14 DAY TRIAL // Not content with the zooming capabilities of your camera? Maybe you will want to consider the recently unveiled Canon PowerShot SX400 IS and PowerShot SX520 HS, two cameras designed to take zooming capabilities to the next level.
Especially created for the field of street photography and other types of art where you don’t want to get too close to your subject, the two cameras aim to provide a super affordable solution to your quest.
Of the two, the SX520 is the more expensive and powerful, coming equipped with a 42x zoom, while the SX400 supports 30x zoom.
Let’s see what you’ll be getting if you decide to go for the more advanced version of the duo. The SX520 arrives with a 16MP high-sensitivity CMOS sensor plus a Canon DIGIC 4+ Image Processor.
We mentioned above that it had a 42x sensor but also came equipped with an Optical Image Stabilization, so even if you’re suffering from shaky hands syndrome, you should be able to snap a beautiful photograph.
Moving along, the camera can shoot video in 1080 full HD resolution and has a dedicated button for video recording so you won’t have to browse through menus of settings in order to change different modes.
The SX520 comes equipped with Canon’s own Zoom Framing Assists, which can become your digital helper in locating your target while you’re in the process of zooming.
On top of that, photographers will find onboard a whole list of fancy feats designed to make life easier.
Apart from the Zoom Framing feat, there’s the Hybrid AUTO, which enables users to record a stabilized HD video clip up to 4 seconds every time you take a photograph. Then the clips are compiled into a “highlight reel,” which sounds quite fun.
As for the SX520, the camera isn't packed with all the fancy perks detailed above, but it’s still quite decent.
The camera has a 16MP CCD sensor but it’s not a high-sensitivity one, working in concert with a DIGIC 4+ image processor. The device has 30x optical zoom and brings forth the Smart AUTO feat, which gives users a choice between 32 modes for shooting photos and 21 for video.
Like with the SX520, there’s a dedicated button for video shooting, which can only be done at 720p.
As for pricing, the more advanced of the bunch sells for $399.99 / €300 a pop and will be available in September, while the SX400 will retail for $249.99 / €186 and can be purchased starting next month in black or white colors.
