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Canon SX270 HS

 
Canon PowerShot SX270 HS front
 
Portability
91
Imaging
36
Features
43
Overall
38

Canon SX270 HS overview

Canon SX270 HS is Canon's Small Sensor Superzoom digital camera first released on March of 2013. The camera features a 12MP, BSI-CMOS 1/2.3" size sensor with a maximum resolution of 4000 x 3000.

Canon brought out this model to improve the earlier Canon SX260 HS (Read Full Comparison) & subsequently brought out the newer Canon SX280 HS (Read Full Comparison) in an effort to improve this model.

The SX270 HS is rated #154 out of 244 in Small Sensor Superzoom cameras & all-around #766 out of 1465 for cameras in our list. Remember to look at our Advanced camera filter to see camera results based on your personal criteria.

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Below is a graph of various criteria used in the scoring system.

Canon SX270 HS history

The Canon SX270 HS is part of a family of cameras. You can view the complete list underneath.

ModelVisualizeLensResolutionSensor SizeReleased
Canon-PowerShot-SX70-HS front thumbnailCanon SX70 HS
SX270 HS vs SX70 HS
21-1365mm
F3.4-6.5
20MP1/2.3"2018
Canon-PowerShot-SX740-HS front thumbnailCanon SX740 HS
SX270 HS 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
SX270 HS vs SX730 HS
24-960mm
F3.3-6.9
20.3MP1/2.3"2017
Canon-PowerShot-SX620-HS front thumbnailCanon SX620 HS
SX270 HS vs SX620 HS
25-625mm
F3.2-6.6
20MP1/2.3"2016
Canon-PowerShot-SX720-HS front thumbnailCanon SX720 HS
SX270 HS vs SX720 HS
24-960mm
F3.3-6.9
20.3MP1/2.3"2016
Canon-PowerShot-SX420-IS front thumbnailCanon SX420 IS
SX270 HS 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
SX270 HS vs SX540 HS
24-1200mm
F3.4-6.5
20MP1/2.3"2016
Canon-PowerShot-SX410-IS front thumbnailCanon SX410 IS
SX270 HS vs SX410 IS
24-960mm
F3.5-5.6
20MP1/2.3"2015
Canon-PowerShot-SX710-HS front thumbnailCanon SX710 HS
SX270 HS vs SX710 HS
25-750mm
F3.2-6.9
20MP1/2.3"2015
Canon-PowerShot-SX610-HS front thumbnailCanon SX610 HS
SX270 HS vs SX610 HS
25-450mm
F3.8-6.9
20MP1/2.3"2015
Canon-PowerShot-SX530-HS front thumbnailCanon SX530 HS
SX270 HS vs SX530 HS
24-1200mm
F3.4-6.5
16MP1/2.3"2015
Photography Glossary
Canon-PowerShot-SX60-HS front thumbnailCanon SX60 HS
SX270 HS vs SX60 HS
21-1365mm
F3.4-6.5
16MP1/2.3"2014
Canon-PowerShot-SX400-IS front thumbnailCanon SX400 IS
SX270 HS vs SX400 IS
24-720mm
F3.4-5.8
16MP1/2.3"2014
Canon-PowerShot-SX520-HS front thumbnailCanon SX520 HS
SX270 HS vs SX520 HS
24-1008mm
F3.4-6.0
16MP1/2.3"2014
Canon-PowerShot-SX700-HS front thumbnailCanon SX700 HS
SX270 HS vs SX700 HS
25-750mm
F3.2-6.9
16MP1/2.3"2014
Canon-PowerShot-SX600-HS front thumbnailCanon SX600 HS
SX270 HS vs SX600 HS
25-450mm
F3.8-6.9
16MP1/2.3"2014
Canon-PowerShot-SX170-IS front thumbnailCanon SX170 IS
SX270 HS vs SX170 IS
28-448mm
F3.5-5.9
16MP1/2.3"2013
Canon-PowerShot-SX510-HS front thumbnailCanon SX510 HS
SX270 HS vs SX510 HS
24-720mm
F3.4-5.8
12MP1/2.3"2013
Canon-PowerShot-SX160-IS front thumbnailCanon SX160 IS
SX270 HS 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
SX270 HS vs SX280 HS
25-500mm
F3.5-6.8
12MP1/2.3"2013
Canon-PowerShot-SX270-HS front thumbnailCanon SX270 HS25-500mm
F3.5-6.8
12MP1/2.3"2013
Canon-PowerShot-SX50-HS front thumbnailCanon SX50 HS
SX270 HS vs SX50 HS
24-1200mm
F3.4-6.5
12MP1/2.3"2013
Canon-PowerShot-SX500-IS front thumbnailCanon SX500 IS
SX270 HS vs SX500 IS
24-720mm
F3.4-5.8
16MP1/2.3"2012
Canon-PowerShot-SX260-HS front thumbnailCanon SX260 HS
SX270 HS vs SX260 HS
25-500mm
F3.5-6.8
12MP1/2.3"2012
Canon-PowerShot-SX150-IS front thumbnailCanon SX150 IS
SX270 HS vs SX150 IS
28-336mm
F3.4-5.6
14MP1/2.3"2012
Canon-PowerShot-SX240-HS front thumbnailCanon SX240 HS
SX270 HS vs SX240 HS
25-500mm
F3.5-6.8
12MP1/2.3"2012
Canon-PowerShot-SX40-HS front thumbnailCanon SX40 HS
SX270 HS vs SX40 HS
24-840mm
F2.7-5.8
12MP1/2.3"2011
Canon-PowerShot-SX230-HS front thumbnailCanon SX230 HS
SX270 HS vs SX230 HS
28-392mm
F3.1-5.9
12MP1/2.3"2011
Canon-PowerShot-SD4500-IS front thumbnailCanon SD4500 IS
SX270 HS vs SD4500 IS
36-360mm
F3.4-5.6
10MP1/2.3"2011
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Canon-SX220-HS front thumbnailCanon SX220 HS
SX270 HS vs SX220 HS
28-392mm
F3.1-5.9
12MP1/2.3"2011
Canon-PowerShot-SX30-IS front thumbnailCanon SX30 IS
SX270 HS vs SX30 IS
24-840mm
F2.7-5.8
14MP1/2.3"2010
Canon-PowerShot-SX130-IS front thumbnailCanon SX130 IS
SX270 HS vs SX130 IS
28-336mm
F3.4-5.6
12MP1/2.3"2010
Canon-PowerShot-SD4000-IS front thumbnailCanon SD4000 IS
SX270 HS vs SD4000 IS
28-105mm
F2.0-5.3
10MP1/2.3"2010
Canon-PowerShot-SX20-IS front thumbnailCanon SX20 IS
SX270 HS vs SX20 IS
28-560mm
F2.8-5.7
12MP1/2.3"2010
Canon-PowerShot-SX210-IS front thumbnailCanon SX210 IS
SX270 HS vs SX210 IS
28-392mm
F3.1-5.9
14MP1/2.3"2010
Canon-PowerShot-SD3500-IS front thumbnailCanon SD3500 IS
SX270 HS vs SD3500 IS
24-120mm
F2.8-5.9
14MP1/2.3"2010
Canon-PowerShot-SD1300-IS front thumbnailCanon SD1300 IS
SX270 HS vs SD1300 IS
28-112mm
F2.8-5.9
12MP1/2.3"2010
Canon-PowerShot-SD980-IS front thumbnailCanon SD980 IS
SX270 HS vs SD980 IS
24-120mm
F2.8-5.9
12MP1/2.3"2009
Canon-PowerShot-SX200-IS front thumbnailCanon SX200 IS
SX270 HS vs SX200 IS
28-336mm
F3.4-5.3
12MP1/2.3"2009
Canon-PowerShot-SX1-IS front thumbnailCanon SX1 IS
SX270 HS vs SX1 IS
28-560mm
F2.8-5.7
10MP1/2.3"2009
Canon-PowerShot-SD970-IS front thumbnailCanon SD970 IS
SX270 HS vs SD970 IS
37-185mm
F3.2-5.7
12MP1/2.3"2009
Canon-PowerShot-SD960-IS front thumbnailCanon SD960 IS
SX270 HS vs SD960 IS
28-112mm
F2.8-5.8
12MP1/2.3"2009
Canon-PowerShot-SD1200-IS front thumbnailCanon SD1200 IS
SX270 HS vs SD1200 IS
35-105mm
F2.8-4.9
10MP1/2.3"2009
Canon-PowerShot-SX10-IS front thumbnailCanon SX10 IS
SX270 HS vs SX10 IS
28-560mm
F2.8-5.7
10MP1/2.3"2009

Canon SX270 HS Pros and Cons

Here is a list of benefits and drawbacks of the Canon SX270 HS based on factors which are normally viewed as essential in a digital camera.

built in image stabilization (Optical)
comes with face detection focus
comes with tracking autofocus
excellent zoom range (25-500mm 20.0 x zoom)
great zoom (500mm)
has built in flash
has HDMI port
high res video (1920 x 1080 pxls)
lighter than competition in class (233g)
nice screen size (3 inches)
reasonably wide (25mm)
very good min ISO (100)
you can focus manually
continuous shooting slow (4.0 frames per second)
doesn't contain selfie friendly screen
doesn't have phase detect auto focus
doesn't have RAW files
does not have external mic port
does not have headphone port
does not have Time Lapse recording
fixed lens (fixed lens mount)
low battery (210 CIPA)
low MP (12 megapixels)
max zoom aperture not good (f6.8)
no external flash support
screen does not articulate
screen has low resolution (461 thousand dot)
slow maximum aperture (f3.5)
small sensor size (1/2.3")
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Canon SX270 HS Sensor information

The Canon SX270 HS houses the Digic 6 processor chip. The sensor measurement on the Canon SX270 HS is 6.17mm x 4.55mm (1/2.3"). The 28 mm² sensor can resolve 4000 x 3000 pixels using aspect ratios of 1:1, 4:3, 3:2 and 16:9. The camera features Image Stabilization (Optical). Optical stabilization is more effective than digital stabilization since the latter can cause cropping.

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The BSI-CMOS sensor has 12 megapixels and includes a standard ISO range of 100 to 6400. Sadly, RAW files are not supported therefore the user has less margin for error.

The image underneath displays the SX270 HS's sensor size when compared to other popular sizes. The SX270 HS sensor has a crop factor of 5.8 and is displayed in green.

Canon PowerShot SX270 HS sensor size Apple Innovates by Creating Next-Level Optical Stabilization for iPhone

To get an idea of specific aspect ratios, you can refer to the graphic below.

Camera sensor aspect ratios

Canon SX270 HS dimensions

Canon SX270 HS weighs 0.51 lb (233g / 8.22 ounces) & has outside proportions of 106mm x 63mm x 33mm (4.2" x 2.5" x 1.3"). The weight of normal Small Sensor Superzoom camera is 387g and the Canon SX270 HS is lighter as compared to its rivals.

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Underneath is a image of the Canon SX270 HS with a soda to help you to get a sense of its size.

Canon PowerShot SX270 HS dimensions scale

The top view under will provide the button arrangement on the SX270 HS.

Canon PowerShot SX270 HS topview buttons dials

Canon SX270 HS Lens information

The SX270 HS provides an inbuilt lens offering a focal range of 25-500mm giving it a 20.0 x zoom which is exceptional and will let you zoom all the way in.

At it's widest 25mm, it features an aperture of f3.5 making it really sluggish and not good for low light situations and you will probably struggle to get a shallow depth of field. You might also have to boost your ISO setting giving you noisy images. At the long end, 500mm is brilliant zoom and comes to f6.8 which is really slow and you might have to utilize slower shutter speeds.

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Canon SX270 HS Connectivity

The SX270 HS has the following connectivity:

  • USB Yes
  • HDMI Yes

Cameras that come with NFC and Bluetooth compatibility can easily be controlled wirelessly through smartphones. You can transfer files and usually change camera settings without the hassle of connecting straight with the camera.

Some apps also stream a Liveview and click the shutter if you aren't near the camera. If the camera provides a HDMI port, it could be attached to an external monitor. Virtually all cameras enable you to recharge the battery using the USB port.

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Canon SX270 HS Video information

The maximum video quality on the Canon SX270 HS is 1920 x 1080 and you can record in MPEG-4 and H.264 file format. 1080p quality is an excellent balance in video quality versus file size but FULL HD isn't going to give you any room to crop. The body doesn't feature a microphone and headphone port which means that you get absolutely no control over the audio. It is perhaps a better idea to order a different model should you require good audio for your videos.

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Canon SX270 HS Weather Sealing

Canon SX270 HS doesn't have weather sealing so rainy conditions can ruin the camera.

Canon SX270 HS Screen and Viewfinder

The Canon SX270 HS features a 3 inch fixed display screen having a resolution of 461 thousand dots.

Sadly the display screen isn't a touch screen.

Canon PowerShot SX270 HS screen and viewfinder Japan-exclusive Leica Leitz Phone 3 features big sensor and new modes

The ViewFinder specifications for Canon SX270 HS are below:

  • ViewFinder None

For sunny outdoor conditions that make the camera screens washed out and challenging to see, viewfinders will be pretty valuable.

Canon SX270 HS Shutter information

Canon SX270 HS continuous shooting rate is 4.0 frames per second. The max shutter speed is 1/3200s.

Photography Glossary

Canon SX270 HS Flash and Hot shoe information

Canon SX270 HS features just built-in flash with missing external flash ability.

Canon SX270 HS Autofocusing information

Canon SX270 HS features only Contrast Detect Auto Focus & does not have Phase Detect Auto Focus. Phase Detection focusing is more quicker & accurate as compared to Contrast Detect focusing. The camera features Face detection which is useful for portrait photography.

It also comes with Tracking Auto Focus for things that move. Canon SX270 HS includes manual focus in case it is needed in low light situations or you want more exact focus control.

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Canon SX270 HS Battery life

The battery (NB-6L) in the Canon SX270 HS is made to last for 210 photographs based on the CIPA measurements making it lesser in comparison with it's competitors. The general Small Sensor Superzoom camera battery life is 316. Fujifilm HS35EXR has got the highest possible (600) battery life in this category of cameras.

Listed below is a list of Small Sensor Superzoom cameras which have the strongest battery life:

Canon SX270 HS for various kinds of photography

The following illustration displays a analysis of the Canon SX270 HS for various kinds of photography. To understand more, visit the specific paragraph underneath.

Canon SX270 HS as a Portrait photography camera

The Canon SX270 HS gets a points total of 34 which is really bad, meaning that it is just not very good for portrait photos. Photographing portrait photos leans heavily to sensor resolution, support for RAW photos plus the ability to utilize off-camera lighting.

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focusing manually
supports face detection focusing
external flash not possible
low MP (12MP)
tiny sensor size (1/2.3")
has no RAW format

Street photography with Canon SX270 HS

Getting a very good score of 61, the Canon SX270 HS is a very decent fit to buy for street photography. A very good street photography camera offers a fine balance of image quality plus portability.

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has image stabilization (Optical)
lighter than competitors in class (233 grams)
screen is fixed
sensor is small (1/2.3")
doesn't have RAW support

Canon SX270 HS Sports photography information

A really bad sports photography points tally of 36 suggests the Canon SX270 HS is just not very good for shooting sports. A camera needs to have very good focusing and shutter speeds for sports photography.

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great zoom range (25-500mm 20.0 x zoom)
image stabilization (Optical)
offers tracking autofocus
max frames per second low (4.0 fps)
low MP (12MP)
sensor size is very small (1/2.3")
terrible battery (210 per charge)
doesn't have phase detect AF

Canon SX270 HS Travel photography highlights

Size is really important in getting a travel camera. Over-all, the Canon SX270 HS gets a above average 61 for a travel camera which makes it a fine option to take on your travels.

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lighter than average in class (233g)
built-in flash
relatively wide (25mm)
great reach (500mm)
doesn't have Time Lapse function
bad battery (210 CIPA)
low megapixels (12MP)
doesn't offer selfie friendly display
sluggish max aperture (f3.5)

Canon SX270 HS Landscape photography highlights

If you are looking to choose a camera for landscape photos, the most critical aspect will no doubt be image quality. The Canon SX270 HS and it's really bad score of 41 as a landscape camera is just not very good amongst it's competitors.

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manual focus
fairly wide (25mm)
good sized screen (3")
image stabilization (Optical)
fixed lens (fixed lens mount)
sluggish maximum aperture (f3.5)
resolution not great (12MP)
tiny sensor (1/2.3")
lacks RAW support
bad battery life (210 shots)
no Timelapse recording

Canon SX270 HS as a Vlogging camera

A camera for vlogging really should posses a moving display screen, mic input and if possible image stabilization. Taking everything in to account, the Canon SX270 HS is just not very good as a vlog camera as it delivers a really bad rating of 34.

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rather wide (25mm)
image stabilization (Optical)
has face detect focus
great video quality (1920 x 1080 resolution)
lighter than competitors (233 grams)
sluggish max aperture (f3.5)
screen isn't selfie friendly
missing mic support

Canon SX270 HS Alternatives

If you are searching for replacements to the SX270 HS, below is a range of the highest scored cameras which fall within the category of Small Sensor Superzoom.

The line chart followed below will give you an overview of the SX270 HS versus it's highest ranked competitors listed previously.

Following are several cameras you might see as alternate options. To read a complete comparison, simply click the "compare" link.

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Specifications

General Information
Brand Name
Canon
Model
Canon PowerShot SX270 HS
Category
Small Sensor Superzoom
Released
2013-03-21
Body design
Compact
Sensor Information
Sensor type
BSI-CMOS
Chip
Digic 6
Sensor size
1/2.3"
Sensor dimensions
6.17 x 4.55mm
Sensor area
28.1mm²
Sensor resolution
12MP
Anti aliasing filter
Aspect ratio
1:1, 4:3, 3:2 and 16:9
Maximum resolution
4000 x 3000
RAW format
Maximum native ISO
6400
Minimum native ISO
100
Autofocusing
Manual focus
Touch to focus
AF continuous
AF single
Tracking AF
Selective AF
AF center weighted
Multi area AF
AF live view
Face detection focusing
Contract detection focusing
Phase detection focusing
Cross focus points
0
Lens
Lens mount
fixed lens
Lens focal range
25-500mm (20.0x)
Maximum aperture
f/3.5-6.8
Macro focus distance
5cm
Crop factor
5.8
Screen
Range of screen
Fixed Type
Screen sizing
3 inches
Resolution of screen
461 thousand dot
Selfie friendly
Liveview
Touch screen
Viewfinder Information
Viewfinder type
None
DXO scores
DXO All around score
not tested
DXO Color Depth score
not tested
DXO Dynamic range score
not tested
DXO Low light score
not tested
Features
Slowest shutter speed
15 secs
Maximum shutter speed
1/3200 secs
Continuous shooting speed
4.0 frames per second
Shutter priority
Aperture priority
Expose Manually
Exposure compensation
Yes
Change WB
Image stabilization
Inbuilt flash
Flash range
3.50 m
Flash modes
Auto, On, Off, Red-Eye, Slow Sync
External flash
AEB
WB bracketing
Exposure
Multisegment exposure
Average exposure
Spot exposure
Partial exposure
AF area exposure
Center weighted exposure
Video features
Supported video resolutions
1920 x 1080 (60, 30 fps), 1280 x 720 (30 fps) 640 x 480 (30, 120 fps), 320 x 240 (240 fps)
Maximum video resolution
1920x1080
Video data format
MPEG-4, H.264
Mic jack
Headphone jack
Connectivity
Wireless
None
Bluetooth
NFC
HDMI
USB
USB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec)
GPS
None
Physical
Environment seal
Water proof
Dust proof
Shock proof
Crush proof
Freeze proof
Weight
233g (0.51 lbs)
Dimensions
106 x 63 x 33mm (4.2" x 2.5" x 1.3")
Other
Battery life
210 shots
Form of battery
Battery Pack
Battery model
NB-6L
Self timer
Yes (2 or 10 sec, Custom)
Time lapse recording
Storage media
SD/SDHC/SDXC
Storage slots
One
Launch price
$284