Save Canon Powershot SX10IS 10MP Digital Camera with 20x Wide Angle Optical Image Stabilized Zoom

I was a long time user of the Canon EOS SLR's and I loved them. I say that only because readers should know I am an experienced photographer. I make this review after using this camera for about six months. I've had plenty of time to put it through its paces in various situations.

First let me say that I'm not comparing the SX10IS to an SLR but rather to my Panasonic DMC FZ20 with 12X zoom Lieca lens. The Panasonic is an excellent camera, by the way and I recommend it highly.

The Canon SX10IS camera has been a big disappointment. It was purchased mainly for wildlife photography. The 20X zoom works fine, but its bad points far outweigh the one good feature this camera has.

1. First the lens. The images are soft, not as sharp and crisp as the ones from the Panasonic. This could also be the auto focusing mechanism. Near, far, where ever the subjects are, the focus is soft.

2. Camera design is poor. Buttons cover every available surface of the camera's body. My small hands just cannot hold the camera without pushing one of the numerous buttons that cover the camera's surface.

3. I wish they had not attempted to cram every conceivable feature into this camera. More is not always better. The menu is a nightmare to navigate. No changing settings quickly to capture a bird in flight. Thankfully they left out the wash and spin dry feature but that is the only thing missing.

4. The optical viewfinder, which you need to use when shooting wildlife (especially if you are a former SLR user or if you wear glasses), is very poor. The view is fuzzy and the viewfinder is very small.

5. The camera body is cheaply made. Handle it very carefully. For example the door to the memory card is hinged with cheap material that will easily break with much opening or a slip of your fingers.

6. When holding the focus at 20X waiting for a subject to turn just the right way the camera makes a chugging sound and the image jumps. That can't be good.

These are my main complaints about this camera. Some advice: Don't just order this product online. Hold one in your hands, do some trial shots. Try to use it as you would in your everyday photography before you purchase it. Look at other camera models and compare before you buy.
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