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Canon SX200 IS

 
Canon PowerShot SX200 IS front
 
  • 12MP - 1/2.3" Sensor
  • 3" Fixed Display
  • ISO 80 - 1600
  • Optical Image Stabilization
  • 1280 x 720 video
  • 28-336mm (F3.4-5.3) lens
  • 247g - 103 x 61 x 38mm
  • Released May 2009
  • Replacement is Canon SX210 IS
  • Read full specs
  • Alternatives
  • Size Comparison
  • FAQ
Portability
90
Imaging
35
Features
37
Overall
35

Canon SX200 IS overview

Canon SX200 IS is Canon's Small Sensor Superzoom camera originally revealed on May of 2009. It includes a 12 MegaPixel, CCD 1/2.3" size sensor with a maximum resolution of 4000 x 3000.

Canon introduced the more recent Canon SX210 IS (Read Full Comparison) in an effort to improve this camera.

The SX200 IS is scored #209 out of 244 in Small Sensor Superzoom cameras and all round #932 out of 1465 for cameras in our list. Remember to check our Advanced camera search to get camera ratings based on your custom criteria.

Photography Glossary

Here is a diagram of various criteria used in the scoring system.

Canon SX200 IS family

The Canon SX200 IS comes with a history of related cameras. Down below, you can view all previous and brand new models as well as key specifications.

ModelVisualizeLensResolutionSensor SizeReleased
Canon-PowerShot-SX70-HS front thumbnailCanon SX70 HS
SX200 IS vs SX70 HS
21-1365mm
F3.4-6.5
20MP1/2.3"2018
Canon-PowerShot-SX740-HS front thumbnailCanon SX740 HS
SX200 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
SX200 IS vs SX730 HS
24-960mm
F3.3-6.9
20.3MP1/2.3"2017
Canon-PowerShot-SX620-HS front thumbnailCanon SX620 HS
SX200 IS vs SX620 HS
25-625mm
F3.2-6.6
20MP1/2.3"2016
Canon-PowerShot-SX720-HS front thumbnailCanon SX720 HS
SX200 IS vs SX720 HS
24-960mm
F3.3-6.9
20.3MP1/2.3"2016
Canon-PowerShot-SX420-IS front thumbnailCanon SX420 IS
SX200 IS vs SX420 IS
24-1008mm
F3.5-6.6
20MP1/2.3"2016
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Canon-PowerShot-SX540-HS front thumbnailCanon SX540 HS
SX200 IS vs SX540 HS
24-1200mm
F3.4-6.5
20MP1/2.3"2016
Canon-PowerShot-SX410-IS front thumbnailCanon SX410 IS
SX200 IS vs SX410 IS
24-960mm
F3.5-5.6
20MP1/2.3"2015
Canon-PowerShot-SX710-HS front thumbnailCanon SX710 HS
SX200 IS vs SX710 HS
25-750mm
F3.2-6.9
20MP1/2.3"2015
Canon-PowerShot-SX610-HS front thumbnailCanon SX610 HS
SX200 IS vs SX610 HS
25-450mm
F3.8-6.9
20MP1/2.3"2015
Canon-PowerShot-SX530-HS front thumbnailCanon SX530 HS
SX200 IS vs SX530 HS
24-1200mm
F3.4-6.5
16MP1/2.3"2015
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Canon-PowerShot-SX60-HS front thumbnailCanon SX60 HS
SX200 IS vs SX60 HS
21-1365mm
F3.4-6.5
16MP1/2.3"2014
Canon-PowerShot-SX400-IS front thumbnailCanon SX400 IS
SX200 IS vs SX400 IS
24-720mm
F3.4-5.8
16MP1/2.3"2014
Canon-PowerShot-SX520-HS front thumbnailCanon SX520 HS
SX200 IS vs SX520 HS
24-1008mm
F3.4-6.0
16MP1/2.3"2014
Canon-PowerShot-SX700-HS front thumbnailCanon SX700 HS
SX200 IS vs SX700 HS
25-750mm
F3.2-6.9
16MP1/2.3"2014
Canon-PowerShot-SX600-HS front thumbnailCanon SX600 HS
SX200 IS vs SX600 HS
25-450mm
F3.8-6.9
16MP1/2.3"2014
Canon-PowerShot-SX170-IS front thumbnailCanon SX170 IS
SX200 IS vs SX170 IS
28-448mm
F3.5-5.9
16MP1/2.3"2013
Canon-PowerShot-SX510-HS front thumbnailCanon SX510 HS
SX200 IS vs SX510 HS
24-720mm
F3.4-5.8
12MP1/2.3"2013
Canon-PowerShot-SX160-IS front thumbnailCanon SX160 IS
SX200 IS vs SX160 IS
28-448mm
F3.5-5.9
16MP1/2.3"2013
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Canon-PowerShot-SX270-HS front thumbnailCanon SX270 HS
SX200 IS vs SX270 HS
25-500mm
F3.5-6.8
12MP1/2.3"2013
Canon-PowerShot-SX280-HS front thumbnailCanon SX280 HS
SX200 IS vs SX280 HS
25-500mm
F3.5-6.8
12MP1/2.3"2013
Canon-PowerShot-SX50-HS front thumbnailCanon SX50 HS
SX200 IS vs SX50 HS
24-1200mm
F3.4-6.5
12MP1/2.3"2013
Canon-PowerShot-SX500-IS front thumbnailCanon SX500 IS
SX200 IS vs SX500 IS
24-720mm
F3.4-5.8
16MP1/2.3"2012
Canon-PowerShot-SX260-HS front thumbnailCanon SX260 HS
SX200 IS vs SX260 HS
25-500mm
F3.5-6.8
12MP1/2.3"2012
Canon-PowerShot-SX150-IS front thumbnailCanon SX150 IS
SX200 IS vs SX150 IS
28-336mm
F3.4-5.6
14MP1/2.3"2012
Canon-PowerShot-SX240-HS front thumbnailCanon SX240 HS
SX200 IS vs SX240 HS
25-500mm
F3.5-6.8
12MP1/2.3"2012
Canon-PowerShot-SX40-HS front thumbnailCanon SX40 HS
SX200 IS vs SX40 HS
24-840mm
F2.7-5.8
12MP1/2.3"2011
Canon-PowerShot-SX230-HS front thumbnailCanon SX230 HS
SX200 IS vs SX230 HS
28-392mm
F3.1-5.9
12MP1/2.3"2011
Canon-PowerShot-SD4500-IS front thumbnailCanon SD4500 IS
SX200 IS vs SD4500 IS
36-360mm
F3.4-5.6
10MP1/2.3"2011
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Canon-SX220-HS front thumbnailCanon SX220 HS
SX200 IS vs SX220 HS
28-392mm
F3.1-5.9
12MP1/2.3"2011
Canon-PowerShot-SX30-IS front thumbnailCanon SX30 IS
SX200 IS vs SX30 IS
24-840mm
F2.7-5.8
14MP1/2.3"2010
Canon-PowerShot-SX130-IS front thumbnailCanon SX130 IS
SX200 IS vs SX130 IS
28-336mm
F3.4-5.6
12MP1/2.3"2010
Canon-PowerShot-SD4000-IS front thumbnailCanon SD4000 IS
SX200 IS vs SD4000 IS
28-105mm
F2.0-5.3
10MP1/2.3"2010
Canon-PowerShot-SX20-IS front thumbnailCanon SX20 IS
SX200 IS vs SX20 IS
28-560mm
F2.8-5.7
12MP1/2.3"2010
Canon-PowerShot-SX210-IS front thumbnailCanon SX210 IS
SX200 IS vs SX210 IS
28-392mm
F3.1-5.9
14MP1/2.3"2010
Canon-PowerShot-SD3500-IS front thumbnailCanon SD3500 IS
SX200 IS vs SD3500 IS
24-120mm
F2.8-5.9
14MP1/2.3"2010
Canon-PowerShot-SD1300-IS front thumbnailCanon SD1300 IS
SX200 IS vs SD1300 IS
28-112mm
F2.8-5.9
12MP1/2.3"2010
Canon-PowerShot-SD980-IS front thumbnailCanon SD980 IS
SX200 IS vs SD980 IS
24-120mm
F2.8-5.9
12MP1/2.3"2009
Canon-PowerShot-SX200-IS front thumbnailCanon SX200 IS28-336mm
F3.4-5.3
12MP1/2.3"2009
Canon-PowerShot-SX1-IS front thumbnailCanon SX1 IS
SX200 IS vs SX1 IS
28-560mm
F2.8-5.7
10MP1/2.3"2009
Canon-PowerShot-SD970-IS front thumbnailCanon SD970 IS
SX200 IS vs SD970 IS
37-185mm
F3.2-5.7
12MP1/2.3"2009
Canon-PowerShot-SD960-IS front thumbnailCanon SD960 IS
SX200 IS vs SD960 IS
28-112mm
F2.8-5.8
12MP1/2.3"2009
Canon-PowerShot-SD1200-IS front thumbnailCanon SD1200 IS
SX200 IS vs SD1200 IS
35-105mm
F2.8-4.9
10MP1/2.3"2009
Canon-PowerShot-SX10-IS front thumbnailCanon SX10 IS
SX200 IS vs SX10 IS
28-560mm
F2.8-5.7
10MP1/2.3"2009

Canon SX200 IS Pros and Cons

Here is a shortlist of positives and negatives of the Canon SX200 IS based on criterias that are usually viewed as crucial in a camera.

built-in flash
built in lens has zoom (28-336mm 12.0 x zoom)
comes with HDMI port
great reach (336mm)
has image stabilization (Optical)
has manual focus
lighter than others (247 grams)
relatively wide (28mm)
screen size is good (3 inches)
very good min ISO (80)
cannot use external flash
doesn't have selfie friendly display
does not have phase detect auto focus
does not have RAW format
fixed lens (fixed lens mount)
low quality video (1280 x 720 pixels)
max zoom aperture not good (f5.3)
megapixel count low (12 megapixels)
missing external microphone port
missing headphone port
missing Timelapse mode
painfully slow continuous shooting (1.0 frames/s)
pixelated screen (230 k dot)
screen is fixed
sensor size is tiny (1/2.3")
sluggish max aperture (f3.4)
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Canon SX200 IS Sensor specs

The size of the sensor in the Canon SX200 IS is 6.17mm x 4.55mm (1/2.3"). The 28 mm² sensor has the ability to resolve 4000 x 3000 pixels using aspect ratios of 4:3 and 16:9. The camera boasts Image Stabilization (Optical). In body stabilization is preferable than digital stabilization as the latter can easily cause cropping.

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The CCD sensor boasts 12 megapixels and features a native ISO range of 80 - 1600. Sadly, RAW format is not supported which means that the user has less margin for error.

The picture below shows the SX200 IS's sensor size when compared to other common sizes. The SX200 IS sensor comes with a crop factor of 5.8 and is pointed out in green.

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To get an idea of various aspect ratios, you should refer to the visual below.

Camera sensor aspect ratios

Canon SX200 IS dimensions

Canon SX200 IS weighs about 0.54 lb (247 grams or 8.71 oz) and features outer size of 103mm x 61mm x 38mm (4.1" x 2.4" x 1.5"). The weight of normal Small Sensor Superzoom camera is 387 grams so the Canon SX200 IS is lighter as compared with various rivals.

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Listed below is a visual of the Canon SX200 IS with a softdrink to help you have a sense of its size.

Canon PowerShot SX200 IS dimensions scale

The top view here will illustrate the button layout on the SX200 IS.

Canon PowerShot SX200 IS topview buttons dials

Canon SX200 IS Lens details

The SX200 IS has a fixed lens having a focal range of 28-336mm making it a 12.0 x zoom which may not be huge however it will be very helpful in certain circumstances.

At it's widest 28mm, the lens will have an aperture of f3.4 and that is kind of sluggish and not ideal in low light conditions and you will probably struggle to capture good bokeh. You will also have to raise your ISO setting producing noisy files. For the long end, 336mm is brilliant zoom and comes to f5.3 which is really slow and you may have to apply slow shutter speeds.

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Canon SX200 IS Connectivity

The SX200 IS has the following connectivity:

  • USB Yes
  • HDMI Yes

Cameras that include NFC and Bluetooth support can be used wirelessly through smartphones. You can send pictures and at times change settings with no need to connect straight with the camera.

Several apps also enable a Liveview and click the shutter in case you aren't near the camera. If the camera provides a HDMI out, it can be attached to an external monitor. Many cameras will allow you to recharge the battery using the USB socket.

Photography Glossary

Canon SX200 IS Video details

The maximum video resolution in the Canon SX200 IS is 1280 x 720 and it can record in Motion JPEG format. 720p is terrible by today's standards. You should target a minimum FUll HD resolution for good video. The body doesn't feature a mic and headphone port which means you have absolutely no control over your sound. It is perhaps a better idea to purchase another camera if you want better sound in your video clips.

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Canon SX200 IS Weather Sealing

There is no weather sealing for the Canon SX200 IS so you have to be cautious in rainy or dusty situations.

Canon SX200 IS Display and Viewfinder

The Canon SX200 IS includes a 3" fixed screen having a resolution of 230k dots.

Sadly the screen is not a touch screen.

Canon PowerShot SX200 IS screen and viewfinder Apple Innovates by Creating Next-Level Optical Stabilization for iPhone

The View Finder specifications regarding Canon SX200 IS are as follows:

  • ViewFinder None

In those bright outdoor situations that make the camera screens washed out and hard to view, viewfinders will be pretty useful.

Canon SX200 IS Shutter details

Canon SX200 IS continuous shooting speed is 1.0 frames/s. The highest shutter speed is 1/3200 sec.

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Canon SX200 IS Flash and Hot shoe details

Canon SX200 IS boasts just integrated flash lacking external flash ability.

Canon SX200 IS Autofocusing details

Canon SX200 IS boasts only Contrast Based Autofocus and doesn't have Phase Detect Autofocus. Phase Detection focusing is a lot more quicker and accurate as compared with Contrast Based focusing.

It includes 9 focus points to choose from. Canon SX200 IS has the ability to use manual focusing if required for low light scenarios or you want to have more exact focusing control.

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Canon SX200 IS Battery life

The general Small Sensor Superzoom camera battery life is 316. Fujifilm HS35EXR has got the highest possible (600) battery life for this range of cameras.

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

Canon SX200 IS for various forms of photography

The following bar chart shows a analysis of the Canon SX200 IS for various forms of photography. To view more, visit the specific paragraph below.

Portrait photography with Canon SX200 IS

The Canon SX200 IS receives a points tally of 29 which is dreadful, meaning that it is not really appropriate to use for portrait photos. Taking portraits leans heavily to sensor resolution, support for RAW photos and option to use off-camera lighting.

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manual focus
can't use external flash
sensor resolution low (12MP)
sensor size is tiny (1/2.3")
doesn't have RAW format

Street photography with Canon SX200 IS

Getting a average rating of 60, the Canon SX200 IS is somewhat adequate for street photography. A good street photography camera offers a good balance of picture quality plus portability.

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image stabilization (Optical)
lighter than competition in class (247 grams)
screen does not articulate
sensor is very small (1/2.3")
does not have RAW support

Canon SX200 IS Sports photography highlights

A dreadful sports photography rating of 27 suggests the Canon SX200 IS is not really appropriate for taking photos of sports. A camera must have great focusing and shutter speeds for sports photography.

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image stabilization (Optical)
max frames per second low (1.0 frames per second)
megapixel count low (12 megapixels)
sensor is small (1/2.3")
no phase detect AF

Canon SX200 IS as a Travel photography camera

Portability is really crucial when picking a travel camera. Over-all, the Canon SX200 IS gets a nice 63 as a travelling camera which is a good pick for your travels.

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lighter than competitors (247 grams)
has built in flash
rather wide (28mm)
very long reach (336mm)
doesn't have Timelapse mode
low resolution sensor (12 megapixels)
doesn't have selfie friendly screen
slow max aperture (f3.4)

Landscape photography with Canon SX200 IS

For anybody looking to buy a digital camera for landscape photography, the most important factor is going to be image quality. The Canon SX200 IS at it's dreadful score of 43 for a landscape camera is not really appropriate compared to its competitors.

Photography Glossary
manual focus
reasonably wide (28mm)
decent sized screen (3")
has image stabilization (Optical)
fixed lens (fixed lens mount)
sluggish max aperture (f3.4)
megapixel count low (12MP)
sensor size is very small (1/2.3")
doesn't have RAW support
no Timelapse recording

Canon SX200 IS as a Vlogging camera

A vlogging camera really should offer a articulating screen, mic input and if possible image stabilization. Considering everything, the Canon SX200 IS is not really appropriate for vlogging as it gets a dreadful score of 30.

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quite wide (28mm)
built in image stabilization (Optical)
lighter than others (247 grams)
somewhat slow max aperture (f3.4)
does not offer selfie friendly display
low quality video (1280 x 720 resolution)
lack of mic socket

Canon SX200 IS Alternatives

If you are trying to find alternatives to the SX200 IS, below is a collection of the top placed cameras that fall in to the class of Small Sensor Superzoom.

The diagram down below provides you a bird's eye view of the SX200 IS versus it's highest ranked competitors listed earlier.

These are various other cameras you may look into as alternative options. To look at a comprehensive comparison, just click on the "compare" link.

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Specifications

General Information
Manufacturer
Canon
Model type
Canon PowerShot SX200 IS
Class
Small Sensor Superzoom
Released
2009-05-14
Body design
Compact
Sensor Information
Sensor type
CCD
Sensor size
1/2.3"
Sensor measurements
6.17 x 4.55mm
Sensor surface area
28.1mm²
Sensor resolution
12 megapixel
Anti alias filter
Aspect ratio
4:3 and 16:9
Maximum resolution
4000 x 3000
RAW format
Maximum native ISO
1600
Min native ISO
80
Autofocusing
Manual focusing
Touch focus
Continuous autofocus
Autofocus single
Autofocus tracking
Autofocus selectice
Autofocus center weighted
Autofocus multi area
Live view autofocus
Face detect autofocus
Contract detect autofocus
Phase detect autofocus
Total focus points
9
Lens
Lens mount type
fixed lens
Lens zoom range
28-336mm (12.0x)
Maximum aperture
f/3.4-5.3
Macro focusing distance
0cm
Crop factor
5.8
Screen
Display type
Fixed Type
Display sizing
3 inches
Resolution of display
230k dot
Selfie friendly
Liveview
Touch function
Viewfinder Information
Viewfinder
None
DXO scores
DXO All around rating
not tested
DXO Color Depth rating
not tested
DXO Dynamic range rating
not tested
DXO Low light rating
not tested
Features
Slowest shutter speed
15 secs
Maximum shutter speed
1/3200 secs
Continuous shooting speed
1.0 frames/s
Shutter priority
Aperture priority
Manually set exposure
Exposure compensation
Yes
Set white balance
Image stabilization
Built-in flash
Flash distance
3.20 m
Flash modes
Auto, On, Off, Red-eye, Fill-in, Slow Syncro, Manual
External flash
AE bracketing
WB bracketing
Exposure
Multisegment
Average
Spot
Partial
AF area
Center weighted
Video features
Supported video resolutions
1280 x 720 (30 fps), 640 x 480 (30 fps), 320 x 240 (30 fps)
Maximum video resolution
1280x720
Video format
Motion JPEG
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
247 gr (0.54 lbs)
Physical dimensions
103 x 61 x 38mm (4.1" x 2.4" x 1.5")
Other
Battery ID
NB-5L
Self timer
Yes (2 sec or 10 sec, Custom)
Time lapse recording
Storage media
SD/SDHC/MMC/MMCplus/MMCplus HC
Storage slots
One
Cost at launch
$329