Fortunately, the Canon SX 200 IS finally various manual settings, so that serious photographers have their pleasure. Whether semi-automatic (aperture / time) or entirely manually, everything is possible. Therefore, the camera is also an interesting competitor for the TZ series, because this is completely automatically.
The 12 megapixels are included in this camera from a tiny 1 / 2.3 inch CCD sensor, which is actually, in my view a downer. Why is always saved at the image quality? Why can not miss this camera 1 / 1.7 sensor? Well, then the top model G 9/10 would be partly superfluous. Unfortunately Canon maintains the quality compromise in order to keep production costs low and offer the camera at a fair price can. It will also the big brother SX 1/10 IS not compete. The Canon SX 200 still captures pretty decent pictures if you do not take pictures in difficult lighting conditions! Then only helps to increase the ISO setting, which increases the noise. Here then is where the automatic noise reduction, washes the fine detail out. This is the same with other cameras! If the situation allows, I try to help me with a tripod and then turn the ISO number such as ISO 400/800 to 100 and select manual exposure settings. ISO 100/200 see pictures on the screen even in size well, where you have to make compromises from 400 ISO. Is here because of the small sensor that noise reduction, the details rinses. Fortunately only gentle, but it's still annoying.
The large display in the center is really a pleasure! When photographing I see my motif wonderful large before me. This has a very positive effect on the selection of the image section. Furthermore, as disturbing elements fall on better. In playback mode, you can very well look at photos and evaluation. So I delete for lack of space on the memory card before an image away unless I'm absolutely sure.
The large zoom Obektiv is of course a dream! With 28- 336 mm I have for most occasions while the right lens and can zoom me to my recording destination back in. The initial focal length of 28 mm is finally available for Scenery / architectural photography. Whether Eiffel Tower in Paris, Gehry Buildings in Dusseldorf or Cologne Cathedral, you will get all right on your screen. In maximum wide angle of course there are tons of little distortion, but that's normal. Such can be ironed out by software if not satisfied. With 336 mm of simultaneous telephoto lens do I get a lot of distant subjects that are otherwise kept from me. Be it at the airport when shooting through the fence at the zoo or at other moments. In addition, helps to prevent camera shake of good, reliable, optical image stabilizer. In some animal shots I was very happy that I was able to ascend the lens at 300 mm in order to avoid that animals feel disturbed and flee.
The macro mode is really only when the lens will remain in the normal position and is only slightly extended as far as possible. Otherwise occur, as well as in normal telephoto range, light focusing problems. I had some diffuse light and perhaps poor lighting conditions (indoors), who have not made the camera easily. In a pinch, there are manual focus, where you set the distance in meters and see a rectangle in an enlarged view of a partial area. However, the preview image is not as good for checking the sharpness. Here is a working autofocus or focus adjustment ring to a SLR lens much more accurate!
The Canon SX 200 IS has now also the new i-Contrast ability. Thus the contrast ratio between light and dark areas of particular image is more balanced. This captured images appear partly better exposed. While this does not replace any bracketing, but to be proud of. Bracketing for HDR shooting is not available with this camera.
Somewhat negative I found the somewhat slow flash that ever had to reload several seconds to get back to be ready for use. In addition, the tripod mount is not centered below the camera, so many mini-tripods get overweight. Luckily I still have a larger tripod, where the weight shift is well distributed.
Conclusion:
The new Canon SX 200 is a continuation of its predecessor SX 110. The changes are really good. Positive I found the large 3 inch display, the 12 megapixels does not necessarily provide more quality. The Canon SX 200 is the undisputed home camera for people who want to attach importance to a large zoom lens and spend little money. It is thus ideally equipped for traveling, animals and other shooting situations. The small extra charge for a few changes worth it! For transfer passengers is good to consider whether you are the features worth the money.