
7.
 
Canon SX20 123 mm 88 mm 87 mm 600 g .. n Aug 2009 US$ 399ebay.com
8.
 
Canon SX30 123 mm 92 mm 108 mm 601 g 370 n Sep 2010 US$ 429ebay.com
9.
 
Canon SX40 123 mm 92 mm 108 mm 600 g 380 n Sep 2011 US$ 429ebay.com
10.
 
Canon SX50 123 mm 87 mm 106 mm 595 g 315 n Sep 2012 US$ 429ebay.com
11.
 
Canon XC10 125 mm 102 mm 122 mm 1040 g 370 n Apr 2015 US$ 2 499ebay.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 SX10 was launched in the US market at a price of $399. 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 imaging sensor is at the core of digital cameras and its size is one of the main determining factors of image quality. All other things equal, a large sensor will have larger individual pixel-units that offer better low-light sensitivity, wider dynamic range, and richer color-depth than smaller pixels in a sensor of the same technological generation. Furthermore, a large sensor camera will give the photographer more possibilities to use shallow depth-of-field in order to isolate a subject from the background. On the downside, larger sensors tend to be associated with larger, more expensive camera bodies and lenses.

The Canon SX10 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 SX10 among the smaller-sensor digicams that favor affordability and compact design.

Canon SX10 sensor measures

For most cameras, data on sensor performance has been reported by DXO Mark. 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 SX10 1/2.3 10.0 3648 2736480/30p19.010.314435
2.
 
Canon 450D APS-C 12.2 4272 2848none21.910.869261
3.
 
Canon 1000D APS-C 10.1 3888 2592none22.010.971962
4.
 
Canon 1100D APS-C 12.2 4272 2848720/30p21.911.075562
5.
 
Canon S120 1/1.7 12.0 4000 30001080/60p21.311.924656
6.
 
Canon SX1 1/2.3 10.0 3648 27361080/30p19.010.314435
7.
 
Canon SX20 1/2.3 12.0 4000 3000720/30p19.210.522537
8.
 
Canon SX30 1/2.3 14.0 4320 3240720/30p19.410.732039
9.
 
Canon SX40 1/2.3 12.0 4000 30001080/24p19.610.940941
10.
 
Canon SX50 1/2.3 12.0 4000 30001080/24p20.311.217947
11.
 
Canon XC10 1-inch 12.0 4000 30004K/30p21.711.819761
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 can also record movies. The SX10 indeed provides movie recording capabilities. The highest resolution format that the SX10 can use is 480/30p.

Feature comparison

Beyond body and sensor, cameras can and do differ across a range of features. The following tables report on some other key feature differences and similarities of the Canon SX10 and comparable cameras.

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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 SX10202 n2.5 / 230 swivel n 1/3200s 0.7/s Y Y
2.
 
Canon 450Doptical n3.0 / 230 fixed n 1/4000s 3.5/s Y n
3.
 
Canon 1000Doptical n2.5 / 230 fixed n 1/4000s 3.0/s Y n
4.
 
Canon 1100Doptical n2.7 / 230 fixed n 1/4000s 3.0/s Y n
5.
 
Canon S120none n3.0 / 922 fixed Y 1/2000s 12.1/s Y Y
6.
 
Canon SX1202 n2.8 / 230 swivel n 1/3200s 4.0/s Y Y
7.
 
Canon SX20202 n2.5 / 230 swivel n 1/3200s 0.7/s Y Y
8.
 
Canon SX30202 n2.7 / 230 swivel n 1/3200s 0.6/s Y Y
9.
 
Canon SX40202 n2.7 / 230 swivel n 1/3200s 10.3/s Y Y
10.
 
Canon SX50202 n3.0 / 461 swivel n 1/2000s 2.2/s Y Y
11.
 
Canon XC10none n3.0 / 1030 tilting Y 1/2000s 3.8/s n Y
Note: *) Information refers to the mechanical shutter, unless the camera only has an electronic one.

The LCD screen on the Canon PowerShot SX10 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 SX10

One convenient feature of the SX10 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 SX10 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 SX10Ystereo / mono---2.0---
2.
 
Canon 450DY- / ---mini2.0---
3.
 
Canon 1000DY- / ----2.0---
4.
 
Canon 1100DYstereo / mono--mini2.0---
5.
 
Canon S120-stereo / mono--mini2.0Y--
6.
 
Canon SX1Ystereo / mono--YES2.0---
7.
 
Canon SX20Ystereo / mono--YES2.0---
8.
 
Canon SX30Ystereo / mono--YES2.0---
9.
 
Canon SX40Ystereo / mono--YES2.0---
10.
 
Canon SX50Ystereo / mono--mini2.0---
11.
 
Canon XC10Ystereo / monoYYmini2.0YY-

The SX10 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 SX10 can be found in the free online Canon SX10 Manual or on the Canon support site.

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Expert reviews

While the comparison of technical specifications can provide a useful overview of the capabilities of different cameras, it remains partial and cannot reveal, for example, the handling experience and imaging performance when actually working with the SX10. User reviews that are available, for instance, at amazon can sometimes shed light on these issues, but such feedback is all too often partial, inconsistent, and inaccurate. This is where reviews by experts come in. The adjacent table relays the overall verdicts of several of the most popular 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 SX10..+ +......4/5 Sep 2008 US$ 399ebay.com
2.
 
Canon 450D..+ +..+ +4/54.5/5 Jan 2008 US$ 799ebay.com
3.
 
Canon 1000D..82/100..+ +3.5/54.5/5 Jun 2008 US$ 449ebay.com
4.
 
Canon 1100D..80/100..69/1004/54.5/5 Feb 2011 US$ 449ebay.com
5.
 
Canon S120..+ +....4.5/54.5/5 Aug 2013 US$ 449ebay.com
6.
 
Canon SX1..+ +..+..3.5/5 Sep 2008 US$ 599ebay.com
7.
 
Canon SX20..+ +..73/100..4/5 Aug 2009 US$ 399ebay.com
8.
 
Canon SX303/5+ +....3.5/54/5 Sep 2010 US$ 429ebay.com
9.
 
Canon SX40..+....4.5/54/5 Sep 2011 US$ 429ebay.com
10.
 
Canon SX503/5+ +..72/1004.5/54.5/5 Sep 2012 US$ 429ebay.com
11.
 
Canon XC10......80/100.... Apr 2015 US$ 2 499ebay.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 rating-comparisons among cameras that span long time periods or concern very differently equipped models make little sense. Also, kindly note that some of the listed sites have over time developped their review approaches and their reporting style.

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Canon SX10 FAQ

Below are some additional questions and answers concerning some particular features of the SX10.

What is the technology behind the imaging sensor in the Canon SX10?

The camera is build around a CCD (Charged Coupled Device) sensor.

What is the ISO sensitivity range of the Canon SX10?

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

Does the Canon SX10 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 SX10 for flash photography?

The SX10's flash sync speed is 1/500 sec.

Which battery does the Canon SX10 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 make your choice using the following search menu. An an alternative, you can also directly jump to any one of the listed comparisons that were previously generated by the CAM-parator tool.

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    Specifications Summary
    Camera Model Canon SX10
    Camera Type Fixed lens compact camera
    Camera Lens 28-560mm f/2.8-5.7
    Launch Date September 2008
    Launch Price USD 399
    Sensor Specs
    Sensor Technology CCD
    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 480/30p 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 2.5 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 0.7 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 no HDMI
    Wifi Support no Wifi
    Body Specs
    Battery Type Canon 4xAA power pack
    Body Dimensions 123 x 88 x 87 mm
    (4.8 x 3.5 x 3.4 in)
    Camera Weight 600 g (21.2 oz)

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