Home > Consumer Reviews > Canon PowerShot SX1 IS Digital Camera - Black (10MP, 20x Optical Zoom) 2.8 inch LCD

I just wanted to add in case people didn't realise that Canon issued a firmware update for this camera (SX1 IS) to incorporate RAW shooting. If you are not likely to shoot RAW then the upgrade isn't needed as it is only for this but for those who may like to try then it was released in March and is on the website. Mine updated fine although haven't experimented yet (hopefully Apple will add RAW support for this camera soon) there is editing software to download with the PDF manual available online from today.

I think the previous reviewers have covered most of my thoughts about the camera. I agree about the dial when in the creative modes at first I couldn't move this at all and thought it was broken! If you have a light gentle touch you will not be able to use this bit wait ease, in fact my thumb hurts when I try. I had to get my father to keep on using the dial to try and make it so I could move it on with more ease. It's getting better but I wouldn't depend on having to change a setting quickly by the dial. I wish Canon had thought about this as it really disappointed me when I first started to use it plus their support wasn't good at all.

I am enjoying using the camera a lot more than I have ever done and now it includes RAW it has added something which I realised other similar brands had but this one didn't until now. If only the dial didn't require "personal trainer strength building" sessions to move it :( it is definitely not user friendly even after 4 mths

I've had this camera for a few months now and on the whole I have been very impressed, but it's not without it's flaws.

The impressive bits are first and foremost the lens - it's fantastic, having something that goes from 28mm to 560mm is REALLY useful. I've got shots I would have missed, or lacked any impact otherwise. The addition of RAW is nice, and is now supported by Adobe Lightroom latest update. The SX1 feels good in the hand and about as easy to use as a camera this well specified can be. HD video is much better than I expected, sharp, well exposed, with a functioning zoom, focus and good stereo audio. Image stabilisation is excellent allowing hand held shots at very low speeds even at full zoom (1/30 at 560mm is easily achievable - see picture).

The flaws? Well noise is an issue, even with RAW files. It's not a deal breaker and on an A4 print most people would not notice - but it is there - those moving from a compact to the SX1 may not notice anything, but anyone coming from a recent DSLR may be disappointed. RAW files don't have the expose latitude you might expect either, still better than JPEG though. Choice of aperture settings is limited. Filming in HD means switching to wide screen mode, which does not support RAW when taking still pictures and it's easy to forget to switch back to 4:3 mode and RAW once you're done. Fast panning in movie mode will result in 'leaning' verticals. Some buttons a bit too easy to press by accident, and the mode wheel requires a rather delicate touch, you adapt but it can be irritating to start with. Finally the build is a little bit plasticy in places.

While I may be rather critical, I feel these are just comments on what is a pretty expensive bridge camera, especially considering the very similar SX10 (no HD video, no RAW) is about 30% cheaper. Having said all that though this is still an superb choice for those who do not wish to lug an SLR and lenses around with them and don't want to compromise too much on image quality. In spite of my moans I still recommend the SX1 - with a different (G10?) sensor it could be amazing.

I am not a dedicated photographer, but enjoy taking photos, so I was not looking for an SLR. I have had the camera for a little over a week and I am very happy. The weather has been variable and I have had nice shots in all conditions. The Macro mode seems good in comparison to what I've seen from friends cameras and the zoom is impressive. Currently there is little to compete and so I see this as a camera I can keep for a few years without feeling frustrated from new cameras (especially with the HD video).

I have not had a canon camera before, but I am now comfortable around most of the menu and settings. However I know there is so much more available, but I havn't had the time to go through the massive elctronic user guide.

The worst thing I've had from this camera is the high ISO photos. There is definatly more noise than I expected.

Bought this camera after sending back a panasonic fz28 which had terrible audio in the video. This camera is great the pictures are good and the video is brilliant. Video playback is choppy on my PC due to the codecs this camera uses for recording so you have to convert them which is a bit of a pain. I use quicktime pro to convert them to mpeg using a high bit rate gives excellent results and playback on my PS3 is flawless. I'd recommend sandisk extreme III memory too as it is very fast which you need for recording video and for quick burst photos. The build quality is easily as good as a DSLR. High recommended after my disappointment with the fz28.

Canon PowerShot SX1 IS Digital Camera - Black (10MP, 20x Optical Zoom) 2.8" LCD
Certainly the camera does all that it was wanted of it and there remain many features for me to explore.
I cannot criticise the images and the camera's capability exceeds my present competence. Image review using a HD tele is simplicity itself and is wirelessly controlled using the supplied remote.
The HD video is a delight and can be viewed directly on a HD tele. I bought the additional cable from a UK manufacturer at a fraction of the cost of the Canon branded version.
The final decider was the detail contained in the manual and the fact that a copy can be downloaded before purchase.
I'm well satisfied.