SX160 IS

The camera can set ISO to 100, 200, 400, 800, 1600. In Auto mode this is set automatically. The camera can be operated manually with the user choosing ISO, Aperture and Shutter speed. However, it can be operated in Av mode (user selects aperture) , Tv mode (user selects shutter speed), or P mode (camera choses all of the settings). And there are other modes

best described in the User Manual. I find that my cameras live in M or Av mode so this camera works for me.

The LCD on the back is 3″ across and, although it is not articulated, gives a great view. I prefer a viewfinder because it keeps extraneous light out and in my opinion provides a better view, however, if you have to use a screen, this is a good one.

There is a pop up flash but no hot shoe, or shoe of any kind. And there is no PC sync socket. External flash is not contemplated. However, if you have a flash that can be used in a “slave” mode and be triggered by the built in flash, you can set up an external flash. It’s a workaround but you do what you have to do!

This camera has an impressive macro ability and it can focus extremely close, a few centimeters making it very versatile. An example would be taking photos to record stages in disassembling a lens so you can remember how to put it back together. Really useful!

The back is dominated by the 3″ LCD screen. Controls are also here for often used functions and the Menu. All are explained in the User Manual.

The camera stores pictures and videos on SD cards or SDHC or SDXC. It is all powered by two alkaline AA cells. It is also possible to us NiMH cells or Canon’s own rechargeable cells, the NB-3AH’s which are recharged with the Battery Charger DCC-750. The internal clock is kept powered by a coin type CR1220 which is inserted into a drawer on the left end of the camera.

The camera will also work with an AC Adapter Kit called the ACK-800.

There is a Canon case for the SX160. It is the Soft Case DCC-750. Of course they are many 3rd party cases that will work as well.

There are many features and settings that we have not described but they can be read about in the User Instructions on the left. The camera is not as versatile as advanced DSLR’s and mirrorless cameras but for the advanced amateur this is a very capable “walkabout” camera.

Taking pictures with the SX160 IS

 Physically the PowerShot SX160 IS  reminds me of the more advanced PowerShot G9 or G11. It is made of plastic but the fit and finish is excellent and the feel is that of an advanced camera. To test the it I set it to Auto for all my shots and I took it for a walk.

The shutter is a two stage affair. The first stage is very positive and there is doubt about it. However, the second stage is problematic. You press into it and the button seems to bottom out but still it does not fire, sometimes. By pushing harder it fires. I don’t know if the shutter is simply dirty in this camera or whether the shutter release really has a problem. The less expensive cameras of this period did have uncertain shutter releases.

My first subject was the wall of our back patio. I chose it because it was flat and I was careful to keep the sensor plane parallel to it. Contrast was reasonably low. The metadata of the image reports that I chose 83mm focal length and the camera chose ISO 200 and 1/320th at f/8.

Upper right corner at 100%. Still pretty sharp but again it is soft and lacking in contrast.  Definitely needs sof sharpening and contrast in post processing.

The image from the center at 100% was a little flat, soft, and low in contrast I wanted to look a little closer. In the two images above, the one on the left is the same mage as before. It is just as it came out of the camera without any post processing. On the right is the same image but I have adjusted sharpness, contrast and brightness. You can see that there is great potential for improving the image in post processing.

On another point however, notice that even at ISO 200 and only a 100% magnification grain is beginning to appear. That is a problem with most of the early digital point and shoots: they suffer from noise as the ISO is increased. Most are almost unuseable beyond about ISO 400.

For our second image I chose a fence line. I focused on the fence post in the center and the camera chose 1/160th second at f/5.6 and an ISO of 200.

Upper right corner at 100%. Corners on this lens appear to be excellent and free of vignetting. Look at the wire and you will see color fringing. But it is an inexpensive lens.

One final picture. I took this pastoral scene but had trouble with the color balance. The leaves overhead gave the light a distinct green tinge which did not look natural. The eye compensates for such a color cast but the camera just records what is in front of it. So I had this color issue. Looking at different options I tried a B & W treatment and really liked the result. I feel like using AI to insert some grazing sheep into this scene.

There is no question that this camera can take a good picture. For a beginning photographer or even a moderately advanced one this is a good camera that would be excellent as a learning machine. There are enough controls that the user can experience the full range of photographic challenges.

In summary then, we must judge this camera for what it is: an inexpensive point and shoot with a high megapixel count and impressive zoom range. It is capable of really good images but post processing is required. For entry level photographers it is an excellent camera. Even semi professionals might like it as it is easy to carry around, has a great zoom range, can focus real close, and has a reasonable megapixel count. I know I like it. But then I like most cameras.

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