Canon 12.1 Megapixels PowerShot SX230 HS Review by PB With Rating 4.5/5

On February 7 2011, Canon announced four new PowerShot Digital cameras - the PowerShot SX230 HS (aka SX220 HS in Europe without GPS), ELPH 500 HS (aka IXUS 310 HS), ELPH 300 HS (aka IXUS 220 HS) and ELPH 100 HS (aka IXUS 115 HS) models. 

The Canon SX230 HS offer a 12.1 Megapixels back-illuminated CMOS sensor, wide-angle 14x optical zoom lens, full HD (1080p) movie recording with stereo sound, 7.5 cm (3.0-inch) LCD screen, along with a Canon-first GPS function. All four new cameras come equipped with Canon's HS SYSTEM for exceptional shooting in low-light, Full 1080p HD video, new Movie Digest Mode and 32 Smart AUTO scenes. In Europe, there is the Canon PowerShot SX220 HS model that is closely related to the SX230 HS, but lacks a GPS receiver.

Available in black, red and blue, the Canon PowerShot SX230 HS is currently selling at around $349. Here is the summary of review by PhotographyBLOG, giving the camera a rating of 4.5 out of 5:

"The Canon PowerShot SX230 HS improves on the previous SX210 model primarily by offering more features at a cheaper price. In particular the addition of full 1080p HD movies makes the new SX230 a more than competent all-in-one camera for both photos and video, while the effective built-in GPS system differentiates it from the slightly cheaper but otherwise identical SX220 HS model. Coming in at a full £60 cheaper than the SX210 on launch, and £30 more than its little brother, the SX230 HS, this model definitely strikes a good balance in terms of price versus performance. The SX230 HS may be larger than most compacts, but once you've become used to a camera with such a broad focal range that it's possible to frame up subjects near or far in pretty much an instant, it's a real drag to go back to your common-or-garden 3x zoom snapper, the usual 'family friendly' tool of choice. The larger physical size (over, say, a slimline IXUS) also means that children and the elderly should find this offering easier to grip and operate than the latest credit card sized camera alternative. And even with bigger than average dimensions it's still a more portable option than any DSLR or Micro Four Thirds or rival system hybrid for those looking for an able travel companion. 

Image quality is on a par with the previous SX210, that is to say very good, despite the slight increase in megapixels from 10 to 12. The employment of a back-illuminated sensor helps the SX230 to perfrom well in low light, with a usable ISO range of 100-800 and even the higher settings proving adequate for web use and smaller prints. The inclusion of full manual controls makes SX230 HS as well suited to more experienced users looking for a compact alternative to their DSLR as it is the beginner, although as you'd perhaps expect there is no raw format support to sweeten the deal further. The new Canon PowerShot SX230 HS is a more sensibly priced and better-specced challenger to the market-leading Panasonic TZ-series, going head to head with the TZ20, which it actually betters on paper in quite a few aspects. Judged on its own merits, the Canon PowerShot SX230 HS is an easy recommendation as a travel zoom camera that does it all with the minimum of fuss."

Not my favorite., B. Chaponot "Chap8464" - May 13 2013
I used to like point and shoots. This was my last. I spent good money ($350) for this camera and wasn't overly impressed. The 14x zoom was one of the biggest selling points for me. But the ease of use for manual operations wasn't very good and not matter what I did in manual operations it seemed to make the shot worse. I never felt in control of this camera and the manua...

One of the best of the category, R. Thomas - May 05 2013
This canon is as good as any and better than most. The sharpness is extremely good at all focal lenghts. However the image stabilization struggles a bit and you may have to hold the camera for a while while it locks on. Once it does the image will be sharp and crisp. The auto mode is a bit soft in both contrast and sharpness. Both issues can be addressed in the my colors...

Camera has problems with lens cover, Charles Coon "History Teacher" - Apr 28 2013
First, the battery dies very quickly, especially if you leave the GPS on (and to be fair, the instructions do tell you to turn it off - but even if you turn the camera off, apparently the GPS stays on)). But most importantly, the lens cover will not close or open completely unless it's manipulated. If you forget to open completely with your fingers, you end up with par...

orly cuticle cream, richard ascher - Apr 25 2013
I just received it and haven't started using it yet. The camera is great but a little larger in size than my previous canons. Wish it were a bit smaller to fit in my small purse when traveling. However, it takes excellent pictures. The EArden lip fix does keep my upper lip moist and prevents the lipstick from running. Wish it did miracles like make my lines disappear h...