Canon SX130 IS
- 12MP - 1/2.3" Sensor
- 3" Fixed Screen
- ISO 80 - 1600
- Optical Image Stabilization
- 1280 x 720 video
- 28-336mm (F3.4-5.6) lens
- 308g - 113 x 73 x 46mm
- Announced August 2010
- Newer Model is Canon SX150 IS
- Read full specs
- Alternatives
- Size Comparison
- FAQ
85 Imaging
35 Features
33 Overall
34
Canon SX130 IS overview
Canon SX130 IS is Canon's Small Sensor Superzoom digital camera first introduced on August of 2010. The camera includes a 12MP, CCD 1/2.3" size sensor with a peak resolution of 4000 x 3000.
Canon released the fresher Canon SX150 IS (Read Full Comparison) in order to upgrade this model.
The SX130 IS ranks at #217 out of 244 in Small Sensor Superzoom cameras and all around #965 out of 1465 for cameras in our database. You can check our Smart camera filter to get camera rankings based on your customized criteria.
Below is a graph of specific criteria used in the scoring system.
Canon SX130 IS history
The Canon SX130 IS comes with a history of related cameras. Down below, you can take a look at all older and the latest models alongside key specifications.
Canon SX130 IS Gallery
You can view the SX130 IS from various angles in the gallery here.
Canon SX130 IS Pros and Cons
Here is a collection of advantages and drawbacks of the Canon SX130 IS based on things that are usually seen as important in a digital camera.
Canon SX130 IS Sensor information
The Canon SX130 IS is powered by the Digic 4 processor. The sensor spec in the Canon SX130 IS is 6.17mm x 4.55mm (1/2.3"). The 28 mm² sensor has the capability to resolve 4000 x 3000 pixels with aspect ratios of 4:3 and 3:2. The camera boasts Image Stabilization (Optical). Optical stabilization is more effective than digital stabilization as the latter may lead to cropping.
Japan-exclusive Leica Leitz Phone 3 features big sensor and new modesThe CCD sensor boasts 12 megapixels and features a standard ISO range of 80 - 1600. Unfortunately, RAW photos are not supported which means that you have less margin for error.
The graphic below shows the SX130 IS's sensor size in comparison to other popular sizes. The SX130 IS sensor comes with a crop factor of 5.8 and is pointed out in green.
Photobucket discusses licensing 13 billion images with AI firmsTo get a sense of various aspect ratios, you should refer to the graphic below.
Canon SX130 IS dimensions
Canon SX130 IS weighs in at 0.68 lbs (308 gr / 10.86 ounces) and the size of the camera is 113mm x 73mm x 46mm (4.4" x 2.9" x 1.8"). The weight of general Small Sensor Superzoom camera is 387 gr so the Canon SX130 IS is lighter compared to its rivals.
Samsung Releases Faster Versions of EVO MicroSD CardsBelow is a pic of the Canon SX130 IS with a soda so you're able to have a feel for its size.
The top view here will illustrate the button arrangement on the SX130 IS.
Canon SX130 IS Lens information
The SX130 IS comes with a built in lens giving a focal range of 28-336mm giving it a 12.0 x zoom which might not be huge nevertheless it will be very helpful in a few cases.
At it's widest 28mm, the lens will have an aperture of f3.4 which will be pretty sluggish and not great in low light situations and you will struggle to capture a shallow depth of field. You will probably also have to increase your ISO setting which causes noisy photos. For the long end, 336mm is amazing zoom and comes at f5.6 making it very sluggish and you will have to apply slower shutter speeds.
Canon SX130 IS Connectivity
The SX130 IS has the following connectivity:
- USB Yes
Cameras which have NFC or Bluetooth support can be controlled wirelessly by smartphones. You will be able to send files and in some cases alter settings with no need to connect physically with the camera.
Several apps also give a Liveview and press the shutter whenever you aren't close to the camera. If the camera includes a HDMI out, it can be hooked up to an external monitor. A lot of cameras will allow you to charge the battery through the USB port.
Canon SX130 IS Video information
The highest video quality in the Canon SX130 IS is 1280 x 720 and it can save in H.264 file format. 720p is terrible by today's standards. You should really target a minimum FUll HD quality for video. The body doesn't include a mic or headphone jack which means you have zero control over your sound. It is probably best to look at another camera if you require better sound in your videos.
Canon SX130 IS Weather Sealing
There is no weather proofing for the Canon SX130 IS so you have to be cautious in rainy or dusty conditions.
Canon SX130 IS Screen and Viewfinder
The Canon SX130 IS includes a 3 inch fixed display screen with a resolution of 230 thousand dots.
Please note that the display offers no touch support.
Pentax 17 Pre-Orders Outperform Expectations by a LandslideThe ViewFinder specifications regarding Canon SX130 IS are as follows:
- ViewFinder None
Viewfinders can be very helpful during bright outdoor conditions which can easily make the camera screen washed out and difficult to view.
Canon SX130 IS Shutter information
Canon SX130 IS has the capability to shoot continuously at 1.0 frames per second. The max shutter speed is 1/2500 seconds.
Canon SX130 IS Flash and Hot shoe information
Canon SX130 IS boasts just built in flash lacking external flash ability.
Canon SX130 IS Autofocusing information
Canon SX130 IS boasts only Contrast Based Auto Focus and lacks Phase Detect Auto Focus. Phase Detection autofocusing is a lot more snappier & accurate compared to Contrast Based autofocusing.
Canon SX130 IS has the ability to use manual focusing if needed during low light situations or you want to have more precise control on focusing.
Canon SX130 IS Battery life
The typical Small Sensor Superzoom camera battery life is 316. Fujifilm HS35EXR features the highest (600) battery life within this class of cameras.
Following is a collection of Small Sensor Superzoom cameras with the highest battery life:
Canon SX130 IS for varying categories of photography
The following chart shows a overview of the Canon SX130 IS for varying categories of photography. To find out more, go to the specific paragraph below.
Canon SX130 IS Portrait photography information
The Canon SX130 IS gets a rating of 29 which is subpar, and means the camera is not acceptable for portraits. Photographing portrait images favors greatly towards sensor dimensions, RAW support in addition to the potential to utilize external flash.
Canon SX130 IS as a Street photography camera
Coming in at a decent points total of 58, the Canon SX130 IS is somewhat suited for street photography. A decent street photography camera features a perfect balance of image quality and portability.
Canon SX130 IS as a Sports photography camera
A subpar sports photography rating of 27 suggests the Canon SX130 IS is not acceptable for shooting sports. A camera needs to have excellent tracking and shutter speeds for sports photography.
Canon SX130 IS Travel photography advice
Portability is really important in getting a travel camera. Over-all, the Canon SX130 IS gets a above average 61 for a travel camera which makes it a fine option to purchase for your travels.
Canon SX130 IS Landscape photography information
For anyone planning to choose a digital camera for landscape photographs, the most significant factor will be image quality. The Canon SX130 IS and it's subpar score of 42 as a landscape camera is not acceptable compared to it's competitors.
Canon SX130 IS as a Vlogging camera
A camera for vlogging should come with a moving screen, mic port and preferably image stabilization. Taking all things into account, the Canon SX130 IS is not acceptable as a vlog camera as it comes to a subpar rating of 29.
Canon SX130 IS Alternatives
If you are interested in replacements to the SX130 IS, here is a collection of the top placed cameras that fall under the class of Small Sensor Superzoom.
The line graph underneath shows you an overview of the SX130 IS vs it's highest scored competitors shown above.
Here are a handful of other cameras you may view as alternate options. To check out a extensive comparison, visit the "compare" link.