Canon 750D vs Canon SX130 IS: An In-Depth Comparison for Enthusiasts and Professionals

When navigating the ever-shifting landscape of digital photography gear, finding the right camera often means balancing your creative ambitions with practical realities like budget, portability, and feature sets. Today, we pit two Canon models head-to-head: the Canon EOS 750D (known also as the Kiss X8i) and the Canon PowerShot SX130 IS.

These cameras couldn’t be more different in design philosophy and target users, yet both offer compelling features within their respective categories. I’ve spent considerable hands-on time with each, testing them rigorously across multiple photography genres - from portraiture and landscapes to wildlife and video. This comparison aims to cut through marketing jargon and highlight what really matters: how they perform in the field and which photographers stand to gain the most from each.

Let’s dive in and unpack these cameras with the benefit of seasoned expertise and practical evaluation.

Making Sense of the Basics: Form Factor and Ergonomics

Right away, the form factor difference sets these two models worlds apart. The Canon 750D is a compact DSLR with a traditional optical viewfinder. The SX130 IS is a pocketable, small-sensor superzoom point-and-shoot with a fixed lens.

Canon EOS 750D:

• Weight: 555 g
• Dimensions: 132 x 101 x 78 mm
• Ergonomics: Classic DSLR grip, larger handhold, layout designed for extended shooting comfort
• Controls: Multiple dials and buttons offer tactile feedback - important for pace and precision when changing settings

Canon SX130 IS:

• Weight: 308 g
• Dimensions: 113 x 73 x 46 mm
• Ergonomics: Ultra-compact, easy to slip into a jacket pocket or purse
• Controls: Simplified interface with a few essential buttons; no external viewfinder - reliant on LCD only

The 750D’s DSLR chassis provides the physical confidence to shoot for hours without fatigue - a critical factor for serious hobbyists or professionals stepping up from entry-level models. Meanwhile, the SX130 IS caters to casual users or travel photographers prioritizing convenience above all.

Viewing Experience: Optical VS LCD - The Battle of Interfaces

For framing and reviewing images, your choice between electronic displays and optical viewfinders can make a world of difference. Here the Canon 750D heavily leans into DSLR tradition with an optical pentamirror, boasting 95% frame coverage and 0.51x magnification. The SX130 IS relies solely on its fixed 3.0-inch LCD screen with 230K-dot resolution.

The 750D’s fully articulated touchscreen (1040K dots) is impressive - bright, responsive, and versatile for creative angles or video vlogging. Touch AF and menu navigation are fluid, boosting usability significantly. The optical viewfinder offers a direct, lag-free real-world view, preferred by photographers working in bright environments or requiring precise manual focusing.

The SX130 IS’ fixed LCD is adequate for casual use but feels dated compared to modern mirrorless and DSLR displays. Its viewing comfort drops rapidly under strong sunlight, and without an EVF or optical finder, precise manual framing can be challenging.

Under the Hood: Sensor Technology and Image Quality

At the heart of any camera is its sensor, which dictates fundamental image quality parameters like resolution, dynamic range, and noise performance. The 750D is equipped with a 24MP APS-C CMOS sensor, while the SX130 IS uses a 12MP 1/2.3" CCD sensor - common in compact superzooms but far smaller in size.

Key specifications:

The 750D’s large APS-C sensor dramatically improves light-gathering ability, delivering greater dynamic range (~12 stops) and better low-light performance. The SNR advantage here isn’t incremental - it’s a whole class difference. Fine details hold up even at ISO 3200 and beyond, and color depth over 22 bits guarantees fidelity in post-processing. For critical image quality - think landscapes or portraits demanding sharpness and nuance - the 750D is unequivocally superior.

The SX130 IS sensor’s tiny 1/2.3-inch surface area limits both resolution and high ISO performance. ISO sensitivity tops at 1600 native (with no boost), but image noise becomes intrusive beyond ISO 400 in practice, and dynamic range is constrained. Colors and detail are softer, especially in challenging lighting conditions. This aligns with expectations for an early-2010 compact superzoom, where sensor size is sacrificed for extensive zoom range.

Autofocus and Shooting Speeds: Eye on the Subject

Autofocus performance critically shapes how effectively a camera captures decisive moments - whether chasing wildlife or locking focus on fast-moving athletes. The 750D benefits from Canon’s Hybrid CMOS AF III system with 19 cross-type phase-detection points that cover a broad area of the frame. Contrast detection assists in Live View mode. On the other hand, the SX130 IS employs only contrast-detection AF with no dedicated phase sensors.

In practice, the 750D’s autofocus is noticeably faster and more reliable, especially for tracking moving subjects in daylight. Face detection and eye-detection AF enhance portrait and event shooting - locking precisely to subjects’ eyes is a boon for critical focus. Burst shooting at 5 fps is respectable, enabling basic sports and wildlife capture.

The SX130 IS’s AF is slower and prone to hunting, especially in low light or with moving targets. The lack of continuous AF and face tracking means missed shots are more frequent. Its 1 fps burst rate effectively precludes rapid action photography. In essence, the SX130 IS suits static subjects or leisure snapshots rather than dynamic shooting.

Lens Options and Flexibility: Fixed Zoom or Interchangeable?

One fundamental dividing line is lens versatility. The 750D mounts Canon EF and EF-S lenses, including an extensive array of over 326 compatible optics. This vast ecosystem spans all major focal lengths and specialties - macro, tilt-shift, super telephoto, fast primes, and more.

SX130 IS is fitted with a fixed 12x optical zoom lens spanning 28-336mm equivalent focal length, with maximum apertures ranging from f/3.4 to f/5.6.

• 750D's strength: Complete creative freedom to swap lenses for different scenarios - whether tight portraits with dreamy bokeh or ultra-wide landscapes. Manual focus capability and full exposure control complement this flexibility.
• SX130 IS's strength: Hassle-free all-in-one zoom in a compact package - great for casual vacations or family events where lugging multiple lenses is impractical.

While the SX130 IS’s 12x zoom stretches the focal range significantly, image sharpness at the tele end softens, and aperture narrowing limits light intake, making handheld shots more challenging in dim conditions.

Shooting Experience Across Photography Genres

Let me break down how each camera performs when pushed in different photography disciplines. My findings come from dedicated hours with each camera, shooting controlled setups and real-world scenarios.

Portrait Photography: Rendering Skin Tones and Capturing Expressions

The 750D shines here with its large sensor and robust face/eye AF system. Skin tone reproduction is natural, with pleasing color rendition and smooth tonal gradations thanks to the 22.7-bit color depth. The optical viewfinder allows natural eye contact with your subject, a subtle but valuable psychological benefit in studio or environmental portraits.

Its native lens compatibility with fast primes (e.g., Canon 50mm f/1.8) creates beautiful bokeh and subject separation - essential for portraits that pop.

In contrast, the SX130 IS’s smaller sensor yields flatter, less nuanced skin tones under challenging lighting. Bokeh quality is limited by both the sensor size and slower lens aperture. No face detection autofocus limits the ability to keep subjects sharp as they move - innovation Canon lacked at the time. It’s a casual tool better suited to informal snapshots than serious portraiture.

Landscape Photography: Dynamic Range and Resolution Matter

Landscape photographers demand detail and tonal latitude. The 750D’s 24MP sensor captures expansive vistas with abundant resolution for large prints. Its 12-stop dynamic range lets you recover shadows and highlights with confidence in RAW files. The inclusion of raw support is a fundamental advantage that the SX130 IS lacks.

Weather sealing is absent on both models, so cover them carefully in wet or dusty environments. For heavy travel or outdoor shoots in rough weather, neither would be ideal.

The SX130 IS’s sensor and 12MP limit landscape fidelity. Fine details and texture reproduce adequately for web use or postcards but fall short for fine art landscapes. The fixed lens’s moderate wide-angle (28mm equivalent) caps composition flexibility, especially compared to ultra-wide primes available for the 750D.

Wildlife and Sports: Speed, Autofocus, and Burst Rates

Neither camera targets professional wildlife shooters, but the 750D clearly outpaces the SX130 IS with its phase detection AF and 5 fps continuous shooting. Tracking fast, erratic subjects is difficult but achievable under good light with its 19 cross-points.

The SX130 IS’s sluggish contrast AF hunting and 1-fps shooting rate make capturing wildlife behavior or sports action a frustrating ordeal.

Street Photography: Discreteness and Portability

The SX130 IS excels in portability and compactness, ideal for candid street captures - discreet in size and unobtrusive visually. However, its slower AF and limited manual control constrain responsiveness in spontaneous moments.

The 750D is larger and more conspicuous but offers faster operation, precise exposure control, and superior low-light performance. For street photographers valuing image quality over stealth, the DSLR is worth carrying.

Macro and Close-Up Work: Precision Matters

With interchangeable lenses available, the 750D can pair with dedicated macro lenses preserving image sharpness and enabling focus stacking or bracketing if desired (though the 750D itself lacks built-in focus bracketing). Its manual focus aids critical precision.

The SX130 IS packs a respectable 1cm macro focusing distance, suitable for basic close-ups but limited by sensor and lens abilities. Image sharpness and depth control cannot rival dedicated macro optics.

Night and Astrophotography: ISO Performance and Exposure

The 750D handles high ISO exposures gracefully up to ISO 3200 or 6400, with manageable noise and strong dynamic range. Bulb mode and shutter speed range to 30 seconds facilitate long exposures. However, no specialized astrophotography features like live histogram or dedicated noise reduction.

The SX130 IS maxes out at ISO 1600, struggles beyond ISO 400, and its 1/2500 shutter ceiling limits some creative options. Low-light autofocus is sluggish, making it an unlikely astro choice.

Video Capabilities: 1080p at 30fps vs. 720p HD Limit

The Canon 750D offers Full HD 1080p video at 24, 25, and 30fps, with optional 720p at higher frame rates. Touch autofocus during video recording is smooth, with external microphone input enabling clean audio capture - a must for serious videographers.

The SX130 IS records HD at 720p max. No microphone or headphone ports limit audio quality. Autofocus during video is less responsive and reliable.

Travel Photography: Battery Life, Versatility, and Weight

Battery life for the 750D is approximately 440 shots per charge, often exceeded in careful usage; combined with its versatility, it suits trip itineraries where image quality and flexibility trump weight.

SX130 IS is lightweight and compact; it runs on AA batteries - convenient but demanding in terms of spares to carry. Its fixed lens and limited control simplify shooting. For travelers prioritizing size and quick snapshots, this remains attractive.

Professional Workflows: Raw Support and Reliability

The 750D supports RAW files, enabling powerful post-capture editing workflows - a key professional requisite. Its compatibility with Canon’s extensive lens and accessory roster, USB 2.0 and HDMI output, plus built-in Wi-Fi and NFC, facilitate file transfer and tethered work.

SX130 IS lacks RAW and wireless features, limiting its role in professional environments.

Durability, Build Quality, and Connectivity

Both lack environmental sealing; handle accordingly in harsh conditions. The 750D features a sturdy polycarbonate body with metal chassis assuming moderate professional handling.

Connectivity is a few generations apart:

• 750D: Wi-Fi + NFC for remote control and quick sharing; micro-HDMI; microphone input.
• SX130 IS: No wireless; USB 2.0 only; no HDMI or audio ports.

Power and Storage

The 750D’s rechargeable battery is standard for DSLRs - a single battery comfortably lasts a day of shooting with moderate use. SX130 IS’s AA power means easy replacement in the field but frequent carry of spares and potentially inconsistent performance with various AA chemistries.

Price-to-Performance: What Are You Really Paying For?

At the time of review:

• Canon 750D price: ~$750
• Canon SX130 IS price: ~$250

The 750D demands a premium, reflecting its advanced sensor, AF system, flexibility, and overall image quality. It is a worthy investment for emerging photographers and enthusiasts aiming for professional-grade results.

The SX130 IS offers tremendous value for point-and-shoot simplicity, with its long zoom range and compact body. It’s best suited to beginners, casual shooters, and travelers on a strict budget.

Putting It All Together: Scores and Summations

To contextualize performance, we apply an expert scoring framework covering overall and genre-specific strengths.

The 750D scores strongly in nearly all categories except professional weather sealing, while the SX130 IS holds its own in portability and zoom versatility but is limited in sensor performance and autofocus sophistication.

Samples Speak: Image Comparisons Between the Two

No analysis would be complete without viewing actual images side by side.

Canon 750D screen back Canon SX130 IS front Canon SX130 IS screen back

Observe how the 750D captures richer color gradations and crisper details, especially noticeable in shadows and highlights. The SX130 IS images show visible noise and softer edges upon close inspection, particularly under low light.

Final Thoughts and Recommendations

Who should buy the Canon 750D?

• Serious enthusiasts upgrading from entry-level cameras, needing greater image quality, manual control, and flexible lens options
• Portrait, landscape, wildlife, and sports photographers requiring responsive autofocus and burst modes
• Aspiring videographers desiring Full HD with mic input
• Photographers comfortable with a larger body and prepared to invest for professional features

Who should consider the Canon SX130 IS?

• Budding hobbyists and casual shooters prioritizing portability and ease of use
• Travelers wanting broad zoom range without changing lenses or carrying extra gear
• Those on strict budgets needing a simple point-and-shoot capable of daylight snapshots and family photos
• Users uncomfortable with complex camera systems requiring automatic operation

Closing My Takeaway

Spending a meaningful amount of time with both cameras underscores a fundamental truth: sensor size and system flexibility define photographic capability more than pixel count or zoom range alone. While the SX130 IS stands as a robust compact for its era and price, the 750D carries the torch for Canon’s entry-level DSLR ambitions, balancing power and usability admirably.

If image quality, creative control, and autofocus responsiveness are priorities - and your budget allows - it’s hard to justify anything less than the 750D for serious imaging pursuits. But for straightforward photography, casual travel shoots, or learning the ropes, the SX130 IS continues to hold relevance as a trusty sidekick.

No single camera fits all photographers, but understanding these nuances helps ensure your next gear choice aligns perfectly with your unique creative journey.

Thank you for reading this detailed comparison. If you have questions about specific use cases or want additional tests on section performance, feel free to reach out. Photography gear is a lifelong conversation, and I’m glad to share insights earned across thousands of shoots.