June 2011
[Japan:PowerShot SX230 HS, Americas:PowerShot SX230 HS, Europe/Asia/Oceania:PowerShot SX230 HS]
A GPS-enabled model that's perfect for vacations
Photo 1: PowerShot SX230 HS
This month's technical report surveys the many features of the PowerShot SX230 HS, which went on sale in March 2011. The SX230 HS has a 12.1-megapixel high-sensitivity CMOS sensor and a 14x zoom lens with a lens-shift image stabilizer (35mm-film-equivalent focal length range: 28 – 392 mm) and offers GPS, a first for a Canon compact digital camera.
Development objectives
The market has embraced the PowerShot SX200 series for its powerful optical zoom lens packed into a compact body and its ability to deliver extraordinary image quality over a wide range of angles of view. The series is also renowned for embodying the true joy of photography with such comforts as a dedicated Movie button.
The PowerShot SX230 HS (Photo 1) is a further evolution of the PowerShot SX210 IS and features an all-new GPS function. The development aim of this model is as follows.
To realize a digital camera that gives users greater freedom to record highly realistic memories, whether as still images or movies, with the camera's powerful lens, high-sensitivity imaging sensor, and enriched functions, such as HDTV-quality movie recordings.
Feature 1 — Advanced image quality
14x optical zoom lens
This model uses the same f/3.1 (wide) – f/5.9 (tele) 14x zoom lens with a 35mm-film-equivalent focal length range of 28 – 392mm found on the PowerShot SX210 IS. The lens is constructed with 12 elements in 10 groups. To prevent the lens from getting too bulky, we used a rear-focusing design consisting of five lens groups in which the fifth group provides focusing.
The lens's compactness and high performance, in terms of chromatic aberration correction, is the result of the optimal placement of a double-sided aspherical element, a single-sided aspherical UA element, and a UD element.
HS System pairs the high-sensitivity CMOS sensor and the "DIGIC" image processor for high-quality image processing
The CMOS sensor on the PowerShot SX230 HS is more sensitive than conventional CMOS sensors because of its back-illuminated architecture, where the light-capturing surface is placed on top of the wiring layer, thereby boosting the light-capturing efficiency. In addition, Canon's proprietary "DIGIC" image processor delivers outstanding processing speeds. The HS System integrates these two components perfectly so the camera can capture stunning low-noise photos with minimal camera shake or subject blurring even at high ISO speeds.
An even more advanced Smart Auto mode with 32 auto-detection scenes
The Smart Auto mode continues to evolve with the inclusion of Advanced Subject Detection, powered by a new algorithm, which automatically identifies and locks on non-human subjects.
Thanks to this evolution, the camera can distinguish between a total of 32 different scenes, which takes the guesswork out of taking beautiful pictures (Table 1).
Table 1: Smart Auto
- *1. Appears when the scene is dark and the camera is attached to a tripod or otherwise fixed.
- *2. Icons selected from the detected scenes are shown as appropriate.
- Note: Icons in the green areas are shown when shooting in Smart Movie mode. Icons in other areas are selected from the detected scenes and are shown as appropriate. When shooting HDTV movies, the camera first detects and sets the background category, after which it will select the scene from the scenes available in the background category.
- Note: Depending on the scene, an icon that differs from the actual scene may be displayed.
Figure 1: White balance adjustment window in Underwater mode
Better white-balance performance in Underwater mode
Improvements to the Underwater mode's white balance function give better white-balance performance at deeper water depths than previously.
Furthermore, it is now possible to customize the white balance in the Underwater shooting mode with fine adjustments to the B-A (blue-amber) color temperature setting. Using the [MANUAL] adjustment, users can take photos that more faithfully resemble the original subject when underwater (Figure 1).
Optical image stabilizer provides about a 4 f-stop stabilization gain
Smart Flash Exposure optimizes the flash level and brightness setting to match the shooting conditions
Tracking AF with subject selection
Servo AF / Servo AE
i-Contrast optimizes the exposure and tone for the shooting conditions
Feature 2 — Outstanding functionality
Figure 2: Position information display during playback
Figure 3: Map Utility window
First GPS-enabled Canon compact digital camera
An antenna mounted in the top of the camera picks up GPS satellite signals, which the camera uses to calculate the current position. When a photo is taken, the position data is saved with the photo on the memory card so that users can check during playback exactly where the photo was taken (Figure 2).
The SX230 HS also has a GPS Logger function that runs while the camera is turned off. GPS Logger launches the GPS function periodically and automatically writes the current position to the memory card.
Using the supplied Map Utility software application, users can display a map* on a computer that shows the path they followed with the camera and the places where they took photos. This introduces a fresh way to enjoy your memories by looking at your photos and tracing the path you followed (Figure 3).
Another function automatically synchronizes the camera's internal clock with satellite time data.
*Google Maps is used to display maps.
HDTV movie shooting functions
The PowerShot SX230 HS supports HDTV movies with an incredible 1920 x 1080 resolution. And because the camera allows for optical zooming and stereo audio recording while shooting in HDTV, it is possible to record extremely realistic movies.
Users can upload movies directly to YouTube from Camera Window by using the supplied Movie Uploader for YouTube software application. With one simple operation, it is possible to share movies with friends and family living far away.
Dedicated Movie button starts movie recording instantly even in a still-image shooting mode
Smart Movie optimizes the recording settings after automatically detecting the shooting conditions
Supports iFrame movies, a standard developed by Apple
iFrame is a video file format that consists of only i-frames with H.264 compression and no inter-frame compression. The frame rate is fixed at 30 shots/sec. and the size at 1280 x 720 pixels. By not having inter-frame compression, iFrame movies can be edited more quickly and simply than other formats in Canon editing programs such as ZoomBrowser EX or ImageBrowser.
iFrame movies are a perfect match for today's way of enjoying movies as a means of communicating with a large audience by sharing edited movies over the Internet.
Super Slow Motion captures in slow motion actions too fast for the naked eye
Wide variety of scene modes
The PowerShot SX230 HS includes the new Movie Digest scene mode to complement High-speed Burst, Handheld Night Scene, Low Light, and many other shooting modes that harness the CMOS sensor's strengths. Movie Digest captures short movie clips* two to four seconds long immediately before each still image is taken and combines the clips into one movie file stored on the memory card over the course of a day. Movie Digest adds more fun to re-living a wedding or other special day with a movie even though you only shot still images on the day.
*The frame rate is fixed at 30 shots/sec. and the size at 640 x 480 pixels.
Photo 2: Creative Filters mode
Creative Filters combines special filter scene modes
On previous models, fun effects like Miniature Effect and Fisheye Effect were selected from the scene modes when in a shooting mode that permitted the effects. To provide easier access to these special filter effects, we added a Creative Filters mode to the Mode dial (Photo 2). We also added two new shooting modes.
Toy Camera Effect
Although the "toy" cameras on the market do not measure up to normal digital cameras in terms of resolution or edge brightness, their lens distortion and coloring give photos a unique flavor.
In the Toy Camera Effect mode, the camera processes the image to darken the corners for a vignette effect and heighten the contrast throughout the frame to resemble the feel of a toy camera photo (Figure 4). This mode has a Standard setting as well as Warm and Cool settings.
Monochrome
On previous models, it was possible to shoot in B&W or sepia using the My Colors effects. The new Monochrome mode offers these two settings as well as a Blue setting. By adding Monochrome as a shooting mode, users can access single-tone photos much more easily (Figure 5).
Figure 4: Photo taken with the Toy Camera Effect
Figure 5: Monochrome photos
Support for multiple aspect ratios
To expand the user's angle-of-view options, we added 3:2 and 1:1 aspect ratios to the PowerShot SX 210 IS's 4:3 and 16:9 aspect ratios.
Histogram
Feature 3 — More comfortable operation
3.0 inch LCD monitor with about 461,000 dots
The PowerShot SX230 HS comes with a 3.0 inch, wide aspect ratio, 461,000-dot PureColor G LCD monitor with enhanced color reproduction. The monitor's image is always visible, as its design minimizes glare and reflections from external light.
Ring-type zoom lever
Zooming operation is improved with a ring-type zoom lever that is positioned around the shutter button.
Menu and mode guidance display
Useful transitions with Scroll playback
Special effect transitions and slideshows that apply effects when switching between playback images
Filtered playback that displays only images in the selected category or with the selected date stamp
Pop-up Flash with both manual and auto operation
As on the PowerShot SX210 IS, the Pop-up Flash automatically opens or closes when the camera is turned on or off and can be operated manually as well.
Feature 4 — High-grade design combines beauty and carrying comfort
Photo 3: Color variations
Besides the striking beauty of its two-tone coloring and its arched form, the PowerShot SX230 HS's polished design makes the camera slimmer and simpler. The front and rear covers give off an elegant sheen that is produced with a dyed anodic oxide coating. The camera comes in three body colors: black, red, and blue (Photo 3).
Feature 5 — Enhanced printing functions and digital communications
Select images for printing with DPOF
PictBridge support
HDMI mini connector
Feature 6 — Array of system accessories
Photo 4: Waterproof case
Eye-Fi card support*
*Although the Eye-Fi Card is supported, the PowerShot SX230 HS cannot guarantee the Eye-Fi card function (i.e., wireless communications). Many countries still require special permission or authorization to use Eye-Fi cards. Unauthorized use of Eye-Fi cards is not condoned.
Accepts SDXC memory cards
Waterproof case
Available as an option, the WP-DC42 waterproof case (Photo 4) allows the PowerShot SX230 HS to be used underwater to depths of 40 meters.
Photo 5: PowerShot SX230 HS and its kit components
This completes our look at the PowerShot SX230 HS this month. Table 2 lists the camera's main specifications, and Photo 5 illustrates the kit components that come with the camera. There is no suggested retail price for the PowerShot SX230 HS.
| PowerShot SX230 HS | |
|---|---|
| Imaging sensor (CMOS) | 1/2.3 type CMOS sensor with ~12.1 effective megapixels (~12.8 total megapixels), high-sensitivity sensor type |
| Color filter type | RGB |
| Photographic lens (35mm-film equivalent) | 28 – 392mm, f/3.1 (wide) – f/5.9 (tele), 14x zoom |
| Digital zoom | ~4.0x (~56x max. zoom when combined with the optical zoom) |
| LCD monitor | 3.0 inch (TFT color LCD, ~461,000 dots, excellent color reproduction and wide viewing angle), brightness adjustment, Quick-Bright LCD |
| Autofocus | Single, Continuous, Servo AF / Servo AE, Face Detect / Tracking AF / Center |
| Focusing range | Auto mode: 5cm to infinity (wide) / 1m to infinity (tele), Macro mode: 5 to 50cm (wide) |
| Shutter | Mechanical shutter + electronic shutter |
| Shutter speeds | 1/3200 – 1 sec. 1/3200 to 15 sec. (total shutter speed range from all shooting modes) |
| Light metering methods | Evaluative, Center-weighted average, Spot (fixed to center) |
| Exposure compensation | ±2 stops in 1/3-stop increments |
| ISO speeds (Standard Output Sensitivity / Recommended Exposure Index) | Auto, ISO 100 / 200 / 400 / 800 / 1600 / 3200 (when in P shooting mode) |
| Flash ranges | 75cm – 3.5m (wide), 1.0 – 2.0m (tele) (when ISO speed is set to Auto) |
| White balance | Auto, Day Light, Cloudy, Tungsten, Fluorescent, Fluorescent H, Underwater, Custom |
| Shooting modes | M / Av / Tv / P / Auto*1 / Easy / Movie Digest / Portrait / Landscape / Kids & Pets / SCN*2 / Creative Filters*3 / Movie *1. Smart Auto available *2. Smart Shutter*4 / High-Speed Burst / Best Image Selection / Handheld Night Scene / Low Light / Beach / Underwater / Foliage / Snow / Fireworks / Stitch Assist *3. Fisheye Effect / Miniature Effect / Toy Camera Effect / Monochrome / Super Vivid / Poster Effect / Color Accent / Color Swap *4. Smile Self-Timer / Wink Self-Timer / Face Detection Self-Timer |
| Continuous shooting | Normal: ~3.2 shots/sec. (when in P shooting mode); ~8.1 shots/sec. (when in High-Speed Burst mode)* *Speed depends on the zoom position. The continuous shooting speed may slow down after a certain number of images have been taken. |
| Recording pixels (still images) When set to a 4:3 aspect ratio |
Large: 4000 × 3000, Medium 1: 2816 × 2112, Medium 2: 1600 × 1200, Small: 640 × 480 (Fixed at 1984 × 1488 in High-Speed Burst, Best Image Selection, and Low Light modes) |
| Compression (still images) | Fine, Normal |
| Movies | Standard movies / recorded with Movie button:*1 1920 × 1080 (24 shots/sec.*2), 1280 × 720 (30 shots/sec.*3), 640 × 480 (30 shots/sec.*3), 320 × 240 (30 shots/sec.*3) iFrame movies: 1280 × 720 (30 shots/sec.*3) Super Slow Motion movies: 640 × 480*4, 320 × 240*5 Movie Digest movies: 640 × 480 (30 shots/sec.*3) *1. Miniature Effect movies: 1280 x 720, 640 x 480 (recorded at 1.5, 3, or 6 shots/sec. and played back at 30 shots/sec.*3) *2. Actual speed is 23.976 shots/sec. *3. Actual speed is 29.97 shots/sec. *4. Recorded at 120 shots/sec. (actual speed is 119.88 shots/sec.) and played back at 30 shots/sec.*3 *5. Recorded at 240 shots/sec. (actual speed is 239.76 shots/sec.) and played back at 30 shots/sec.*3 |
| Recording media | SD memory card, SDHC memory card, SDXC memory card, MMC card, MMCplus card, HC MMCplus card |
| Color space | Standard (sRGB) |
| File format | Compliant with Design rule for Camera File system and DPOF |
| Data types | Still images: Exif 2.3 (JPEG) Movies: MOV (video: H.264, audio: Linear PCM (stereo)) GPS log files: compliant with the NMEA 0183 message format |
| Power supply | Rechargeable lithium-ion battery: NB-5L; AC adapter kit: ACK-DC30 (sold separately) |
| Dimensions (CIPA compliant) | 105.7 x 61.6 x 33.2 mm |
| Weight (CIPA compliant) | ~223 grams (including battery and memory card) / ~195 grams (body only) |
Table 2: Main specifications of the PowerShot SX230 HS
