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  • BLOG

Canon SX130 IS Review

  • Overview
  • Alternatives
  • Canon SX130 IS

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    Main Features

    • 12MP - 1/2.3-inch CCD Sensor
    • ISO 80 - 1600
    • 28-336 mm F3.4-5.6 Zoom Lens
    • Optical Image Stabilization
    • 3.00" Fixed Type Screen
    • 1.0fps continuous shooting
    • 308g. 113 x 73 x 46 mm
    • Replaced by Canon SX150 IS
    CHECK PRICE
    CHECK PRICE

    Canon SX130 IS Overview

    Launched in August 2010 , Canon PowerShot SX130 IS is a 12.0MP Small Sensor Superzoom camera with a 1/2.3-inch (6.17 x 4.55 mm ) sized CCD sensor, built-in Image Stabilization and 12.0x zoom 28-336 mm F3.4-5.6 lens. Canon later replaced SX130 IS with SX150 IS. Follow the link to read our in-depth comparison of these cameras:
    Compare Canon PowerShot SX130 IS vs Canon SX150 IS

    Canon SX130 IS Review - Click for Table of Contents

    1. Overview
    2. Pros and Cons
    3. Sensor and Photography Features
    4. Physical Specs
    5. LCD and Viewfinder
    6. Connectivity, Storage and Battery
    7. Video
    8. Other Features
    9. Lens
    10. Photography Type Scores
    11. Alternatives
    12. Popular Comparisons
    13. Frequently Asked Questions
    14. Detailed Specifications

    Canon SX130 IS is a member of Canon's Small Sensor Superzoom class cameras. Below you can see the latest models in this class and how their main specs have changed with each new model.

    Canon Small Sensor Superzoom Series History
    Model Release Date Sensor Max FPS Dimensions Weight
    Canon SX70 HS
    Compare
    2018 20.0MP - 1/2.3" 10.0 fps 127 x 91 x 117mm 608g
    Canon SX740 HS
    Compare
    2018 21.0MP - 1/2.3" 10.0 fps 110 x 64 x 40mm 299g
    Canon SX730 HS
    Compare
    2017 20.3MP - 1/2.3 5.9 fps 110 x 64 x 40mm 300g
    Canon SX620 HS
    Compare
    2016 20.0MP - 1/2.3" 2.5 fps 97 x 57 x 28mm 182g
    Canon SX720 HS
    Compare
    2016 20.3MP - 1/2.3" 5.9 fps 110 x 64 x 36mm 270g

    Check the link below to compare specs of the latest cameras in this series side by side:
    Canon SX70 HS vs SX740 HS vs SX730 HS vs SX620 HS vs SX720 HS


    **This post contains affiliate links and I will be compensated if you make a purchase after clicking through my links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

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    Canon SX130 IS PROs and CONs Review

    Now let's get in to more details of our Canon SX130 IS review by analysing its specs and features and listing out its pros and cons compared to average competitor cameras in its class.

    PROs
    Image Stabilization
    1/2500s High Shutter Speed
    Manual Focusing
    Manual Exposure
    336mm Good Tele Lens
    12.0X Optical Zoom
    Report a correction

    Buy Canon SX130 IS from AMAZON or B&H PHOTO


    CONs
    No Wireless Connection
    No Articulating Screen
    No External Flash Shoe
    No Full HD Video
    No Touch Screen
    No Built-in Viewfinder
    No RAW Shooting
    No Face Detection Focusing
    Low Resolution Sensor: 12.0MP
    Max Sensitivity only ISO 1.600
    Only Unknown Focus Points
    Low Screen Resolution ( 230kdots )
    Slow Continuous Shooting: 1.0fps
    Heavy Body: 308
    No Environmental Sealing
    Slow Lens at Wide: f3.40
    Slow Lens at Tele: f5.60

    Report a correction


    Canon SX130 IS Physical Specs
    Canon SX130 IS weighs 308 g (0.68 lb / 10.86 oz) and has external dimensions of 113 x 73 x 46 mm (4.45 x 2.87 x 1.81″). Considering that the average weight of Compact type cameras is 188g, Canon SX130 IS is a significantly heavy camera for its class. With a thickness of 46mm, it is not small either, 17mm thicker than the average of its class.
    Weight Comparison

    Compact Cameras

    Canon SX130 IS
    Min
    Average
    Max
    Thickness Comparison

    Compact Cameras

    Canon SX130 IS
    Min
    Average
    Max


    In order to give you a better idea about the real life size of Canon SX130 IS, we have added an image of how it looks next to a credit card and an AA type battery.


    Canon SX130 IS Body Size Compared to a Credit card and a Battery
    Physical size of the Canon SX130 IS Body Compared to a Credit Card and an AA Battery



    Below you can find the comparison of the weight and thickness of Canon SX130 IS with its main competitors:

    Canon SX130 IS Size Compared to Main Competitors
    Model Weight vs SX130 IS Thickness vs SX130 IS
    Canon PowerShot SX130 IS Camera Canon SX150 IS
    Compare
    306g 2g lighter 46mm equal thickness
    Canon PowerShot SX130 IS Camera Canon SX160 IS
    Compare
    291g 17g lighter 44mm 2mm thinner
    Canon PowerShot SX130 IS Camera Canon SX120 IS
    Compare
    285g 23g lighter 45mm 1mm thinner
    Canon PowerShot SX130 IS Camera Canon SX170 IS
    Compare
    251g 57g lighter 44mm 2mm thinner
    Canon PowerShot SX130 IS Camera Canon SX210 IS
    Compare
    220g 88g lighter 38mm 8mm thinner
    Canon PowerShot SX130 IS Camera Canon G12
    Compare
    401g 93g heavier 48mm 2mm thicker
    Canon PowerShot SX130 IS Camera Canon SX200 IS
    Compare
    247g 61g lighter 38mm 8mm thinner
    Canon PowerShot SX130 IS Camera Canon SX30 IS
    Compare
    601g 293g heavier 108mm 62mm thicker

    Weather Sealing

    Canon SX130 IS 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 SX130 IS Lens

    Canon SX130 IS features a 28-336 mm F3.4-5.6 12× zoom lens. Lens has a good wide angle capability starting at 28mm and remarkable super telephoto reach at 336mm.

    Wide Coverage

    Compact Cameras

    SX130 IS
    Widest - Olympus TG-850 iHS
    Average
    Telezoom

    Compact Cameras

    SX130 IS
    Longest - Canon SX520 HS
    Average

    With a max aperture of f3.40 at 28mm, we can not consider this lens fast on wide end and neither at tele end with its f5.60.

    Max Aperture at Wide

    Compact Cameras

    SX130 IS
    Fastest - Leica D-Lux 6
    Average
    Max Aperture at Tele

    Compact Cameras

    SX130 IS
    Fastest - Ricoh GR Digital IV
    Average

    SX130 IS is equipped with Optical image stabilization system which is very handy especially at lower shutter speeds. Canon SX130 IS's lens also has a Manual Focus Mode.

    Canon SX130 IS Sensor and Photography Features

    Canon SX130 IS has a 12.0MP 1/2.3-inch (6.17 x 4.55 mm ) sized CCD sensor and features Digic 4 processor. You can shoot at maximum resolution of 4000 x 3000 pixels with aspect ratios of 4:3 and 3:2. SX130 IS has a native ISO range of 80 - 1600 but unfortunately, Canon SX130 IS doesn't have RAW file support. If you need a Compact camera with a RAW support, consider Canon PowerShot S90 or in the same price range.

    Canon SX130 IS is not the highest resolution Small Sensor camera. GoPro Hero9 Black with its 23.0MP sensor is leading in this class. Check the comparison of Canon SX130 IS vs GoPro Hero9 Black or take a look at Highest resolution Compact cameras list.

    Let's look at how the size of the Canon SX130 IS's 1/2.3-inch sensor compares with other standard sensor sizes.

    Canon SX130 IS Sensor Size Comparison
    Comparison image of Canon SX130 IS Sensor Size with other standard sensors



    Canon SX130 IS LCD

    Canon SX130 IS has a Fixed Type 3.00-inch LCD screen with a resolution of 230k dots. Both the screen size and the screen resolution is up to the standards of this class.



    Unfortunately Canon PowerShot SX130 IS doesn't have a Selfie friendly screen. If this feature is important for your shooting style, check here the list of Best Compact Cameras with Selfie Friendly LCD screen.


    SX130 IS 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 Compact camera with a built-in viewfinder in a similar price range, consider Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS100 (Lumix DMC-TZ100) (Compare) or Nikon Coolpix P7800 (Compare).
    Alternatively, check here the list of all Compact cameras with viewfinder..

    Canon SX130 IS Connectivity, Storage and Battery

    Canon SX130 IS has a USB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec) port to connect your camera to other devices.

    Canon SX130 IS Features Compared to Main Competitors
    Model Max Video Battery Life Wi-fi Bluetooth NFC
    Canon PowerShot SX130 IS Camera Canon SX150 IS
    Compare
    1280 x 720 130shots No No No
    Canon PowerShot SX130 IS Camera Canon SX160 IS
    Compare
    1280 x 720 380shots No No No
    Canon PowerShot SX130 IS Camera Canon SX120 IS
    Compare
    640 x 480 shots No No No
    Canon PowerShot SX130 IS Camera Canon SX170 IS
    Compare
    1280 x 720 300shots No No No
    Canon PowerShot SX130 IS Camera Canon SX210 IS
    Compare
    1280 x 720 shots No No No
    Canon PowerShot SX130 IS Camera Canon G12
    Compare
    1280 x 720 370shots No No No
    Canon PowerShot SX130 IS Camera Canon SX200 IS
    Compare
    1280 x 720 shots No No No
    Canon PowerShot SX130 IS Camera Canon SX30 IS
    Compare
    1280 x 720 shots No No No

    Canon SX130 IS Video Features

    With Canon SX130 IS, you can record your videos at a highest resolution of 1280 x 720 at 30 fps and save in and H.264 formats. 1280 x 720 is a low video resolution by todays standards. If video quality is important for you, we recommend you to look at cameras with Full HD, even better 4K / Ultra-HD resolution .

    SX130 IS has a built-in Stereo microphone but no speaker. On the other hand, Canon SX130 IS doesn't have any connections for external microphones and headphones. If you need a Compact camera with external microphone connectivity, consider or in a similar price range.

    Also read:

    • Best Compact Cameras with Microphone Port
    • Best Compact Cameras with Headphone Port

    Canon SX130 IS Other Features

    Max Shutter speed

    Canon SX130 IS can shoot continuously at max speed of 1 fps and has max shutter speed of 1/2500 sec.

    Flash

    Unfortunately SX130 IS doesn't have an external flash shoe so you are limited with the built-in flash.

    Focusing

    Canon SX130 IS features a Contrast Detection autofocusing system.

    What type of Photography is Canon SX130 IS Good for?
    In this section, we review and score Canon SX130 IS in 5 different photography areas.

    Canon SX130 IS for Portrait Photography

    Canon SX130 IS has a score of 27 for Portrait Photography which makes it a POOR candidate for this type of photography. If Portrait We strongly recommend you to check our Top Compact Cameras for Portrait Photography list and consider these alternatives over theSX130 IS.
    Image Stabilization
    Manual Focus Mode
    Manual Exposure Mode
    Average Resolution Sensor: 12.0MP
    Small 1/2.3" (6.17 x 4.55 mm) sensor
    No RAW shooting capability
    No External Flash Shoe
    No Built-in Viewfinder
    Not so good Ergonomics&Handling

    Read the details of how we scored Canon SX130 IS for Portrait Photography

    Canon SX130 IS for Street Photography

    Canon SX130 IS has a score of 60 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
    Image Stabilization
    28 mm - Good Wide Angle Coverage
    Small 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 SX130 IS for Street Photography

    Canon SX130 IS for Sports Photography

    Canon SX130 IS has a score of 21 for Sports Photography which makes it a POOR candidate for this type of photography. If Sports We strongly recommend you to check our Top Compact Cameras for Sports Photography list and consider these alternatives over theSX130 IS.
    Manual Exposure Mode
    Manual Focus Mode
    Image Stabilization
    336 mm Tele Lens
    Average Max shutter speed: 1/2500s
    Slow Continuous Shooting: 1.0fps
    Environmental Sealings
    Unknown Focus Points
    Not so good Ergonomics&Handling
    No Built-in Viewfinder
    No External Flash Shoe
    No RAW shooting capability

    Read the details of how we scored Canon SX130 IS for Sports Photography

    Canon SX130 IS for Daily Photography

    Canon SX130 IS has a score of 60 for Daily Photography which makes it a GOOD candidate for this type of photography. If you are looking for a camera that is better suited to Daily Photography, we recommend you to check our Top 10 Compact Cameras for Daily Photography list.
    Compact Body
    12.0X Optical Zoom
    308g
    Body Thickness 46mm
    Small 1/2.3" (6.17 x 4.55 mm) sensor
    No RAW shooting capability

    Read the details of how we scored Canon SX130 IS for Daily Photography

    Canon SX130 IS for Landscape Photography

    Canon SX130 IS has a score of 23 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 theSX130 IS.
    Manual Exposure Mode
    Manual Focus Mode
    28 mm - Good Wide Angle Coverage
    Average Resolution Sensor: 12.0MP
    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 SX130 IS for Landscape Photography
    Canon SX130 IS Alternatives
    In this section, we analyse how Canon SX130 IS compares with other Compact cameras within a similar price range.
    Read a more detailed analysis of Canon SX130 IS alternatives.

    Popular Comparisons of Canon SX130 IS

    Here is the eight most popular comparisons of Canon SX130 IS amongst Camera Decision readers.

    Canon SX150 IS
    Canon SX150 IS
    Compare
    Canon SX160 IS
    Canon SX160 IS
    Compare
    Canon SX120 IS
    Canon SX120 IS
    Compare
    Canon SX170 IS
    Canon SX170 IS
    Compare
    Canon SX210 IS
    Canon SX210 IS
    Compare
    Canon G12
    Canon G12
    Compare
    Canon SX200 IS
    Canon SX200 IS
    Compare
    Canon SX30 IS
    Canon SX30 IS
    Compare

    Canon SX130 IS Alternatives in Cameras

    It would also be interesting to compare Canon SX130 IS with Cameras. Below we have listed 4 highest ranked cameras in Canon SX130 IS's price range.

    Canon SX130 IS Conclusion and Scores

    Currently, Canon SX130 IS has an Overall Score of 36/100 which is based on our evaluation of 69 different technical parameters. Our scores are dynamically updated whenever a new camera is added to our database or when we change our ranking algorithm and the maximum score is always 100. Canon PowerShot SX130 IS is ranked #281 out of 631 in Compact cameras (Top 20 Compact), and ranked #881 out of 1240 in all Cameras (Top 20 Overall).

    #881 out of 1240 in Top Ranking Cameras
    #281 out of 631 in Top Ranking Compact Cameras
    #204 out of 245 in Top Ranking Small Sensor Superzoom Cameras
    #360 out of 740 in Top Ranking Small Sensor Sensor Cameras
    #496 out of 536 in Lightest Compact Cameras with Small Sensor sensor(308g)
    #551 out of 917 in Top Ranking Cameras with Fixed Type Screen

    Main Scores
    Imaging
    Features
    Value for Money
    Portability
    Overall Score
    Check our Smart Finder Tool to filter, sort and compare all digital cameras.

    Frequently Asked Questions about Canon SX130 IS
    Does the Canon SX130 IS have Image Stabilization?
    Does the Canon SX130 IS have RAW support?
    Does the Canon SX130 IS have Weather Sealing?
    Does the Canon SX130 IS have built-in GPS?
    What is the Max ISO of Canon SX130 IS?
    What is the Sensor Size of Canon SX130 IS?
    is the Canon SX130 IS a Full Frame (FF) camera?
    Does the Canon SX130 IS have Touch Screen?
    Does the Canon SX130 IS have built-in Wireless?
    What is the Max Continuous Shooting Speed (fps) of Canon SX130 IS?
    What is the Weight of Canon SX130 IS?
    What are the Dimensions of Canon SX130 IS?
    Canon PowerShot SX130 IS Detailed Specifications

    General
    Brand Canon
    Model Canon PowerShot SX130 IS
    Announced 2010-08-19
    Body Type Compact
    Lens
    Manual Focus
    Lens Mount fixed lens
    Lens Focal Range 28-336 mm (12×)
    Max Aperture F3.4-5.6
    Macro Focus Range 1cm
    Screen
    Screen Type Fixed Type
    Screen Size 3.00"
    Screen Resolution 230k 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 Mechanical Shutter Speed 1/2500s
    Continuous Shooting 1.0 fps
    Shutter Priority
    Aperture Priority
    Manual Exposure Mode
    Exposure Compensation Yes
    Custom White Balance
    Image Stabilization
    Built-in Flash
    Flash Range 3.00 m
    Flash Modes Auto, On, Off, Red-Eye, Slow Sync
    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 CCD
    Sensor Size 1/2.3-inch
    Sensor Dimensions 6.17 x 4.55 mm
    Sensor Area 28.07mm2
    Sensor Resolution 12 megapixels
    Max Image Resolution 4000 x 3000
    Max Native ISO 1,600
    Min Native ISO 80
    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 Unknown
    Number of Cross Focus Points 0
    Video Features
    Video Resolutions 1280 x 720 (30 fps), 640 x 480 (30 fps), 320 x 240 (30 fps), 160 x 120 (15 fps)
    Max Video Resolution 1280 x 720
    Video Formats H.264
    Microphone Port
    Headphone Port
    Connectivity
    Wireless Connectivity None
    HDMI
    USB USB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec)
    Physical
    Environmental Sealing
    Water Proof
    Dust Proof
    Shock Proof
    Crush Proof
    Freeze Proof
    Weight 308g
    Physical Dimensions 113 x 73 x 46mm
    Battery Model 2 x AA
    Other Features
    Self Timer Yes (2 or 10 sec, Custom)
    Timelapse Recording
    GPS None
    Storage Type SD/SDHC/SDXC/MMC/MMCplus/HC MMCplus
    Storage Slots 1


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