Canon 12.1 Megapixels PowerShot SX230 HS Review by StevesDigicam

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 Steve's Digicam:

"When reviewing our sample images, we were pleased to find that the SX230 captures some very nice photos outdoors. Exposure is relatively good for a point-n-shoot type camera, and color saturation is pleasing to the eyes. Images are tack sharp throughout the zoom range, with very little edge softness present at some of the wider angles. When critically viewing photos at 100%, we saw a good amount of fine detail, providing a nice clear image throughout (from edge to edge). While the majority of the time we used Smart Auto, we did see that at times Smart Auto would produce a brighter image, with a bit of extra noise when critically inspecting images at pixel level (100%, aka pixel peeping). When shooting the same subject using Program mode with the ISO set to the lowest (100) option, we saw an image that was slightly darker (not a bad thing) with less visible noise. This doesn't mean you should steer clear of Smart Auto by any means, but we did want to mention it for those who demand the best quality possible for larger prints or tight crops. Being one of Canon's newer HS system cameras, the SX230 offers good high ISO performance when compared to similarly priced cameras using CCD type image sensors. We noted some very pleasing results with Canon's recent PowerShot ELPH models (the 100 HS, 300 HS, and 500 HS), and the SX230 provided similar results. Noise is well controlled up to ISO 800, where you start to see some obvious noise when critically viewing images at 100%. However, we still see a good amount of fine detail, even as the ISO is raised to ISO 1600 and 3200. I would have no problem making small to mid-sized prints using the higher ISO settings of this camera, depending on the amount of light available when shooting. It's always best to keep the sensitivity set to the lowest possible, however it's nice to know that you can raise it when needed and still produce usable photos. In fact, when viewing our M&M man shots at full screen resolution (about 33% on my Dell 24-inch monitor), ISO 800-3200 look pretty darn good for a compact point-n-shoot. 

While HD video is now a standard feature on digital cameras these days, most offer a maximum resolution of 1280x720, also know as 720p. The SX230 on the other hand boasts full 1080p HD video (1920x1080), at 30fps with stereo sound. The SX230's IS system is also operational during video capture, helping keep your video nice and steady when using the zoom. Speaking of zoom, the optical zoom lens can be used while recording video. The lens moves nice and slow to help keep motor noise down, however you'll still here a very light hum when zooming. Overall, the SX230 captures some nice HD video, that plays back smoothly thanks to the real-time frame rate. Just don't expect the video from the SX230 to rival that of an HD digital camcorder. While offering Stereo sound, like most all digicams, the built-in microphones are very sensitive. What this means to you is that your video will have a good amount of background noise that you might not have noticed while recording the movie. Also, the mics pick up wind rather easily. Thankfully, there is a Wind filter option in the menu to help cut down on wind noise. 

Bottom line - The PowerShot SX230 HS offers some nice improvements over the SX210 of late, including Canon's High Sensitivity system, built-in GPS, full 1080p HD video recording, slightly increased shooting performance, and some cool new exposure options. On the other hand, the SX230 still has a few of the same annoyances we found with the SX210. This would include the auto pop-up flash unit which not only pops up every time you power-up the camera, but is also very weak. That said, the SX230 HS has a lot to offer for a camera of its size, especially when you consider it's packing a sweet 14x optical zoom lens. With a street price of $349 or less, the SX230 is on the higher end of the pricing scale. However, the features and performance it offers will help justify the cost."

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...