A memory card is required but not included with this item. Please be sure to purchase a memory card that suits your needs.
Canon's PowerShot SX150 IS Digital Camera is a convenient way to capture the memories unfolding all around you. As is one of the hallmarks of the point-and-shoot genre, the SX150 is small and lightweight. Take it everywhere you go and be ready for any spur-of-the-moment photo ops!
Let's take a look at the specs first. The SX150 IS presents with a 14.1Mp resolution. That translates into detailed images that keep their quality even when blown up as large prints. The camera's 1/2.3" CCD sensor works together with Canon's DIGIC 4 Image Processor for the capture and efficient recording of those stills and of the camera's 720p HD video.
The high def video function is paired up with stereo recording. That makes for movies worthy of sharing with family and friends on the big screen, otherwise known as your HDTV. The SX150 IS's video features don't end there, however. The camera sports a dedicated movie button for starting and stopping recording, a wind filter for cutting down on wind noise while shooting, and a 12x optical zoom for clear, high-quality close-ups. Additionally, the camera also supports Apple's iFrame format which is compatible with both Mac and Windows computers, eliminating the need for conversions.
Of course, you're going nowhere if your camera doesn't have a high-powered lens. The SX150 comes with a Genuine Canon 12x Zoom Lens. Aside from putting 12x optical zoom at your fingertips, this lens features a focal range of 28-336mm (35mm equivalent). That means even the tightest group shot or the sweeping vistas can all be captured with this one lens. And no digital camera is worth its salt these days without image stabilization. The SX150 IS has an optical image stabilizer with 6 specific modes for capturing the steadiest pictures possible.
On the back of the camera you'll find a 3.0" LCD for composing and reviewing shots, not to mention navigating through the menu. As a side note, the menu provides access to speakers of 27 languages, making this Canon accessible to peoples across the world. Other features worth mentioning here include the convenience of AA battery power and a built-in flash.
Now, when it comes to shooting modes point-and-shoot is fine, but sometimes you just want to express yourself more fully. With the SX150 IS you can. The camera provides a myriad of choices which can be found the Smart AUTO function. The ultimate mode of course is Manual, which lets you have complete control of exposure, aperture, and shutter speed. Additional modes such as Foliage, Snow, Fisheye, and Poster Effect, among others, give you fun and unique ways to show off your artistic inclinations.
Shooting Modes/Special Scene Modes:
Manual: You have complete control of exposure, selecting both aperture and shutter speed manuallyAperture-Priority: You set the aperture, controlling depth-of-field. The camera automatically selects the shutter speedShutter-Priority: You select the shutter speed to stop or blur action, and the camera finds the appropriate aperture. With slow exposure times, Canon's noise reduction system activates to ensure low image noiseProgram: Access advanced exposure compensation features while shooting mostly automaticallySmart AUTO: The camera automatically selects the best shooting settings for optimal quality based on subjects and environmental factors to provide point-and-shoot simplicityEasy Mode: In Easy mode, shooting is simple and relaxed-the camera handles all the settings automaticallyPortrait: The camera sets a large aperture, focusing the subject and artistically blurring the background to make your subject "pop"Landscape: Increases depth-of-field for sharp and sweeping landscape shotsKids & Pets: Reduced focusing time freezes fast-moving subjects, so you won't miss those special shotsSmart Shutter: The camera automatically takes the photo when people smile, wink, or get into frameLow Light: For high quality image capture in an amazing range of dimly-lit situationsBeach: Get clear shots of people at a sunny beach without darkened facesFoliage: Capture brilliant shots of autumn foliage, greenery and blossomsSnow: Shoot clear snow scenes without darkened subjects or an unnatural bluish tintFireworks: Grab brilliant images of skyrocketing fireworksFisheye Effect: Add a classic photo distortion without fisheye lensMiniature Effect for Movies & Stills: Emphasizes perspectives for a miniature effect by blurring upper and bottom portions of the imageToy Camera Effect: Simulates photos taken with "toy" or pinhole cameras, darkening the image at the edges to create a vignette effectMonochrome: Choose from three single-tone effects: Black-and-White, Sepia, or BlueSuper Vivid: Super Vivid intensifies existing hues, saturating the scene with bright colorsPoster Effect: Poster Effect combines several similar shades into one color, turning subtle gradations into eye-catching, scene-popping contrastsColor Accent: Choose to retain a single color in your image while other colors turn monochromeColor Swap: Select a color and replace it with a color you specify for special effectsDiscreet Mode: Disables flash, AF assist beam, and all camera sounds with one mode dial setting - so you can capture images in quiet areasMovie: Record video in stereo sound. Unwanted scenes can be deleted in playback modeiFrame Movie: The Apple movie format, iFrame makes it easier and quicker to import and upload videos while retaining high image quality
Normal: Corrects for a wide range of camera movement when shooting stillsPanning: Panning motion is detected so that IS does not interfere with desired camera movementHybrid: Corrects for shift-type camera shake, which typically occurs in macro (close-up) shootingDynamic: Effective for video shooting at wide-angle focal lengths, eliminating the unwanted shaking that typically occurs while walkingPowered: Compensates for hand movement shooting video at the telephoto end of the zoom range, where camera shake is magnifiedTripod: When tripod use is detected, the Image Stabilizer is stopped because it is not needed
| Imaging | |
|---|---|
| Resolution | Effective: 14.1 Megapixel, Actual Pixels: 14.5 Megapixel |
| Sensor | 1/2.3" CCD |
| File Formats |
Still Images: JPEG Movies: MOV |
| Image Stabilization | Optical |
| Optics | |
|---|---|
| Lens |
EFL: 5.0-60 mm (35mm equivalent: 28-336 mm) Aperture: f/3.0 (W) - 8.0 (T) |
| Zoom | Optical: 12x |
| Focus Range |
Wide: 0.4" (1.02 cm) - Infinity Telephoto: 3.3' (1.01 m) - Infinity Wide: 2.0" (5.08 cm) - Infinity Wide Macro: 0.4" (1.02 cm) - 1.6' (0.49 m) |
| Exposure Control | |
|---|---|
| ISO Sensitivity | Auto, 80-1600 |
| Shutter |
1 - 1/2500 seconds 15 - 1/2500 seconds |
| Exposure Metering | Center-weighted, Evaluative, Spot |
| Exposure Modes |
Modes: AE Lock Compensation: -2 EV to +2 EV (in 1/3 EV steps) |
| White Balance Modes | Auto, Cloudy, Fluorescent, Fluorescent H, Manual, Tungsten |
| Self Timer | 10 Seconds, 2 Seconds |
| Flash | |
|---|---|
| Effective Flash Range |
Wide: 1.6 - 9.8' (0.49 - 2.99 m) Telephoto: 3.3 - 6.6' (1.01 - 2.01 m) |
| Memory | |
|---|---|
| Memory Card Type |
SD SDHC SDXC 1 Please Note:Eye-Fi compatible close |
| Recording | |
|---|---|
| Video Recording | Yes |
| Video | |
|---|---|
| Audio Recording | With Video |
| Viewfinder/Display | |
|---|---|
| Screen | 3.0" LCD Rear Screen (230000 pixels) |
| Connectivity/System Requirements | |
|---|---|
| Connectivity | AV Output, USB 2.0 |
| Environmental | |
|---|---|
| Operating/Storage Temperature |
Operating 32 to 104 °F (0 to 40 °C) Humidity: 10 - 90% |
| Power | |
|---|---|
| Battery | 2x AA Batteries |
| Physical | |
|---|---|
| Dimensions (WxHxD) | 4.5 x 2.9 x 1.8" / 11.43 x 7.37 x 4.57 cm |
| Weight | 10.9 oz / 309 g |
REVIEW SNAPSHOT®
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Most Liked Positive Review
AA Batteries a Plus
Use AA Lithium Batteries.
I'm submitting these comments about the SX150, particularly in defense of its AA Battery Power source. I really hate to see a good quality camera (like th...Read complete review
Use AA Lithium Batteries.
I'm submitting these comments about the SX150, particularly in defense of its AA Battery Power source. I really hate to see a good quality camera (like the Canon SX series) get an undeserved bad rap because of misinformation. I've owned several Canon SX cameras in the past and I must say they've all performed very well. To be able to have a camera with both manual capabilities and AA battery power is a rarity and a real bonus in today's consumer market (especially when using AA Lithiums). Forget the alkalines that come with the camera. Those are typically throw away batteries—use them up and toss 'em.
The next time you go to the store for batteries look for the AA Lithiums. I have been using the "Ultimate Lithiums" for a couple years now. They last about 6 to 8 times longer than your average alkaline and about twice as long as NiMH rechargeables. Yes, they cost about twice as much as alkalines but they're well worth it. You can get them anywhere, and they have a shelf life of 15 years, so they're always ready to go. Lithium AA's have changed the whole game. They standardize everything and just make things easier.
So, for the sake of any perspective buyers out there looking for a camera, don't let the negative comments about AA batteries discourage you from a good camera like the Canon SX series. Battery life is the last thing I have to worry about with any of my SX cameras. In fact all my other "high end" cameras with their "propitiatory batteries" have a much shorter battery life than any AA battery camera I own. Not to mention all the different chargers that go with all the different batteries. Have you counted them all? What a pain, and what a joke.
The only negative comment I have about this camera is that Canon has chosen to cave into consumer "mega pixel hype" and sliced its sensor up into 14 MP. Totally unnecessary. Twelve, or even ten, mega pixel was more than enough for the size sensor it has.
Also, Canon, if you're listening, we don't need more mega pixels or interchangeable lens in a small pocket camera, just a bigger sensor. The next generation of pocket cameras should get a good boost in sensor size (not pixels). We're way over-due for that.
Also, I believe any camera with manual controls and manual focus, like the Canon SX series, merits an LCD screen with at least 460k dots of resolution. We'd gladly pay the extra few bucks for it.
That's what we want.
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Most Liked Negative Review
Drains batteries quickly
I haven't had a Powershot camera before. All the many great features made this tempting. But within 4 hours of opening box the orig. batt's were used up, with very little vid time ...Read complete review
I haven't had a Powershot camera before. All the many great features made this tempting. But within 4 hours of opening box the orig. batt's were used up, with very little vid time or shots fired (no flash either). The images aren't as breathtaking as I'd hoped 14 MP would be, moving from my 6 MP Digital Rebel (maybe the difference in glass). I shot a good video of a band in the shade that came out well, w/ good stabilization too. Tried to shoot a 2nd angle wedding vid Hi Def, balcony view, w/ new batt's, new tape. Hit record and it lasted 23 minutes before stopping (batt's). Will probably keep as 2nd vid backup; zooms well during recording. For it's cost it's good except for alkaline batt's drained dead so quickly. Screen not easy to view at all angles or if sunny.
Reviewed by 45 customers
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Comments about Canon PowerShot SX150 IS Digital Camera (Black):
Love the picture quality and ease of use but i seem to keep running low on battery more quickly than i would expect. I am going to try the specific batteries recommended again, the third batch I put in were just AAs because on vacation and had to buy what I could find, but even the digital camera quality seemed to run out quickly. But the camera has been wonderful, the pictures look great in all settings, indoors, outdoors and even at dusk. so far so good as long as i keep a stash nearby.
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Comments about Canon PowerShot SX150 IS Digital Camera (Black):
i used to travel and I think is amazing because had great qualit and small size.
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Comments about Canon PowerShot SX150 IS Digital Camera (Black):
Good little camera. Great for video too.
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Comments about Canon PowerShot SX150 IS Digital Camera (Black):
This camera is comparable to others in it's field for a cheaper price. If you are looking for something reliable to do the job this is it. Great features all around.
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Comments about Canon PowerShot SX150 IS Digital Camera (Black):
I was looking for the following features in a camera:
affordable, easy to carry for travel, great pictures, and some control over settings and such.
The PowerShot SX150 fits my needs perfectly. I've only had it for a few weeks and already the quality of my photos has improved.
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Comments about Canon PowerShot SX150 IS Digital Camera (Black):
Love the zoom and clarity of the video option.
Yes, I would recommend this to a friend.
I Love u.
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Comments about Canon PowerShot SX150 IS Digital Camera (Black):
Bought this camera for my father. He has been using it to take pictures at family gatherings and other social gatherings. It's been pretty easy to show him how to work it. The camera is a little "bulky" for a pocket camera---but we wanted it that way so he would be able to grip it.
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Comments about Canon PowerShot SX150 IS Digital Camera (Black):
My cousin from Ireland it coming to the States, and she needs a camera in advance, so she know all the features and many variable settings. I too have one, and with all the things I own, it's one I consistently .
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Comments about Canon PowerShot SX150 IS Digital Camera (Black):
This camera has been the perfect fit for on the go shots instead of lugging around a DSLR. The picture quality is great and the 12X zoom has really been a nice feature. We take a lot of pictures of birds in the wild and the zoom on this really lets us get close without getting close. I also really like the size. As a larger person, the size fits my hands much better than the smaller compact P&S type cameras. The video quality is true HD and we really like the wind reduction feature for when we are taking videos while sailing. I would have gladly paid more to get this many features in a P&S camera. I have noticed other posts complaining about the flash. The specs list the range at about 9 feet so I don't know why they are complaining about the flash on subjects 20 feet away. Canon makes a very inexpensive wireless flash that attaches to the tripod mount on the bottom of this camera. It has 3 levels of flash (which is really nice) or can be hand held (or positioned anywhere above, below, or to the side of a subject.) Order one from B&H along with this camera and you'll have a great little system that is easy to use and portable. We buy the Energizer Lithium AA batteries from [@] and use them in this camera, our other cameras, and our hand-held GPS and never have a problem with battery life. This camera does not come with even a small memory card so get at least 4GB and Class 10 if you can.
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Comments about Canon PowerShot SX150 IS Digital Camera (Black):
I own and love a PowerShot SX100, and was considering an upgrade when this SX150 came up on sale for <$170 on B&H... couldn't resist.
Same great menu system and suite of presets that I love in the Canon PowerShot line, AWESOME zoom, great low-light performance, and the upgrade to 14MP and 720HD video. I was sold. The optics are just unmatched with anything but a DSLR.
Got it in time to take on my trip to Panama, and loaned my SX100 to my travel buddy, so I got to see them perform side-by-side... both are great cameras.
CONTRADICTION: I like the overall size compromise because it's still pocketable if you're wearing loose clothes like cargo pants or shorts, yet it performs nearly as well as a DSLR if you know how to max out the features. BUT... the right side hand-molding is a little too small; I find it hard to grip firmly with my big hands. STILL FAR BETTER THAN A TRUE POCKET CAMERA, THOUGH. The SX100 had a little better hand feel. Not an issue if you have average size hands.
Love the middle-of-the-road design and the feature/performance/price matrix is unbeatable.
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Comments about Canon PowerShot SX150 IS Digital Camera (Black):
I use this camera to take construction progress photos and it has worked out great so far. The wide lens is able take in the entire site with one shot. The high quality images are great for printing and presenting.
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Comments about Canon PowerShot SX150 IS Digital Camera (Black):
I take pictures, but you would not call me a photographer. This camera is ideal for me - small, light weight, sharp, very easy to use.
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Comments about Canon PowerShot SX150 IS Digital Camera (Black):
This is the best camera for the smallest most compact size. I love that I can put this in a jacket pocket for traveling. This is my third, and they keep getting slightly better.
Am not sure why the +/- ends of the batteries were "flipped" in this edition. Petty complaint for such a great workhorse of a camera. Still love it!
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Comments about Canon PowerShot SX150 IS Digital Camera (Black):
I still have not had the opportunity to use the camera in all its features, but from what I have seen is really great.
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Comments about Canon PowerShot SX150 IS Digital Camera (Black):
Great performance except for the BATTERY LIFE. Must invest in rechargeable lithium ion batteries. Slow from one photo to the next.
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Comments about Canon PowerShot SX150 IS Digital Camera (Black):
Bought this for my brother as a Christmas gift and plan on buy one for myself shortly. I used to own the PowerShot SX130 IS, so it was nice to see the comparison. Very happy with this purchase.
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Comments about Canon PowerShot SX150 IS Digital Camera (Black):
Easy to use, great picture quality
Great Christmas gift
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Comments about Canon PowerShot SX150 IS Digital Camera (Black):
I gave this camera as a gift to my 11-year old daughter. She is thrilled, the camera is easy to use, has many features and functions, and takes great images. The only con is that standard AA batteries have a very short life. Using Lithium AA's makes a big difference, they are more expensive but last much longer, and in the end you will save money using the lithiums rather than the standards.
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Comments about Canon PowerShot SX150 IS Digital Camera (Black):
I use a Canon Rebel DRL camera as my main camera, but lugging around a big camera bag is not always practical. I use the Powershot SX150 as my light and fast camera. I keep it in my car so I always have a good camera close at hand, and it's so simple to use and produces great shots for a point and shoot. I like that it uses AA Batteries because you can always get some no matter where you are, but I recommend getting Lithium Batteries, as it will consume regular batteries prett quick.
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Comments about Canon PowerShot SX150 IS Digital Camera (Black):
I just started using this camera over the past weekend, on a weekend trip to NYC. It performed wonderfully, in all types of lighting situations, and it has dynamite image stabilization. I used it on a ferry boat, on a very blusterday day (I was getting shaken all over the place), and almost all of my shots came out in sharp focus-- far better than with my previous digital camera. I took many shots through store windows (always a difficult lighting/glare situation, and I was very pleased with the results.
I took a few video shots, and I'm overwhelmed with the sharp quality of the videos, in real HD.
The camera has a large, sharp screen, and fits well in my hand; the controls are all within easy reach, even if I'm holding it in one hand. I'm still getting used to the layout (it's different from my previous camera).
I will be using this camera for my work (construction inspection), so I'm hoping it's as solidly built as it looks (only time will tell).
The only possible drawback to this camera is its weight. Some may think that this camera is a bit heavy or bulky; however, to me, it's worth carrying the extra weight/bulk, to have the fine lens that this camera has-- far finer than most other point/shoot digital cameras. This lens zooms to a wide angle comparable with a 28-mm lens (on a 35 SLR). It has 12X optical zoom, before switching into digital zoom. Most digital point/shoot cameras have really lousy optics-- not this one! It does not matter how many megapixels a camera features, unless the lens on the front is worthy.
Although I haven't used it for but a few days, the camera appears to add much more to the battery life than my previous one. I purposely chose this model because it uses standard AA batteries, so I can have unlimited power while on the job. I can easily purchase additional batteries rather than being shut-down when the propietary battery runs down on the typical camera.
This is my first Canon digital camera. I have used Canon SLR film cameras for many years, always with much satisfaction, so I hope this unit will perform just as well. So far, I'm much more satisfied with this camera than with my previous (Nikon Coolpix) model, which I literally wore out.
I shopped extensively for a camera with the right combination of features that fit my uses . . . standard batteries, high-quality lens, sturdy construction, large LCD screen-- and I believe that I have found it.
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