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Canon SX430 Comparison Review

The Canon PowerShot SX430 IS is a fixed lens compact camera that was announced in January 2017 and is equipped with a 1/2.3-inch sensor. It offers a resolution of 19.9 megapixel.

camera

Is the Canon SX430 a good camera? The SX430 has a Camera Elo of 1471. This rating puts the SX430 below average of all superzoom compact cameras. In terms of its sensor size category (small sensor cameras), the SX430 also ranks below average. Based on its within category standings, the camera earns a 2.5-star performance rating. – Well, the Canon SX430 is more than 7 years old, and there have been many other good digital cameras released since 2017.

Headline Specifications
Canon SX430
Fixed lens compact camera
24-1080mm f/3.5-6.6
19.9 MP, 1/2.3" Sensor
720/25p Video
ISO 100 - 1 600
no viewfinder, LCD framing
3.0 LCD, 230k dots
Fixed screen (not touch-sensitive)
0.5 shutter flaps per second
195 shots per battery charge
104 x 69 x 85 mm, 323 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

An illustration of the physical dimensions of the Canon SX430 vis-à-vis a credit card is provided in the side-by-side display below. Three consecutive perspectives from the front, the top, and the back are presented. All size dimensions are rounded to the nearest millimeter.

Canon SX430 vs credit card front
SX430 versus credit card top view
SX430 and credit card rear side

The table below summarizes the key physical specs of the Canon SX430 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 SX430 104 mm 69 mm 85 mm 323 g 195 n Jan 2017 US$ 299ebay.com
2.
 
Canon G7 X Mark II 106 mm 61 mm 42 mm 319 g 265 n Feb 2016 US$ 699ebay.com
3.
 
Canon M50 116 mm 88 mm 59 mm 390 g 235 n Feb 2018 US$ 779ebay.com
4.
 
Canon SX410 104 mm 69 mm 85 mm 325 g 185 n Feb 2015 US$ 279ebay.com
5.
 
Canon SX420 104 mm 69 mm 85 mm 325 g 195 n Jan 2016 US$ 299ebay.com
6.
 
Canon SX620 97 mm 57 mm 28 mm 182 g 295 n May 2016 US$ 279ebay.com
7.
 
Canon SX710 113 mm 66 mm 35 mm 269 g 230 n Jan 2015 US$ 349ebay.com
8.
 
Canon SX720 110 mm 64 mm 36 mm 270 g 250 n Feb 2016 US$ 379ebay.com
9.
 
Canon SX730 110 mm 64 mm 40 mm 300 g 250 n Apr 2017 US$ 399ebay.com
10.
 
Canon SX740 110 mm 64 mm 40 mm 299 g 265 n Jul 2018 US$ 399 amazon.com
11.
 
Sony RX100 VI 102 mm 58 mm 43 mm 301 g 240 n Jun 2018 US$ 1 199ebay.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 SX430 was launched in the US market at a price of $299. 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 imaging sensor is a crucial determinant 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. 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 are more costly to manufacture and tent to lead to bigger and heavier cameras and lenses.

The Canon SX430 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 SX430 among the smaller-sensor digicams that favor affordability and compact design.

Canon SX430 sensor measures

Consistent information on actual sensor performance is available from DXO Mark for most cameras. This service is based on lab testing and assigns an overall score to each camera sensor, as well as ratings for dynamic range ("DXO Landscape"), color depth ("DXO Portrait"), and low-light sensitivity ("DXO Sports"). The following table provides an overview of the physical sensor characteristics, as well as the sensor quality measurements for a selection of alternatives.

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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 SX430 1/2.3 19.9 5152 3864720/25p20.511.990049
2.
 
Canon G7 X Mark II 1-inch 20.0 5472 36481080/60p21.811.926062
3.
 
Canon M50 APS-C 24.0 6000 40004K/24p23.813.3168481
4.
 
Canon SX410 1/2.3 19.9 5152 3864720/30p20.211.672047
5.
 
Canon SX420 1/2.3 19.9 5152 3864720/25p20.311.780648
6.
 
Canon SX620 1/2.3 20.2 5184 38881080/30p20.411.883849
7.
 
Canon SX710 1/2.3 20.2 5184 38881080/60p20.211.671247
8.
 
Canon SX720 1/2.3 20.2 5184 38881080/60p20.311.881748
9.
 
Canon SX730 1/2.3 20.2 5184 38881080/60p20.511.992450
10.
 
Canon SX740 1/2.3 20.2 5184 38884K/30p20.612.1105051
11.
 
Sony RX100 VI 1-inch 20.0 5472 36484K/30p22.112.347864
Note: DXO values in italics represent estimates based on sensor size and age.

Many modern cameras cannot only take still pictures, but also record videos. The SX430 indeed provides movie recording capabilities. The highest resolution format that the SX430 can use is 720/25p.

Feature comparison

Apart from body and sensor, cameras can and do differ across a variety of features. The following tables report on some other key feature differences and similarities of the Canon SX430 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 SX430none n3.0 / 230 fixed n 1/4000s 0.5/s Y Y
2.
 
Canon G7 X Mark IInone n3.0 / 1040 tilting Y 1/2000s 8.0/s Y Y
3.
 
Canon M502360 n3.0 / 1040 swivel Y 1/4000s 10.0/s Y n
4.
 
Canon SX410none n3.0 / 230 fixed n 1/4000s 0.5/s Y Y
5.
 
Canon SX420none n3.0 / 230 fixed n 1/4000s 0.5/s Y Y
6.
 
Canon SX620none n3.0 / 922 fixed n 1/2000s 2.5/s Y Y
7.
 
Canon SX710none n3.0 / 922 fixed n 1/3200s 6.0/s Y Y
8.
 
Canon SX720none n3.0 / 922 fixed n 1/3200s 5.9/s Y Y
9.
 
Canon SX730none n3.0 / 922 tilting n 1/3200s 5.9/s Y Y
10.
 
Canon SX740none n3.0 / 922 tilting n 1/3200s 10.0/s Y Y
11.
 
Sony RX100 VI2359 n3.0 / 1229 tilting Y 1/2000s 24.0/s Y Y
Note: *) Information refers to the mechanical shutter, unless the camera only has an electronic one.

One convenient feature of the SX430 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 SX430 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 SX430-mono / mono---2.0YY-
2.
 
Canon G7 X Mark II-stereo / mono--micro2.0YY-
3.
 
Canon M50Ystereo / monoY-micro2.0Y-Y
4.
 
Canon SX410-stereo / mono---2.0---
5.
 
Canon SX420-mono / mono---2.0YY-
6.
 
Canon SX620-mono / mono--micro2.0YY-
7.
 
Canon SX710-stereo / mono--micro2.0YY-
8.
 
Canon SX720-stereo / mono--micro2.0YY-
9.
 
Canon SX730-stereo / mono--micro2.0YYY
10.
 
Canon SX740-stereo / mono--micro2.0Y-Y
11.
 
Sony RX100 VI-stereo / mono--micro2.0YYY

It is notable that the SX430 offers wifi support. Wifi can be a very convenient means to transfer image data to an off-camera location.

The SX430 has a zoom lens built in (4.3-193.5mm f/3.5-6.6), which, in full frame equivalent terms, provides a focal length range from 24 to 1080mm. 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 SX430 can be found in the free online Canon SX430 Manual or on the Canon support site.

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Expert reviews

While the specs-based evaluation of cameras is instructive in revealing their potential as photographic tools, it remains incomplete and does no justice, for example, to the way the SX430 handle or perform in practice. User reviews, such as those found at amazon, can sometimes inform about these issues, but such feedback is often incomplete, inconsistent, and biased. This is why hands-on reviews by experts are important. The table below summarizes the assessments of some of the best known 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 SX430........3.5/53.5/5 Jan 2017 US$ 299ebay.com
2.
 
Canon G7 X Mark II4.5/5+ +..81/1004.5/54.5/5 Feb 2016 US$ 699ebay.com
3.
 
Canon M50..+4/579/100..3.5/5 Feb 2018 US$ 779ebay.com
4.
 
Canon SX410..o........ Feb 2015 US$ 279ebay.com
5.
 
Canon SX420..........3/5 Jan 2016 US$ 299ebay.com
6.
 
Canon SX620..........4/5 May 2016 US$ 279ebay.com
7.
 
Canon SX710..+....4/53.5/5 Jan 2015 US$ 349ebay.com
8.
 
Canon SX720..+....4/54.5/5 Feb 2016 US$ 379ebay.com
9.
 
Canon SX730..+....4/54/5 Apr 2017 US$ 399ebay.com
10.
 
Canon SX740..+3.5/5..4/54/5 Jul 2018 US$ 399 amazon.com
11.
 
Sony RX100 VI4.5/5+ +..83/1004/54.5/5 Jun 2018 US$ 1 199ebay.com
Note: (+ +) highly recommended; (+) recommended; (o) reviewed; (..) not available.

Care should be taken when interpreting the review scores above, though. The ratings are only valid when referring to cameras in the same category and of the same age. A score, therefore, has to be seen in close connection to the price and market introduction time 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. Also, please note that some of the review sites have changed their methodology and reporting over time.

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Canon SX430 FAQ

Below are some additional questions and answers concerning some particular features of the SX430.

What technology is the imaging sensor in the Canon SX430 based on?

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

Which image processing chip is used in the Canon SX430 to convert the raw signal into an image file and perform noise reduction and image sharpening?

Canon equipped the SX430 with the DIGIC 4+ image processor.

What is the ISO sensitivity range of the Canon SX430?

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

Does the Canon SX430 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.

Which battery does the Canon SX430 use?

The camera gets its power from the Canon NB-11LH (here at amazon), which is a rechargeable Lithium-Ion power pack.

Camera to camera comparisons

If you would like to see a side-by-side review with another camera, just make a corresponding selection in the search boxes below. 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 SX430
    Camera Type Fixed lens compact camera
    Camera Lens 24-1080mm f/3.5-6.6
    Launch Date January 2017
    Launch Price USD 299
    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 19.9 Megapixels
    Image Resolution 5 152 x 3 864 pixels
    Pixel Pitch 1.19 μm
    Pixel Density 70.91 MP/cm2
    Moiré control no AA filter
    Movie Capability 720/25p Video
    ISO Setting 100 - 1 600 ISO
    Image Processor DIGIC 4+
    Screen Specs
    Viewfinder Type No viewfinder
    Top-Level Screen no Top Display
    LCD Framing Live View
    LCD Size 3.0 inch
    LCD Resolution 230k dots
    LCD Attachment Fixed screen
    Touch Input No touchscreen
    Shooting Specs
    Focus System Contrast-detect AF
    Manual Focusing Aidno Peaking Feature
    Maximum Shutter Speed 1/4000s
    Continuous Shooting 0.5 shutter flaps/s
    Silent Shootingno E-Shutter
    Time Lapse Photographyno Intervalometer
    Fill Flash Built-in Flash
    Storage Medium SDXC cards
    Single or Dual Card Slots Single card slot
    UHS card support no
    Connectivity Specs
    External Flash no Hotshoe
    USB Connector USB 2.0
    HDMI Port no HDMI
    Wifi Support Wifi built-in
    Near-Field Communication NFC built-in
    Body Specs
    Battery Type Canon NB-11LH power pack
    Battery Life (CIPA)195 shots per charge
    Body Dimensions 104 x 69 x 85 mm
    (4.1 x 2.7 x 3.3 in)
    Camera Weight 323 g (11.4 oz)

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