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Canon SX30 IS Review

  • Overview
  • Alternatives
  • Canon SX30 IS

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    Main Features

    • 14MP - 1/2.3-inch CCD Sensor
    • ISO 80 - 1600
    • 24-840 mm F2.7-5.8 Zoom Lens
    • Optical Image Stabilization
    • 2.7" Fully Articulated Screen
    • Electronic viewfinder
    • 1 fps continuous shooting
    • HD - 1280 x 720 video
    • 601g. 123 x 92 x 108 mm
    • Replaced Canon SX20 IS
    • Replaced by Canon SX40 HS
    CHECK PRICE
    CHECK PRICE

    Canon SX30 IS Overview

    First introduced in September 2010 , Canon PowerShot SX30 IS is a 14.0MP Small Sensor Superzoom camera with a 1/2.3-inch (6.17 x 4.55 mm ) sized CCD sensor, built-in Image Stabilization, Fully articulated screen and 24-840 mm F2.7-5.8 lens. Canon replaced the older Canon SX20 IS with this model and later SX30 IS was replaced with Canon SX40 HS. Follow the links to compare these cameras in detail:
    Compare Canon PowerShot SX30 IS vs Canon SX20 IS
    Compare Canon PowerShot SX30 IS vs Canon SX40 HS

    Canon SX30 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 SX30 IS has an Overall Score of 44/100 and ranked #67 out of 113 in DSLR-Like cameras (Top 10 Bridge), and ranked #629 out of 1223 in all Cameras (Top 10 Overall).

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



    Canon SX30 IS Physical Specs
    Canon SX30 IS weighs 601 g (1.32 lb / 21.20 oz) and has external dimensions of 123 x 92 x 108 mm (4.84 x 3.62 x 4.25″). Considering that the average weight of DSLR-Like type cameras is 591g, its weight is about average in its class. With a thickness of 108mm, it also has an average thickness.
    Weight Comparison

    DSLR-Like Cameras

    Canon SX30 IS
    Min
    Average
    Max
    Thickness Comparison

    DSLR-Like Cameras

    Canon SX30 IS
    Min
    Average
    Max

    In order to give you a better idea about the real life size of Canon SX30 IS, we have added an image of how it looks next to a credit card and an AA type battery.


    Canon SX30 IS Body Size Compared to a Credit card and a Battery
    Physical size of the Canon SX30 IS Body Compared to a Credit Card and an AA Battery

    Now let's compare Canon SX30 IS size with the camera that it replaced: Canon SX20 IS. Canon SX20 IS is 4mm shorter and 21mm thinner than Canon SX30 IS but it is also 5mm wider.


    Canon SX30 IS vs Canon SX20 IS Camera Size Comparison - Front View
    Comparison image of Canon SX30 IS and Canon SX20 IS Size, Weight and External Dimensions - Front View

    Below you can find the comparison of the weight and thickness of Canon SX30 IS with its main competitors:

    Canon SX30 IS Size Compared to Main Competitors
    Model Weight vs SX30 IS Thickness vs SX30 IS
    Canon PowerShot SX30 IS Camera Canon SX40 HS
    Compare
    600g 1g lighter 108mm equal thickness
    Canon PowerShot SX30 IS Camera Canon SX50 HS
    Compare
    595g 6g lighter 106mm 2mm thinner
    Canon PowerShot SX30 IS Camera Canon SX20 IS
    Compare
    600g 1g lighter 87mm 21mm thinner
    Canon PowerShot SX30 IS Camera Canon SX420 IS
    Compare
    325g 276g lighter 85mm 23mm thinner
    Canon PowerShot SX30 IS Camera Canon SX60 HS
    Compare
    650g 49g heavier 114mm 6mm thicker
    Canon PowerShot SX30 IS Camera Canon SX70 HS
    Compare
    608g 7g heavier 117mm 9mm thicker
    Canon PowerShot SX30 IS Camera Canon SX500 IS
    Compare
    341g 260g lighter 80mm 28mm thinner
    Canon PowerShot SX30 IS Camera Canon SX530 HS
    Compare
    442g 159g lighter 92mm 16mm thinner

    Weather Sealing

    Canon SX30 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 Bridge Cameras with Weather Sealing page.

    Canon SX30 IS Sensor and Photography Features

    Canon SX30 IS has a 14.0MP 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 4320 x 3240 pixels with aspect ratios of 4:3 and 16:9. SX30 IS has a native ISO range of 80 - 1600 but unfortunately, Canon SX30 IS doesn't have RAW file support. If you need a DSLR-Like camera with a RAW support, consider Panasonic Lumix DC-FZ1000 II or Sony Cyber-shot DSC-RX10 II in the same price range.

    Canon SX30 IS 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 SX30 IS vs Kodak Astro Zoom AZ651 or take a look at Highest resolution Bridge cameras list.

    Let's look at how the size of the Canon SX30 IS's 1/2.3-inch sensor compares with other standard sensor sizes.

    Canon SX30 IS Sensor Size Comparison
    Comparison image of Canon SX30 IS Sensor Size with other standard sensors

    Canon SX30 IS Lens

    Canon SX30 IS features a 24-840 mm F2.7-5.8 35× zoom lens. This camera offers exceptional wide angle capacity thanks to 24mm focal length on the wide end and remarkable super telephoto reach at 840mm.

    Wide Coverage

    DSLR-Like Cameras

    SX30 IS
    Widest - Samsung WB2200F
    Average
    Telezoom

    DSLR-Like Cameras

    SX30 IS
    Longest - Nikon P1000
    Average

    With a max aperture of f2.70, this lens is fast on wide end, but max aperture of f5.80 at tele end makes is really slow at longer focal lengths.

    Max Aperture at Wide

    DSLR-Like Cameras

    SX30 IS
    Fastest - Sony RX10 III
    Average
    Max Aperture at Tele

    DSLR-Like Cameras

    SX30 IS
    Fastest - Olympus 1
    Average

    SX30 IS is also equipped with Optical image stabilization system which is very handy especially at lower shutter speeds. Canon SX30 IS's lens also has a Manual Focus Mode.



    Canon SX30 IS LCD and Viewfinder

    Canon SX30 IS has a Fully Articulated 2.7" LCD screen with a resolution of 230k dots. At only 2.7", the screen is on the smaller side and 230kdot resolution is lower than most of the recent models in this class.



    For those of you who loves shooting selfies, self or group photos, Canon SX30 IS will make your life easier with its Selfie friendly screen. Another group of users who will take advantage of SX30 IS's LCD screen are Vloggers and any video creators who are working in a single-person setup.


    SX30 IS has a built-in Electronic viewfinder, making it easier to shoot in direct sunlight and in other situations where it might be difficult to view the LCD monitor.

    Canon SX30 IS Connectivity, Storage and Battery

    You can connect SX30 IS to compatible devices via its HDMI port or USB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec) port.

    Canon SX30 IS Features Compared to Main Competitors
    Model Max Video Battery Life Wi-fi Bluetooth NFC
    Canon PowerShot SX30 IS Camera Canon SX40 HS
    Compare
    1920 x 1080 380shots No No No
    Canon PowerShot SX30 IS Camera Canon SX50 HS
    Compare
    1920 x 1080 315shots No No No
    Canon PowerShot SX30 IS Camera Canon SX20 IS
    Compare
    1280 x 720 shots No No No
    Canon PowerShot SX30 IS Camera Canon SX420 IS
    Compare
    1280 x 720 195shots Yes No Yes
    Canon PowerShot SX30 IS Camera Canon SX60 HS
    Compare
    1920 x 1080 340shots Yes No Yes
    Canon PowerShot SX30 IS Camera Canon SX70 HS
    Compare
    3840 x 2160 325shots Yes Yes No
    Canon PowerShot SX30 IS Camera Canon SX500 IS
    Compare
    1280 x 720 195shots No No No
    Canon PowerShot SX30 IS Camera Canon SX530 HS
    Compare
    1920 x 1080 210shots Yes No No

    Canon SX30 IS Video Features

    With Canon SX30 IS, you can record your videos at a highest resolution of 1280 x 720 at 30 fps and save in and Motion JPEG 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 .

    SX30 IS has a built-in Stereo microphone but no speaker.
    Canon SX30 IS doesn't have any connections for external microphones and headphones. If you need a DSLR-Like camera with external microphone connectivity, consider Panasonic Lumix DC-FZ1000 II or Sony Cyber-shot DSC-RX10 II in a similar price range.

    Canon SX30 IS Other Features

    Max Shutter speed

    Canon SX30 IS can shoot continuously at max speed of 1 fps and has max shutter speed of 1/3200 sec.

    Flash

    SX30 IS has a built-in flash, and it also has a flash shoe to mount your external flashes too.

    Focusing

    Canon SX30 IS features a Contrast Detection autofocusing system. The AF system has 9 points to choose from.

    Canon SX30 IS PROs and CONs Review

    Now let's get in to more details of our Canon SX30 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
    Articulating Screen
    External Flash Shoe
    Electronic Built-in Viewfinder
    1/3200s High Shutter Speed
    Manual Focusing
    Manual Exposure
    24mm Wide Angle Lens
    840mm Good Tele Lens
    35.0X Optical Zoom
    Fast 2.70 Lens at Wide
    Selfie & Vlogger Friendly LCD Screen
    Report a correction

    Buy Canon SX30 IS from AMAZON or B&H PHOTO


    CONs
    No Wireless Connection
    No Full HD Video
    No Touch Screen
    No RAW Shooting
    No Face Detection Focusing
    Low Resolution Sensor: 14.0MP
    Max Sensitivity only ISO 1.600
    Only 9 Focus Points
    Small LCD Screen ( 2.7")
    Low Screen Resolution ( 230kdots )
    Slow Continuous Shooting: 1.0fps
    Heavy Body: 601
    No Environmental Sealing
    Slow Lens at Tele: f5.80
    Report a correction
    What type of Photography is Canon SX30 IS Good for?
    In this section, we review and score Canon SX30 IS in 5 different photography areas.

    Canon SX30 IS for Portrait Photography

    Canon SX30 IS has a score of 42 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 Bridge Cameras for Portrait Photography list.
    Image Stabilization
    External Flash Shoe
    Electronic Built-in Viewfinder
    Manual Focus Mode
    Manual Exposure Mode
    Average Resolution Sensor: 14.0MP
    Average Ergonomics&Handling
    Small 1/2.3" (6.17 x 4.55 mm) sensor
    No RAW shooting capability

    Read the details of how we scored Canon SX30 IS for Portrait Photography

    Canon SX30 IS for Street Photography

    Canon SX30 IS has a score of 67 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 Bridge Cameras for Street Photography list.
    Electronic Built-in Viewfinder
    Manual Focus Mode
    Live-view
    Fully Articulated LCD Screen
    Image Stabilization
    Fast Lens at Wide: f2.70
    24 mm - Good Wide Angle Coverage
    Medium sized Body
    No RAW shooting capability
    Small 1/2.3" (6.17 x 4.55 mm) sensor

    Read the details of how we scored Canon SX30 IS for Street Photography

    Canon SX30 IS for Sports Photography

    Canon SX30 IS has a score of 48 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 Bridge Cameras for Sports Photography list.
    Manual Exposure Mode
    Manual Focus Mode
    Electronic Built-in Viewfinder
    External Flash Shoe
    Image Stabilization
    840 mm Tele Lens
    Average Max shutter speed: 1/3200s
    Average Ergonomics&Handling
    Slow Continuous Shooting: 1.0fps
    Environmental Sealings
    9 Focus Points
    Slow Lens at Tele: f5.80
    No RAW shooting capability

    Read the details of how we scored Canon SX30 IS for Sports Photography

    Canon SX30 IS for Daily Photography

    Canon SX30 IS has a score of 52 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 Bridge Cameras for Daily Photography list.
    35.0X Optical Zoom
    Medium size Body
    601g
    Body Thickness 108mm
    Small 1/2.3" (6.17 x 4.55 mm) sensor
    No RAW shooting capability

    Read the details of how we scored Canon SX30 IS for Daily Photography

    Canon SX30 IS for Landscape Photography

    Canon SX30 IS has a score of 28 for Landscape Photography which makes it a POOR candidate for this type of photography. If Landscape We strongly recommend you to check our Top Bridge Cameras for Landscape Photography list and consider these alternatives over theSX30 IS.
    Manual Exposure Mode
    Manual Focus Mode
    24 mm - Good Wide Angle Coverage
    Average Resolution Sensor: 14.0MP
    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 SX30 IS for Landscape Photography
    Canon SX30 IS Alternatives
    In this section, we analyse how Canon SX30 IS compares with other DSLR-Like cameras within a similar price range.
    Read a more detailed analysis of Canon SX30 IS alternatives.

    Popular Comparisons of Canon SX30 IS

    Here is the eight most popular comparisons of Canon SX30 IS amongst Camera Decision readers.

    Canon SX40 HS
    Canon SX40 HS
    Compare
    Canon SX50 HS
    Canon SX50 HS
    Compare
    Canon SX20 IS
    Canon SX20 IS
    Compare
    Canon SX420 IS
    Canon SX420 IS
    Compare
    Canon SX60 HS
    Canon SX60 HS
    Compare
    Canon SX70 HS
    Canon SX70 HS
    Compare
    Canon SX500 IS
    Canon SX500 IS
    Compare
    Canon SX530 HS
    Canon SX530 HS
    Compare

    Canon SX30 IS Alternatives in Cameras

    It would also be interesting to compare Canon SX30 IS with Cameras. Below we have listed 4 highest ranked cameras in Canon SX30 IS's price range.

    Frequently Asked Questions about Canon SX30 IS
    Does the Canon SX30 IS have Image Stabilization?
    Does the Canon SX30 IS have RAW support?
    Does the Canon SX30 IS have Weather Sealing?
    Does the Canon SX30 IS have built-in GPS?
    What is the Max ISO of Canon SX30 IS?
    What is the Sensor Size of Canon SX30 IS?
    is the Canon SX30 IS a Full Frame (FF) camera?
    Does the Canon SX30 IS have Touch Screen?
    Does the Canon SX30 IS have built-in Wireless?
    What is the Max Continuous Shooting Speed (fps) of Canon SX30 IS?
    What is the Weight of Canon SX30 IS?
    What are the Dimensions of Canon SX30 IS?
    Canon PowerShot SX30 IS Detailed Specifications

    General
    Brand Canon
    Model Canon PowerShot SX30 IS
    Announced 2010-09-14
    Body Type SLR-like (bridge)
    Lens
    Manual Focus
    Lens Mount fixed lens
    Number of Lenses
    Lens Focal Range 24-840 mm (35×)
    Max Aperture F2.7-5.8
    Macro Focus Range 0cm
    Screen
    Screen Type Fully Articulated
    Screen Size 2.7"
    Screen Resolution 230k dots
    Live View
    Touch Screen
    Viewfinder
    Viewfinder Electronic
    Viewfinder Resolution n/a
    Viewfinder Coverage n/a
    Viewfinder Magnification n/a
    Photography Features
    Min Shutter Speed 15s
    Max Mechanical Shutter Speed 1/3200s
    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 6.80 m
    Flash Modes Auto, On, Off, Red-Eye, Slow Sync, Fill-in
    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 14 megapixels
    Max Image Resolution 4320 x 3240
    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 9
    Number of Cross Focus Points Unknown
    Video Features
    Video Resolutions 1280 x 720 (30 fps) 640 x 480 (30 fps), 320 x 240 (30, 15 fps)
    Max Video Resolution 1280 x 720
    Video Formats Motion JPEG
    Microphone Port
    Headphone Port
    Connectivity
    Wireless Connectivity Eye-Fi Connected
    HDMI
    USB USB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec)
    Physical
    Environmental Sealing
    Water Proof
    Dust Proof
    Shock Proof
    Crush Proof
    Freeze Proof
    Weight 601g
    Physical Dimensions 123 x 92 x 108mm
    Battery Model NB-7L
    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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