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- Canon PowerShot SX1 IS Features and Specifications
With a 10.0 MP Canon CMOS sensor and 20x wide-angle zoom for incredible reach, the PowerShot SX1 IS offers continuous shooting up to 4fps. Supplement photos with Full HD videos.

Features
- 20x wide-angle zoom with optical IS
- 10.0 MP Canon CMOS sensor
- Full HD movies
- DIGIC 4
- Extra fast continuous shooting at full resolution (4fps)
- Face Detection and anti-blur technology
- i-Contrast
- 2.8” wide vari-angle LCD
- EX Speedlite flash compatible

Super zoom
The powerful 20x wide-angle (28mm, f/2.8) optical zoom provides outstanding reach and composition flexibility. With Ultrasonic Motor (USM) and Voice Coil Motor (VCM), zooming is fast, accurate and near-silent, while Canon’s renowned optical Image Stabilizer technology counteracts camera shake.
Canon CMOS sensor
The PowerShot SX1 IS is the first Canon compact camera to incorporate a Canon CMOS sensor, which allows high resolution shooting in exceptionally rapid bursts. The sensor boasts 10 Megapixels for capturing the finest detail, allowing creative cropping and superb large-scale prints.
HD movies in stereo
Create smooth, high quality movies in full high definition (1080, 30p), then use HDMI connectivity for playback on HD widescreen TVs – complete with CD quality stereo sound.

DIGIC 4
Incorporating the latest in image processing technology, DIGIC 4 delivers extraordinary noise reduction. The result is richly detailed, cleaner images, even when shooting at high ISO speeds. DIGIC 4 also drives exceptional processing speeds and responsive operation.
Miss nothing
With the Canon CMOS sensor, extra fast continuous shooting speeds (up to 4fps) at full resolution are achieved. Servo AF tracks moving subjects to ensure they remain in focus.
Face Detection Technology
Great people shots are assured with the latest Face Detection AF/AE/FE/WB – even faces at angles and far away. Face Select & Track optimises settings for a chosen person, while FaceSelf-Timer waits for you to enter the frame for great self-portraits or group photos.
Eliminate blur
The PowerShot SX1 IS combats potential blur with High ISO Auto and Motion Detection Technology, which ascertains movement of both camera and subject to set the optimum ISO, whatever the shooting situation. Servo AF tracks moving subjects to ensure they remain in focus.
Optimum contrast
Working in both shooting and playback, i-Contrast boosts brightness in dark areas. The result is improved contrast with detail retained in tricky lighting conditions.
Large LCD
The 2.8" widescreen vari-angle LCD enables framing from challenging angles and easy sharing of images in playback. Night Display mode enhances screen visibility in low light.

Flash compatible
For extended shooting options and better light coverage, the comprehensive accessory system includes compatibility with Canon EX Speedlite flash range.
Specification
IMAGE SENSOR
Type
1/2.3” Canon CMOS
Effective Pixels
Approx.10.0M
Colour Filter Type
Primary Colour
IMAGE PROCESSOR
Type
DIGIC 4 with iSAPS technology
LENS
Focal Length
5.0 - 100.0 mm (35mm equivalent: 28-560mm (4:3 aspect ratio) / 29-580mm (16:9 aspect ratio))
Zoom
Optical 20x. Digital approx. 4x (with Digital Tele-Converter approx. 1.4x or 2.3x and Safety Zoom ) . Combined approx. 80x
Maximum f/number
f/2.8-f/5.7
Construction
13 elements in 11 groups (1 UD and 1 single-sided aspherical element)
Image Stabilisation
Yes (shift-type)
Ultrasonic Motor (USM)
Yes, zoom
FOCUSING
Type
TTL
AF System/ Points
Face Detection, 1-point AF (Any position is available, fixed to centre or Face Select and Track)
AF Modes
Single, Continuous, Servo AF
AF Point Selection
Manual selection using FlexiZone AF/AE, Size (Normal, Small)
AF Lock
On/Off Selectable
AF Assist Beam
Yes
Manual Focus
Yes
Focus Bracketing
Yes
Closest Focusing Distance
0cm (W) from front of lens in Super Macro
EXPOSURE CONTROL
Metering modes
Evaluative (linked to Face Detection AF frame), Centre-weighted average, Spot (centre or linked to Face Detection AF or FlexiZone AF frame)
AE Lock
Yes
Exposure Compensation
+/- 2 EV in 1/3 stop increments.
i-Contrast for automatic dynamic range correction
AEB
1/3 - 2 EV in 1/3 stop increments
ISO sensitivity
AUTO, High ISO Auto (incorporating Motion Detection Technology), 80, 100, 200, 400, 800, 1600
SHUTTER
Speed
1/8 - 1/3200 sec (factory default)
15 - 1/3200 sec (total range - varies by s
hooting mode)
WHITE BALANCE
Type
TTL
Settings
Auto (including Face Detection WB), Daylight, Cloudy, Tungsten, Fluorescent, Fluorescent H, Flash, Custom
VIEWFINDER
Viewfinder
EVF (0.40" type), aspect ratio 16:9, approx. 148,000 dots
Dioptre Correction
Yes
LCD MONITOR
Monitor
Vari-angle 2.8” TFT, aspect ratio 16:9, approx. 230,000 dots
Coverage
100%
Brightness
Adjustable to one of two levels
FLASH
Modes
Auto, Manual Flash On / Off
Slow Sync Speed
Yes
Red-Eye Reduction
Yes
Flash Exposure Compensation
+/- 2 EV in 1/3 stop increments. Face Detection FE. Safety FE.
Flash Exposure Lock
Yes
Manual Power Adjustment
3 levels with internal flash (up to 19 levels with external EX Speedlites 220EX and 430EX II. 22 levels with 580EX II )
Second Curtain Synchronisation
Yes
Built-in Flash Range
50cm-4.8m (W) / 1.0m-2.6m (T)
External Flash
E-TTL with EX series Speedlites , Canon High Power Flash HF-DC1
SHOOTING
Modes
Auto, Program AE, Shutter priority AE, Aperture priority AE, Manual, Custom, Portrait, Landscape, Night Snapshot, Sports, Stitch Assist, Movie, Special Scene (Indoor, Night Scene, Sunset, Foliage, Snow, Beach, Fireworks, Long Shutter, Aquarium, ISO 3200, Color Accent, Color Swap), Super Macro
Photo Effects
My Colors (My Colors Off, Vivid, Neutral, Sepia, Black & White, Positive Film, Lighter Skin Tone, Darker Skin Tone, Vivid Blue, Vivid Green, Vivid Red, Custom Color)
Drive modes
Single, Continuous, Self-Timer, FaceSelf-Timer
Continuous Shooting
Approx. 4.0 shots/sec.(6), AF: Approx. 1.1 shots/sec., LV: Approx. 1.2 shots/sec.(6) (until memory card becomes full)
RECORDING PIXELS / COMPRESSION
Image Size
(L) 3648 x 2736, (M1) 2816 x 2112, (M2) 2272 x 1704, (M3) 1600 x 1200, (S) 640 x 480, (LW) 3640 x 2160, (SW) 1920 x 1080. Resize in playback (M3, S, 320 x 240. LW to SW)
Compression
Superfine, Fine, Normal
Movies
(HD) 1920 x 1080, 30fps (1080p), (L)640 x 480, 30fps, (M)320 x 240, 30fps
Movie Length
(HD) Up to 4GB or 29 min. 59 sec.
(L and M) Up to 4GB or 1 hour
FILE TYPES
Still Image Type
JPEG compression, (Exif 2.2 [Exif Print] compliant) / Design rule for Camera File system, Digital Print Order Format [DPOF] Version 1.1 compliant
Movies
MOV [H.264 + Linear PCM (stereo)]
Sound Files
WAVE (stereo)
DIRECT PRINT
Canon Printers
Canon SELPHY Compact Photo Printers and Canon Inkjet Printers supporting PictBridge (ID Photo Print, Fixed Size Print and Movie Print supported on SELPHY CP & ES printers only)
PictBridge
Yes
OTHER FEATURES
Red-Eye Correction
Yes, during shooting and playback
My Camera / My Menu
Start-up image and camera sounds customisation. Menu customisation.
My Category
Image tagging feature
Sound Memo
Up to 60 sec per image
Intelligent Orientation Sensor
Yes
Histogram
Yes, live histogram
Playback Zoom
Approx. 2x – 10x
Self Timer
Approx. 2 or 10 sec., Custom or FaceSelf-Timer
Menu Languages
English, German, French, Dutch, Danish, Finnish, Italian, Norwegian, Swedish, Spanish, Simplified Chinese, Chinese (traditional), Japanese, Russian, Portuguese, Korean, Greek, Polish, Czech, Hungarian, Turkish, Thai, Arabic, Ukrainian, Romanian, Farsi
INTERFACE
Computer
Hi-Speed USB (Mini-B, MTP, PTP)
Other
HDMI Mini Connector. A/V output (PAL/NTSC)
MEMORY CARD
Type
SD, SDHC, MMC, MMCplus, HC MMCplus.
SUPPORTED OPERATING SYSTEM
PC & Macintosh
Windows XP SP2 / Vista (including SP1)
Mac OS X v10.4 - 10.5
SOFTWARE
Browsing & Printing
ZoomBrowser EX / ImageBrowser
Other
PhotoStitch
POWER SOURCE
Batteries
4x Size-AA Alkaline or NiMH Batteries (NB4-300) (Alkalines supplied)
Battery life
Approx. 160 shots (with supplied batteries)
Approx. 420 shots (with optional Canon NB4-300 batteries)
Approx. 720 min. playback (with supplied batteries)
Approx. 840 min. playback (with Canon NB4-300 batteries)
A/C Power Supply
Optional, Power adapter CA-PS700
ACCESSORIES
Case
Soft Case DCC-800
Flash
Canon Speedlites (220EX, 430EX II, 580EX, 580EX II ), Speedlite Transmitter ST-E2, Off-Camera Shoe Cord OC-E3
High Power Flash HF-DC1
Remote Controller/ Switch
Wireless Controller WC-DC300
Power Supply & Battery Chargers
Compact AC power adapter CA-PS700, Battery Charger Kit CBK4-300, Ni-MH Batteries NB4-300
Other
Canon HDMI Cable HTC-100
PHYSICAL SPECIFICATIONS
Operating Environment
0 – 40 °C , 10 – 90% humidity
Dimensions (WxHxD, excl. protrusions)
127.5 x 88.3 x 87.7 mm
Weight (body only)
Approx. 585g

Features
- 20x wide-angle zoom with optical IS
- 10.0 MP Canon CMOS sensor
- Full HD movies
- DIGIC 4
- Extra fast continuous shooting at full resolution (4fps)
- Face Detection and anti-blur technology
- i-Contrast
- 2.8” wide vari-angle LCD
- EX Speedlite flash compatible

Super zoom
The powerful 20x wide-angle (28mm, f/2.8) optical zoom provides outstanding reach and composition flexibility. With Ultrasonic Motor (USM) and Voice Coil Motor (VCM), zooming is fast, accurate and near-silent, while Canon’s renowned optical Image Stabilizer technology counteracts camera shake.
Canon CMOS sensor
The PowerShot SX1 IS is the first Canon compact camera to incorporate a Canon CMOS sensor, which allows high resolution shooting in exceptionally rapid bursts. The sensor boasts 10 Megapixels for capturing the finest detail, allowing creative cropping and superb large-scale prints.
HD movies in stereo
Create smooth, high quality movies in full high definition (1080, 30p), then use HDMI connectivity for playback on HD widescreen TVs – complete with CD quality stereo sound.

DIGIC 4
Incorporating the latest in image processing technology, DIGIC 4 delivers extraordinary noise reduction. The result is richly detailed, cleaner images, even when shooting at high ISO speeds. DIGIC 4 also drives exceptional processing speeds and responsive operation.
Miss nothing
With the Canon CMOS sensor, extra fast continuous shooting speeds (up to 4fps) at full resolution are achieved. Servo AF tracks moving subjects to ensure they remain in focus.
Face Detection Technology
Great people shots are assured with the latest Face Detection AF/AE/FE/WB – even faces at angles and far away. Face Select & Track optimises settings for a chosen person, while FaceSelf-Timer waits for you to enter the frame for great self-portraits or group photos.
Eliminate blur
The PowerShot SX1 IS combats potential blur with High ISO Auto and Motion Detection Technology, which ascertains movement of both camera and subject to set the optimum ISO, whatever the shooting situation. Servo AF tracks moving subjects to ensure they remain in focus.
Optimum contrast
Working in both shooting and playback, i-Contrast boosts brightness in dark areas. The result is improved contrast with detail retained in tricky lighting conditions.
Large LCD
The 2.8" widescreen vari-angle LCD enables framing from challenging angles and easy sharing of images in playback. Night Display mode enhances screen visibility in low light.

Flash compatible
For extended shooting options and better light coverage, the comprehensive accessory system includes compatibility with Canon EX Speedlite flash range.
Specification
IMAGE SENSOR
Type
1/2.3” Canon CMOS
Effective Pixels
Approx.10.0M
Colour Filter Type
Primary Colour
IMAGE PROCESSOR
Type
DIGIC 4 with iSAPS technology
LENS
Focal Length
5.0 - 100.0 mm (35mm equivalent: 28-560mm (4:3 aspect ratio) / 29-580mm (16:9 aspect ratio))
Zoom
Optical 20x. Digital approx. 4x (with Digital Tele-Converter approx. 1.4x or 2.3x and Safety Zoom ) . Combined approx. 80x
Maximum f/number
f/2.8-f/5.7
Construction
13 elements in 11 groups (1 UD and 1 single-sided aspherical element)
Image Stabilisation
Yes (shift-type)
Ultrasonic Motor (USM)
Yes, zoom
FOCUSING
Type
TTL
AF System/ Points
Face Detection, 1-point AF (Any position is available, fixed to centre or Face Select and Track)
AF Modes
Single, Continuous, Servo AF
AF Point Selection
Manual selection using FlexiZone AF/AE, Size (Normal, Small)
AF Lock
On/Off Selectable
AF Assist Beam
Yes
Manual Focus
Yes
Focus Bracketing
Yes
Closest Focusing Distance
0cm (W) from front of lens in Super Macro
EXPOSURE CONTROL
Metering modes
Evaluative (linked to Face Detection AF frame), Centre-weighted average, Spot (centre or linked to Face Detection AF or FlexiZone AF frame)
AE Lock
Yes
Exposure Compensation
+/- 2 EV in 1/3 stop increments.
i-Contrast for automatic dynamic range correction
AEB
1/3 - 2 EV in 1/3 stop increments
ISO sensitivity
AUTO, High ISO Auto (incorporating Motion Detection Technology), 80, 100, 200, 400, 800, 1600
SHUTTER
Speed
1/8 - 1/3200 sec (factory default)
15 - 1/3200 sec (total range - varies by s
WHITE BALANCE
Type
TTL
Settings
Auto (including Face Detection WB), Daylight, Cloudy, Tungsten, Fluorescent, Fluorescent H, Flash, Custom
VIEWFINDER
Viewfinder
EVF (0.40" type), aspect ratio 16:9, approx. 148,000 dots
Dioptre Correction
Yes
LCD MONITOR
Monitor
Vari-angle 2.8” TFT, aspect ratio 16:9, approx. 230,000 dots
Coverage
100%
Brightness
Adjustable to one of two levels
FLASH
Modes
Auto, Manual Flash On / Off
Slow Sync Speed
Yes
Red-Eye Reduction
Yes
Flash Exposure Compensation
+/- 2 EV in 1/3 stop increments. Face Detection FE. Safety FE.
Flash Exposure Lock
Yes
Manual Power Adjustment
3 levels with internal flash (up to 19 levels with external EX Speedlites 220EX and 430EX II. 22 levels with 580EX II )
Second Curtain Synchronisation
Yes
Built-in Flash Range
50cm-4.8m (W) / 1.0m-2.6m (T)
External Flash
E-TTL with EX series Speedlites , Canon High Power Flash HF-DC1
SHOOTING
Modes
Auto, Program AE, Shutter priority AE, Aperture priority AE, Manual, Custom, Portrait, Landscape, Night Snapshot, Sports, Stitch Assist, Movie, Special Scene (Indoor, Night Scene, Sunset, Foliage, Snow, Beach, Fireworks, Long Shutter, Aquarium, ISO 3200, Color Accent, Color Swap), Super Macro
Photo Effects
My Colors (My Colors Off, Vivid, Neutral, Sepia, Black & White, Positive Film, Lighter Skin Tone, Darker Skin Tone, Vivid Blue, Vivid Green, Vivid Red, Custom Color)
Drive modes
Single, Continuous, Self-Timer, FaceSelf-Timer
Continuous Shooting
Approx. 4.0 shots/sec.(6), AF: Approx. 1.1 shots/sec., LV: Approx. 1.2 shots/sec.(6) (until memory card becomes full)
RECORDING PIXELS / COMPRESSION
Image Size
(L) 3648 x 2736, (M1) 2816 x 2112, (M2) 2272 x 1704, (M3) 1600 x 1200, (S) 640 x 480, (LW) 3640 x 2160, (SW) 1920 x 1080. Resize in playback (M3, S, 320 x 240. LW to SW)
Compression
Superfine, Fine, Normal
Movies
(HD) 1920 x 1080, 30fps (1080p), (L)640 x 480, 30fps, (M)320 x 240, 30fps
Movie Length
(HD) Up to 4GB or 29 min. 59 sec.
(L and M) Up to 4GB or 1 hour
FILE TYPES
Still Image Type
JPEG compression, (Exif 2.2 [Exif Print] compliant) / Design rule for Camera File system, Digital Print Order Format [DPOF] Version 1.1 compliant
Movies
MOV [H.264 + Linear PCM (stereo)]
Sound Files
WAVE (stereo)
DIRECT PRINT
Canon Printers
Canon SELPHY Compact Photo Printers and Canon Inkjet Printers supporting PictBridge (ID Photo Print, Fixed Size Print and Movie Print supported on SELPHY CP & ES printers only)
PictBridge
Yes
OTHER FEATURES
Red-Eye Correction
Yes, during shooting and playback
My Camera / My Menu
Start-up image and camera sounds customisation. Menu customisation.
My Category
Image tagging feature
Sound Memo
Up to 60 sec per image
Intelligent Orientation Sensor
Yes
Histogram
Yes, live histogram
Playback Zoom
Approx. 2x – 10x
Self Timer
Approx. 2 or 10 sec., Custom or FaceSelf-Timer
Menu Languages
English, German, French, Dutch, Danish, Finnish, Italian, Norwegian, Swedish, Spanish, Simplified Chinese, Chinese (traditional), Japanese, Russian, Portuguese, Korean, Greek, Polish, Czech, Hungarian, Turkish, Thai, Arabic, Ukrainian, Romanian, Farsi
INTERFACE
Computer
Hi-Speed USB (Mini-B, MTP, PTP)
Other
HDMI Mini Connector. A/V output (PAL/NTSC)
MEMORY CARD
Type
SD, SDHC, MMC, MMCplus, HC MMCplus.
SUPPORTED OPERATING SYSTEM
PC & Macintosh
Windows XP SP2 / Vista (including SP1)
Mac OS X v10.4 - 10.5
SOFTWARE
Browsing & Printing
ZoomBrowser EX / ImageBrowser
Other
PhotoStitch
POWER SOURCE
Batteries
4x Size-AA Alkaline or NiMH Batteries (NB4-300) (Alkalines supplied)
Battery life
Approx. 160 shots (with supplied batteries)
Approx. 420 shots (with optional Canon NB4-300 batteries)
Approx. 720 min. playback (with supplied batteries)
Approx. 840 min. playback (with Canon NB4-300 batteries)
A/C Power Supply
Optional, Power adapter CA-PS700
ACCESSORIES
Case
Soft Case DCC-800
Flash
Canon Speedlites (220EX, 430EX II, 580EX, 580EX II ), Speedlite Transmitter ST-E2, Off-Camera Shoe Cord OC-E3
High Power Flash HF-DC1
Remote Controller/ Switch
Wireless Controller WC-DC300
Power Supply & Battery Chargers
Compact AC power adapter CA-PS700, Battery Charger Kit CBK4-300, Ni-MH Batteries NB4-300
Other
Canon HDMI Cable HTC-100
PHYSICAL SPECIFICATIONS
Operating Environment
0 – 40 °C , 10 – 90% humidity
Dimensions (WxHxD, excl. protrusions)
127.5 x 88.3 x 87.7 mm
Weight (body only)
Approx. 585g
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Comments
Comment #1 (Posted by Rajev Charudutta)
Rating:








I liked it so much, I added it to my Favourites. Very beautifully written. Beautiful pics of the camera, very pellucid and elaborate presentation of the specifications.
Comment #2 (Posted by Rajev Charudutta)
Rating:








The best article on Canon PowerShot SX1 IS I have ever come across on the Internet.