Canon PowerShot SX210 IS

The Canon SX210 IS targets users interested in a high-end camera but who are not keen on splurging for a basic SLR.

With a resolution of 14.1-megapixels, 14x optical zoom, 35-point face detection and a host of other toys, there's no doubt the SX210 is packed with high-end features. Using the camera over a period of one month, we found its photos realistic and vibrant - its intelligent contrast correction, scene detection and handy image stabiliser no doubt played a part in the quality of our shots.

Retailing for US $380 the SX210 IS falls in the same category and price bracket as the Nikon Coolpix S8000. The Nikon however is almost half as thin, a tad bit lighter and better designed overall. While the Canon's casing feels quite rugged and looked like it was capable of shrugging off a few knocks, we found its zoom controls quite flimsy. The position of the pop-up flash - on the top left corner of the camera - is a little annoying as well, simply because this is where most users rest their left index finger, when holding a point-and-shoot. Since the flash has to pop-up when the SX210 is on, you'll have to hold the camera differently.      

Given the PowerShot  SX210's specs, we were baffled as to why Canon would design such a powerful camera and then handicap it with odd design and ergonomics.

ITP