The PowerShot SX230 HS is first long zoom compact with a 28mm Canon wide angle lens equivalent to a 14x zoom. It is the very objective that is used in the SX210 IS 2010 and the body for most of the same, too. The most important is the image sensor camera, the SX210 had a 14-megapixel CCD, while the SX230 has a 12 megapixel CMOS backlit. Without going into technical differences, you need to know is that the new sensor produces better pictures in low light and has a faster shooting performance
than its predecessor. Canon also built in a GPS receiver for geotagging photos while recording - the first time in a PowerShot.
However, while your photos - and movies - are quite large in its class, the performance of the SX230 running a little behind the competition. His goal is not as wide or as long as the models of similar size and Canon does not do as much as others with GPS capabilities, either. Also, anything related to the design to go with the SX210 SX230 still off with. You have to decide whether my problems are deal breakers for you, though, because otherwise a long zoom compact very good.
The SX230 HS has some of the best quality photos I've seen a compact long zoom, especially at a higher ISO. While the photos get softer and more noise above ISO 200 - typical point and shoot - ISO 400 and 800 are still very useful. Noise and noise reduction are well balanced so it is still very good color and detail in these higher sensitivities. Desaturate the colors to each ISO 1600 and 3200, subjects are very soft, and detail is greatly diminished, but the photos are usable at small sizes of prints or on a computer screen. Basically, if you need to shoot in low light or want to freeze the action, this camera is one of the best choices in its class.
There is an asymmetric distortion on the left side of the lens in position visible wider. When the lens is extended there is slight distortion of images, but is hardly noticeable. The sharpness is very good and consistent from end to end and in the corners - pretty rare in a compact long zoom. The SX230 has a lot of fringes around high contrast subjects. It is typical of compact cameras, but the amount is above average in its class, visible even when viewed at small sizes.
The color performance is a strong point with the SX230 SA. Everything is bright, well saturated, and reasonably accurate. Exposure is generally good, but what really struggle with highlights, blowing out every time. White balance is fairly accurate, too, but goes on the inside hot car. It is best to select the appropriate preset for the lighting or the use of custom settings.
The video quality is also excellent. He shoots in Full HD, but at 24 frames per second. That is not ideal for shooting moving subjects such as vibrations will see some video that is typical of most compact cameras. The same goes for panning the camera quickly. Otherwise the results are impressive, even in lower resolutions. The zoom lens works during recording, but you hear the movement in quiet scenes. There are stereo microphones on the front, but the microphone on the left is very easy to block if you're not paying attention to his hold on the camera.
Conclusion:
Advantages
The Canon PowerShot SX230 HS has good low light photo quality for its class, excellent color shooting options that encourage experimentation and great-looking video quality.
Disadvantages
His shooting performance, though good, is lagging behind the competition as well as GPS functionality. The battery life is short and the overall design a little help, too.