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Canon SX1 IS

 
Canon PowerShot SX1 IS front
 
  • 10MP - 1/2.3" Sensor
  • 2.8" Fully Articulated Screen
  • ISO 80 - 1600
  • Optical Image Stabilization
  • 1920 x 1080 video
  • 28-560mm (F2.8-5.7) lens
  • 615g - 128 x 88 x 88mm
  • Announced March 2009
  • Read full specs
  • Alternatives
  • Size Comparison
  • FAQ
Portability
64
Imaging
33
Features
53
Overall
41

Canon SX1 IS summary

Canon SX1 IS is Canon's Small Sensor Superzoom digital camera originally launched on March of 2009. It includes a 10 MegaPixel, CMOS 1/2.3" size sensor with a max resolution of 3648 x 2736.

The SX1 IS is scored #121 out of 244 in Small Sensor Superzoom cameras and over all #669 out of 1465 for digital cameras in our database. You should use our Smart camera filter to get camera listings based on your custom requirements.

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The following is a graph of various factors used in the rating system.

Canon SX1 IS history

The Canon SX1 IS comes with a history of related digital cameras. Underneath, you can take a look at all previous and brand new models along with important features.

ModelVisualizeLensResolutionSensor SizeReleased
Canon-PowerShot-SX70-HS front thumbnailCanon SX70 HS
SX1 IS vs SX70 HS
21-1365mm
F3.4-6.5
20MP1/2.3"2018
Canon-PowerShot-SX740-HS front thumbnailCanon SX740 HS
SX1 IS vs SX740 HS
24-960mm
F3.3-6.9
21MP1/2.3"2018
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Canon-PowerShot-SX730-HS front thumbnailCanon SX730 HS
SX1 IS vs SX730 HS
24-960mm
F3.3-6.9
20.3MP1/2.3"2017
Canon-PowerShot-SX620-HS front thumbnailCanon SX620 HS
SX1 IS vs SX620 HS
25-625mm
F3.2-6.6
20MP1/2.3"2016
Canon-PowerShot-SX720-HS front thumbnailCanon SX720 HS
SX1 IS vs SX720 HS
24-960mm
F3.3-6.9
20.3MP1/2.3"2016
Canon-PowerShot-SX540-HS front thumbnailCanon SX540 HS
SX1 IS vs SX540 HS
24-1200mm
F3.4-6.5
20MP1/2.3"2016
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Canon-PowerShot-SX420-IS front thumbnailCanon SX420 IS
SX1 IS vs SX420 IS
24-1008mm
F3.5-6.6
20MP1/2.3"2016
Canon-PowerShot-SX410-IS front thumbnailCanon SX410 IS
SX1 IS vs SX410 IS
24-960mm
F3.5-5.6
20MP1/2.3"2015
Canon-PowerShot-SX710-HS front thumbnailCanon SX710 HS
SX1 IS vs SX710 HS
25-750mm
F3.2-6.9
20MP1/2.3"2015
Canon-PowerShot-SX530-HS front thumbnailCanon SX530 HS
SX1 IS vs SX530 HS
24-1200mm
F3.4-6.5
16MP1/2.3"2015
Canon-PowerShot-SX610-HS front thumbnailCanon SX610 HS
SX1 IS vs SX610 HS
25-450mm
F3.8-6.9
20MP1/2.3"2015
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Canon-PowerShot-SX60-HS front thumbnailCanon SX60 HS
SX1 IS vs SX60 HS
21-1365mm
F3.4-6.5
16MP1/2.3"2014
Canon-PowerShot-SX520-HS front thumbnailCanon SX520 HS
SX1 IS vs SX520 HS
24-1008mm
F3.4-6.0
16MP1/2.3"2014
Canon-PowerShot-SX400-IS front thumbnailCanon SX400 IS
SX1 IS vs SX400 IS
24-720mm
F3.4-5.8
16MP1/2.3"2014
Canon-PowerShot-SX700-HS front thumbnailCanon SX700 HS
SX1 IS vs SX700 HS
25-750mm
F3.2-6.9
16MP1/2.3"2014
Canon-PowerShot-SX600-HS front thumbnailCanon SX600 HS
SX1 IS vs SX600 HS
25-450mm
F3.8-6.9
16MP1/2.3"2014
Canon-PowerShot-SX170-IS front thumbnailCanon SX170 IS
SX1 IS vs SX170 IS
28-448mm
F3.5-5.9
16MP1/2.3"2013
Canon-PowerShot-SX510-HS front thumbnailCanon SX510 HS
SX1 IS vs SX510 HS
24-720mm
F3.4-5.8
12MP1/2.3"2013
Canon-PowerShot-SX160-IS front thumbnailCanon SX160 IS
SX1 IS vs SX160 IS
28-448mm
F3.5-5.9
16MP1/2.3"2013
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Canon-PowerShot-SX280-HS front thumbnailCanon SX280 HS
SX1 IS vs SX280 HS
25-500mm
F3.5-6.8
12MP1/2.3"2013
Canon-PowerShot-SX270-HS front thumbnailCanon SX270 HS
SX1 IS vs SX270 HS
25-500mm
F3.5-6.8
12MP1/2.3"2013
Canon-PowerShot-SX50-HS front thumbnailCanon SX50 HS
SX1 IS vs SX50 HS
24-1200mm
F3.4-6.5
12MP1/2.3"2013
Canon-PowerShot-SX500-IS front thumbnailCanon SX500 IS
SX1 IS vs SX500 IS
24-720mm
F3.4-5.8
16MP1/2.3"2012
Canon-PowerShot-SX260-HS front thumbnailCanon SX260 HS
SX1 IS vs SX260 HS
25-500mm
F3.5-6.8
12MP1/2.3"2012
Canon-PowerShot-SX150-IS front thumbnailCanon SX150 IS
SX1 IS vs SX150 IS
28-336mm
F3.4-5.6
14MP1/2.3"2012
Canon-PowerShot-SX240-HS front thumbnailCanon SX240 HS
SX1 IS vs SX240 HS
25-500mm
F3.5-6.8
12MP1/2.3"2012
Canon-PowerShot-SX40-HS front thumbnailCanon SX40 HS
SX1 IS vs SX40 HS
24-840mm
F2.7-5.8
12MP1/2.3"2011
Canon-PowerShot-SX230-HS front thumbnailCanon SX230 HS
SX1 IS vs SX230 HS
28-392mm
F3.1-5.9
12MP1/2.3"2011
Canon-SX220-HS front thumbnailCanon SX220 HS
SX1 IS vs SX220 HS
28-392mm
F3.1-5.9
12MP1/2.3"2011
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Canon-PowerShot-SX30-IS front thumbnailCanon SX30 IS
SX1 IS vs SX30 IS
24-840mm
F2.7-5.8
14MP1/2.3"2010
Canon-PowerShot-SX130-IS front thumbnailCanon SX130 IS
SX1 IS vs SX130 IS
28-336mm
F3.4-5.6
12MP1/2.3"2010
Canon-PowerShot-SX20-IS front thumbnailCanon SX20 IS
SX1 IS vs SX20 IS
28-560mm
F2.8-5.7
12MP1/2.3"2010
Canon-PowerShot-SX210-IS front thumbnailCanon SX210 IS
SX1 IS vs SX210 IS
28-392mm
F3.1-5.9
14MP1/2.3"2010
Canon-PowerShot-SX200-IS front thumbnailCanon SX200 IS
SX1 IS vs SX200 IS
28-336mm
F3.4-5.3
12MP1/2.3"2009
Canon-PowerShot-SX1-IS front thumbnailCanon SX1 IS28-560mm
F2.8-5.7
10MP1/2.3"2009
Canon-PowerShot-SX10-IS front thumbnailCanon SX10 IS
SX1 IS vs SX10 IS
28-560mm
F2.8-5.7
10MP1/2.3"2009

Canon SX1 IS Pros and Cons

Here is a checklist of advantages and drawbacks of the Canon SX1 IS based on factors that are normally considered necessary in a digital camera.

above average flash sync speed (1/500 seconds)
built in image stabilization (Optical)
flash built-in
great zoom range (28-560mm 20.0 x zoom)
includes HDMI port
long reach (560mm)
manual focus
pretty wide (28mm)
screen articulates fully
screen is a decent size (2.8 inch)
selfie friendly display
supports face detection autofocus
supports RAW formats
very good minimum ISO (80)
video resolution high (1920 x 1080 pxls)
does not have external microphone port
does not have headphone port
does not have Timelapse mode
lack of phase detect autofocus
lens is fixed (fixed lens mount)
max zoom aperture not good (f5.7)
more heavy than average (615g)
MP count low (10 megapixels)
screen has low resolution (230 thousand dot)
sensor size is small (1/2.3")
sluggish max aperture (f2.8)
very slow continuous shooting (4.0 frames per second)
Photography Glossary

Canon SX1 IS Sensor information

The measurement of the sensor on the Canon SX1 IS is 6.17mm x 4.55mm (1/2.3"). The 28 mm² sensor has the ability to capture 3648 x 2736 pixels using aspect ratios of 4:3, 3:2 and 16:9. The camera boasts Image Stabilization (Optical). In body stabilization is superior than digital stabilization since the latter may lead to cropping.

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The CMOS sensor boasts 10 megapixels and features a standard ISO range of 80 to 1600. RAW format is supported which means that you have more room to maneuver in post.

The graphic below shows the SX1 IS's sensor size compared to other popular sizes. The SX1 IS sensor comes with a crop factor of 5.8 and is highlighted in green.

Canon PowerShot SX1 IS sensor size Sora from OpenAI releases its first ever music video

To get an understanding of various aspect ratios, you should refer to the graphic below.

Camera sensor aspect ratios

Canon SX1 IS dimensions

Canon SX1 IS weighs in at 1.36 pounds (615g / 21.69 ounces) and features external size of 128mm x 88mm x 88mm (5.0" x 3.5" x 3.5"). The weight of typical Small Sensor Superzoom camera is 387g and the Canon SX1 IS is heavier as compared with various rivals.

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The following is a pic of the Canon SX1 IS beside a softdrink to help you have a feel for its size.

Canon PowerShot SX1 IS dimensions scale

The top view below will highlight the button layout on the SX1 IS.

Canon PowerShot SX1 IS topview buttons dials

Canon SX1 IS Lens information

The SX1 IS offers a fixed lens having a focal range of 28-560mm giving it a 20.0 x zoom which is amazing and can make it easier to zoom right in.

At it's widest 28mm, it will have an aperture of f2.8 which will be kind of sluggish and not great in low light events and you will probably find it difficult to capture good bokeh. You will probably also need to up your ISO leading to noisy images. Towards the long end, 560mm is fantastic zoom and comes to f5.7 making it pretty sluggish and you will have to go with slower shutter speeds.

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Canon SX1 IS Connectivity

The SX1 IS has the following connectivity:

  • USB Yes
  • HDMI Yes

Digital cameras that contain NFC and / or Bluetooth support are able to be used wirelessly via smartphones. You will be able to send images and oftentimes adjust settings without connecting physically with the camera.

A few apps also allow a Liveview and hit the shutter if you are not close to the camera. If the camera features a HDMI out, it can easily be hooked up to an external monitor. Many cameras will allow you to charge the battery pack using the USB port.

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Canon SX1 IS Video information

The max video resolution on the Canon SX1 IS is 1920 x 1080 and it can record in MPEG-4 and H.264 file format. 1080p resolution delivers a great balance for video quality vs file size but 1080p won't give you much room to downsample. The body does not have a mic and / or headphone port which means you get absolutely no control over your sound. It is probably best to take a look at another camera in case you want better sound in your videos.

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Canon SX1 IS Weather Sealing

There is no environment proofing in the Canon SX1 IS so you have to be careful in rainy and dusty situations.

Canon SX1 IS Screen and Viewfinder

The Canon SX1 IS includes a 2.8 inch fully articulated display screen having a resolution of 230 thousand dots.

The screen is selfie friendly to get self portraits as well as group shots if needed. Please note that the display offers no touch support.

Canon PowerShot SX1 IS screen and viewfinder Japan-exclusive Leica Leitz Phone 3 features big sensor and new modes

The View Finder details regarding Canon SX1 IS are the following:

  • ViewFinder Electronic

Viewfinders can be quite beneficial for bright outdoor situations which may make the camera screen washed out and very difficult to view.

Canon SX1 IS Shutter information

Canon SX1 IS has the ability to shoot continuously at 4.0 frames per second. The maximum shutter speed is 1/3200s.

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Canon SX1 IS Flash and Hot shoe information

Canon SX1 IS boasts both built in flash and also external flash support. The max flash sync speed is 1/500s.

Canon SX1 IS Autofocusing information

Canon SX1 IS boasts only Contrast Based Auto Focus and doesn't have Phase Detect Auto Focus. Phase Detection autofocusing is a lot snappier & accurate as compared with Contrast Based autofocusing. The camera includes Face detection which can be handy for portrait photography.

The Sensor includes 9 focus points to pick from. Canon SX1 IS has the ability to use manual focusing when needed for low light conditions or you need more exact focusing control.

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Canon SX1 IS Battery life

The usual Small Sensor Superzoom camera battery life is 316. Fujifilm HS35EXR features the maximum (600) battery life for this group of cameras.

Here is a list of Small Sensor Superzoom cameras that have the highest battery life:

Canon SX1 IS for various forms of photography

The following graph shows a rundown of the Canon SX1 IS for various forms of photography. To view more, go to the specific paragraph below.

Canon SX1 IS Portrait photography information

The Canon SX1 IS receives a points tally of 46 which is average, meaning that it is reasonably acceptable to use for portraits. Shooting portraits favors heavily to sensor resolution, support for RAW files in addition to the capability to work with external flash.

Photography Glossary
has manual focus
great flash sync speed (1/500 seconds)
has face detect autofocus
saves RAW formats
sensor resolution not great (10MP)
small sensor size (1/2.3")

Street photography with Canon SX1 IS

Getting a decent points tally of 56, the Canon SX1 IS is reasonably suited to use in street photography. A good street photography camera provides a good balance of picture quality and portability.

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fully articulated screen
image stabilization (Optical)
supports RAW formats
tiny sensor (1/2.3")
heavier than competition in class (615g)

Canon SX1 IS Sports photography factors

A low sports photography score of 33 means the Canon SX1 IS is not suitable for taking pictures of sports. A camera must have good autofocus plus fast continuous shooting for sports photography.

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great zoom range (28-560mm 20.0 x zoom)
has image stabilization (Optical)
very slow continuous shooting (4.0 frames per second)
low resolution sensor (10 megapixels)
sensor is tiny (1/2.3")
does not have phase detect auto focus

Canon SX1 IS Travel photography details

Size is pretty critical in getting a camera for travel. All things considered, the Canon SX1 IS gets a reasonable 52 for a travelling camera which makes it fairly appropriate for your travels.

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has built in flash
display is selfie friendly
reasonably wide (28mm)
very long reach (560mm)
does not have Timelapse function
more heavy than competition in class (615g)
MP count low (10 megapixels)
somewhat slow max aperture (f2.8)

Canon SX1 IS as a Landscape photography camera

For anyone looking to buy a digital camera for landscape photographs, the most important factor is going to be image quality. The Canon SX1 IS at it's low rating of 44 for a landscape camera is not suitable among its rivals.

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manual focus
really wide (28mm)
screen is a decent size (2.8")
has image stabilization (Optical)
delivers RAW formats
fixed lens (fixed lens mount)
somewhat slow max aperture (f2.8)
megapixel count low (10 megapixels)
sensor size is tiny (1/2.3")
lack of Time Lapse mode

Canon SX1 IS Vlogging advice

A vlogging camera preferably should come with a moving screen, microphone port and if possible image stabilization. Taking all things into account, the Canon SX1 IS is fairly acceptable as a vlog camera as it comes to a decent rating of 57.

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really wide (28mm)
selfie friendly display
has image stabilization (Optical)
offers face detect focus
video resolution high (1920 x 1080 resolution)
somewhat slow maximum aperture (f2.8)
lack of microphone jack
more heavy than others (615g)

Canon SX1 IS Alternatives

If you are trying to find replacements to the SX1 IS, here is a number of the top placed cameras that fall under the family of Small Sensor Superzoom.

The line graph listed below will give you a bird's eye view of the SX1 IS versus it's top scoring rivals listed above.

Here are a few more cameras you may have a look at as alternatives. To see a detailed comparison, just click on the "compare" link.

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Specifications

General Information
Make
Canon
Model type
Canon PowerShot SX1 IS
Type
Small Sensor Superzoom
Announced
2009-03-27
Body design
SLR-like (bridge)
Sensor Information
Sensor type
CMOS
Sensor size
1/2.3"
Sensor measurements
6.17 x 4.55mm
Sensor surface area
28.1mm²
Sensor resolution
10 megapixels
Anti alias filter
Aspect ratio
4:3, 3:2 and 16:9
Highest Possible resolution
3648 x 2736
RAW files
Maximum native ISO
1600
Lowest native ISO
80
Autofocusing
Focus manually
Touch focus
Continuous AF
AF single
Tracking AF
AF selectice
AF center weighted
AF multi area
Live view AF
Face detection focusing
Contract detection focusing
Phase detection focusing
Total focus points
9
Lens
Lens mount type
fixed lens
Lens zoom range
28-560mm (20.0x)
Largest aperture
f/2.8-5.7
Macro focusing range
0cm
Crop factor
5.8
Screen
Screen type
Fully Articulated
Screen diagonal
2.8 inch
Screen resolution
230 thousand dot
Selfie friendly
Liveview
Touch friendly
Viewfinder Information
Viewfinder
Electronic
DXO scores
DXO Overall rating
not tested
DXO Color Depth rating
not tested
DXO Dynamic range rating
not tested
DXO Low light rating
not tested
Features
Min shutter speed
15 secs
Max shutter speed
1/3200 secs
Continuous shutter speed
4.0 frames per sec
Shutter priority
Aperture priority
Expose Manually
Exposure compensation
Yes
Change WB
Image stabilization
Inbuilt flash
Flash distance
5.20 m
Flash settings
Auto, Fill-in, Red-Eye reduction, Slow Sync, Off
External flash
Auto exposure bracketing
White balance bracketing
Max flash sync
1/500 secs
Exposure
Multisegment exposure
Average exposure
Spot exposure
Partial exposure
AF area exposure
Center weighted exposure
Video features
Video resolutions
1920 x 1080 (30 fps), 640 x 480 (30 fps), 320 x 240 (60, 30 fps)
Maximum video resolution
1920x1080
Video data format
MPEG-4, H.264
Microphone jack
Headphone jack
Connectivity
Wireless
None
Bluetooth
NFC
HDMI
USB
USB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec)
GPS
None
Physical
Environment seal
Water proofing
Dust proofing
Shock proofing
Crush proofing
Freeze proofing
Weight
615g (1.36 lb)
Physical dimensions
128 x 88 x 88mm (5.0" x 3.5" x 3.5")
Other
Self timer
Yes (2 or 10 sec or custom)
Time lapse recording
Type of storage
SD/SDHC/MMC card
Storage slots
1
Cost at release
$600