Bundled Software

While I'm personally not much into bundled software found with digital cameras, it's somewhat important to cover it based on the type of consumer this camera is set to target.

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Canon includes three software applications with their SX1 IS.  They consist of their ZoomBrowser EX, Digital Photo Professional and their PhotoStitch utilities.  Let's have a closer look at each...

ZoomBrowser EX

This application, in short, is basically their complete desktop image management program.  It allows you to manage your pictures and provides camera connectivity for transfers, settings control, etc.  In addition, you have convenient access to the other two bundled utilities from this program.

There are three viewing modes available.  They consist of three tabs labeled Zoom, Scroll or Preview mode.  The Zoom mode is actually quite nice, as it provides a highly unique way of browsing your picture collection.  However, the Preview Mode offers much more functionality, including the ability to rate your images, apply comments/keywords and a Brightness Histogram on a specific image that is selected.  Most importantly, you have complete shooting meta info (EXIF data).  While this information can be easily extracted via high-end image editing tools like Photoshop, the ability to quickly show you this info while simply browsing through your image collection is quite convenient.

The software also allows you to export those shooting properties or even allow a number of other simple export options such as exporting to screensaver, as a wallpaper or onto a disc for burning.  You also have full print management control from the application as well and also some email options.

Digital Photo Professional

This next application is mainly to be used for those who will be taking advantage of its RAW image capture capabilities.  Some users may not have access or able to afford Photoshop for proper image editing.  This application basically offers very similar control of RAW images out of the box.  Also note that if you do have Photoshop and still unable to view Canon's RAW image files (.CR2), you must update your Photoshop ACR and try again.  If still unsuccessful, you can resort to other simple fixes found online to get it to view these files.

PhotoStitch Software

The last application that is bundled is Canon's excellent PhotoStitch utility.  I've used this utility for years now and it has always functioned as it should.  They bundle version 3.1 with the SX1 IS.

With most Canon cameras, setting it to stitch mode and taking shots without much focus or attention can still spit out some nice panoramic shots.  This is all due to their PhotoStitch software, which has improved dramatically over the years and can produce great results, regardless of how much effort you put into it.  I will show you a good example in the next section.

Next:  Performance