Canon PowerShot SX530 HS, we've tested it

Last January, Canon expanded its PowerShot camera lineup with new models , led by the Canon PowerShot SX530 HS. This is a compact camera that makes zooming its workhorse. It has a lens equivalent to a 24-1000 mm, which translates into an optical zoom of 50x and can go up to 100X using the mode ZoomPlus . The Canon PowerShot SX530 HS features a 16 megapixel sensor processor DIGIC 4+ , screen LCD are three - inch, flash connectivity and integrated high powerWiFi . It is a camera for the amateur who is looking for a versatile equipment that allows him to take pictures in any situation and especially at any distance. We have tested the Canon PowerShot SX530 HS, these are our impressions.

Layout and controls

The Canon PowerShot SX530 HS is a relatively compact and light camera , easy to carry in a bag or backpack , but it is not a pocket camera, its zoom does not allow it. The advantage is that it is more ergonomic than most compacts. It has a fairly prominent grip on the right side, which offers a better grip and good access to the controls, distributed between the top and the rear. The camera housing is made of plastic and has a non-slip rubber part on the grip to prevent it from slipping. Theconnections are on the right side, protected with a rubber cap, and the battery is located on the bottom.

The power button is in the upper right and has been placed between the mode dial and the flash, where access is not as comfortable as we would like. It also has a wheel to make it easier to navigate through the menus or adjust the parameters of the shot, and the shutter button , which is surrounded by the zoom dial. If we go to the back we find the screen , a three-inch LCD with 461,000 pixels of resolution. Provides sharp images, but sometimes glare when shooting in bright sunlight and on more than one occasion We have missed the ability to frame through a digital viewfinder, but the Canon PowerShot SX530 HS lacks this feature. From the rear controls we can control parameters such as ISO sensitivity, macro mode , connection with a mobile phone or access to the menu . In the upper right corner is the video recording button and the key to control the opening when we are in manual mode.

Lens and shot

As we have already advanced in the entry, the lens is the star feature of the Canon PowerShot SX530 HS, although it does not stand out for its brightness precisely. The aperture is variable , starting from f / 3.4 in wide angle to f / 6.4 in tele. Where it does stand out is in the optical zoom, no less than 50 increases. It is equivalent to a 24-1000 mm in 35 mm format and Canon includes a function called ZoomPlus that allows you to reach 100x without losing as much quality as in other digital zoom systems. The system works, but the quality loss is noticeableand if the light is not good, the noise becomes very exaggerated. The lens has a dynamic five - axis stabilizer IS, a feature that is appreciated especially in video recording and making pictures indoors or in low light situations. However, when we zoom in above 50x, framing is more complicated and the use of a tripod is necessary to avoid blurring.

The Canon PowerShot SX530 HS has a simple and somewhat slow autofocus system , although it complies in object tracking mode. The burst shooting is not remarkable; 1.6 fps at full resolution and 10 fps if we go down to four megapixels (there is no limit). Its shutter offers a maximum speed of 1 / 2,000 seconds and the maximum ISO sensitivity is 3,200.

Includes an automatic detection mode that selects parameters from among 32 different scene types . Also it offers the usual manual modes, recording videos , continuous shooting and creative ways . In short, the basic functions and others more updated to achieve varied results, both in photos and videos.

Picture quality

The Canon PowerShot SX530 HS integrates a sensor 16 megapixel measuring 1 / 2.3 inches and is accompanied by a DIGIC 4+ processor technology iSAPS . It is backlit , so that it takes advantage of more light and the results in low light conditions are better. However, the Canon PowerShot SX530 HS lacks when conditions are not ideal , such as indoors without a flash or when zooming in too far. When the lighting is abundant the results are as expected in a camera of its category. Wide and sharp images, albeit with amore limited dynamic range , especially when the contrast is very strong. We highlight the macro mode, which allows us to focus on objects at 0 centimeters when we are in angular mode and achieves very interesting details.

Here are some samples taken with the Canon PowerShot SX530 HS.

Canon PowerShot SX530 HS, we tested it 1

Detail. Sunny day outside. Focal length 188 mm

Canon PowerShot SX530 HS, we have tested it 2

Sunny day outside. Focal length 35 mm

Canon PowerShot SX530 HS, we have tested it 3

Cloudy outside. Focal length 4 mm

Canon PowerShot SX530 HS, we have tested it 4

Cloudy outside. Focal length 20 mm

Canon PowerShot SX530 HS, we have tested it 5

Cloudy outside. Backlighting. Focal length 4 mm

Canon PowerShot SX530 HS, we have tested it 6

Cloudy outside. Focal length 44mm / 215mm + ZoomPlus 100x

Canon PowerShot SX530 HS, we have tested it 7

Detail. Sunny exterior. Focal length 215 mm without ZoomPlus

Canon PowerShot SX530 HS, we've tested it 8

Macro detail. Focal length 4 mm

Canon PowerShot SX530 HS, we have tested it 9

Creative mode

Connectivity and opinions

The Canon PowerShot SX530 HS comes equipped with wireless NFC and WiFi connectivity . The NFC chip facilitates the connection to smartphones and tablets, while the WiFi allows us to transfer the images to other computers. The camera can be controlled from the mobile through the Canon Camera Connect application , available free for iOS and Android , as well as viewing stored images and videos. It also has a MiniUSB port for transferring files and a MiniHDMI for direct playback on a compatible TV or monitor.

The Canon PowerShot SX530 HS is an interesting proposition for the hobbyist looking for a device with a very versatile zoom at a reasonable price. As we have already said, it performs very well when the light conditions are good , especially outdoors, but it lacks when we start to lack light. The same applies to videos, where we must also highlight the work of the image stabilizer. The digital zoom is an interesting feature that can work well in certain situations, but not to abuse it and above all use a tripod to get the best possible result.