Photographs turn memories into tangible things we can see with our eyes and hold in our hands. When we take a picture of something, we’re doing so because there’s something about that moment we want to remember. The key factor that determines how vividly our memory is triggered comes down to the quality of the photograph. A good camera like Canon PowerShot SX410 ensures that you immortalize your memories with perfect images. That accurately captures the mood of the moment.
Canon Powershot SX410
PROS
- 20.0 Megapixel sensor and Canon DIGIC 4+ Image Processor
- Powerful 40x Optical Zoom (24–960mm) and 24mm Wide-Angle lens
- 720p HD video at up to 25 frames per second with clear sound
- check-circle3.0-inch LCD screen with a great resolution of approximately 230,000 dots
- check-circleECO Mode to provide more shots per single charge
cons
- Does not connect to Wi-Fi
- times-circleDoes not have RAW image capabilities ?
- times-circleLacks the capability of recording in full HD
- times-circleNo ports for headphones or microphones to aid in sound quality
- times-circleBattery won’t last long when taking videos
- times-circleNot waterproof
Why Choose This Camera?
If you have a cell phone, you likely have a camera built right into it. Cell phone and tablet manufacturers like to tout the high quality of phone cameras. But if you’re someone who is serious about photography. Then you’ll find it worthwhile to invest in a good DSLR camera. Let’s take a look at the top reasons to purchase a DSLR camera.
Excellent Image Quality
One of the main advantages of DSLR cameras is their excellent image quality. This type of device provides the best quality no matter the situation you’re in or what kind of photo you’re trying to capture. The sensor technology DSLR cameras offer is exceptional and a smartphone camera can’t compete. If you like to video your journey and surroundings, a DSLR camera is also suitable for such occasions and a much better option than using the video recorder on your smartphone. A camera with a 24MP-sensor will offer exceptional quality and detailed imagery plus high-definition videos that bring your surroundings to life.
DSLR cameras also produce sharper images since they don’t have a delay from clicking the button to capturing the image. As a result, you can produce beautifully focused images that are sharp – even if you’re far away from the object.
Great Battery Life
It’s so frustrating when you’re in the moment and ready to capture beautiful scenery but then your camera runs out of battery. Thankfully, DSLR cameras can last around 1,000 shots and an entire day before the batteries run low. Plus, if you choose a mirrorless camera, they only require three batteries to last this amount of time. As you don’t have to worry about your battery running low, you can capture everything you need with peace of mind.
Suitable For Outdoor Use
If you’re photographing outdoors, you’ll need a camera that is suitable for an array of weather and has a strong and robust design to withstand all conditions. DSLR cameras are weatherproof and built to last so you can carry them around without worrying they’ll break easily.
Extensive Range of Lenses and Add-Ons
This type of camera can be customized starting with a large range of lenses. For example, Nikon and Canon offer over 60 lenses to choose from to help you capture the photography you’re looking for. Choose from macro close-ups to powerful telephotos depending on your preferences and goal. If you’re confused about which lens to purchase or would like to keep your options open and carried varied shots, opt for a DSLR lens kit for a great investment.
DSLR cameras are for those serious and photography so naturally, you can purchase an array of add-ons to improve your work. This includes filters, tripods, GPS units, and more so you can kit out your camera to achieve your desired results. Plus, you can even purchase a GPS tracking system so you can always tag your images without having to manually search. Invest in a high-quality bag that is waterproof for when you’re capturing images outdoors, too.
How to Choose The Right DSLR Camera For You
Before making your purchase, you’ll want to define exactly what you’re looking for in a camera. Will you be taking photos of subjects that are frequently high-action or low-light? How far away will you be from the scenes you’re photographing? Will you be on-the-go frequently? Do you have a strict budget in mind?
Consider The Size of The Sensor
When considering the megapixel output, you must also take note of the size of the actual sensor. Top-of-the-line cameras have full-frame sensors, which produce 35mm photographs. The more pixels you cram into this small sensor, the more likely you are to have extraneous noise. Which amounts to grainy photographs. In short, you have to compare the size of the sensor to the pixel output and see if the two measures balance well. In the case of this camera, quality is probably sufficient for most intro photographers. But if you’re looking for more advanced results, there are likely better options.
Viewing Images on The Camera
Aside from the image quality, you also want to be able to preview the images you’ve captured on an LCD screen attached to the camera. Viewfinders allow you to do so clearly even when there’s strong sunlight present. When looking into viewfinders, consider the percentage of coverage it offers, which will inform you of the percentage of the screen you can see through the screen. Most top, expensive DSLR cameras offer a bigger and brighter viewing experience compared to cheaper models. As a general rule, opt for a high percentage such as 98 percent.
You’ll likely have the option of LCD screens that are fixed or tiltable. If you tend to shoot photography from awkward angles, a tiltable screen makes it easier to accurately view the screen while ensuring you’re comfortable. On the other hand, a fixed screen looks sleeker and more professional though tends to be more expensive than the other option.
Shutter Speed
Some of us are more impatient than others to capture an image, especially in high-intense environments, such as with animals present. DSLR cameras are designed to shoot images quickly and accurately as the camera can quickly switch to taking an array of frames without any delay. During your search, you should check the automatic focusing system as well as burst rate – especially if you intend on photographing sports and action shots. If you need a camera with a great focus on both still and moving objects, opt for a camera that has a focusing system to cover a large proportion of its frame.
Another important feature to consider is the burst rate on the camera. The burst rate measures the number of frames you can shoot per second. If you plan on capturing moving objects such as animals or sports events, you’ll need a camera with a high burst rate. This means you can capture many images per second with less blur and more sharpness to them. However, for this additional feature, you’ll need to bear in mind that it’ll cost you more. Therefore, consider if it’s important to the environment you capture images in before making a purchase.
Movie Mode
Would you like to use your camera for videography as well as photography? If so, you’ll need a DSLR camera that comes with an HD movie mode. This is a common application with most cameras on the market right now, but you should check your camera’s features before making a purchase. Also, you’ll find that most cameras come with a 4K movie resolution, but many cameras have different settings and features so it’s worth comparing what’s necessary to you.
Usability
Consider your experience of photography, too, because this can play a huge role in your enjoyment of photography as well as the type of camera you should purchase. Do you consider that you’re not that advanced with technology or easily get confused with new devices? If so, opt for an entry-level camera that comes with on-screen instructions and auto modes to guide you in choosing the best settings for your environment.
Also, you might wish to consider how much you can customize the photographs and videos on the camera’s screen. Many devices come with auto modes to make suggestions for you, but perhaps you’d like to customize some details and fine-tune them on the camera rather than your laptop. These features are a great way at improving your results, though you should consider if it’s worth paying the additional price for these options if you don’t intend on using the camera for professional use.
Canon Powershot SX410 Review
Image Processor
Your camera’s image processor is responsible for one main purpose. Translating the objects, you see in front of you into pixels, which are then adjusted for the highest quality output. In short, the image processor inspects your photo and makes it look its best. This is a fast process, occurring between the time it takes you to press the shutter and the time the image shows up on your screen. Therefore, the faster your image processor, the better.
DIGIC
Canon uses a propriety family of image processors known as DIGIC. And each processor is distinguished by a number to denote its quality and speed. The most expensive Canon cameras use a DIGIC 6+ or 7; the Canon Powershot SX410 has a DIGIC 4+ processor. While this might seem inferior. You’re still getting a good quality processor for a fairly low price. And most camera users assert that while your image processor is important to consider. It’s not necessarily the key point to base your whole purchase on.
Camera Sensor
While the processor is important, the sensor is the real heavy hitter. One of the most talked-about, and potentially most misunderstood, aspects of a camera’s sensor is its pixel count. The Powershot SX410 has an output of 20 megapixels per frame. That’s roughly eight more megapixels than the average cell phone camera. And four more megapixels than other cameras of this size and price. However, when it comes to megapixels, bigger does not necessarily mean better.
Lens
One area where the Canon camera excels is the zoom capacity of its lens. This camera features a 24 mm wide-angle lens with a powerful zoom. While these specs don’t match the highest in the compact camera category, they are well above average. Most novice photographers will want advanced zoom capabilities. And this camera does have it.
The max aperture of the lens is on the slow end at F3.5-5.6, which could be a factor for you if you intend to take a lot of nighttime photos. Aperture refers to the amount of light the lens can capture. And the best cameras usually have max apertures of F1.4. While the lens may thrive in long-distance shots, it likely won’t shine in darker environments.
Video
If you’re hoping to use your new camera primarily for taking video, be aware that the Canon Powershot SX410 is limited in this area. It lacks the capability of recording in full HD, and there are no ports for headphones or microphones to aid in sound quality. The battery on this model isn’t particularly hefty either, and it would be easy to burn through quickly when taking video.
Storage
Like most cameras of this kind, this comes with an SD card slot for external memory. One big feature it’s lacking is the ability to connect to Wi-Fi, which would allow you to wirelessly transfer your photos from your camera to your computer for backup and photo editing. This is a huge time-saver worth considering, especially when some of this camera’s competitors, with similar price tags, do have Wi-Fi capabilities.
Physical Design
At 325 grams in weight and 85 mm in thickness, this camera is a bit heavy for a camera of its size. It lacks any kind of weatherproofing, so you’d want to be careful in inclement weather situations. The lithium-ion battery is removable, which means you do have the option of purchasing a spare if you’re concerned about long stretches without the ability to charge. The body of the camera comes in both black and red.
One key feature the Canon camera is missing is the manual viewfinder. Output is only viewable on the LCD screen, which may be problematic in situations with excess glare. Additionally, the screen is not a touchscreen. That may not be a deal-breaker for most, but many consumers prefer the ease and preciseness of touch functionality.
Steady Shooting
This camera has clearly been designed with the user’s comfort in mind. The ergonomic grip supports your hands and wrist for those moments when it’s taking a while to capture the perfect shot. Plus, even in windy conditions or when your object is moving quickly, the Canon camera offers steady shots, even if you use the full zoom option. This is all down to the intelligent IS technology that quickly and efficiently captures all information from the lens in just a few seconds.
Pricing
Once you start shopping around for the Canon Powershot SX410. You’ll notice price tags that start well under $200 and go all the way up to $300. This range may seem odd, but you have to factor in exactly what you’re getting at each price point. When you purchase through Wal Mart, for instance, you’ll pay upwards of $250, but the camera itself is bundled with accessories, such as a memory card, an extra battery, and even a tripod. Get the most bang for your buck by carefully reviewing.
If you don’t think you’ll need all the add-ons, you can get a great deal by buying a certified refurbished one through Amazon. Another bonus of buying through Amazon is free shipping and adding a 4-year protection plan for under $15. Plus, you might grab a used device if you’re unsure about the price range or are not quite dedicated to photography as of yet.
A Disadvantage of Canon Camera
The one significant disadvantage regarding processing with the Canon Powershot SX410 is that it does not have RAW image capabilities. Remember how our image processor evaluated our photo and tweaked it to look pretty? A RAW file will show us what the image would look like without all that tweaking. This enables the photographer to make their advanced adjustments with photo editing software.
If you’re hoping to use RAW files with your new camera, then the Powershot SX410 is not the right choice. But a photography beginner would likely be happy with the quality this processor is capable of producing.
Alternative Camera: Canon EOS 250D
Although the Canon camera is a great option for experienced and passionate photographers, the Canon EOS 250D is an excellent alternative device that shouldn’t be dismissed. Let’s take a look at the top features this alternative camera offers.
Design
The Canon EOS 250D camera doesn’t come with a large range of buttons, which means there are fewer options to control your image quality etc., but it creates a cleaner design. Most of what you need is via the Q button which presents an array of options including white balance, drive mode, and many other settings. To adjust settings you’ve clicked on, use the dial at the top to navigate until you find your preferred setting. We understand that a new interface can be difficult for learners to comprehend, so we’re a huge fan of the Guided User Interface that explains how to use the settings.
Viewfinder
This camera features a three-inch touchscreen with a fairly low resolution. However, given its price range, we wouldn’t expect a higher resolution. Plus, the screen is clear and bright so you can accurately preview your images, or switch to the Live View setting where you can see the images as you go.
Canon 250D has a few benefits to the screen that we’re a fan of. For example, the vari-angle is great to capture shots from awkward angles, making it ideal for bloggers and vloggers. Also, you can fold the screen inwards when you’re not using it to prevent any damage when you’re not using the device.
Performance and Functioning
The 9-point AF system provides numerous options for focus points if you’re struggling to capture an object at an awkward angle. If you switch to the Live View focusing, you’ll have nearly 4,000 points to choose from so that everything you’re looking at in real life can be captured in your photography. Simply use the touchscreen to allocate your points and choose them accordingly.
This camera produces 5fps shooting, making it an ideal camera for moving subjects. Compared to the predecessor model, the 250DD camera offers the same image quality which all work exceptionally well in an array of situations. All colors are bright and sharp and there’s a respectable color balance on most photographs. If you switch to auto white balance, this is a great setting to use in artificial lighting, and it also keeps noise to a minimum.
Excellent Alternative Canon Cameras to Try?
Canon EOS M50
Features
This Canon camera has many incredible features too. Plus, it offers an array of connectivity options, including Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, NFC, and more so you can always remain connected to your smartphone. When you’re happy with your results and want to share your photos, select your favorite photographs and send them to your phone with ease. There’s even a setting to automatically upload to social media without manually signing it every time or even having your laptop present.
This camera’s shutter speeds are between 30-1 and 4000 seconds and the electronic shutter reduces any vibrations and shakes to help you acquire the perfect shot. Plus, while you’re photographing, there’s a silent shooting mode so you won’t disturb your object and miss taking the photograph altogether.
Canon wants to help you achieve the best, high-quality photographs you can, and the range of modes and settings make this highly achievable. For example, the Auto Lighting Optimizer is ideal for balancing highlights and shadows in environments with awkward and unnatural lighting. We also suggest you make the most of the Highlight Tone Priority that helps to avoid any fine details getting missed in poor lighting conditions.
Design
The design of a camera is important to your enjoyment and comfort. The Canon EOS M50 is made from polycarbonate so the shell isn’t too thick and uncomfortable. Rather than using a metal body, this Canon camera is smooth to the touch and lighter so you can conveniently carry it around with you. Built with a large grip, these hooks are designed for your thumb and second finger so that you don’t lose any grip throughout any of your photography sessions.
The buttons and controls are nicely positioned so you can easily access them without any chances of accidentally pressing the wrong button. Also, with one simple touch, you can use the ViewFinder to see your photographs through a well-lit screen. This camera’s design is ideal for entry-level photographers as the single electronic dial is easy to operate. From this point, you have easy access to an array of key functions that will enhance your photography.
Everything you need is available on the onscreen quick menu with a single press of the Q button. We believe that Canon’s interface is one of the most reliable and convenient features compared to other brands and you can swiftly browse through to look at your creations. Finally, our favorite feature about this camera’s design is that you can customize the controls to your liking. This makes it easier and more enjoyable to navigate through the different settings without any frustration.
Performance
Finally, the performance. We wouldn’t have recommended the Canon EOS M50 camera to you if we didn’t believe in its capabilities. When in use, the camera is fairly quiet to operate and features silent autofocus so you won’t disturb your object. The metering is always close to the target to make it easy to judge within the Viewfinder. But, you can easily lighten or darken your image before making the shoot so you don’t have to edit the images afterward.
The Canon EOS M50 is highly responsive and powers up exceptionally quick while reacting to the button in an instant. The automated settings work accurately, which is ideal if you’re a beginner or simply looking for some additional assistance to improve your work.
Canon EOS R
Features
The Canon EOS R device is great for photography and videography. The video feature can shoot in 4K up to 30fps, and in full HD up to 60fps. This might mean some snipping and cutting if you wish to shoot in 4K, though the HD setting is equally as promising.
This camera boasts a CMOS sensor of 30.3MP which is similar to many high-end devices, although the EOS R device offers a detection system that not all cameras within this price range offer. It comes with a wide range of settings that are easy to comprehend and you can even customize the dial to suit your photography needs by the most popular and suitable functions for you.
Design
We love that this camera looks modern and has a distinctive style. In fact, its appearance and design make it look much more expensive than what it costs. As you hold the Canon EOS R, you’ll appreciate that it’s made from high-quality materials and offers a generous grip to keep it in your hands at all times.
The front of the camera is fairly minimalist, though easy to navigate around. Positioned to the right of the lens is a lens release button that is responsive and easy to use. As you change the lens, it’s important that the sensor remains protected, and this is why the sensor is hidden to reduce the amount of dust and dirt that enters the camera.
The Canon EOS R camera features a dial with knurled edges so you can easily turn it to change your settings and mode. Many of the additional features are on the side of the camera so you don’t accidentally press them in action. Our favorite feature of the design is the LCD screen on the top of the camera which provides information about your shoots. Although this screen is small and compact, it clearly presents all the information you need about your photography to improve the quality.
Performance
The Canon EOS R camera produces high-quality images and the sensor helps to create a nice balance of resolutions amongst an array of file sizes. To further improve the image quality, you can take control by increasing the ISO values to create the perfect balance between noise levels and exposing fine details.
We love that this camera is equipped with an autofocus system so you can easily photograph your target without any manual adjustments. This camera comes with a Face Detection feature that can detect your pupil while keeping the subject’s face well in proportion. You may also wish to use the Subject Tracking mode to keep control over where your camera keeps the focus in shoots. In order to use this feature, you have to select your subject through the touchscreen and the camera will track the subject across the frame, even during movement.
Overall Comparison
Canon is one of the big players in the photography field, so you’ll certainly be getting a good quality product, but the Canon camera is an older model from 2015, and you can likely upgrade to a newer one without too much of a difference in price. However, if budget is a big concern to you, this could be a good gateway camera to help you learn more about the finer points of photography before you upgrade to a more expensive DSLR.
What are your thoughts on the Canon Powershot camera? Do you own one or perhaps have some other recommendations you’d like to share with other readers? Leave your thoughts and feedback in the comments to keep this conversation going.