The camera data can be a little skeptical about: 35x optical zoom, which is plenty. These good behavior even when it is dark, high-speed shooting, etc. The 12 megapixels for the maximum resolution is fully sufficient. But now to the camera in detail.
=== === Delivery
Almost everything you need is: cable, strap, charger, CDs. Not this is an SD card, without which no shots are possible, and no printed manual. For a camera in this price range and with this functionality would be at least the manual to be expected. But that is usual in this class, unfortunately.
=== === Functions
Besides the usual, rich programs (full, time, aperture, Programmed Auto Macro function and creative settings) at least the well-definition video function and especially the possibility of high-speed recording may be mentioned. Otherwise, everything is more or less possible, even shooting with time and changing of focal lengths. With the help of multiple shots with different exposure times and the conditions for HDR images (High Dynamic Range) are then added. This has the advantage that you can select the images that you want to use for the HDR image, but also for some has the disadvantage that you have to do this later with the help of a software. From my perspective, this is of no disadvantage, however.
The camera has a folding and swiveling monitor (230,000 pixels). This is very practical. A second monitor can be viewed through the viewfinder (approx 202,000 pixels). For people with visual impairments an appropriate adjustment can be made here.
Connections (HDMI here) included as required for connection to PC and TV. Battery and SD card are clean hidden behind a stable door.
On my wishlist are here only one possibility to make even RAW images, because the camera can not unfortunately, and slightly higher resolution monitors. However, if you want to RAW images, grabs in general appear to be more of an SLR.
=== === Operation
The camera fits comfortably in your hand, the grip on the right side is good and also non-slip, but unfortunately not gummed. But handholds are also on the back of the camera and the keys have slight bulges, so that they are accidentally pressed. Overall, okay, at least for right.
All elements work as expected and typical of a Canon.
Something puzzling the hot shoe, the hidden behind a rubber cover appears. Since then needed but the instructions are trying to figure out how to remove this. This is ultimately used to and a little fumbling. But for the hot shoe is well protected.
Coming from an SLR ago, will once puzzled by the focal length setting. It takes involuntarily to the lens. The operation is, however, as in a compact with a small lever on the trigger. The lens shows an interesting label, because it is not indicated the actual focal length, but the small screen equivalent. Surely a tribute to the old photo friends.
=== === Photos
The discipline is the one that has to master the camera well in any case. Video playback and you can read it more in the background.
The autofocus works very well and requires only a very brief moment to focus. The images in both Zoom extremes care then but just at a 35-fold zoom for a surprise. The distortion on the screen is very low and significantly better than expected. The sharpness can toward the edge for a bit, but this is appropriate. The noise behavior in dark areas is present, but also unexpectedly low.
The image stabilization works quite quiet and safe, an essential function at the full zoom. However, it is not a panacea. An attempt to capture an object with fully extended zoom, turns out to be very difficult at times. You have to choose a shorter focal length and then zoom back in. And it shows, has to like a lot of work the stabilizer. A steady hand and sufficient brightness are also useful.
One of the highlights certainly comes from the high-speed operation at up to 10.3 frames per second. Up to 8 shots in very rapid succession can be taken, then stores the camera to SD card. A time window of just one second. This shooting is possible that otherwise function just happens.
=== === Camera type
The camera is a bridge camera, that is, it combines features of both worlds. From the compact camera has for example inherited the zoom setting via lever, a small volume, where the lens cap is attached, and the setting of the image on one of the monitors. From the SLR program selection, the aperture of the lens and the information provided by the focal length as a small image equivalent.
A trifle is especially mentioned here: The ribbon for the lens cap. While compact cameras have an automatic closure to the you do not have to worry, and SLR cameras usually have a lens cover, which you usually hinsteckt somewhere and then later looking back, here a compromise is found. The ribbon on the lens cap, which is also attached to the strap, requires that one must remove the lid manually, but trotdem not lose. This is not really worth mentioning trifle shows that we have come against in the camera two camera worlds, and has found a good way.
=== === Conclusion
Cameras are plentiful in the market. But this comes across but overall very positive. The image quality is convincing, the functions is more than convincing. Then there is the handiness. Overall very inspiring. Clearly, there is no SLR, the lenses with their offers, of course, better performance, but significantly better than many compact. A highly recommended for its purpose camera with stimmigem price / performance ratio.
=== === Tips & Tricks
To complement the review were here a few useful things called.
The manual provides information among other things on the possibility of panoramic shots. It is stated how to create using the Stitch Wizard and the software a panoramic shot.
The software not only serves to upload the shots or create a panorama shot, it also allows (small) settings that are not even possible at the camera. So also the owner name is entered on the software, which is included in the image files in the EXIF information. Who is inclined rather playful, the sounds or the splash screen can be set.
The manual also provides information about accessories. Here may be mentioned in particular the lens hood, which is a useful addition. In addition, filters can be connected, however, this device requires an adapter.
