Canon Powershot SX530: A Comprehensive Product Review
With so many cameras on the market, it can be not only difficult but also incredibly time-consuming to go through each one to find your perfect match. To save time and frustration, we dug into the Canon PowerShot SX530 and some of its competitors to see what gaps this mode can fill and where it fits perfectly in the photography world.
What Is Canon PowerShot SX530?
The Canon Powershot SX530 is a bridge camera, made by Canon to compete against other models in the field of high powered optical zoom especially. As a bridge camera, it aims to fill the gap between an SLR or point and shoot camera, and a DSLR, which is the model that offers interchangeable lenses and manual shooting modes.
Product Specs
This model offers 16 megapixels, which will work well for casual shooting that does not require moderate to heavy image editing or large printouts. One of its predominant features though is its 50x optical zoom, which is complemented by a 100x digital zoom plus. This added feature helps push the camera completely into the “bridge” genre.
The zoom allows users to capture subjects in a way that DSLR cameras need to, so the Canon PowerShot SX530 has the simplicity and ease of use of an SLR camera but is pushing into DSLR territory.
Also aiding in its “bridge” title is the ability for full manual shooting, which DLSRs are known for. This feature cannot be overlooked, as it can make or break a photo. Having the ability to make small or large changes to the way an image is captured in-camera is a feature that is both incredibly useful and very defining of a bridge camera.
The Canon PowerShot SX530 also have Wi-Fi and NFC capabilities, so you do not have to compromise technology as you often do when buying a simpler model than a DSLR. This is also incredibly useful for on-the-go users who need something to bring along on adventures that will not falter when called upon.
With a shutter speed range of 15 seconds to 1/2000 as well as many shooting modes, GPS, and of course manual mode and that added 50x optical zoom, we can say with full confidence that the Canon PowerShot SX530 indeed fulfills its role as a bridge camera – and even adds a few extra perks as well.
Pricing
With prices on the market always changing, we have provided an estimate for the cost of this model based on an average price across the market. You can find the Canon PowerShot SX530 for around the average price range, which is a well-rounded price for a bridge camera with these specs. If you are looking for less expensive options, we recommend exploring Amazon.com as that is where you will probably find the best prices without compromising the integrity of the camera.
How It Compares
We picked a few similar products available on the market to see how they compare. With so many options on the market right now, it is important to know just where the Canon PowerShot SX530 stands among the other options you have available.
Our goal here is to show you what this model has to offer, but also to bring to light other options that may fit your needs better. Regarding cameras, it is hard to know just what you want until you see what exactly is out there.
- Nikon D3400
- Olympus OM-D E-M10 Mark II
- Sony RX100
Canon Powershot SX530
Canon PowerShot SX530 Digital Camera w/ 50X Optical Zoom – Wi-Fi & NFC Enabled (Black)
- Powerful 50x Optical Zoom lets you capture the details that make your photography stand out
- Equipped with built-in Wi Fi and NFC to make wireless sharing of photos between compatible devices easy and convenient
- Fully compatible with Canon’s photo and video storage device: The Canon Connect Station CS100. Focal Length 4.3(W) 215.0(T) millimeter (35 millimeter film equivalent: 24 1200 millimeter). Normal: 2.0 inch (5 centimeter) – infinity (W), 4.3 feet (1.3 meter) infinity (T). Auto/Manual: 0.0 inche (0 centimeter) infinity (W), 4.3 feet (1.3 meter) infinity (T). Macro AF: 0.0 inch 16 feet. (0 50 centimeter) (W)
- 16.0 Megapixel High Sensitivity CMOS sensor delivers state of the art imaging performance
- Full HD video at 30p for notably smooth and lifelike quality
Overall, the Canon Powershot SX530 handled great and had well thought out design and setup. Buttons and dials were in intuitive places and were easy to use, and the grip was well designed to complement the 50x zoom, as it takes two hands to steady the zoom for a clear picture.
There is a live view mode, which is great for those just starting in photography who may not understand exactly what every feature or adjustment does. This mode shows you in real time what the picture would look like as you explore different settings. This addition is crucial for that “bridge” title and bolsters its ease of use as well.
We only had a couple of suggestions that may help round out this model. First, the shutter button is stiffer than other models, which means that the added force needed can jolt, blur, or jar the actual shot – especially if the zoom is used. Second, there is no touchscreen. This does not detract greatly from its ease of use, but we do feel that this addition could make small adjustments much easier and more quickly accessible.
PROS
- Affordable
- 50x optical zoom
- Manual mode
- Easy to use
- Creative shooting modes
- Wi-fi and NFC abilities
CONS
- Digital zoom is useless
- No rugged features
- No touchscreen
Nikon D3400
Nikon D3400 w/ AF-P DX NIKKOR 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6G VR (Black)
- Snap Bridge Bluetooth Connectivity
- 24.2mp dx format CMOS sensor
- Expeed 4 image processor
- No optical low pass filter. Bluetooth specification version 4.1. Wi-Fi functionality eye fi compatible
- Native ISO 100 25600; 5 fps shooting. Compatibility information: c firmware v. 1.10 and later ( released august 31, 2016 )
This camera offers an entry-level DSLR option for those wanting to have the freedom and options a DSLR provides but also wanting the simplicity an SLR is built off of. Nikon takes their model a step further than the Canon bridge camera and offers 24 megapixels as well, which is a solid amount for those just getting into photography or those needing the camera for non-specialized shooting.
This model also has Nikon’s Snapbridge feature, which makes sharing photos on the go much easier. It is Bluetooth enabled, and with the addition of Snapbridge, you can share albums and pictures much faster.
It can shoot 1080p full HD video and boasts of a high tech internal mic as well. With a large ISO range of 200-25,600, this model also competes in low-light environments where pictures and videos struggle.
Olympus OM-D E-M10 Mark II
Olympus OM-D E-M10 Mark II Mirrorless Camera with 14-42mm EZ Lens (Black) US Only
- Builtin 5 Axis image stabilization for sharper images
- 2.3 million dot OLED electronic viewfinder with 0.62X magnification
- Silent mode (disables all shutter sounds)
- 8.5 frames per second burst shooting
- Fast touch auto focus from camera or phone
The Olympus offers 16 megapixels and high tech shooting options in a sleek, modern body. This model is Wi-fi enabled, so you can shoot via your smartphone, and even use touchscreen focusing to customize your image. With 8.5 frames per second shooting speed, this is the fastest on the list so far. This model is also compact, but still adds an electronic viewfinder that can show changes made by different features and adjustments live and in the perfect color.
Olympus has also added a silent shutter option so those needing a silent presence can shoot with ease, making it great for photojournalism especially.
- EASE OF USE
- PERFORMANCE
- DESIGN QUALITY
- WARRANTY
We can happily say that this camera was easy to navigate and use. However, we do say this with the disclaimer that this is not necessarily a beginner’s DLSR camera. If you are new to DLSRs, we will not dissuade you from this option, as it is still simple to use, but it may take just a little more time to explore and understand everything.
The touchscreen helps navigation much more than a traditional four corner nav-pad and gives you a little more freedom in shooting too. The electronic viewfinder is wonderful as well (both for those experienced and those just starting) as it shows you what the final image will look like before you take the picture.
PROS
- Sleek, functional design
- Touchscreen
- Bluetooth and Snapbridge
- Wi-fi enabled
- Compact
CONS
- Too many dials
- No weatherproofing
- Body-only
Sony RX100
Sony RX100 20.2 MP Premium Compact Digital Camera w/ 1-inch sensor, 28-100mm ZEISS zoom lens, 3” LCD
- Approximately 20.1 megapixels , Exmor CMOS Sensor, 28-100mm equivalent F/18-49 lens, ISO 125-6400 Expandable ISO 80, 100, and 25,600, 3-Inch LCD screen with 12M dots
- Operating temperature:Approx. 0°C to 40°C (32F° to 104F°).1080p video, Steady-Shot image stabilization,Rear control dial and customizable front control ring
- Burst Mode (shots)-Approx10 fps,(VGA) Moving Image Size -640×480 30fps Approx3Mbps. Flash range:ISO Auto: approximately 0.3 meter to 17.1 meter (W), approximately 0.55 meter to 6.3 meter (T)
- Bright F18 Carl Zeiss Vario-Sonnar T lens with 36x zoom, Full HD 1080/60p video with manual control and dual record, ,Ultra-slim, sophisticated aluminum body. Extensive features in a sleek camera
- Dimension: 1016 mm x 581 mm x 359 mm, Weight: 213g (75 oz). Exposure Compensation: +/- 3.0 EV, 1/3 EV step
In terms of point and shoot cameras, Sony has had some top contenders – including this model. This is a compact camera that offers 20 megapixels and can shoot around 10 frames per second – which overtakes the Olympus. It also has some temperature durability, being able to perform comfortably between 32 degrees and 104 degrees Fahrenheit.
This model also has a control ring to change things like aperture, and there are various shooting modes as well to further creative ability. Add in video capability and a RAW shooting format, and you pretty much have a compact multi-functional camera that can hold its own in many shooting environments.
As a point and shoot camera, this model is based on simplicity and ease. Not only can it shoot in manual, but full auto as well, and switching between the two is easy. Activating video mode or switching between shooting modes is simple, and the large anti-glare screen makes editing easy.
The only thing this camera is missing is a touchscreen, but the full rotating navigation dial aids in cutting down menu searching time.
PROS
- Compact
- Good megapixels
- Manual and auto shooting modes
- Lots of creative shooting options
- Temperature resistance
CONS
- No weatherproofing
- ISO does not work well in low-light
- No touchscreen
Conclusion
Going back to our original model, the Canon PowerShot SX530, it is probably easy to see now that there are some things to consider before buying. There are some good models out there that each offer something different to the shooting scene.
As for the Canon though, after reviewing these other models, we can happily give this model 4 out of 5 stars. It does have good features that make it a decent option for those looking for a bridge or beginners camera, but there is a definite lack of ground-breaking features for the price point.