The product description is already very extensive, this I do not simply repeat. Here my tlw. Comparative impressions betw. The SX 230 HS are now u. The SX 260 HS, which I gained in particular during Easter (also outside in the sun and the sky is overcast, morning and evening, and indoors).
+ With about 12 MP resolution is achieved with this type of camera, depending on the situation adequate to very good photo quality - it is commendable that Canon has, like its predecessor, not artificially bred this camera because it is known for the same sensor size (1 / 2.3), the Noise significantly to increases sharply, just when only the number of possible pixels is increased. A sound (digital) SLR can of course much "better", especially when it comes to noise this also plays with standard lenses usually in a different league - but who wants to carry around all his equipment with him? The SX 260 HS can convince those who want more, must usually also invest more money and usually carry more weight, which certainly applies to system cameras, which are not suitable for everyone's purse :-) Until ISO 400 in many situations quite I can live quite well with the images, then typically amplified the noise.
+ Very nice color reproduction, even at high ISO values
+ Excellent zooms are by 20-times optical zoom possible (small tip: use sparingly when filming the zoom and zoom slowly to avoid hassle, set rather in front of the movies on the object)
+ Focal Length Equivalent to small image: 25 - 500mm, with the SX 230 HS Focal Length Equivalent to small image: 28 - 392mm, that is a little more wide-angle and "tele" - thus gg a noticeable increase of the SX 230 HS.
+ Video quality I really like, extensive testing I have not done since I usually limit myself to the pure photo quality - for a smoother picture with appropriate focal length should be quite a tripod be used, the optical stabilizer is in fact no miracle machine and can here physically not help in all situations.
+ The high-resolution display (3 inches) can convince, even if it now in other models goes even sharper; can also be seen better in advance whether a recording has managed - a suitable foil as screen protectors, I think would be useful to protect against possible scratches
+ Camera looks classy, is quite good in the hands and has a good weight, it is also grds. useful to use a wrist strap is recommended (eg. as the attached)
+ Despite high zoom ratio, the SX 260 HS thus remains relatively easy to handle and is (hand) bag fit
+ While at the SX 230 HS of permanent folding flash has not made her happy (draufhalten a finger at power prevented the whole thing), this only happens during the SX260 when the determined situation this really requires
+ The back buttons are gg. The 230 SX put something "deeper", thus resulting in a somewhat flatter impression the dial has remained similar, the release button (with ring) I like better because it fails significantly larger
+ The flash is now visually "narrow" become, since the cover is no longer diagonally out works, but is directly pushed forward left from the bottom up, thus saving space
+ The film tracks (stereo) is sufficient - wind noise can be minimized by setting / reduce
+ The service is for those who know other cameras, not really difficult: a common rotatable program wheel, a record button for movies (not "only" Full HD, also eg in 720p for those to whom this resolution is sufficient - the. strain conserves storage space and may even older computer less). Who wants more, should deal definitely closer to the supplied manual on CD
+ There are interesting or special effects such as "fish eye" in townscapes Like eg "miniature" very good -. The "film diary" is also a beautiful thing, for those who do mostly photographs, but also a couple of short films want to have as a reminder (eg. as a holiday)
+/- Sensor size typical noise performance - this is clearly the pure zooming into the picture, the camera "technique" goes so but in my opinion, intelligent, up so that this occurs at regular Bildbestrachtung in the background, at magnifications which can, however, even at low ISO are perceived as disruptive values, image then act in detail somehow "soft" - for me Rating neutral because the overall impression is considered
+/- Visually me the old model like almost a little better, the solid silver frame has at the SX 260 HS no longer enforced, while the front is slightly rounded; thereby the lens is somewhat "mitigated". However, the appearance is a matter of taste - to each his own, especially in the choice of color
+/- The microphones are moved from the front at the SX 230 HS on the top at the SX 260 HS and are now much closer together, whether this might seam at regular films remains to be seen;
+/- Of the on / off switch is now next to the zoom and trigger button (at the SX 230 HS on the back); which has advantages and disadvantages, so far it does not bother - it can cause you accidentally turn the camera off, instead of pressing the shutter, which could not happen at the SX 230 HS when triggered, said button but in the SX 260 HS was laid a little deeper in order to minimize this "risk".
+/- GPS is a useful feature, which is standard in this price range (should be), just at holiday retrospective consideration is ("Where it was once again exactly?") Very beautiful. Regardless of the costs (permanent) activation quite a bit of battery levels, it is better u U. GPS to disable if you know exactly where you were. in the post-processing the data can be power efficient "edit"; Moreover, the GPS Logging (recording of GPS signals so without turning the camera!) seems very interesting - here I'll make more tests on vacation, also with regard to battery consumption
+/- The display now has a 4: 3 format, which most probably benefit as thumbnails etc. can be watched Full Frame now. All those (like me) who like 16: 9 pictures now at a disadvantage because it has the famous bars top and bottom (to me is aware that the sensor itself is a 4: 3 format and has appropriate pictures in 16: 9 the sensor can not take full advantage of!)
+/- The size of the optical sensor is 11 mm (1 / 2.3), making camera typically small - hence the lighting is extremely important to get the subject of noise under control
+/- On an optical viewfinder is waived
- Instead Battery Type NB-5L the type NB-6L is now required; which is annoying, since I now can not also use the battery of my SX 230 HS and therefore must buy additional spare batteries - this is in the context of the product regrettable
- Watch you have now, unfortunately, that you can not accidentally cover a microphone while dual holding with the forefinger of his left hand, I liked visually at the SX 230 HS better (wider stereo effect on the front)
- Still a bit fiddly, soft (rubber) flap for Mini-USB and HDMI connector, with the SX 230 HS was the flap of hard plastic; the cover on the bottom of the SD card and the battery is grds. good to open, everything has remained the same
- Unfortunately not accompanied by cheap memory card, with today's low prices and for video testing at least a 4 GB card should be included in the overall package really, so be additional costs for those who have a map in "reserve", as should a storage bag in the total cost be considered in order to protect the good pieces from damage and dirt
The included CD software or other programs can be used for photos and videos, as long as other software this is not done. For Mac users is the default program certainly iPhoto well suited for importing the photos and post processing.
Notes: a steady hand is also by all the technical tricks still the best, so bring a high focal length also some disadvantages. The SX260 may occasionally feel flattered when you use a monopod or tripod - the photo quality may be partially greatly improved because otherwise camera shake can spoil the picture. A playing around with the different settings made me a lot of fun. The same motif often looks very different. The "Auto" setting offers many opportunities for quite a bit, the Easy-automatic (with the red heart) allows even beginners to quickly and effectively to get good snapshots. In order, however, still be able to enjoy the shots when the opportunity for many years, the experienced photographer, however, use the manual settings and appreciate. In order to minimize increased noise in the automatic range, you can achieve a lot by lower ISO values, the light is no longer sufficient to think of a tripod. The possibilities of this camera are Canon typically quite extensive.
The photo quality can me both at the SX 230 HS and 260 HS in the SX grds. convince. If recordings fail apparently, it is not rare at photographers, the technology is not necessarily to blame. If not satisfied, you can return the good piece and if necessary - so take heart. My "real" digital SLR (Canon) I like the variety of possibilities and results, of course, effectively better, however: time to take up and store is not as fast and still make great shots and movies to "turn", can in your pocket without necessary additional lenses just such a camera; that is certainly crucial for many.
Overall comparison SX 230 HS vs. SX 260 HS: The New "is not dramatically better than the Canon SX 230 HS, but a worthy successor with nice improvements can now be its predecessor, the SX230 HS, the HS hold a candle In any case, since Canon has SX260 last.? Year brought a very attractive camera on the market that could convince me already. So if you want to have a sophisticated model with GPS for now low price, which also has many other confident, makes nothing wrong. Full HD is also at the SX230 HS, solid wide angle and 14x optical zoom is available in many situations perfectly adequate. A slightly different looks and good handling, but with the inconvenience of lightning (will fold out always when you turn on the camera!) "round" the whole thing off. So for bargain hunters who are looking for a high quality, the SX230 HS is still a buy recommendation.
All those who are looking for a new model, with a plus of comfort (newer picture automatic, more wide-angle, super zoom 20x etc.) find a current reasonable price in the SX260 ideal camera that you adequately for very many situations as completely can evaluate. As a pure holiday camera and the SX 260 HS is really too bad. Despite ephemeral art, you will probably have a few years to come with this camera. Best Buy - within the limits, it is sufficient for the SX 260 HS overall still for less than 5 points.
Supplement 24.10.13:
The SX 260 HS is still my regular companion, especially as the quality in conjunction with the powerful zoom can continue to convince. Just recently I have been able to make very beautiful Crane Photos nearby again, where it's always surprising how well the "Zoom Plus technology" can be used as the optical zoom is "extended" to a 39fache magnification without one only has a typical digital zoom effect.
