Canon SuperZoom Comparative Test

Canon PowerShot SX420 IS

The editorial board of Prophotos.ru launches a test of four advanced Canon compact cameras: PowerShot SX420 IS , PowerShot SX540 HS , PowerShot SX620 HS and PowerShot SX720 HS . They were created for the needs of photographers of different levels, but they are united by a large zoom, wide creative possibilities and compact sizes. We will compare these cameras and focus on the key differences so that you can choose a camera that will become your reliable assistant on the way to excellent shots.

Canon PowerShot SX420 IS

PowerShot SX420 IS is a very easy-to-use, affordable and convenient camera. There is nothing superfluous in it, only the most necessary. The body of the camera is very small, but the shape of the handle repeats the bends of the hand, so the camera is very comfortable to hold. Due to the increased grip, the camera does not fit in a jeans pocket, but it can definitely be put in a jacket pocket, backpack or in a small bag. Two colors are available: matte black and glossy red. Get price Canon PowerShot SX420 IS The heart of the camera is a CCD sensor with a resolution of 20 megapixels and 42x optical zoom with built-in image stabilization. This number of megapixels is enough to print photos in a format up to A3 +. The zoom level covers all possible focal lengths. A wide angle with an equivalent focal length of 24 mm will allow you to create "spacious" photo landscapes. The maximum telephoto equivalent focal length is 1008 mm. The maximum zoom can be doubled to 2016 mm due to the ZoomPlus function without serious deterioration in image quality. Such zoom capabilities are more than enough to ensure that any detail is in the field of view of your lens. And so you can take sharp photos in low light conditions, the Canon PowerShot SX420 IS provides an optical image stabilizer. Working with such a powerful zoom without a stabilizer would be impossible. The camera also records videos in HD quality.

Shooting from a single point. Minimum zoom level

Canon PowerShot SX420 IS / (65535) Installations: ISO 100, F4, 1/640 s

The maximum zoom level. The distance to the monument is more than 700 meters.

Canon PowerShot SX420 IS / (65535) Installations: ISO 100, F6.6, 1/250 s

Maximum zoom level

Canon PowerShot SX420 IS / (65535) Settings: ISO 100, F6.3, 1/200 s

ZoomPlus Technology Example

Canon PowerShot SX420 IS / (65535) Installations: ISO 100, F6.6, 1/320 s

The Canon PowerShot SX420 IS is designed for those who don’t want to think about the settings and prefer to rely on the camera’s automation. To quickly switch to automatic mode, the rear panel has a SMART AUTO button. In this mode, the camera selects the shooting parameters independently and limits the number of settings in the menu. Pressing the SMART AUTO button again will put the Canon PowerShot SX420 IS into program mode, in which you will have more freedom for settings and creativity.

The picture was taken in automatic mode.

Canon PowerShot SX420 IS / (65535) Settings: ISO 100, F5.6, 1/80 s

The camera has a lot of story programs, including with creative filters. It is easy to create unusual photos with them. For fans of direct control over the effects, an interesting LIVE mode is implemented here (there is no manual mode.) In it, by moving the sliders on the screen, the image brightness, tone and color saturation can be changed.

The picture was taken in automatic mode.

Canon PowerShot SX420 IS / (65535) Installations: ISO 100, F5, 1/125 s

The picture was taken in LIVE mode with brightness compensation.

Canon PowerShot SX420 IS / (65535) Settings: ISO 100, F5, 1/50 s

Camera screen in LIVE mode

Canon PowerShot SX540 HS / (65535) Installations: ISO 400, F4, 1/13 s

Macro Capabilities Canon PowerShot SX420 IS; shooting with a creative profile "Bright".

Canon PowerShot SX420 IS / (65535) Installations: ISO 200, F4, 1/30 s

Miniature effect

Canon PowerShot SX420 IS / (65535) Installations: ISO 400, F5, 1/80 s

Active flash

Canon PowerShot SX420 IS / (65535) Settings: ISO 100, F4, 1/200 s

The Canon PowerShot SX420 IS has Wi-Fi and NFC wireless modules. So you can immediately share photos and videos with friends by uploading them to the network using the Canon Camera Connect application installed on your tablet or smartphone. The application is free, released for Android and iOS platforms. After installing the application, just click on the button with the Wi-Fi designation (on the back of the camera) and you will see a menu of possible connections: to another camera, tablet, smartphone, computer, printer, or cloud storage. Each of these services provides its own set of unique services, but the most popular connection is the connection to a smartphone or tablet. To establish a connection, you need to bring the device to the NFC tag. Next, the Canon Camera Connect application launches. Having entered the application, you can view the pictures from the camera’s memory card, copy them to your device, make time and date settings, transfer information about your location for geotagging to pictures, and also make remote shooting. In the latter case, zoom level, flash and timer control are available.

Canon Camera Connect Application Screenshot: View Images

Canon Camera Connect app menu screenshot: setting time / date

Canon Camera Connect Application Screenshot: Live Shooting

Canon Camera Connect Application Menu Screenshot: General View

If you are a beginner photographer who doesn’t really want to delve into all the details of photography, but wants to enjoy shooting and beautiful shots, then you will like the Canon PowerShot SX420 IS . This is an easy-to-use camera with good automation, a clear interface and a comfortable grip. It has everything you need: a high-quality CCD matrix with a resolution of 20 megapixels, a large optical zoom lens, image stabilizer, Wi-Fi and NFC modules. And all this at an affordable price. The Canon PowerShot SX420 IS does a great job of shooting family holidays, vacations and outdoor activities. If you want to shoot video in Full HD, change the shutter speed and aperture settings directly, and also shoot dynamic scenes in low light, it is better to look towards the Canon PowerShot SX540 HS.