Clicky

Canon SX30 IS

 
Canon PowerShot SX30 IS front
 
  • 14MP - 1/2.3" Sensor
  • 2.7" Fully Articulated Screen
  • ISO 80 - 1600
  • Optical Image Stabilization
  • 1280 x 720 video
  • 24-840mm (F2.7-5.8) lens
  • 601g - 123 x 92 x 108mm
  • Introduced September 2010
  • Old Model is Canon SX20 IS
  • Replacement is Canon SX40 HS
  • Read full specs
  • Alternatives
  • Size Comparison
  • FAQ
Portability
64
Imaging
37
Features
42
Overall
39

Canon SX30 IS overview

Canon SX30 IS is Canon's Small Sensor Superzoom digital camera initially released on September of 2010. The camera includes a 14MP, CCD 1/2.3" sized sensor and has a peak resolution of 4320 x 3240.

Canon launched this model in an effort to upgrade the earlier Canon SX20 IS (Read Full Comparison) & afterwards launched the updated Canon SX40 HS (Read Full Comparison) to upgrade this model.

The SX30 IS comes in at #147 out of 244 in Small Sensor Superzoom cameras & all around #742 out of 1465 for cameras in our collection. You can check out our Smart camera finder to see camera listings based on your personal criteria.

Apple Innovates by Creating Next-Level Optical Stabilization for iPhone

The following is a diagram of specific criteria used in the scoring system.

Canon SX30 IS history

The Canon SX30 IS has a history of related cameras. Listed below, you can find all earlier and most recent models alongside main specs.

ModelVisualizeLensResolutionSensor SizeReleased
Canon-PowerShot-SX70-HS front thumbnailCanon SX70 HS
SX30 IS vs SX70 HS
21-1365mm
F3.4-6.5
20MP1/2.3"2018
Canon-PowerShot-SX740-HS front thumbnailCanon SX740 HS
SX30 IS vs SX740 HS
24-960mm
F3.3-6.9
21MP1/2.3"2018
Pentax 17 Pre-Orders Outperform Expectations by a Landslide
Canon-PowerShot-SX730-HS front thumbnailCanon SX730 HS
SX30 IS vs SX730 HS
24-960mm
F3.3-6.9
20.3MP1/2.3"2017
Canon-PowerShot-SX620-HS front thumbnailCanon SX620 HS
SX30 IS vs SX620 HS
25-625mm
F3.2-6.6
20MP1/2.3"2016
Canon-PowerShot-SX720-HS front thumbnailCanon SX720 HS
SX30 IS vs SX720 HS
24-960mm
F3.3-6.9
20.3MP1/2.3"2016
Canon-PowerShot-SX540-HS front thumbnailCanon SX540 HS
SX30 IS vs SX540 HS
24-1200mm
F3.4-6.5
20MP1/2.3"2016
Samsung Releases Faster Versions of EVO MicroSD Cards
Canon-PowerShot-SX420-IS front thumbnailCanon SX420 IS
SX30 IS vs SX420 IS
24-1008mm
F3.5-6.6
20MP1/2.3"2016
Canon-PowerShot-SX410-IS front thumbnailCanon SX410 IS
SX30 IS vs SX410 IS
24-960mm
F3.5-5.6
20MP1/2.3"2015
Canon-PowerShot-SX610-HS front thumbnailCanon SX610 HS
SX30 IS vs SX610 HS
25-450mm
F3.8-6.9
20MP1/2.3"2015
Canon-PowerShot-SX530-HS front thumbnailCanon SX530 HS
SX30 IS vs SX530 HS
24-1200mm
F3.4-6.5
16MP1/2.3"2015
Canon-PowerShot-SX710-HS front thumbnailCanon SX710 HS
SX30 IS vs SX710 HS
25-750mm
F3.2-6.9
20MP1/2.3"2015
President Biden pushes bill mandating TikTok sale or ban
Canon-PowerShot-SX60-HS front thumbnailCanon SX60 HS
SX30 IS vs SX60 HS
21-1365mm
F3.4-6.5
16MP1/2.3"2014
Canon-PowerShot-SX400-IS front thumbnailCanon SX400 IS
SX30 IS vs SX400 IS
24-720mm
F3.4-5.8
16MP1/2.3"2014
Canon-PowerShot-SX520-HS front thumbnailCanon SX520 HS
SX30 IS vs SX520 HS
24-1008mm
F3.4-6.0
16MP1/2.3"2014
Canon-PowerShot-SX700-HS front thumbnailCanon SX700 HS
SX30 IS vs SX700 HS
25-750mm
F3.2-6.9
16MP1/2.3"2014
Canon-PowerShot-SX600-HS front thumbnailCanon SX600 HS
SX30 IS vs SX600 HS
25-450mm
F3.8-6.9
16MP1/2.3"2014
Canon-PowerShot-SX510-HS front thumbnailCanon SX510 HS
SX30 IS vs SX510 HS
24-720mm
F3.4-5.8
12MP1/2.3"2013
Canon-PowerShot-SX170-IS front thumbnailCanon SX170 IS
SX30 IS vs SX170 IS
28-448mm
F3.5-5.9
16MP1/2.3"2013
Canon-PowerShot-SX160-IS front thumbnailCanon SX160 IS
SX30 IS vs SX160 IS
28-448mm
F3.5-5.9
16MP1/2.3"2013
Japan-exclusive Leica Leitz Phone 3 features big sensor and new modes
Canon-PowerShot-SX280-HS front thumbnailCanon SX280 HS
SX30 IS vs SX280 HS
25-500mm
F3.5-6.8
12MP1/2.3"2013
Canon-PowerShot-SX270-HS front thumbnailCanon SX270 HS
SX30 IS vs SX270 HS
25-500mm
F3.5-6.8
12MP1/2.3"2013
Canon-PowerShot-SX50-HS front thumbnailCanon SX50 HS
SX30 IS vs SX50 HS
24-1200mm
F3.4-6.5
12MP1/2.3"2013
Canon-PowerShot-SX500-IS front thumbnailCanon SX500 IS
SX30 IS vs SX500 IS
24-720mm
F3.4-5.8
16MP1/2.3"2012
Canon-PowerShot-SX260-HS front thumbnailCanon SX260 HS
SX30 IS vs SX260 HS
25-500mm
F3.5-6.8
12MP1/2.3"2012
Canon-PowerShot-SX150-IS front thumbnailCanon SX150 IS
SX30 IS vs SX150 IS
28-336mm
F3.4-5.6
14MP1/2.3"2012
Canon-PowerShot-SX240-HS front thumbnailCanon SX240 HS
SX30 IS vs SX240 HS
25-500mm
F3.5-6.8
12MP1/2.3"2012
Canon-PowerShot-SX40-HS front thumbnailCanon SX40 HS
SX30 IS vs SX40 HS
24-840mm
F2.7-5.8
12MP1/2.3"2011
Canon-PowerShot-SX230-HS front thumbnailCanon SX230 HS
SX30 IS vs SX230 HS
28-392mm
F3.1-5.9
12MP1/2.3"2011
Canon-SX220-HS front thumbnailCanon SX220 HS
SX30 IS vs SX220 HS
28-392mm
F3.1-5.9
12MP1/2.3"2011
Photography Glossary
Canon-PowerShot-SX30-IS front thumbnailCanon SX30 IS24-840mm
F2.7-5.8
14MP1/2.3"2010
Canon-PowerShot-SX130-IS front thumbnailCanon SX130 IS
SX30 IS vs SX130 IS
28-336mm
F3.4-5.6
12MP1/2.3"2010
Canon-PowerShot-SX20-IS front thumbnailCanon SX20 IS
SX30 IS vs SX20 IS
28-560mm
F2.8-5.7
12MP1/2.3"2010
Canon-PowerShot-SX210-IS front thumbnailCanon SX210 IS
SX30 IS vs SX210 IS
28-392mm
F3.1-5.9
14MP1/2.3"2010
Canon-PowerShot-SX200-IS front thumbnailCanon SX200 IS
SX30 IS vs SX200 IS
28-336mm
F3.4-5.3
12MP1/2.3"2009
Canon-PowerShot-SX1-IS front thumbnailCanon SX1 IS
SX30 IS vs SX1 IS
28-560mm
F2.8-5.7
10MP1/2.3"2009
Canon-PowerShot-SX10-IS front thumbnailCanon SX10 IS
SX30 IS vs SX10 IS
28-560mm
F2.8-5.7
10MP1/2.3"2009

Canon SX30 IS Pros and Cons

Below is a checklist of positives and negatives of the Canon SX30 IS based on features which are usually seen as important in a digital camera.

built in image stabilization (Optical)
decent MP (14MP)
display is selfie friendly
excellent zoom range (24-840mm 35.0 x zoom)
great min ISO (80)
great zoom (840mm)
has built in flash
has HDMI out
really wide (24mm)
screen can move to multiple angles
you can focus manually
does not have external mic support
does not have headphone support
does not have Time Lapse recording
heavier than competition (601 grams)
lacks phase detect AF
lacks RAW format
lens is fixed (fixed lens mount)
low resolution screen (230 k dots)
low video resolution (1280 x 720 resolution)
max zoom aperture not good (f5.8)
screen is somewhat small (2.7 inch)
small sensor (1/2.3")
somewhat slow maximum aperture (f2.7)
very slow continuous shooting (1.0 frames/s)
Meta to Introduce 'AI-Generated' Labels for Media starting next month

Canon SX30 IS Sensor info

The Canon SX30 IS houses the Digic 4 chip. The sensor spec in the Canon SX30 IS is 6.17mm x 4.55mm (1/2.3"). The 28 mm² sensor has the capability to resolve 4320 x 3240 pixels at aspect ratios of 4:3 and 16:9. The camera features Image Stabilization (Optical). Optical stabilization is better than digital stabilization as the latter can cause cropping.

Snapchat Adds Watermarks to AI-Created Images

The CCD sensor has 14MP and features a standard ISO range of 80 - 1600. Sadly, RAW format is not supported which means that you have less room to maneuver in post.

The image underneath displays the SX30 IS's sensor dimensions compared to other popular sizes. The SX30 IS sensor has a crop factor of 5.8 and is displayed in green.

Canon PowerShot SX30 IS sensor size Photobucket discusses licensing 13 billion images with AI firms

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

Camera sensor aspect ratios

Canon SX30 IS dimensions

Canon SX30 IS has a weight of 1.32 lbs (601 gr or 21.20 ounces) & the over all size of the camera is 123mm x 92mm x 108mm (4.8" x 3.6" x 4.3"). The weight of general Small Sensor Superzoom camera is 387 gr so the Canon SX30 IS is more heavy compared with other competitors.

Sora from OpenAI releases its first ever music video

Down below is a image of the Canon SX30 IS besides a softdrink so you're able to get a feel for its scale.

Canon PowerShot SX30 IS dimensions scale

The top view just below will provide the button arrangement on the SX30 IS.

Canon PowerShot SX30 IS topview buttons dials

Canon SX30 IS Lens info

The SX30 IS is equipped with a built in lens and a focal range of 24-840mm giving it a 35.0 x zoom which is very good and would let you zoom all the way in.

At the widest 24mm, the lens features an aperture of f2.7 which is somewhat slow and not good for low light occasions and you will struggle to get a shallow depth of field. You might also have to up the ISO setting which results in noisy photos. For the tele end, 840mm is terrific zoom and comes to f5.8 making it very sluggish and you might need to set slower shutter speeds.

Snapchat Adds Watermarks to AI-Created Images

Canon SX30 IS Connectivity

The SX30 IS has the following connectivity:

  • USB Yes
  • Wireless Yes
  • HDMI Yes

Cameras that come with NFC and Bluetooth support can be controlled wirelessly by smartphones. You are able to send files and in some cases change settings with no need to connect physically to the camera.

Certain applications even enable a Liveview and press the shutter in case you aren't close to the camera. If the camera provides a HDMI port, it can be attached to an external display. Nearly all cameras enable you to charge the battery using the USB port.

Apple Innovates by Creating Next-Level Optical Stabilization for iPhone

Canon SX30 IS Video info

The highest video quality in the Canon SX30 IS is 1280 x 720 and you can capture in Motion JPEG file format. 720p is terrible for today's requirements. You should target a minimum 1080p quality for video recording. The camera doesn't include a microphone and headphone jack which means you have got no control over the audio. It is probably a better idea to purchase a different model if you need good audio for your videos.

Pentax 17 Pre-Orders Outperform Expectations by a Landslide

Canon SX30 IS Weather Sealing

There is no weather proofing for the Canon SX30 IS so you need to be cautious in wet or dusty conditions.

Canon SX30 IS Screen and Viewfinder

The Canon SX30 IS includes a 2.7" fully articulated display boasting a resolution of 230k dots.

It has got a selfie friendly screen to take self portraits and even group shots when needed. Please be aware that the display screen has no touch support.

Canon PowerShot SX30 IS screen and viewfinder Samsung Releases Faster Versions of EVO MicroSD Cards

The ViewFinder specs for Canon SX30 IS are as follows:

  • ViewFinder Electronic

Viewfinders can be very helpful during sunny outdoor conditions which can make the camera screen washed out and very difficult to see.

Canon SX30 IS Shutter info

Canon SX30 IS has the capability to shoot continuously at 1.0 frames/s. The max shutter speed is 1/3200s.

President Biden pushes bill mandating TikTok sale or ban

Canon SX30 IS Flash and Hot shoe info

Canon SX30 IS features both inbuilt flash together with external flash ability.

Canon SX30 IS Autofocusing info

Canon SX30 IS features just Contrast Detect Autofocus & is missing Phase Detect Autofocus. Phase Detection autofocusing is more snappier and accurate compared with Contrast Detect autofocusing.

The Sensor includes 9 focus points to select from. Canon SX30 IS includes manual focus if needed during low light or you want to have more precise focus control.

Japan-exclusive Leica Leitz Phone 3 features big sensor and new modes

Canon SX30 IS Battery life

The typical Small Sensor Superzoom camera battery life is 316. Fujifilm HS35EXR has got the highest (600) battery life within this class of cameras.

Listed below is a number of Small Sensor Superzoom cameras that come with the strongest battery life:

Canon SX30 IS for varying types of photography

The following bar chart displays a overview of the Canon SX30 IS for varying types of photography. To read more, visit the specific paragraph underneath.

Canon SX30 IS as a Portrait photography camera

The Canon SX30 IS has a points total of 42 which is bad, and means the camera is just not very good for portrait photography. Shooting portrait photos leans greatly towards sensor dimensions, RAW support & ability to use external flash.

Meta to Introduce 'AI-Generated' Labels for Media starting next month
manual focus
megapixel count good (14 megapixels)
sensor is very small (1/2.3")
doesn't have RAW format

Canon SX30 IS Street photography information

With a modest points total of 49, the Canon SX30 IS is fairly suited to use in street photography. A very good street photography camera provides a fine balance of image quality and portability.

Photobucket discusses licensing 13 billion images with AI firms
screen can move to multiple angles
built in image stabilization (Optical)
tiny sensor size (1/2.3")
has no RAW files
heavier than average (601g)

Canon SX30 IS as a Sports photography camera

A bad sports photography points total of 43 indicates the Canon SX30 IS is just not very good for taking pictures of sports. A camera needs to have good tracking plus fast shutter speeds for sports photography.

Sora from OpenAI releases its first ever music video
long zoom range (24-840mm 35.0 x zoom)
has image stabilization (Optical)
megapixel count good (14MP)
painfully slow continuous shooting (1.0 frames per second)
sensor size is tiny (1/2.3")
no phase detect AF

Canon SX30 IS Travel photography factors

Portability is pretty critical in buying a camera for travel. In general, the Canon SX30 IS gets a reasonable 58 for a travel camera which makes it somewhat suitable to take on your vacations.

Snapchat Adds Watermarks to AI-Created Images
MP count decent (14MP)
has built in flash
selfie friendly display
really wide (24mm)
great reach (840mm)
missing Time Lapse mode
heavier than competitors in class (601 grams)
sluggish maximum aperture (f2.7)

Canon SX30 IS Landscape photography highlights

For anybody who is planning to choose a digital camera for landscape photography, the most important factor is going to be image quality. The Canon SX30 IS at it's bad score of 41 as a landscape camera is just not very good within the current marketplace.

Apple Innovates by Creating Next-Level Optical Stabilization for iPhone
manual focus
rather wide (24mm)
has image stabilization (Optical)
decent MP (14MP)
fixed lens (fixed lens mount)
sluggish maximum aperture (f2.7)
tiny screen (2.7")
sensor is very small (1/2.3")
lacks RAW files
does not have Time Lapse function

Canon SX30 IS Vlogging information

A camera for vlogging really should offer a articulating display screen, microphone input and preferably IBIS. Taking all things in to account, the Canon SX30 IS is reasonably suited as a vlog camera as it gets a reasonable score of 50.

Pentax 17 Pre-Orders Outperform Expectations by a Landslide
relatively wide (24mm)
selfie friendly display
image stabilization (Optical)
sluggish maximum aperture (f2.7)
low res video (1280 x 720 pixels)
does not have microphone socket
more heavy than competitors in class (601 grams)

Canon SX30 IS Alternatives

If you are shopping for replacements to the SX30 IS, below is a collection of the top ranked cameras that fall in to the category of Small Sensor Superzoom.

The line chart down below gives you a bird's eye view of the SX30 IS versus it's top ranked rivals listed above.

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

Samsung Releases Faster Versions of EVO MicroSD Cards

Specifications

General Information
Manufacturer
Canon
Model
Canon PowerShot SX30 IS
Type
Small Sensor Superzoom
Introduced
2010-09-14
Physical type
SLR-like (bridge)
Sensor Information
Sensor type
CCD
Powered by
Digic 4
Sensor size
1/2.3"
Sensor dimensions
6.17 x 4.55mm
Sensor area
28.1mm²
Sensor resolution
14 megapixel
Anti aliasing filter
Aspect ratio
4:3 and 16:9
Highest resolution
4320 x 3240
RAW format
Highest native ISO
1600
Min native ISO
80
Autofocusing
Manual focus
Autofocus touch
Continuous autofocus
Single autofocus
Tracking autofocus
Selective autofocus
Center weighted autofocus
Autofocus multi area
Autofocus live view
Face detection autofocus
Contract detection autofocus
Phase detection autofocus
Number of focus points
9
Lens
Lens mounting type
fixed lens
Lens focal range
24-840mm (35.0x)
Maximal aperture
f/2.7-5.8
Macro focus range
0cm
Focal length multiplier
5.8
Screen
Type of screen
Fully Articulated
Screen diagonal
2.7 inch
Screen resolution
230k dots
Selfie friendly
Liveview
Touch operation
Viewfinder Information
Viewfinder
Electronic
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
Lowest shutter speed
15 secs
Highest shutter speed
1/3200 secs
Continuous shooting rate
1.0 frames/s
Shutter priority
Aperture priority
Expose Manually
Exposure compensation
Yes
Set white balance
Image stabilization
Inbuilt flash
Flash range
6.80 m
Flash modes
Auto, On, Off, Red-Eye, Slow Sync, Fill-in
Hot shoe
Auto exposure bracketing
WB bracketing
Exposure
Multisegment exposure
Average exposure
Spot exposure
Partial exposure
AF area exposure
Center weighted exposure
Video features
Video resolutions
1280 x 720 (30 fps) 640 x 480 (30 fps), 320 x 240 (30, 15 fps)
Highest video resolution
1280x720
Video file format
Motion JPEG
Mic support
Headphone support
Connectivity
Wireless
Eye-Fi Connected
Bluetooth
NFC
HDMI
USB
USB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec)
GPS
None
Physical
Environmental sealing
Water proof
Dust proof
Shock proof
Crush proof
Freeze proof
Weight
601 grams (1.32 pounds)
Dimensions
123 x 92 x 108mm (4.8" x 3.6" x 4.3")
Other
Battery model
NB-7L
Self timer
Yes (2 or 10 sec, Custom)
Time lapse recording
Type of storage
SD/SDHC/SDXC/MMC/MMCplus/HC MMCplus
Card slots
Single
Pricing at launch
$400