Increase Skills with Canon SX210IS

Apart from the PASM exposure modes, Canon SX210IS has 2 automatic options--Auto and Easy. There is not much in the way of grip, as the front is flush, but the mode dial sits neatly under the thumb and has enough resistance to avoid adjusting the mode accidentally.

The LCD screen primarily looks interesting, as it takes up much of the rear, but its widescreen format is only of benefit when shooting video and, combined with the relatively low 230k-dot resolution, leaves traditional stills shooters a little short-changed.

In use, the digital camera is very responsive and a breeze to control. Keep a clean design and to save space and, the quick access symbols have been removing and instead show up on the screen when your finger covers the dial. While this is clever, it does slow the process.

Focusing is quick and reliable, backed up with a fantastic low-light AF beam. The creative modes are quick and easy to use thanks to the rear dial, and the range of scene modes includes some useful and fun functions, such as: the miniature mode, for tilt shift effects; a fisheye effect; and high ISO low-light mode.

HD video function is easily accessed and easy to navigate, thanks to the smooth zoom and impressive stabilization. The mov Quicktime format also means it is possible to play back on any machine.

Based on Canon SX210IS review, operating Canon Powershot camera takes a bit of getting used to, but this shouldn't be a problem for enthusiasts. The Miniature Effect and Fisheye scene modes are a plus for us as we spent many moments looking for suitable spots to take exciting shots with these filters.

The PASM exposure mode is great for users who want to learn more about photography, too. If you're fussy about snapshot quality and will probably spend time, poring through the pictures at 100 % on a computer. You might not be so happy with the noise level the PowerShot churns out.

Nice to see Canon putting forward a number of fun features to widen its appeal. While its specification and feature lists are quite impressive for the camera's size, I was total blown away by its shooting performance or image quality results.

Canon Powershot SX210IS is a decent point and also shoot digicam which will enlighten experts and possibly overwhelm newbies along with the many features it does have. Fortunately, though the Powershot SX210 does have got a fairly easy setting for novices and the Auto mode actually does a very good job on taking general-purpose photos.

A new rear dial enables rapid adjusting of aperture or shutter, and will possibly be use for manual focusing, along with a variety of other functions. The dial also doubles up as a four-way d-pad, giving quick entry to focusing, flash, self-timer and exposure compensation.

As well as a video function on the shooting dial, there is also a fast video record option to permit for immediate access, which can be customizing for alternative uses. When the camera is turn on the flash automatically raises but can then be pushed down and pulled up again manually if wanted.

Autofocus features a single centre point selection with face detection and tracking, there's lens-based image stabilization to reduce the risk of camera shake, possibly at full zoom.