Compare Prices : Canon PowerShot SX200 IS - Expert Reviews

Review summary: We've been lucky to have hands-on review time with two of the most hotly-anticipated compacts cameras we've seen for some time. See our photos and first impressions of the Powershot SX200 IS and Lumix DMC-TZ7 (also known as ZS3)

Verdict: This killer combination of solid zoom in a tight, compact body makes both these cameras a cut-above the standard compact fare, and especially useful for travelers, or enthusiasts who want a "power" compact with a bit more control

Pros: Compact body with wide-angle lens with 12x zoom; manual controls; very good photo and video quality for its class

Cons: Mixed performance; no optical zoom in Movie mode

Verdict: More than just a point-and-shoot pocket megazoom, the Canon SX200 IS improves upon its forerunner, but not by much.

Review summary: A camera designed for traveling, the SX200 offers a wide range of operating modes, a useful set of features - but, sadly, an annoying pop-up flash.

Verdict: Canon has managed to squeeze a quart into something a little larger than a pint pot. The PowerShot SX200 IS has a good range of features, including a very versatile zoom, and offers much for both beginners or DSLR users looking for a smaller camera to ...

Review summary: The 12-megapixel PowerShot SX200 IS with 12x wideangle zoom is a very versatile do-it-all camera. It's great for learning about photography too, because it has decent manual controls in addition to idiot-proof automatic modes. Its picture quality won ...

Pros: Effective image stabilisation ; 12x zoom range ; decent range of manual modes

Cons: Pop-up flash ; spinning control dial ; mediocre picture quality

Verdict: On paper, the Canon PowerShot SX200 IS looks great. In the flesh, it's a disappointment. It's bulky, has annoying design and control issues, and the picture quality is variable. It's still a versatile camera that can be used to take great pictures, ...

Review summary: Both the Canon and Panasonic additionally feature 3in screens, automatic scene detection, HD movie recording in the 720p format and HDMI ports for output to an HDTV. They're also roughly the same size and weight. As such both cameras have a great deal ...

Pros: 12x zoom in a pocket camera., HD movies in the 720p format., Full manual control over exposure., Good auto mode and helpful hints., 12x zoom in a pocket camera., HD movies in the 720p format., Full manual control over exposure., Good auto mode and ...

Cons: No optical zoom while filming video., Flash always raises at power-up., Pointlessly slow 0.8fps 'burst' rate., No optical zoom while filming video., Flash always raises at power-up., Pointlessly slow 0.8fps 'burst' rate.

Verdict: As we said at the top of this page, the PowerShot SX200 IS is Canon's first attempt at a pocket super-zoom, and it's certainly impressive, packing a 12x zoom, 3in screen, HD movies, an HDMI port and full manual control into a pocketable form factor. ...