As I have been photographing for about 40 years (mainly with SLR, since 2003 digital), I think, to understand something of the matter. Since it was this year become too cumbersome to me, my heavy equipment (Nikon D300 + lenses) to take a beach vacation, I decided, zuzulegen a small digital camera. I also frequently take bike rides, such a small thing would be ideal, I thought. After a long search I finally ended up with the Canon SX200 IS. And, although I staunch Nikon photographer'm actually ... I wanted a camera with a large zoom, reasonable resolution (10 megapixels would probably have been enough, but now there are just 12 made) and manual controls. And a reasonably sophisticated video feature should also integrated. For the election crucial for me were test photos that I have downloaded from the Internet. And then when I was able to try out the camera itself, I was really impressed by the quality of the images. Of course, there is no SLR, and in the details (at 100% resolution of your computer screen) you can see that the sensor is very small flat. But in printouts (up to 30x40 cm) and at normal viewing on the monitor is it to see hardly anything. Although I use a lot of the manual controls, as well as from the automatic functions, I was pleasantly surprised. Very useful the Stitch Assist (for panoramic images). The videos are pretty good. The sound could be a bit better. Overall, it is the ideal second camera for me, for occasions such as holidays, celebrations + Celebrations, cycling, etc. Of course, I will continue to primarily use the SLR. Because with all possible settings offered by the Canon SX200 IS: A reasonable depth (un) sharpness making it impossible to achieve - to the aperture range is just too tight. It is a pity that no RAW format is integrated. Then you could bring out a lot more by reprocessing the computer yet. However, the RAW cameras are all a lot bigger - and that is what I did not want to give. In conclusion, the PowerShot SX200 IS is a compact digital camera, where you can have a lot of fun. My family was excited anyway downright of many pictures of our last vacation. Especially because you can take out the camera anywhere. With the SLR many snapshots would simply not come about because I would not have had it. But also some landscapes have become as good as I would have a compact camera for under 300 never have expected!
