Canon SX600 Comparison Review
The Canon PowerShot SX600 HS is a fixed lens compact camera that was announced in January 2014 and is equipped with a 1/2.3-inch sensor. It offers a resolution of 15.9 megapixel.
Is the Canon SX600 a good camera? The SX600 has a Camera Elo of 1462. This rating puts the SX600 below average of all superzoom compact cameras. In terms of its sensor size category (small sensor cameras), the SX600 also ranks below average. Based on its within category standings, the camera earns a 2.5-star performance rating. – Well, the Canon SX600 is more than 10 years old, and there have been many other good digital cameras released since 2014.
Canon SX600 |
---|
Fixed lens compact camera |
25-450mm f/3.8-6.9 |
15.9 MP, 1/2.3" Sensor |
1080/30p Video |
ISO 100 - 3 200 |
no viewfinder, LCD framing |
3.0 LCD, 461k dots |
Fixed screen (not touch-sensitive) |
3.9 shutter flaps per second |
290 shots per battery charge |
104 x 61 x 26 mm, 188 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.
Body comparison with a credit card
The side-by-side display below illustrates the physical size of the Canon SX600 vis-à-vis a credit card. Three consecutive views from the front, the top, and the rear side are shown. All width, height and depth measures are rounded to the nearest millimeter.
The table below summarizes the key physical specs of the Canon SX600 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.
Camera Model |
Camera Width |
Camera Height |
Camera Depth |
Camera Weight |
Battery Life |
Weather Sealing |
Camera Launch |
Launch Price |
Street Price |
||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1. | Canon SX600 | 104 mm | 61 mm | 26 mm | 188 g | 290 | n | Jan 2014 | US$ 249 | ebay.com | |
2. | Canon SX60 | 128 mm | 93 mm | 114 mm | 650 g | 340 | n | Sep 2014 | US$ 549 | ebay.com | |
3. | Canon SX400 | 104 mm | 69 mm | 80 mm | 313 g | 190 | n | Jul 2014 | US$ 249 | ebay.com | |
4. | Canon SX410 | 104 mm | 69 mm | 85 mm | 325 g | 185 | n | Feb 2015 | US$ 279 | ebay.com | |
5. | Canon SX510 | 104 mm | 70 mm | 80 mm | 349 g | 250 | n | Aug 2013 | US$ 249 | ebay.com | |
6. | Canon SX520 | 120 mm | 82 mm | 92 mm | 441 g | 210 | n | Jul 2014 | US$ 399 | ebay.com | |
7. | Canon SX530 | 120 mm | 82 mm | 92 mm | 442 g | 210 | n | Jan 2015 | US$ 429 | ebay.com | |
8. | Canon SX610 | 105 mm | 61 mm | 27 mm | 191 g | 270 | n | Jan 2015 | US$ 249 | ebay.com | |
9. | Canon SX620 | 97 mm | 57 mm | 28 mm | 182 g | 295 | n | May 2016 | US$ 279 | ebay.com | |
10. | Nikon L840 | 113 mm | 78 mm | 96 mm | 538 g | 590 | n | Feb 2015 | US$ 299 | ebay.com | |
11. | Sony H200 | 123 mm | 83 mm | 87 mm | 530 g | 240 | n | Jan 2013 | US$ 249 | ebay.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 SX600 was launched in the US market at a price of $249. 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.
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. 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. Moreover, a large sensor camera will give the photographer more control over depth-of-field in the image and, thus, the ability to better 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 SX600 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 SX600 among the smaller-sensor digicams that favor affordability and compact design.
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 table below summarizes the physical sensor characteristics and sensor quality findings and compares them across a set of similar cameras.
Camera Model |
Sensor Class |
Resolution (MP) |
Horiz. Pixels |
Vert. Pixels |
Video Format |
DXO Portrait |
DXO Landscape |
DXO Sports |
DXO Overall |
||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1. | Canon SX600 | 1/2.3 | 15.9 | 4608 | 3456 | 1080/30p | 20.0 | 11.4 | 620 | 45 | |
2. | Canon SX60 | 1/2.3 | 14.2 | 4608 | 3072 | 1080/60p | 19.2 | 10.8 | 127 | 39 | |
3. | Canon SX400 | 1/2.3 | 15.9 | 4608 | 3456 | 720/30p | 20.1 | 11.5 | 672 | 46 | |
4. | Canon SX410 | 1/2.3 | 19.9 | 5152 | 3864 | 720/30p | 20.2 | 11.6 | 720 | 47 | |
5. | Canon SX510 | 1/2.3 | 15.9 | 4608 | 3456 | 1080/24p | 20.0 | 11.3 | 586 | 45 | |
6. | Canon SX520 | 1/2.3 | 15.9 | 4608 | 3456 | 1080/30p | 20.1 | 11.5 | 672 | 46 | |
7. | Canon SX530 | 1/2.3 | 15.9 | 4608 | 3456 | 1080/30p | 20.2 | 11.6 | 712 | 47 | |
8. | Canon SX610 | 1/2.3 | 20.2 | 5184 | 3888 | 1080/30p | 20.2 | 11.6 | 712 | 47 | |
9. | Canon SX620 | 1/2.3 | 20.2 | 5184 | 3888 | 1080/30p | 20.4 | 11.8 | 838 | 49 | |
10. | Nikon L840 | 1/2.3 | 15.9 | 4608 | 3456 | 1080/60i | 20.2 | 11.6 | 721 | 47 | |
11. | Sony H200 | 1/2.3 | 15.2 | 5184 | 2930 | 720/30p | 19.9 | 11.2 | 529 | 44 | |
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 SX600 indeed provides movie recording capabilities. The highest resolution format that the SX600 can use is 1080/30p.
Feature comparison
Apart from 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 SX600 along with similar information for a selection of comparators.
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 SX600 | none | n | 3.0 / 461 | fixed | n | 1/2000s | 3.9/s | Y | Y | |
2. | Canon SX60 | 922 | n | 3.0 / 922 | swivel | n | 1/2000s | 6.4/s | Y | Y | |
3. | Canon SX400 | none | n | 3.0 / 230 | fixed | n | 1/1600s | 0.8/s | Y | Y | |
4. | Canon SX410 | none | n | 3.0 / 230 | fixed | n | 1/4000s | 0.5/s | Y | Y | |
5. | Canon SX510 | none | n | 3.0 / 461 | fixed | n | 1/1600s | 3.8/s | Y | Y | |
6. | Canon SX520 | none | n | 3.0 / 461 | fixed | n | 1/2000s | 1.6/s | Y | Y | |
7. | Canon SX530 | none | n | 3.0 / 461 | fixed | n | 1/2000s | 1.6/s | Y | Y | |
8. | Canon SX610 | none | n | 3.0 / 922 | fixed | n | 1/2000s | 2.5/s | Y | Y | |
9. | Canon SX620 | none | n | 3.0 / 922 | fixed | n | 1/2000s | 2.5/s | Y | Y | |
10. | Nikon L840 | none | n | 3.0 / 921 | tilting | n | 1/4000s | 7.4/s | Y | Y | |
11. | Sony H200 | none | n | 3.0 / 460 | fixed | n | 1/1500s | 0.8/s | Y | Y | |
Note: *) Information refers to the mechanical shutter, unless the camera only has an electronic one. |
One convenient feature of the SX600 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.
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 SX600 HS and, in particular, the interfaces the cameras (and selected comparators) provide for accessory control and data transfer.
Camera Model |
Hotshoe Port |
Internal Mic / Speaker |
Microphone Port |
Headphone Port |
HDMI Port |
USB Port |
WiFi Support |
NFC Support |
Bluetooth Support |
||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1. | Canon SX600 | - | mono / mono | - | - | micro | 2.0 | Y | Y | - | |
2. | Canon SX60 | Y | stereo / mono | Y | - | mini | 2.0 | Y | Y | - | |
3. | Canon SX400 | - | stereo / mono | - | - | - | 2.0 | - | - | - | |
4. | Canon SX410 | - | stereo / mono | - | - | - | 2.0 | - | - | - | |
5. | Canon SX510 | - | stereo / mono | - | - | mini | 2.0 | Y | - | - | |
6. | Canon SX520 | - | stereo / mono | - | - | mini | 2.0 | - | - | - | |
7. | Canon SX530 | - | stereo / mono | - | - | mini | 2.0 | Y | Y | - | |
8. | Canon SX610 | - | - / - | - | - | micro | 2.0 | Y | Y | - | |
9. | Canon SX620 | - | mono / mono | - | - | micro | 2.0 | Y | Y | - | |
10. | Nikon L840 | - | stereo / mono | - | - | micro | 2.0 | Y | Y | - | |
11. | Sony H200 | - | mono / mono | - | - | - | 2.0 | - | - | - |
It is notable that the SX600 offers wifi support. Wifi can be a very convenient means to transfer image data to an off-camera location.
The SX600 has a zoom lens built in (4.5-81mm f/3.8-6.9), which, in full frame equivalent terms, provides a focal length range from 25 to 450mm. 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 SX600 can be found in the free online Canon SX600 Manual or on the Canon support site.
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 SX600 in practical situations. 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 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]).
Camera Model |
AP score |
CL score |
DCW score |
DPR score |
EPZ score |
PB score |
Camera Launch |
Launch Price |
Street Price |
||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1. | Canon SX600 | .. | + | .. | .. | 4/5 | 4/5 | Jan 2014 | US$ 249 | ebay.com | |
2. | Canon SX60 | 3/5 | + + | .. | 75/100 | 4/5 | 4.5/5 | Sep 2014 | US$ 549 | ebay.com | |
3. | Canon SX400 | .. | + | .. | .. | .. | .. | Jul 2014 | US$ 249 | ebay.com | |
4. | Canon SX410 | .. | o | .. | .. | .. | .. | Feb 2015 | US$ 279 | ebay.com | |
5. | Canon SX510 | .. | + + | .. | .. | 4.5/5 | 4/5 | Aug 2013 | US$ 249 | ebay.com | |
6. | Canon SX520 | .. | + | .. | .. | 3.5/5 | 3.5/5 | Jul 2014 | US$ 399 | ebay.com | |
7. | Canon SX530 | .. | + + | .. | .. | 4/5 | 4/5 | Jan 2015 | US$ 429 | ebay.com | |
8. | Canon SX610 | .. | .. | .. | .. | 4/5 | 4/5 | Jan 2015 | US$ 249 | ebay.com | |
9. | Canon SX620 | .. | .. | .. | .. | .. | 4/5 | May 2016 | US$ 279 | ebay.com | |
10. | Nikon L840 | .. | + + | .. | .. | 3.5/5 | 4/5 | Feb 2015 | US$ 299 | ebay.com | |
11. | Sony H200 | .. | .. | .. | .. | 3.5/5 | 3.5/5 | Jan 2013 | US$ 249 | ebay.com | |
Note: (+ +) highly recommended; (+) recommended; (o) reviewed; (..) not available. |
The review scores listed above should be treated with care, though. The ratings were established in reference to similarly priced cameras that were available in the market at the time of the review. Thus, a score needs to be put into the context of the launch date and the launch price of the camera, and comparisons of ratings among very different cameras or across long time periods have little meaning. Also, kindly note that some of the listed sites have over time developped their review approaches and their reporting style.
Canon SX600 FAQ
Below are some additional questions and answers concerning some particular features of the SX600.
What is the technology behind the imaging sensor in the Canon SX600?
The camera has a BSI-CMOS (Backside Illuminated Complementary Metal–Oxide–Semiconductor) sensor at its core.
Which image processing chip is used in the Canon SX600 to convert the raw signal into an image file and perform noise reduction and image sharpening?
Canon equipped the SX600 with the DIGIC 4+ image processor.
What is the ISO sensitivity range of the Canon SX600?
The camera has a native sensitivity range from ISO 100 to ISO 3200.
Does the Canon SX600 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 SX600 use?
The camera gets its power from the Canon NB-6LH (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.
- Canon 77D vs Canon SX600
- Canon 800D vs Canon SX600
- Canon M vs Canon SX600
- Canon M10 vs Canon SX600
- Canon SX60 vs Canon SX600
- Canon SX600 vs Canon SX70
- Canon SX600 vs Fujifilm X-T4
- Canon SX600 vs Nikon B700
- Canon SX600 vs Nikon Z6 II
- Canon SX600 vs Panasonic TZ90
- Canon SX600 vs Sony RX10 III
- Canon SX600 vs Sony RX10 IV
Camera Model | Canon SX600 | |
---|---|---|
Camera Type | Fixed lens compact camera | |
Camera Lens | 25-450mm f/3.8-6.9 | |
Launch Date | January 2014 | |
Launch Price | USD 249 | |
Sensor Specs | ||
Sensor Technology | BSI-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 | 15.9 Megapixels | |
Image Resolution | 4 608 x 3 456 pixels | |
Pixel Pitch | 1.33 μm | |
Pixel Density | 56.73 MP/cm2 | |
Moiré control | no AA filter | |
Movie Capability | 1080/30p Video | |
ISO Setting | 100 - 3 200 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 | 461k dots | |
LCD Attachment | Fixed screen | |
Touch Input | No touchscreen | |
Shooting Specs | ||
Focus System | Contrast-detect AF | |
Manual Focusing Aid | no Peaking Feature | |
Maximum Shutter Speed | 1/2000s | |
Continuous Shooting | 3.9 shutter flaps/s | |
Silent Shooting | no E-Shutter | |
Time Lapse Photography | no 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 | micro HDMI | |
Wifi Support | Wifi built-in | |
Near-Field Communication | NFC built-in | |
Body Specs | ||
Battery Type | Canon NB-6LH power pack | |
Battery Life (CIPA) | 290 shots per charge | |
Body Dimensions |
104 x 61 x 26 mm (4.1 x 2.4 x 1.0 in) |
|
Camera Weight | 188 g (6.6 oz) |
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