Canon's budget megazoom, the PowerShot SX100
Choose black or chrome.
The continuing popularity of its less-expensive but last-generation PowerShot S3 IS and its competitors around the $300 price mark such as the Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ8 and Kodak EasyShare Z712 IS has likely driven Canon's decision to release a new megazoom option in that price class. The PowerShot SX100 IS, which Canon expects to ship in early October for $299, offers some attractions over the S3 IS, but makes some tradeoffs as well.
| S3 IS | SX100 IS | S5 IS | |
| Resolution | 6 megapixels | 8 megapixels | 8 megapixels |
| Lens (35mm equivalent) |
f/2.7-to-f/3.5, 36mm-to-432mm (12X) | f/2.8-4.3, 36mm-360mm (10X) | f/2.7-3.5, 36mm-to-432mm (12X) |
| LCD size | 2 inches | 2.5 inches | 2.5 inches |
| Viewfinder | EVF | None | EVF |
| Power | 4 AA batteries | 2 AA batteries | 4 AA batteries |
Back of the PowerShot SX100. Nary a viewfinder in sight.
(Credit: Canon USA)Given its specs, the SX100 has a confusing market fit. Its aforementioned competitors sport 12X zoom lenses but 7-megapixel sensors; however, you're generally better off with the longer lens and the smaller sensor. And I'm no big fan of electronic viewfinders (EVF), but I don't know that dropping it entirely is such a good idea. However, it will certainly be an interesting camera to look at when the time comes.
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