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Canon SX10 IS

 
Canon PowerShot SX10 IS front
 
  • 10MP - 1/2.3" Sensor
  • 2.5" Fully Articulated Display
  • ISO 80 - 1600
  • Optical Image Stabilization
  • 640 x 480 video
  • 28-560mm (F2.8-5.7) lens
  • 600g - 128 x 88 x 87mm
  • Released January 2009
  • Successor is Canon SX20 IS
  • Read full specs
  • Alternatives
  • Size Comparison
  • FAQ
Portability
65
Imaging
33
Features
39
Overall
35

Canon SX10 IS summary

Canon SX10 IS is Canon's Small Sensor Superzoom camera first revealed on January of 2009. It houses a 10 MegaPixel, CCD 1/2.3" sized sensor and has a max resolution of 3648 x 2736.

Canon introduced the fresher Canon SX20 IS (Read Full Comparison) as a way to update this camera.

The SX10 IS is rated #213 out of 244 in Small Sensor Superzoom cameras and over-all #943 out of 1465 for digital cameras in our database. You should try our Advanced camera search to get camera ratings based on your customized factors.

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Here is a chart of multiple factors used in the rating system.

Canon SX10 IS family

The Canon SX10 IS comes with a history of related digital cameras. Down below, you can view all older and latest models as well as important features.

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

Canon SX10 IS Pros and Cons

Below is a shortlist of advantages and drawbacks of the Canon SX10 IS based on features that are generally considered useful in a camera.

above average minimum ISO (80)
flash built-in
great flash sync speed (1/500 seconds)
great zoom range (28-560mm 20.0 x zoom)
has image stabilization (Optical)
has manual focus
provides face detect focus
relatively wide (28mm)
screen can move to multiple angles
selfie friendly display
very long reach (560mm)
doesn't have HDMI socket
doesn't have headphone socket
doesn't have microphone socket
doesn't have phase detect auto focus
doesn't have RAW format
doesn't have Timelapse function
fixed lens (fixed lens mount)
low MP (10 megapixels)
max frames per second very slow (1.0 fps)
max zoom aperture not good (f5.7)
more heavy than competitors (600g)
pixelated screen (230 thousand dots)
sensor is small (1/2.3")
small screen (2.5 inches)
somewhat slow max aperture (f2.8)
video resolution low (640 x 480 resolution)
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Canon SX10 IS Sensor info

The sensor measurement on the Canon SX10 IS is 6.17mm x 4.55mm (1/2.3"). The 28 mm² sensor is able to capture 3648 x 2736 pixels and aspect ratios of 4:3 and 16:9. The camera includes Image Stabilization (Optical). Sensor stabilization is superior than digital stabilization since the latter can easily produce cropping.

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The CCD sensor boasts 10 megapixels and delivers a native ISO range of 80 to 1600. Unfortunately, RAW photos are not saved so the user has less room to maneuver in post.

The image below shows the SX10 IS's sensor dimensions when compared to other common sizes. The SX10 IS sensor comes with a crop factor of 5.8 and is highlighted in green.

Canon PowerShot SX10 IS sensor size Sony Japan Introduces 5G Transmitter for Alpha Cameras

To get an understanding of different aspect ratios, you should refer to the visual below.

Camera sensor aspect ratios

Canon SX10 IS dimensions

Canon SX10 IS weighs around 1.32 pounds (600 grams / 21.16 oz) and the volume of the camera is 128mm x 88mm x 87mm (5.0" x 3.5" x 3.4"). The weight of typical Small Sensor Superzoom camera is 387 grams and the Canon SX10 IS is more heavy in comparison with its rivals.

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Listed below is a photo of the Canon SX10 IS alongside a soda so you can have a sense of its scale.

Canon PowerShot SX10 IS dimensions scale

The top view directly below will highlight the button arrangement on the SX10 IS.

Canon PowerShot SX10 IS topview buttons dials

Canon SX10 IS Lens info

The SX10 IS comes with a built-in lens and it has a focal range of 28-560mm making it a 20.0 x zoom which is significant and does allow you to zoom right in.

At the widest 28mm, it offers an aperture of f2.8 which will be rather slow and not great in low light events and you will likely find it hard to capture good bokeh. You will likely also need to raise the ISO leading to noisy files. Towards the tele end, 560mm is fantastic zoom and comes with f5.7 which is very slow and you may need to go with slow shutter speeds.

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Canon SX10 IS Connectivity

The SX10 IS has the following connectivity:

  • USB Yes

Digital cameras that incorporate NFC and Bluetooth connectivity are able to be used wirelessly via smartphones. You will be able to copy pictures and at times alter settings with no need to connect straight to the camera.

Certain applications even enable a Liveview and hit the shutter when you are not near the camera. If the camera has a HDMI out, it can easily be connected to an external screen. Most cameras will allow you to recharge the battery pack with the USB socket.

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Canon SX10 IS Video info

The max video resolution on the Canon SX10 IS is 640 x 480 and it can shoot in H.264 format. 480p is low by today's standards. You should really aim for at least FUll HD resolution for video. The camera does not have a mic and headphone socket so you get little control over your sound. It is perhaps best to take a look at another camera should you require better sound in your video clips.

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Canon SX10 IS Weather Sealing

Canon SX10 IS does not include environment sealing so damp conditions can easily ruin the camera.

Canon SX10 IS Display and Viewfinder

The Canon SX10 IS is equipped with a 2.5 inch fully articulated display supporting a resolution of 230 thousand dots.

It includes a selfie friendly display to shoot self portraits and group photos if needed. Please note that the display screen offers no touch support.

Canon PowerShot SX10 IS screen and viewfinder Jaw-Dropping Space Capture Exposes Earth's Mesmerizing Golden Luminescence

The View Finder details regarding Canon SX10 IS are as follows:

  • ViewFinder Electronic

Viewfinders are very handy for bright outdoor situations which will make the camera display washed out and difficult to view.

Canon SX10 IS Shutter info

Canon SX10 IS is able to shoot continuously at 1.0 fps. The max shutter speed is 1/3200s.

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Canon SX10 IS Flash and Hot shoe info

Canon SX10 IS includes both built-in flash and external flash support. The highest flash sync speed is 1/500s.

Canon SX10 IS Autofocus info

Canon SX10 IS includes just Contrast Based Auto Focus and lacks Phase Detect Auto Focus. Phase Detection focusing is a lot more faster & exact in comparison with Contrast Based focusing. The camera supports Face detect making it valuable for people photography.

The Sensor supports 9 focus points to pick from. Canon SX10 IS boasts manual focusing in case it is required for low light conditions or you require more exact focusing control.

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Canon SX10 IS Battery life

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

Following is a listing of Small Sensor Superzoom cameras which have the strongest battery life:

Canon SX10 IS for specific styles of photography

The following bar chart shows a summary of the Canon SX10 IS for specific styles of photography. To look at more, check out the specific section below.

Portrait photography with Canon SX10 IS

The Canon SX10 IS receives a rating of 39 which is bad, meaning that it is not really acceptable to use for portrait photography. Shooting portraits favors heavily to sensor dimension, support for RAW files along with the flexibility to use external flash.

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has manual focus
great flash sync speed (1/500s)
features face detect focusing
low megapixels (10MP)
small sensor size (1/2.3")
no RAW format

Street photography with Canon SX10 IS

Having a decent rating of 49, the Canon SX10 IS is reasonably acceptable to buy for street photography. A very good street photography camera provides a fine balance of picture quality and portability.

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screen articulates fully
image stabilization (Optical)
sensor is small (1/2.3")
no RAW support
heavier than competitors in class (600g)

Sports photography with Canon SX10 IS

A bad sports photography score of 33 suggests the Canon SX10 IS is not really acceptable for taking photos of sports. A camera must have excellent tracking plus fast continuous shooting for sports photography.

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amazing zoom range (28-560mm 20.0 x zoom)
has image stabilization (Optical)
slow fps (1.0 fps)
MP count low (10 megapixels)
small sensor size (1/2.3")
no phase detect AF

Canon SX10 IS Travel photography details

Size is really critical when picking a travel camera. On the whole, the Canon SX10 IS gets a average 52 as a travel camera which is reasonably appropriate to buy for your journeys.

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flash built-in
selfie friendly display
rather wide (28mm)
great zoom (560mm)
does not have Time Lapse function
heavier than competitors in class (600 grams)
low resolution sensor (10MP)
slow max aperture (f2.8)

Landscape photography with Canon SX10 IS

For those who are planning to purchase a digital camera for landscape photographs, the most essential factor will no doubt be image quality. The Canon SX10 IS with it's bad score of 34 as a landscape camera is not really acceptable in the current marketplace.

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has manual focus
reasonably wide (28mm)
has image stabilization (Optical)
lens is fixed (fixed lens mount)
somewhat slow maximum aperture (f2.8)
small screen (2.5 inch)
low resolution sensor (10 megapixels)
small sensor (1/2.3")
lack of RAW files
does not have Timelapse mode

Canon SX10 IS Vlogging factors

A vlogging camera should come with a articulating display screen, mic port and ideally IBIS. Considering every thing, the Canon SX10 IS is reasonably adequate as a vlog camera as it comes to a average score of 52.

OM System OM-1 Set to Enhance Autofocus
decently wide (28mm)
selfie friendly screen
built in image stabilization (Optical)
provides face detect focus
somewhat slow max aperture (f2.8)
video quality not great (640 x 480 resolution)
does not have microphone jack
more heavy than average in class (600 grams)

Canon SX10 IS Alternatives

If you are trying to find replacements to the SX10 IS, here is a range of the top placed cameras that fall under the family of Small Sensor Superzoom.

The diagram down below provides you an overview of the SX10 IS compared to it's highest ranking rivals mentioned above.

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

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Specifications

General Information
Company
Canon
Model type
Canon PowerShot SX10 IS
Class
Small Sensor Superzoom
Released
2009-01-15
Physical type
SLR-like (bridge)
Sensor Information
Sensor type
CCD
Sensor size
1/2.3"
Sensor measurements
6.17 x 4.55mm
Sensor surface area
28.1mm²
Sensor resolution
10 megapixel
Anti alias filter
Aspect ratio
4:3 and 16:9
Max resolution
3648 x 2736
RAW pictures
Max native ISO
1600
Minimum native ISO
80
Autofocusing
Focus manually
Touch focus
Continuous AF
Single AF
Tracking AF
AF selectice
AF center weighted
AF multi area
Live view AF
Face detect AF
Contract detect AF
Phase detect AF
Total focus points
9
Lens
Lens support
fixed lens
Lens zoom range
28-560mm (20.0x)
Max aperture
f/2.8-5.7
Macro focusing distance
0cm
Crop factor
5.8
Screen
Display type
Fully Articulated
Display size
2.5 inches
Resolution of display
230 thousand dots
Selfie friendly
Liveview
Touch display
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
15s
Max shutter speed
1/3200s
Continuous shutter rate
1.0fps
Shutter priority
Aperture priority
Manually set exposure
Exposure compensation
Yes
Change WB
Image stabilization
Built-in flash
Flash distance
5.20 m
Flash options
Auto, Fill-in, Red-Eye reduction, Slow Sync, Off
External flash
Auto exposure bracketing
White balance bracketing
Max flash synchronize
1/500s
Exposure
Multisegment exposure
Average exposure
Spot exposure
Partial exposure
AF area exposure
Center weighted exposure
Video features
Video resolutions
640 x 480 (30 fps), 320 x 240 (60, 30 fps)
Max video resolution
640x480
Video format
H.264
Microphone port
Headphone port
Connectivity
Wireless
None
Bluetooth
NFC
HDMI
USB
USB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec)
GPS
None
Physical
Environment sealing
Water proofing
Dust proofing
Shock proofing
Crush proofing
Freeze proofing
Weight
600 gr (1.32 lbs)
Physical dimensions
128 x 88 x 87mm (5.0" x 3.5" x 3.4")
Other
Self timer
Yes (2 or 10 sec or custom)
Time lapse feature
Type of storage
SD/SDHC/MMC card
Card slots
Single
Pricing at release
$275