Canon SX510 HS vs. Kodak M580: A Thorough Comparison for the Compact Camera Buyer

Choosing a compact camera in today’s landscape demands careful consideration of small-sensor superzooms and simpler fixed-lens compacts alike. The Canon PowerShot SX510 HS and Kodak EasyShare M580 represent two distinct configurations from earlier compact categories, each catering to different photographic priorities. This article leverages extensive hands-on testing and technical analysis to objectively compare these two models. We will dissect their core capabilities, real-world usability, and image quality performance across diverse photography disciplines. Our goal is to empower enthusiasts and professionals with detailed insights to help choose the best fit for their specific needs and budget.

Ergonomics and Physical Design: Evaluating Handling and Controls

Physical handling plays a pivotal role in compact cameras, particularly for prolonged use and rapid operation. The Canon SX510 HS, announced in mid-2013, adopts a semi-bridge form factor that leans toward a “superzoom” style. In contrast, the Kodak M580 from 2009 emphasizes extreme portability with its minimalistic compact body.

Canon SX510 HS

• Dimensions & Weight: Measures 104 x 70 x 80 mm with a weight of 349 g. This borderline compact size inherently supports a stronger grip, with the zoom lever and shutter button ergonomically positioned for natural operation.
• Control Layout: The SX510 HS includes physical dials and buttons offering access to manual exposure modes (aperture/shutter priority, manual), custom white balance, and exposure compensation.
• Top View: Controls on the top panel are well spaced for quick mode changes - essential in dynamic shooting environments.
• Screen: Fixed 3-inch, 461k-dot TFT LCD, sufficient brightness and clarity for outdoor framing though not touch-enabled.
• Viewfinder: Absent, which necessitates reliance on the LCD for composition.
• Battery & Storage: Uses the NB-6LH rechargeable battery providing approximately 250 shots per charge; single SD/SDHC/SDXC slot.

Kodak M580

• Dimensions & Weight: More compact at 101 x 59 x 56 mm and significantly lighter at 150 g. Its pocketable dimensions support highly discreet shooting.
• Controls: Simpler interface lacking manual exposure control or custom white balance features. Basic physical buttons exist but the camera prioritizes ease of use over configurability.
• Screen: Fixed 3-inch, 230k-dot LCD notably lower resolution than Canon’s, which can hinder fine detail checks.
• Viewfinder: None provided.
• Battery & Storage: Deploys the KLIC-7006 battery (no official shot count), supports SD/SDHC card and internal memory fallback; single slot.

Summary: For photographers valuing manual control and ergonomic grip, the Canon SX510 HS's larger body with dedicated controls offers considerable advantages. The Kodak M580, while more portable, compromises operational flexibility and interface sophistication.

Sensor Technology and Image Quality: Core of Photographic Output

Sensor characteristics fundamentally define image quality. Both models employ 1/2.3” sensors measuring 6.17 x 4.55 mm with an effective area around 28 mm². However, their sensor technologies and resolutions differ markedly:

Canon SX510 HS

• Sensor Type: CMOS with the DIGIC 4 processor, a generation ahead of Kodak’s CCD, yielding lower noise and improved dynamic range.
• Resolution: 12 MP maximum (4608 x 3456 pixels).
• ISO Range: Native 80–3200 with no ISO boost, supporting low-light adaptability.
• Anti-Aliasing Filter: Present to reduce moiré but slightly softens fine detail.
• Raw Support: None, limiting post-processing latitude.
• Image Stabilization: Optical IS compensates for shake, critical at its extreme 30x zoom reach.
• Color Reproduction: More accurate with decent skin tone rendering owing to Canon’s well-calibrated color algorithms.
• Video: Full HD 1080p at 24fps with H.264 encoding, a more modern and efficient codec.

Kodak M580

• Sensor Type: CCD sensor known for slightly better color saturation but higher noise at elevated ISOs.
• Resolution: 14 MP maximum (4288 x 3216 pixels).
• ISO Range: 80–1600 native only, hence reduced low-light performance.
• Anti-Aliasing Filter: Also present.
• Raw Support: None.
• Image Stabilization: Optical IS present but less effective at longer zoom end.
• Color Accuracy: Tends toward oversaturation, less faithful skin tone reproduction.
• Video: Limited to 720p at 30fps with Motion JPEG codec which is outdated and produces larger files.

Practical Implications: Despite the Kodak offering a nominally higher megapixel count, the Canon’s newer CMOS sensor and image processor deliver superior image quality, especially in dynamic range and noise management - essential for landscapes, portraits, and night photography. The Kodak’s CCD sensor is more fitting for bright-light, casual snapshots.

Autofocus and Focusing Features: Speed and Accuracy Under the Lens

Accurate autofocus (AF) is crucial for capturing sharp images across genres.

Canon SX510 HS

• AF System: Single-point AF with face detection and contrast detection technology.
• Tracking: Yes, it includes limited tracking functionality but no continuous or AI-based eye/animal AF.
• Manual Focus: Available, accessible via lens control ring.
• Autofocus Points: Only 1 focus point, which restricts compositional flexibility but face detection partially compensates.
• AF Performance: Quick, reliable in decent light but struggles in dim scenarios.

Kodak M580

• AF System: Contrast-detection only, no face or tracking detection.
• Manual Focus: Not available.
• Continuous AF: None.
• AF Points: Not specified; likely a single subject area.
• AF Performance: Slower and less reliable, with hunting common in low-contrast or low-light conditions.

Applications: The Canon’s inclusion of face detection and better autofocus responsiveness makes it more suitable for portraits and moving subjects like casual wildlife and sports, albeit limited. Kodak's M580 is best for static subjects in bright environments due to its slower AF system.

Zoom and Lens Capabilities: Framing Flexibility and Optical Performance

Lens specifications significantly affect versatility and image fidelity.

Canon SX510 HS

• Zoom Range: 24-720 mm equivalent focal length, 30x optical zoom.
• Maximum Aperture: f/3.4 at wide angle, narrowing to f/5.8 telephoto.
• Macro Focus: Claims 0 cm, supporting close-up shots.
• Image Stabilization: Optical IS tailored for heavy zoom use.
• Lens Quality: Good sharpness through the mid-range; softening noticeable at extreme telephoto.
• Control: Manual zoom ring enables subtle framing adjustments.
• Use-Case: Offers exceptional reach for wildlife, travel, and sports enthusiasts who value zoom over compactness.

Kodak M580

• Zoom Range: 28-224 mm equivalent, 8x zoom.
• Aperture: Not specified, but typical compact range around f/3.5-f/6.3.
• Macro Focus: 10 cm minimum.
• Image Stabilization: Basic optical IS adequate for shorter zoom spans.
• Lens Quality: Average, prone to chromatic aberration at tele end.
• Control: Fixed zoom lever, no manual focus.
• Use-Case: Best for casual snapshots, street photography requiring portability without extensive zoom needs.

Summary: Canon SX510 HS’s 30x zoom dwarfs Kodak’s 8x, enabling significantly greater compositional versatility. This makes SX510 HS more appropriate for specialized shooting including wildlife or travel scenarios demanding notable reach.

Display and User Interface: Assessing Composition Tools and Menus

A bright, clear screen eases shooting and menu navigation.

Canon SX510 HS

• 3-inch, 461k-dot TFT LCD provides good resolution and color accuracy.
• Fixed screen, no touch input.
• Clean, logically arranged menu with direct access buttons for shooting modes, ISO, exposure, white balance.
• Live view features face detection AF display overlays.
• Backlight button illumination is absent, reducing nighttime usability slightly.

Kodak M580

• 3-inch, noticeably lower 230k-dot resolution LCD.
• Menu system basic with limited customization or rapid setting changes.
• No touch functionality.
• Live view available but image preview lacking sharpness for critical assessments.

Impact: Canon’s slab affords more precise framing and ease of adjusting settings on the fly, particularly beneficial for advanced users. Kodak’s screen fits casual use but lacks finesse for critical composition or focus evaluation.

Performance Benchmarks: Burst Rates, Shutter Options, and Shutter Lag

Burst shooting and shutter speeds dictate suitability for action photography.

Canon SX510 HS

• Burst Rate: 4 frames per second (fps), acceptable for casual sports and wildlife bursts.
• Shutter Speed Range: 1/1600 sec max, 15 sec min exposure enables some night and low-light handheld flexibility.
• Silent Shutter: None.
• Shutter Priority: Supported.
• Exposure Compensation: +/- 2 stops, useful in tricky lighting.

Kodak M580

• Burst Rate: Not documented, likely absent or very slow.
• Shutter Speed Range: 1/1400 sec max, 8 sec min.
• Exposure Modes: No manual/exposure priority modes; only automatic.
• Shutter Lag: Noticeable delay between half-press and capture.
• Silent Shutter: Not present.

Conclusion: Canon’s offering offers broader ergonomic and exposure flexibility vital for semi-pro applications and active subjects. Kodak’s slower, more automatic system targets novices wanting simplicity over control.

Specialized Photography Considerations

Portrait Photography

• Canon SX510 HS: Face detection AF, manual exposure, and better color accuracy support superior portrait results; bokeh effects limited by aperture and sensor size.
• Kodak M580: No specialized AF or exposure control; portraits tend to be flat with less refined skin tones.

Landscape Photography

• Canon SX510 HS: Slight resolution disadvantage vs Kodak’s 14 MP offset by superior sensor dynamic range and IS; lack of weather sealing limits outdoor extremes.
• Kodak M580: Somewhat higher resolution, but CCD sensor struggles with shadow details and noise controls.

Wildlife and Sports Photography

• Canon SX510 HS: 30x zoom and 4 fps burst serve well for moderate action; quicker AF and IS improve capture chance.
• Kodak M580: Insufficient zoom and slow AF restrict wildlife/sports possibilities.

Street Photography

• Canon SX510 HS: Bulkier design and large lens visually intrusive.
• Kodak M580: Compact, lightweight, and quiet operation aid discretion.

Macro Photography

• Canon SX510 HS: Near 0 cm macro focusing capability; optical stabilization aids fine focus.
• Kodak M580: 10 cm minimum macro distance limits intimate detail capture.

Low-Light and Night/Astro Photography

• Canon SX510 HS: Max ISO 3200 and 15-sec shutter offer limited but usable low-light performance.
• Kodak M580: ISO capped at 1600 with shorter shutter limit.

Video Recording

• Canon SX510 HS: Full HD 1080p, H.264 compression, no microphone input, no image-stabilized video mode.
• Kodak M580: 720p MJPEG format, larger files, low detail.

Connectivity, Battery Life, and Storage

Connectivity is often overlooked but vital.

• Canon SX510 HS: Built-in Wi-Fi enables image transfer and remote control apps; USB 2.0 and HDMI for wired connections; uses NB-6LH battery, ~250 shots per charge.
• Kodak M580: No wireless; USB 2.0 and HDMI out; internal storage plus SD card slot; battery info unspecified, though smaller battery capacity inferred.

Build Quality and Durability

Neither model includes environmental sealing or rugged features like waterproofing or shock resistance. Canon’s more modern build feels sturdier, yet both are best reserved for protected environments.

Summarized Performance Ratings

Below is a synthesized rating chart reflecting testing results across primary performance axes based on operational tests, image quality assessment, and feature evaluations.

Sample Image Gallery: Side-by-Side Quality Comparison

The following gallery presents direct comparison crops and full-frame outputs to illustrate differences in sharpness, exposure consistency, noise handling, and color rendition between the two cameras.

Canon SX510 HS front Canon SX510 HS screen back Kodak M580 screen back

Final Verdict and Recommendations

Who Should Choose the Canon SX510 HS?

• Photographers requiring substantial zoom reach (up to 720 mm equiv.).
• Users desiring manual exposure controls and “semi-pro” flexibility.
• Those shooting action, wildlife, landscapes, or basic video at 1080p.
• Enthusiasts who value Wi-Fi connectivity and improve workflow integration.
• Users willing to trade compactness for ergonomic comfort and greater functionality.
• Budget: Approximately $249; reasonable for a superzoom compact released in 2013.

Who Should Choose the Kodak M580?

• Casual shooters prioritizing small size and light weight.
• Users focused on straightforward, fully automatic shooting.
• Photographers who prefer simplicity to complexity and control.
• Those on a tighter budget (~$169) without strong demands on zoom or AF.
• Suitable for snapshots, travel photography in bright conditions, and street photography.
• Users who do not require advanced video or manual modes.

Closing Assessment

In weighing the Canon PowerShot SX510 HS against the Kodak EasyShare M580, it emerges that the former is a more versatile and capable tool for photographers with moderate demands on zoom reach, manual control, and image quality. Kodak’s M580 offers a highly compact and easy-to-use experience but sacrifices flexibility, speed, and final image fidelity.

Your choice should align with your photographic priorities: the Canon SX510 HS fits as a modest superzoom bridge camera catering to enthusiasts who value expressive options, while the Kodak M580 is an economical, pocket-friendly compact for casual capturing under predominantly well-lit conditions.

This comprehensive analysis grounded in tested benchmarks, real-world shooting, and technical detail intends to foster an informed decision tailored to your photographic journey.

This article integrates thorough physical comparisons, sensor and optical evaluations, user interface breakdowns, and direct shooting experience accumulated over comprehensive camera testing.