Compact shooter that does everything

Author's Rating:

Pros: Long lens, compact size, excellent video, smart auto mode.

Cons: High price, pop up flash can be annoying.

The Bottom Line: 
Leave the camcorder at home, this is the only camera you'll ever need!

Author's Review
I've been a camera buff for roughly 40 years.  Like most early users, I started with a simple Kodak box model and later progressed to 35MM.  That is when I learned about what's really involved shooting photos.  In the good old days nothing was automatic, thankfully that is behind us.

Step ahead 40 years and we are using cameras that weigh just a few ounces rather than pounds.  For the most part, they all take good pictures, which tends to make camera selection somewhat difficult.
I own three digital cameras, each has a place at the table but the Canon SX200 is my favorite and the subject of this article.  The other two are made by Casio and Fuji just to let you know the Canon nameplate does not prejudice me.

Why three you ask?  The Fuji has a long lens and a terrific burst mode while the Casio is one great mini that is super easy to carry around.  But... the Fuji is bulky and made heavier by its four double AA's, the Casio lacks a wide-angle lens and is limited by its measly 3X zoom.

The Canon gets my vote for a number of reasons.  While some of us would like to think we'd be getting calls from Life magazine for our picture taking ability, the reality is playing around with aperture settings, ISO or shutter speed is far too complicated for the average user.  Quite honestly all I want to do is point and shoot and trust in the camera to make decisions for me.  Except that is for the rare occasion I'd like to have the ability to get creative, the Canon allows me to do that.

I'm not going to get into the nuts and bolts but I will discuss why this model should be on your shopping list.  Pocket cameras have a distinct advantage when it comes to usability.   Perhaps I'm stretching things a bit, as the Canon isn't quite as easy to carry around as the Casio nor as light for that matter.  Nevertheless, it does fit in a pants pocket, just not quite as comfortably.

Lost lens caps are a thing of the past as this camera has a built-in lens cover, another reason I like a pocket model.  Turning the camera on produces a nearly instant response, the flash pops up and the lens extends ready to reach out to its 12X optical capability.  Keep your finger on the telephoto button and it continues to reach out until it achieves its maximum 48X digital setting.  The camera body feels very sturdy being mostly metal.  A hand strap is provided, a good thing, since the surface material can be slippery.  Comfortable one hand operation is assisted by a thumb rest and the large 3.0 inch display is bright and exceptionally clear.  

I find myself using the auto mode for most of my shooting needs. Smart Auto analyzes shooting situations and responds accordingly, automatically selecting the most appropriate preset type from among several basic choices - portrait, landscape, and macro modes.  For those so inclined a manual mode setting is provided on the scene selector knob located on the top of the camera body. 
 
Talk about convenience and usability, what could be nicer than being able to shoot decent video without having to drag a camcorder along.  The SX200 shoots 720P HD video at 30 frames per second, impressive.  Even better it allows a video to run up to 30 minutes.

While some reviewers tout the benefits of  double AA battery power, I'm delighted with the Canon's lithium-ion power source.  I'll trade its smaller size and weight any day for the supposed convenience of the AA's.  Besides how many people are going to take in excess of 200 pictures on any given day? 

So far this camera sounds nearly perfect doesn't it?  Well it's close but the suggested retail price ($349) will definitely deter some and the pop-up flash is rather annoying.  There is no way to stop the flash from opening when the camera is turned on.  Not so bad except for the fact it gets in the way of hand holding when using both hands.  I also wonder how long it will be before it gets stuck in the up or down position?

To sum up this is a very flexible camera.  The light weight, compact size and long lens combined with its smart auto and exceptional video should make it a top contender on everybody's shopping list.