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Canon PowerShot SX530 HS Review

  • Overview
  • Alternatives
  • Canon SX530 HS

    Main Features

    • 16MP - 1/2.3" BSI-CMOS Sensor
    • ISO 100 - 3200
    • 24-1200 mm F3.4-6.5 Zoom Lens
    • Optical Image Stabilization
    • 3″ Fixed Type Screen
    • 1.6 fps continuous shooting
    • 1920 x 1080 video resolution
    • Built-in Wireless
    • 442g. 120 x 82 x 92 mm
    • Replaced Canon SX520 HS
    $279.00
    26%
    off

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    Canon SX530 HS Overview

    First introduced in January 2015 , Canon PowerShot SX530 HS is a 16.0MP Small Sensor Superzoom camera with a 1/2.3" (6.17 x 4.55 mm ) sized BSI-CMOS sensor. Canon replaced the older SX520 HS with this model. Follow the link to read our detailed comparison of these model:
    Compare Canon PowerShot SX530 HS vs Canon SX520 HS

    Canon SX530 HS has an Overall Score of 49/100 and ranked #62 out of 107 in DSLR-Like cameras (Top 10 Compact), and ranked #521 out of 1131 in all Cameras (Top 10 Overall).

    Canon SX530 HS Type Scores
    Imaging
    Features
    Value for Money
    Portability
    Overall Score
    Check our Smart Finder Tool to filter, sort and compare all digital cameras

    Canon SX530 HS Compared to other Compact Cameras

    Now let's get in to more details of Canon SX530 HS's specs and feature, and list out its pro's and con's compared to average cameras in its class.

    PROs
    Built-in Wireless (Wi-fi)
    Image Stabilization
    1920 x 1080 Max Video Resolution
    Face Detection Focusing
    461k dots LCD Resolution
    Manual Focusing
    Manual Exposure
    24mm Wide Angle Lens
    1200mm Good Tele Lens
    50X Optical Zoom
    Remote control with a smartphone

    Buy Canon SX530 HS from AMAZON or B&H PHOTO


    CONs
    No Articulating Screen
    No External Flash Shoe
    No Touch Screen
    No Built-in Viewfinder
    No RAW Shooting
    Max Sensitivity only ISO 3.200
    Only 9 Focus Points
    Low Screen Resolution ( 461kdots )
    Slow Continuous Shooting: 1.6fps
    Low Battery Life: 210 shots
    Heavy Body: 442
    No Environmental Sealing
    Slow Lens at Wide: f3.40
    Slow Lens at Tele: f6.50
    Canon SX530 HS Sensor and Photography Features

    Canon SX530 HS has a 16.0MP 1/2.3" (6.17 x 4.55 mm ) sized BSI-CMOS sensor and features DIGIC 4+ processor. You can shoot at maximum resolution of 4608 x 3456 pixels with aspect ratios of 1:1, 4:3, 3:2 and 16:9. SX530 HS has a native ISO range of 100 - 3200 but unfortunately, Canon SX530 HS doesn't have RAW file support. If you need a DSLR-Like camera with a RAW support, consider Fujifilm FinePix S1 or Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ200 in the same price range.

    Canon SX530 HS is not the highest resolution Small Sensor camera. Kodak Astro Zoom AZ651 with its 21.0MP sensor is leading in this class. Check the comparison of Canon SX530 HS vs Kodak Astro Zoom AZ651 or take a look at Highest resolution Compact cameras list.

    Let's look at how the size of the Canon SX530 HS's 1/2.3" sensor compares with other standard sensor sizes.

    Canon SX530 HS Sensor Size Comparison

    Canon SX530 HS Physical Specs
    Canon SX530 HS weighs 442 g (0.97 lb / 15.59 oz) and has external dimensions of 120 x 82 x 92 mm (4.72 x 3.23 x 3.62″). Considering that the average weight of DSLR-Like type cameras is 576g, Canon SX530 HS is a remarkably light camera for its class. With a thickness of 92mm, it has an average thickness for its class.
    Weight Comparison

    DSLR-Like Cameras

    Canon SX530 HS
    Min
    Average
    Max
    Thickness Comparison

    DSLR-Like Cameras

    Canon SX530 HS
    Min
    Average
    Max

    Here is the front and top view image of Canon SX530 HS with the dimensions:

    Canon SX530 HS Body Size Dimensions

    In order to give you a better idea about the real life size of Canon SX530 HS, we have added an image of how it looks next to a credit card and an AA type battery.


    Canon SX530 HS Real Life Body Size Comparison


    Now lets compare the weight and thickness of Canon SX530 HS with its main competitors:

    Canon SX530 HS Size Compared to Main Competitors
    Model Sensor Weight vs SX530 HS Thickness vs SX530 HS
    Nikon B500 16.0MP - 1/2.3" 541g 99g heavier 95mm 3mm thicker
    Canon SX60 HS 16.0MP - 1/2.3" 650g 208g heavier 114mm 22mm thicker
    Nikon P530 16.0MP - 1/2.3" 494g 52g heavier 98mm 6mm thicker
    Canon SX50 HS 12.0MP - 1/2.3 595g 153g heavier 106mm 14mm thicker
    Canon SX540 HS 20.0MP - 1/2.3" 442g equal weight 92mm equal thickness
    Nikon L840 16.0MP - 1/2.3" 538g 96g heavier 96mm 4mm thicker
    Canon SX520 HS 16.0MP - 1/2.3" 441g 1g lighter 92mm equal thickness
    Sony HX400V 20.0MP - 1/2.3 660g 218g heavier 103mm 11mm thicker

    Canon SX530 HS doesn't have any environmental sealings on its body so you got to be extra careful to protect it against water and dust. If you shoot under these conditions very often, consider checking Top Compact Cameras with Weather Sealing page.

    Canon SX530 HS Lens

    Canon SX530 HS features a 24-1200 mm F3.4-6.5 50× zoom lens. This camera offers exceptional wide angle capacity thanks to 24mm focal length on the wide end and remarkable super telephoto reach at 1200mm.

    Wide Coverage

    DSLR-Like Cameras

    SX530 HS
    Widest - Samsung WB2200F
    Average
    Telezoom

    DSLR-Like Cameras

    SX530 HS
    Longest - Nikon P900
    Average

    With a max aperture of f3.40 at 24mm, we can not consider this lens fast on wide end, and it is slow at the tele end with its max aperture of f6.50.

    Max Aperture at Wide

    DSLR-Like Cameras

    SX530 HS
    Fastest - Sony RX10 III
    Average
    Max Aperture at Tele

    DSLR-Like Cameras

    SX530 HS
    Fastest - Olympus 1
    Average

    SX530 HS is also equipped with Optical image stabilization system which is very handy especially at lower shutter speeds. Canon SX530 HS's lens also has a Manual Focus Mode.

    Canon SX530 HS Other Features
    LCD and Viewfinder

    Canon SX530 HS has a Fixed Type 3″ LCD screen with a resolution of 461k dots. Both the screen size and the screen resolution is up to the standards of this class.



    Canon SX530 HS back view and LCD

    SX530 HS doesn't have a viewfinder and no option for external viewfinder. Lack of a viewfinder can be problematic especially under strong light where visibility of LCD screens goes down dramatically. If you need a DSLR-Like camera with a built-in viewfinder in a similar price range, consider Fujifilm FinePix S1 (Compare) or Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ200 (Compare).
    If the price is not an issue, take a look at our Top Rated Cameras with Viewfinders.

    Max Shutter speed
    Canon SX530 HS can shoot continuously at max speed of 1.6 fps and has max shutter speed of 1/2000 sec.

    Flash
    Unfortunately SX530 HS doesn't have an external flash shoe so you are limited with the built-in flash.

    Focusing
    Canon SX530 HS features both Contrast Detection and Phase Detection autofocus (AF) systems which ensures speed and accuracy of focusing in most situations. The AF system has 9 points to choose from.

    Canon SX530 HS also features Face detection AF where it intelligently detects the faces in the frame and locks the focus automatically.

    Video Features
    With Canon SX530 HS, you can record your videos at a highest resolution of 1920 x 1080 at 30p fps and save in MPEG-4 and H.264 formats. Full HD resolution of Canon SX530 HS will be adequate in most of the situations. But if you are after the highest resolution videos available, see our list of Top Cameras with 4K (Ultra-HD) Video.

    SX530 HS has a built-in Stereo microphone and a Mono speaker.
    Canon SX530 HS doesn't have any connections for external microphones and headphones. If you need a DSLR-Like camera with external microphone connectivity, consider Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ200 or Sony Cyber-shot DSC-HX400V in a similar price range.

    Connectivity and Storage
    Canon SX530 HS features built-in wireless (Wi-Fi) connectivity ( 802.11b/g/n) which lets you transfer your photos directly to compatible devices without any physical connection.One other feature that we like is the ability to use our smartphone as a remote to control our SX530 HS. You can change camera settings, release shutter, view LCD screen and tranfer files using remote control app.

    You can connect SX530 HS to compatible devices via its HDMI port or USB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec) port.

    Battery Canon SX530 HS is powered by NB-6LH battery which provides a shooting life of 210 according to CIPA standards. Considering that the average battery life of DSLR-Like type cameras is 358 shots, Canon SX530 HS has a short battery life for its class so we strongly recommend SX530 HS owners to buy some extra batteries.

    Battery Life Comparison in Small Sensor Superzoom Cameras

    Canon SX530 HS
    Min
    Average
    Max

    Fujifilm HS35EXR with its 600shots is the model with longest battery life among Small Sensor Superzoom cameras. Check the comparison of Canon SX530 HS vs Fujifilm HS35EXR or take a look at Longest Battery Life Compact cameras list.

    Canon SX530 HS Features Compared to Main Competitors
    Model Max Video Battery Life Wi-fi Bluetooth NFC
    Nikon B500
    >>Compare to SX530 HS
    1920 x 1080 600shots Yes Yes No
    Canon SX60 HS
    >>Compare to SX530 HS
    1920 x 1080 340shots Yes No Yes
    Nikon P530
    >>Compare to SX530 HS
    1920 x 1080 240shots No No No
    Canon SX50 HS
    >>Compare to SX530 HS
    1920 x 1080 315shots No No No
    Canon SX540 HS
    >>Compare to SX530 HS
    1920 x 1080 205shots Yes No Yes
    Nikon L840
    >>Compare to SX530 HS
    1920 x 1080 590shots Yes No Yes
    Canon SX520 HS
    >>Compare to SX530 HS
    1920 x 1080 210shots No No No
    Sony HX400V
    >>Compare to SX530 HS
    1920 x 1080 300shots Yes No Yes

    Lowest Price
    Current Lowest price for Canon SX530 HS is $279.00

    $279.00
    26%
    off

    What type of Photography is Canon SX530 HS Good for?
    In this section, we review and score Canon SX530 HS in 5 different photography areas. This first spider web graph shows how the SX530 HS compares with the average DSLR-Like camera.
    Hover your mouse over the points to see the score details for each photography type.

    Canon SX530 HS for Portrait Photography

    Canon SX530 HS has a score of 44 for Portrait Photography which makes it an AVERAGE candidate for this type of photography. If Portrait is important for you, we recommend you to check our Top Compact Cameras for Portrait Photography list.
    Image Stabilization
    Manual Focus Mode
    Manual Exposure Mode
    Average Resolution Sensor: 16.0MP
    Average Ergonomics&Handling
    Small 1/2.3" (6.17 x 4.55 mm) sensor
    No RAW shooting capability
    No External Flash Shoe
    No Built-in Viewfinder

    Read the details of how we scored Canon SX530 HS for Portrait Photography

    Canon SX530 HS for Street Photography

    Canon SX530 HS has a score of 64 for Street Photography which makes it a GOOD candidate for this type of photography. If you are looking for a camera that is better suited to Street Photography, we recommend you to check our Top 10 Compact Cameras for Street Photography list.
    Manual Focus Mode
    Live-view
    Face-Detection Focusing
    Image Stabilization
    24 mm - Good Wide Angle Coverage
    Medium sized Body
    No Built-in Viewfinder
    No RAW shooting capability
    Small 1/2.3" (6.17 x 4.55 mm) sensor

    Read the details of how we scored Canon SX530 HS for Street Photography

    Canon SX530 HS for Sports Photography

    Canon SX530 HS has a score of 46 for Sports Photography which makes it an AVERAGE candidate for this type of photography. If Sports is important for you, we recommend you to check our Top Compact Cameras for Sports Photography list.
    Wireless Connection
    Manual Exposure Mode
    Manual Focus Mode
    Image Stabilization
    1200 mm Tele Lens
    Average Max shutter speed: 1/2000s
    Average Ergonomics&Handling
    Slow Continuous Shooting: 1.6fps
    Environmental Sealings
    9 Focus Points
    Poor Battery Life: 210 shots
    No Built-in Viewfinder
    No External Flash Shoe
    Slow Lens at Tele: f6.50
    No RAW shooting capability

    Read the details of how we scored Canon SX530 HS for Sports Photography

    Canon SX530 HS for Daily Photography

    Canon SX530 HS has a score of 53 for Daily Photography which makes it an AVERAGE candidate for this type of photography. If Daily is important for you, we recommend you to check our Top Compact Cameras for Daily Photography list.
    50X Optical Zoom
    Medium size Body
    442g
    Body Thickness 92mm
    Small 1/2.3" (6.17 x 4.55 mm) sensor
    No RAW shooting capability

    Read the details of how we scored Canon SX530 HS for Daily Photography

    Canon SX530 HS for Landscape Photography

    Canon SX530 HS has a score of 36 for Landscape Photography which makes it a POOR candidate for this type of photography. If Landscape We strongly recommend you to check our Top Compact Cameras for Landscape Photography list and consider these alternatives over theSX530 HS.
    Manual Exposure Mode
    Manual Focus Mode
    24 mm - Good Wide Angle Coverage
    Average Resolution Sensor: 16.0MP
    No RAW shooting capability
    Small 1/2.3" (6.17 x 4.55 mm) sensor
    No Environmental Sealings

    Read the details of how we scored Canon SX530 HS for Landscape Photography

    Canon SX530 HS Alternatives
    In this section, we analyse how Canon SX530 HS compares with other DSLR-Like cameras within a similar price range. In the Bubble chart below, you can see Overall Score vs Price comparison of SX530 HS and the top 10 contenders in the same range. Hover your mouse on the bubbles to see the details of the cameras.
    Read a more detailed analysis of Canon SX530 HS alternatives.
    Popular Comparisons of Canon SX530 HS
    Here is the eight most popular comparisons of Canon SX530 HS amongst Camera Decision readers.

    Nikon B500
    Nikon B500
    Compare
    Canon SX60 HS
    Canon SX60 HS
    Compare
    Nikon P530
    Nikon P530
    Compare
    Canon SX50 HS
    Canon SX50 HS
    Compare
    Canon SX540 HS
    Canon SX540 HS
    Compare
    Nikon L840
    Nikon L840
    Compare
    Canon SX520 HS
    Canon SX520 HS
    Compare
    Sony HX400V
    Sony HX400V
    Compare
    Canon SX530 HS Alternatives in Mirrorless Cameras
    It would also be interesting to compare Canon SX530 HS with Mirrorless Cameras. Below we have listed 4 highest ranked Mirrorless cameras in Canon SX530 HS's price range.

    Panasonic GF7
    Panasonic GF7
    Compare
    Sony NEX-5T
    Sony NEX-5T
    Compare
    Fujifilm X-A2
    Fujifilm X-A2
    Compare
    Olympus E-P3
    Olympus E-P3
    Compare
    Olympus E-PL5
    Olympus E-PL5
    Compare
    Pentax Q10
    Pentax Q10
    Compare
    Olympus E-PL6
    Olympus E-PL6
    Compare
    Panasonic G3
    Panasonic G3
    Compare
    Frequently Asked Questions about Canon SX530 HS
    Does the Canon SX530 HS have Image Stabilization?
    Does the Canon SX530 HS have RAW support?
    Does the Canon SX530 HS have Weather Sealing?
    Does the Canon SX530 HS have built-in GPS?
    What is the Max ISO of Canon SX530 HS?
    What is the Sensor Size of Canon SX530 HS?
    is the Canon SX530 HS a Full Frame (FF) camera?
    Does the Canon SX530 HS have Touch Screen?
    Does the Canon SX530 HS have built-in Wireless?
    What is the Max Continuous Shooting Speed (fps) of Canon SX530 HS?
    Canon PowerShot SX530 HS Detailed Specifications

    General
    Brand Canon
    Model Canon PowerShot SX530 HS
    Announced 2015-01-06
    Body Type SLR-like (bridge)
    Price $279.00
    Lens
    Manual Focus
    Lens Mount fixed lens
    Lens Focal Range 24-1200 mm (50×)
    Max Aperture F3.4-6.5
    Macro Focus Range 0cm
    Screen
    Screen Type Fixed Type
    Screen Size 3″
    Screen Resolution 461k dots
    Live View
    Touch Screen
    Viewfinder
    Viewfinder None
    Viewfinder Resolution no electronic viewfinder
    Viewfinder Coverage n/a
    Viewfinder Magnification n/a
    Photography Features
    Min Shutter Speed 15s
    Max Shutter Speed 1/2000s
    Continuous Shooting 1.6 fps
    Shutter Priority
    Aperture Priority
    Manual Exposure Mode
    Exposure Compensation Yes
    Custom White Balance
    Image Stabilization
    Built-in Flash
    Flash Range 5.50 m
    Flash Modes Auto, on, off, slow synchro
    External Flash
    AE Bracketing
    WB Bracketing
    Exposure Modes
    Multi-Segment
    Average
    Spot
    Partial
    AF-Area
    Center Weighted
    DxO Sensor Scores
    DxO Overall Score not tested
    DxO Color Depth not tested
    DxO Dynamic Range not tested
    DxO Low Light ISO not tested
    Report a correction

    Sensor
    Sensor Type BSI-CMOS
    Sensor Size 1/2.3"
    Sensor Dimensions 6.17 x 4.55 mm
    Sensor Area 28.07mm2
    Sensor Resolution 16 megapixels
    Max Image Resolution 4608 x 3456
    Max Native ISO 3,200
    Min Native ISO 100
    RAW Support
    Autofocus
    AF Touch
    AF Continuous
    AF Single
    AF Tracking
    AF Selective
    AF Center
    AF Multi Area
    AF Live View
    AF Face Detection
    AF Contrast Detection
    AF Phase Detection
    Number of Focus Points 9
    Number of Cross Focus Points Unknown
    Video Features
    Video Resolutions 1920 x 1080 (30p), 1280 x 720 (30p), 640 x 480 (30 fps)
    Max Video Resolution 1920 x 1080
    Video Formats MPEG-4, H.264
    Microphone Port
    Headphone Port
    Connectivity
    Wireless Connectivity Built-In
    HDMI
    USB USB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec)
    Physical
    Environmental Sealing
    Water Proof
    Dust Proof
    Shock Proof
    Crush Proof
    Freeze Proof
    Weight 442g
    Physical Dimensions 120 x 82 x 92mm
    Battery Life 210 shots
    Battery Type Battery Pack
    Battery Model NB-6LH
    Other Features
    Self Timer Yes (2 or 10 secs, custom)
    Timelapse Recording
    GPS None
    Storage Type SD/SDHC/SDXC
    Storage Slots 1
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