Canon Powershot SX610 HS Review

The Canon Powershot SX610 HS is this years update to the SX600 HS, and features an 18x optical zoom lens, a new 20 megapixel sensor and improved grip. Built in Wi-Fi and NFC makes it easy to transfer images as well as control the camera from your smartphone. 

Canon Powershot SX610 HS Features

The Canon Powershot SX610 HS offers a few updates since the SX600 HS, with the most noticeable differences being the design of the camera, which now has improved rubber grips at the front and back of the camera, along with a 20 megapixel BSI CMOS sensor, which is an increase over the 16 megapixel sensor of the previous model. 

The 18x optical zoom lens is equivalent to 25-450mm in 35mm terms, and optical image stabilisation ensures sharp photos in low light or when using optical zoom. The camera can focus on subjects just 5cm away from the front of the lens when shooting with macro focus enabled. On the rear of the camera is a 3inch screen with a good resolution of 922K dots.

There are numerous automatic shooting modes, as well as creative filters available for more interesting photos. Creative shot takes a number of shots and generates a variety of edited photos automatically. 

Wi-Fi and NFC connectivity makes it easy to connect to a compatible smartphone to shoot remotely and transfer images. 

The SX610 HS records full HD video with mono sound, and optical zoom is available whilst recording.

Key Features

• 20 megapixel BSI CMOS sensor
• 18x optical zoom lens, 25-450mm equivalent
• Optical image stabilisation (2.5 stops)
• 3inch screen, 922K dots
• Wi-Fi / NFC connectivity
• FullHD video
• ISO80 to ISO3200
• 5cm Macro mode
• 2.5fps continuous shooting (at full resolution)
• Available in black, white and red

Canon Powershot SX610 HS Handling

The Canon Powershot SX610 HS is stylish looking camera, with a compact pop-up flash built in that can be released with a side switch. To put the flash away you simply push it back in. The new rubber grip at the front and rear, along with clean design lines gives the camera a premium look and feel. The metal body and solid construction gives the impression of a well built camera which is rather surprisingly made in Japan - most compact cameras are made in China these days.

The screen is clear and easy to view even when using it outside in bright conditions, and the 922k dot resolution is good. The rear is where you'll find the main controls for the camera with a mode switch letting you go between Auto, Creative and Auto / Hybrid. When in Auto mode, you can select additional shooting modes by pressing the FUNC/SET button. This is also how you access the majority of photo settings, with an overlay shown on screen. This should mean you won't need to enter the menus too often, although if you do you'll be pleased to find built in help making the camera easier to use.

Built in Wi-Fi and NFC makes it easy to connect to compatible iOS and Android devices. The Canon Camera Connect app lets you view images and video on the camera and transfer them to your phone, shoot remotely and remotely control the camera, as well as add GPS location information to photos based on GPS data from your smartphone. Once the photos are on your smartphone it's then easy to share your images to social media sites such as Facebook, Twitter, etc.

Battery life - Battery life is rated at 270 shots according to Canon/ CIPA test results, which can be extended to a much more impressive 400 shots when ECO mode is enabled.