Canon PowerShot SX1 IS

Hi, I was considering subject camera. I'd prefer a compact camera over a DSLR because it is less bulky and one doesn't have to worry about carrying lenses. On the other hand those cameras are known to be noisy at higher ISO settings.

Any experience with that camera, or its predecessor? Is it worth consideration, or should I rather go for a DSLR? Any experience with Lumix G1?

Thanks, Konrad

Hi,

I've tested the Canon PowerShot SX1 IS myself for a short period. If you can live with ISO 100, then it is OK. Pros are: very good IS , very good optics with low distortions and a good video mode - if one cares about that.

But if you frequently use higher ISO settings, then it is not recommendable IMO. The noise reduction destroys fine details already at ISO 200. ISO 800 is not useable and ISO 400 is very soft with barely fine details. The Lumix G1 is much better in this regard, but still not at the same level of a 1,6 or 1,5 cropped 'normal' DSLR. It uses a 4/3 chip, which is smaller than the one Canon, Nikon et al. use. It is a good compromise between image quality and size though.

Just my 2 cents

Hoang-Tran