The Canon PowerShot SX60 HS (also known as the SX60) has been one of the most sought-after pocket cameras in recent years, and its price is directly correlated to that demand. The last time I bought a new camera was around 2013, and I remember how much I agonized over what to get, weighing my options between the Panasonic FZ200 and the Sony RX100 II. Eventually, I bought the Sony, and it’s served me well ever since – but if I were in the market today, would I make the same choice? Let’s find out!
The camera
First and foremost, you need to know what your camera will be used for. If it’s your primary point-and-shoot, you may want to consider a DSLR with interchangeable lenses that can offer better image quality—or even make a higher-end video.
But if portability is more important than pixel quality, then a superzoom like a canon Powershot silver might be perfect for you. The camera features a 24x optical zoom lens that offers a fantastic range of focal lengths (from ultra-wide 27mm up to 720mm) and fast autofocus that can track moving subjects as they get closer or farther away.
The weight
The Canon Powershot SX60 weighs about 16.4 ounces or about 43 percent more than its closest competitor in terms of size. While that’s a good deal for many people, it might be enough to put off people who carry their cameras every day.
The biggest advantage to owning a heavy camera is knowing you can use it without being weighed down. Because of its weight, you won’t want to bring it with you everywhere but will feel comfortable taking it on outdoor adventures like hiking and biking trails.
Most other models weigh between 9 and 14 ounces. But sometimes there are exceptions: one model (the FUJIFILM FinePix HS50EXR) weighs just 7 ounces!
The image quality
The Canon Powershot has a 20.2-megapixel sensor, and while that’s a decent resolution, it pales compared to some of Canon’s most recent efforts—the 60D has an 18-megapixel sensor. Even lesser cameras like the Rebel T3i are equipped with 18 megapixels.
Why does that matter? Because of one simple fact: Megapixels aren’t everything. They’re not anything—at least not when you consider image quality. A camera’s sensor is what matters, and when you compare sensors from different cameras, you can see pretty quickly why pixel count doesn’t tell you much about image quality.
In short, if you want great images from your point-and-shoot camera, don’t be seduced by high numbers on a spec sheet. Instead, look for a good sensor (and lens).
The issues with image stabilization
The Canon PowerShot SX60 is a bit of an odd camera. On the one hand, it’s not particularly powerful. In fact, according to DxOMark, it doesn’t even have top-notch image stabilization compared to other cameras at its price point.
On the other hand, it offers Wi-Fi and NFC connectivity for easy photo sharing and remote shooting. So why would you want to buy it? It seems like something more for enthusiasts than anyone else.
Suppose you need a feature-packed camera with great image stabilization and aren’t looking to spend more than $300 on your purchase.
Who should buy this camera?
Anyone who wants a more professional camera to supplement their point-and-shoot. If you have $400 to spend on a camera and want something easy to use but still produce high-quality shots, you should probably get the Canon PowerShot SX60.
This camera is best for people who want an upgrade from their smartphones and don’t necessarily want to break down and buy a DSLR. In short, if you know how to use a smartphone but want better quality photos, get it.
When did the Canon PowerShot SX60 come out?
The Canon PowerShot SX60 was first released in early 2014. The camera is a long-zoom bridge superzoom, and it has an image resolution of 20 megapixels, which is pretty good for a camera of its class.
Its zoom lens goes from 18X (24mm equivalent) to 1200mm, making it one of Canon’s longest lenses ever. The lens’s optical image stabilization will also help keep your shots steady and sharp, even if you have to go with a shutter speed that isn’t as fast as possible.
A Super-slow Motion movie mode gives you options between 120fps and 60fps, so you can capture those videos with some serious slow-motion action—something that doesn’t get done well on other similar cameras in its price range.
Frequently Asked Question
Is the Canon PowerShot any good?
The Canon Powershot SX60 is a great camera. But if you’re asking whether it’s better than another type of camera, I can’t say definitively that it is.
Cameras are like computers: While different specs and features matter, depending on what you want to do with your camera, ultimately, they all get the job done.
With that said, I can offer some insight into why so many people love their Canon PowerShots (and why some aren’t as thrilled). Here you will get the complete guide on how to clean lenses and filter of your camera.
Is Canon PowerShot SX60 a DSLR camera?
One thing that makes these cameras different from a traditional DSLR camera is that they have an optical zoom lens, which is typically found on point-and-shoot cameras and not DSLRs.
The big drawback with a point-and-shoot camera is that it has a fixed lens with minimal capabilities, compared to a DSLR camera that can be paired with many lenses.
To learn if Canon PowerShot SX60 can replace your DSLR, you’ll need to know exactly what you use your current setup for. For example, if you plan to take photos of people or sports activities, you’re better off going with a higher-end SLR.
