Performance

The most important thing to note about this new model is the fact that it is the first Canon PowerShot camera to feature a CMOS sensor.  This is a BIG deal, as it will manage to deliver significantly faster shooting speeds.  In fact, the SX1 can deliver an impressive 4fps (at full resolution), rivaling that of a number of entry-level SLR cameras.  A CMOS sensor also brings many additional benefits such as its ability to allow full 30fps 1080p video captures, something the SX1 manages to do extremely well.

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Like some of their SLR counterparts, the SX1 IS does have a mode dial offering plenty of shooting modes.  This is commonly found in their high-end point and shoot cameras and designed for slightly more advanced users on a budget. 

The mode dial is primarily split into two zones..."Creative" and "Image".  Below is a screenshot detailing all command modes available...

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The built-in flash on the SX1 IS is not automatic and must be manually lifted when needed.  There are many settings for its control, including a couple of red eye reduction features and other advanced options such as Slow Syncro and a couple of Safety FE options.  If the built-in flash doesn't do it for you, note that the Canon SX1 IS does support external flash options.  This includes the Canon SpeedLight 220EX, 430EX II or the 580EX II.

ISO Settings & Performance

This subject is quite touchy for many and if you do your research, you'll find contradicting comments regarding the use of higher ISO settings.  While I personally only use a slightly higher setting when lighting conditions are challenging, I would not recommend high ISO settings if you truly are after the best quality pictures.  Below are 100% crops taken at different ISO settings under a low-light indoor environment...

The most important thing to note regarding ISO is that the higher the setting, the more noise will be visible in the image.  In this example, you can see how the higher ISO settings result in significant noise and loss in quality.  The highest ISO settings result in very undesirable noise and unwanted artifacts not found at lower settings.  Based on some tests, I found this camera capable of handling ISO settings as high as 400 fairly well at times.

Personally, I like to keep ISO settings at the lowest possible setting whenever possible.  If a certain indoor or night shot requires a higher setting, I normally don't like to venture above 200. 

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Before getting to its real performance and some sample pictures, it is important to cover memory cards once again.  Many still have no idea that the memory card they choose will play a major role in performance.  I can't stress this enough, and with a high megapixel camera like this that takes full 1080p HD video at 30fps, you'll want the fastest.  I highly recommend a high capacity Class 6 SDHC card.  The PNY 16GB card pictured above is an excellent choice and performs extremely well.  I benchmarked this card and compared it to a number of others I own and is the fastest.  Highly recommended!

Now, I can go on writing on its performance features but what's ultimately important is its picture and video quality.  With that said, let's get right to these two areas, starting with picture quality...

Continuous 4fps Shooting

One of its main features is its 4fps continuous shooting capabilities.  This is highly impressive for a camera in this class.  In fact, a number of entry-level SLR cameras range between 2.5 - 3 fps.  Thanks to the addition of a CMOS sensor, Canon managed to release this new model with an impressive 4fps, and it sure is fast!

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I tested its speed quite well and have plenty of examples.  However, I chose one in particular I thought would be best to demo.  The above picture is a set I put together from a Florida Marlins game I went to with my best bud.  Mind you, we were all the way up there in those cheap upper deck seats.  I used its impressive zoom capabilities and captured a number of continuous shots of the pitcher.  Above are 6 of 8 continuous shots taken and merged together for a better evaluation.  To capture that "money" shot in fast motion scenes, this camera is easily capable of the job.

That 20x Optical Zoom

The other main feature this camera sports is its impressive wide angle 20x optical zoom.  What's also important to note is just how quiet it really is.  Canon uses a USM (Ultrasonic Motor) for high-speed, yet quiet lens movement with precise control.  This plays a role when taking those impressive HD videos as I will cover a bit later.

The first example I'd like to show you is of the jaw-dropping displays at Dolphin Stadium.  They have what are the largest, most expensive 720p displays out there and they'll certainly leave you breathless when you see them for the first time.  Anyways, if you can manage to get past the displays and focus on the article, this sample was the worst of the three I will be showing you.  Perhaps it was the hazy weather that caused some of the issues found in the original picture.  Despite this, the important thing is that we were all the way on the other side of the stadium when I zoomed into it, one of two found in this stadium.

When taking sample shots for a review, you got to make the effort and get out to those scenic places that tourists tend to go to.  I have lived in Miami practically all my life and not only know each and every one well, but a bit sick of them (for lack of a better word).  Regardless, these reviews are always fun because I get to spend quality time with those I care deeply for.  After reviewing a number of similar products lately, it led to what my best bud and I like to called it as "Tourist Day".  We not only visit this popular tourist spots, but tend to dress and obviously look like one.  Anyways, without deviating further, the next two examples were taken at Miami's Bayside.

It's really hard to depict in pictures just how powerful an ultra-zoom camera really is unless you experience one first-hand.  With that said, the next example is the best demonstration I can provide.  We were pretty damn far from its maximum focal range, yet the SX1 managed to capture all in great detail and clarity, thanks to its excellent image stabilization.  This particular shot, when viewed in high resolution, showed excellent clarity and natural contrast based on the not-so-perfect conditions. 

The final example is of Miami's Freedom Tower.  While all were pretty impressive shots, this one was the best out of the bunch taken for testing.  This was a very hazy, cloudy day and the close-up shot taken here captured the environment well while maintaining a high level of detail on the primary target.  As with the previous shot, we were also at the farthest possible point from the tower.

It's zoom capabilities are truly impressive and this is one to consider if you are looking for a quality ultra-zoom camera.

Panoramic Shots

While somewhat contradicting myself, I will honestly say that I personally tend to resort to just one or two respected camera review sites when I'm solely after very technical performance results.  However, the difference is that they don't tend to cover this one area I personally find of high interest.  I love taking panoramic shots and if there is one manufacturer that implements this feature well, it is Canon.

When set to Stitch Assist Mode, it will automatically aid you in taking that nice pan shot you're after.  With Canon cameras, both the well-implemented camera features and excellent software almost ensure a perfect panoramic shot, even if you don't even focus too much on taking such a shot.  It is that easy.

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To try an emphasize just how effortless it can be to create some nice panoramic shots, I provided a much more complex example that brings a number of factors into play that can be quite a challenge when creating such an image.  No, this is not a typical "high rise" panoramic shot.  Those are easy.  The above example was taken across a very busy street with heavy traffic and not only a fence in the foreground to deal with, but just one light pole that would need to be merged properly in the right position and not artificially duplicated.  Unfortunately, I can't show you the full res image here but if you click on the enlarged image above, you can see how well the software was able to merge all three.  The only issue was a car shadow without the car in sight and a slight blur on the metal fence when trying to merge the second and third shot.  Also, the light pole was not duplicated and was in the exact natural position.  In short, the above panoramic shot is what you would see if you were standing in the same spot.   The issues encountered above in this difficult shot are so minor, that you can easily touch up with Photoshop. 

Spectacular Full HD Video

  Last but not least is its full HD video capture capabilities.  It is something this camera does amazingly well and the 1080p videos taken will blow you away.  Remember, unlike a majority, this new camera will capture a full 30 frames per second and audio in stereo as well.  Considering some of Canon's tiny Powershot cameras are able to miraculously capture so much sound from such a tiny mic, the stereo capture from this camera is just as amazing as the ultra sharp, high quality videos.

Now, there's a few things to note before I show you a sample.  First off, you must remember to hit the widescreen button on the camera when taking HD videos.  I lost plenty of opportunities to capture some great examples because I forgot to enable widescreen.  You'll know it is widescreen when the LCD display takes the whole viewing area.  Also, for those wondering, there is no 720p option.  If you have the camera set to 4:3, you can take standard SD videos in either 640 or 320.  Finally, note that the camera will capture the HD videos in .mov format.  I'm personally not fond of this format, but there are proper ways to convert them if needed.  I'm not complaining though, as the video quality is just superb.

Now, these files are obviously large and it's hard to show you a sample without running into bandwidth issues.  YouTube does not do a good job at displaying HD videos and downgrades them upon uploading.  With that said, I chose Vimeo to provide you all with the best sample possible.  This is an excellent service because HD videos maintain the highest quality and most importantly, allows anyone to actually download the source files for viewing on their own PC. 

NOTE:  To view this video unedited in full HD, please visit this Vimeo link.

The sample was taken under very windy conditions so you'll hear plenty of wind.  However, I chose this particular sample to also throw in its excellent zoom capabilities.  While some have stated that the video tends to jerk a bit when zooming in, I will honestly say that I did not experience this at all.  Videos were all flawless and while this is not exactly the best example in terms of demonstrating audio, the stereo sound is excellent.

I know this is a touchy subject for many pro or semi-pro photographers.  They all don't like the addition of HD video capture capabilities in cameras.  This continues to shock me and I just don't understand why.  Sometimes, a video speaks louder than an image and the ability to capture 1080p video from such a small camera is nothing short of impressive and most welcomed.  With that said, I find absolutely nothing wrong with manufactures enhancing new models with such features.  The more features, the better.  Stop complaining!  It's all good.

If you are seriously considering the purchase of this camera for its 1080p video capabilities, I strongly suggest you download the source file from Vimeo and play it in full screen with VLC Player for ultimate HD goodness!  It is then when you will truly appreciate the quality and get just a small taste of what this camera can really offer.

Next:  Conclusions