A light and powerful compact. For serious photographers but are more interested in fun than in the technical

The camera vendors highlight mostly the number of megapixels per image and the amplitude of the optical zoom.

In my case the amplitude of the optical zoom (not digital zoom) is one of my criteria for choosing a device. Indeed the greater the amplitude, the greater telephoto "powerful"; for this device we reached a 450mm equivalent focal length in 24x36, which was still rare there is little. Certainly there are compact devices x30 zoom (against 18 for this unit), for example the top model from Canon and Sony models, but these super powerful zooms on the one hand, significantly increase the cost and clutter, and, on the other hand, are particularly useful within a tripod.

By cons I let myself less impressed by the number of Megapixels, especially for a small sensor camera, as is the case here. In short, without oversimplification, for a given sensor size, the greater the number of pixels is high, there is less area for each pixel and the result is that the signal provided by each pixel is of poorer quality.
In this case, although not having all the technical elements to judge, I find reasonable that Canon did not try to catch up to 20MP Sony.

2. My opinion after a few days of using the device.

First I downloaded the manual of the device from the Canon website, which presents no difficulty. This manual is clear and complete. It is available without buying the device.

After a first quick reading I realized that this device is not designed for amateurs called experts because I have not found nor the possibility (Tv) to choose the exposure time or the possibility (Av) to choose opening or manually adjust the focus; there is also no possibility of recording images in RAW (uncompressed format that allows easier corrections with appropriate software).

But, indeed, the absence of these various possibilities are not really annoying because I found that current automation usually give results at least as good as my eventual manual settings despite my experience of about 50 years (eh yes!) amateur photography. The only thing that bothers me a bit is that telephoto I can not choose a short exposure time, for example at most 1 / 500s, to minimize the risk of image blur. So I have to trust the program, of course, reduces the exposure time when increasing the focal length, that is to say when changes to telephoto. Also when increasing ISO sensitivity (adjustable) it is likely that the program does decrease the exposure time.

Nevertheless with this device I can use my usual settings: P mode, measuring the central zone exposure and focus spot focus. The focus area is enlarged before taking the picture, which is very useful.

Most automatic operating modes available are classic: portrait, night, fireworks, snow, etc. However I note that, curiously, he misses the sport mode.

But a number of modes can seem quite original and entertaining. I liked particularly the "hybrid Auto" mode: Before taking the picture, when you press the shutter button halfway, the camera records a video clip associated with the captured image, which subsequently allows a photo shoot enough alive. I also like the "bright colors" program.
Obviously all play modes do not all have the same interest, it depends on personal taste. It would be a bit long to describe these modes. But these are well described in the manual of the device. So before you invest, a good initiative would be to consult this manual.

After sixty photos I am quite satisfied with the results, both by the quality of photos obtained by the ease of everyday use.

By cons I have not been convinced by the possibilities of wireless connection:
Firstly I do not see the benefit of connecting the device via wifi to his computer while he just put the memory card into the appropriate input port of the computer.
Secondly I think it may still be interesting to connect the device to his Smartphone, especially if it has a GPS function and to locate photos on a map. But this download is not possible with my Smartphone on Windows. It is only possible with the hardware Apple or Android.
Third transmitting pictures to a remote server (the "cloud") is severely limited by the fact that it is only possible for images shot using a Canon camera and untreated by software pictures.
Still I made the effort to connect the camera to my "box" and download the "Canon iMage Gateway" software. These operations are not simple.

Finally, out of curiosity, I compared the computer screen, 2 pictures of the same subject, one being taken in superfine mode (low compression ratio and thus to give the best result) and the other end fashion. Looking really good areas to fine details can be seen, but almost imperceptible so that the superfine mode provides pictures of a little superior to fine mode. At stake is the capacity of the memory card in fine mode can take significantly (over 50%) in mode superfine pictures.

3. I have not tested the device in Full HD, firstly because I am convinced that such devices can not compete camcorder, and, secondly, because the Audio recording is monaural.