Canon PowerShot SX260 HS 12.1 MP CMOS Digital Camera with 20x Image Stabilized Zoom 25mm Wide-Angle Lens and 1080p Full-HD Video (Black) (OLD MODEL)

by people ...

Product Specifications

12MP CMOS sensor
25–500 mm equivalent F3.5 - 6.8 lens
ISO 100-3200
1080p -24FPS HD video
3” LCD with 461,000 dots
Digic 5 Processor
Built-in GPS
12.1 effective megapixel, ¹⁄₂.3-inch high-sensitivity CMOS sensor
3-inch TFT color LCD with wide viewing angle
25mm wide-angle lens with optical image stabilizer
20x optical zoom, 4x digital zoom and 80x combined zoom
Full 1080p HD video with stereo sound

Product Description

Color:Black | Product Packaging:Standard Packaging Product Description The Canon 5900B100 PowerShot SX260 HS 12.1 MP Compact Digital Camera, in black, is an ultra-slim camera with a powerful 20x Optical Zoom, Optical Image Stabilization and 25mm Wide-Angle lens but that is only the beginning of its attractions. You will see detail you never thought possible through the huge zoom and wide-angle lens, while the camera’s 12.1 Megapixel High-Sensitivity CMOS Sensor and DIGIC 5 Image Processor deliver the rich, clear low-light performance that is the hallmark of Canon’s HS SYSTEM. Full 1080p HD video in stereo is more beautiful than ever, with new high-resolution, high-speed processing. Sophisticated advancements include improved Smart AUTO that optimizes settings for 58 predefined shooting situations, Face ID that prioritizes pre-registered faces, and GPS for tracking and recording your shooting locations.Memory Card Type: SD, SDHC,SDXC.

What’s in the Box:

PowerShot SX260HS Body Battery Pack NB-6L Battery Charger CB-2LY Wrist Strap WS-DC11 USB Interface Cable IFC-400PCU Digital Camera Solution CD-ROM From the Manufacturer Capture It All The fact that the PowerShot SX260 HS digital camera is an ultra-slim camera with a powerful 20x Optical Zoom, Optical Image Stabilization and 25mm Wide-Angle lens is only the beginning of its attractions. You’ll see detail you never thought possible through the huge zoom and wide-angle lens, while the camera’s 12.1 Megapixel High-Sensitivity CMOS Sensor and DIGIC 5 Image Processor deliver the rich, clear low-light performance that is the hallmark of Canon’s HS SYSTEM. 1080p Full HD video in stereo is more beautiful than ever, with new high-resolution, high-speed processing. Sophisticated advancements include improved Smart AUTO that optimizes settings for 58 predefined shooting situations, Face ID that prioritizes pre-registered faces, and GPS for tracking and recording your shooting locations.

Astonishingly Slim Ultra-slim Camera with powerful 20x Optical Zoom, Optical Image Stabilization and 25mm Wide-Angle Lens At just over 1-¹⁄₄ inches thick, the PowerShot SX260 HS is an ultra-slim digital camera with a powerful 20x Optical Zoom. But because its lens embodies the quality and legacy of Genuine Canon Optics, its advantages go far beyond making the camera slim enough to slip in your pocket and carry anywhere. With a range of 25mm â€“ 500mm (35mm equivalent), the lens gives you the power to capture the full breadth of scenes, with details you’ve never captured before. Images are bright and vivid with spectacular clarity thanks to Optical Image Stabilization.

Optical Image Stabilizer Handheld shooting can often lead to camera shake, making photos and videos blurry. Canon’s Optical Image Stabilizer is a sophisticated system that uses lens-shift technology to correct unwanted camera movement. It makes handheld photography more practical, providing excellent image quality in many difficult shooting situations: outdoors at dusk, inside without a flash, and even at the telephoto end of the zoom range without a tripod. For photos, it enables shooting at slower shutter speeds, accommodating more low-light shooting situations than ever before without having to boost ISO sensitivity. With camera shake and vibration reduced, you get a sharper, steadier image. And because it is an optical system, there is none of the image degradation typical with electronic image stabilizers.

UA Lens Technology Pioneered by Canon, UA Lens technology makes possible compact lenses with remarkable optical performance. By using molded glass with an ultra-high refractive index in aspherical lens elements, Canon has succeeded in reducing lens size while significantly reducing image aberrations. Another stellar example of cutting-edge Canon optics, UA Lens technology helps make PowerShot digital cameras pocket-friendly and capable of astounding image quality. Experience the Power Canon HS SYSTEM The Canon HS SYSTEM lets you take bright, clear photos in an even wider range of shooting situations. Beautiful low-light shots are possible with minimal noise and maximum detail in highlight and shadow areas. The system is the result of two technologies brought together in PowerShot cameras: a high-sensitivity imaging sensor, which is able to capture more light; and the DIGIC 5 Image Processor, which actively reduces noise with high-speed image processing. The 12.1 Megapixel Canon CMOS sensor in the PowerShot SX260 HS incorporates advanced light reception technology that enhances sensitivity. The DIGIC 5 Image Processor provides a major boost in noise reduction, expanding the usable ISO range to an amazing high of ISO 3200. The Canon HS SYSTEM thus lets you use higher shutter speeds to capture clearer images with reduced noise and blur.

Canon DIGIC 5 Image Processor The latest-generation Canon DIGIC 5 Image Processor brings phenomenal increases in processing speed and power. Improved chip architecture and algorithms deliver greatly expanded functionality with further refinement in image quality. Improved noise reduction produces clearer images when shooting in low light at high ISO speeds. Enhanced i-Contrast performance adjusts differences between light and dark areas to achieve even more natural-looking results. The faster processing speed also results in faster continuous shooting capability while maintaining full image quality. The DIGIC 5 Image Processor also makes possible a new, highly advanced automatic white balance system. Whereas conventional white balance makes an overall adjustment based on a single type of light source, the new Canon Multi-Area White Balance analyzes several areas of the image to determine whether different adjustments are needed, for example, for the main subject and the background.

Memorable Moments in Spectacular Full HD Canon Full HD Video Advantage In addition to the Canon HS SYSTEM, the combination of the advanced CMOS sensor and DIGIC 5 Image Processor in the PowerShot SX260 HS makes it possible to shoot crisp, clear high definition video. Imagine the fun and excitement of being able to shoot spectacular 1080p Full HD video with stereo sound that you can later watch on your HDTV or download to your computer to share with family and friends. In addition to being able to shoot Full HD 1080p video at 24* frames per second, the PowerShot SX260 HS can also shoot 720p HD video at 30** frames per second.

Dedicated Movie Button, Wind filter feature and Optical Zoom for easy video capture Itâ€™s never been easier to shoot videos with a PowerShot digital camera. The PowerShot SX260 HS has a dedicated movie button that lets you start and stop recording instantly. There is no need to go through layers of menus or operate switches or dials to switch to and from video recording mode. The camera is always ready to shoot stills or video whenever you want. The PowerShot SX260 HS also incorporates an electronic wind filter, which suppresses wind noise that can muffle or distort the sound. And unlike less sophisticated point-and-shoot cameras, the PowerShot SX260 HS lets you use the full range of optical zoom when youâ€™re shooting a video.

HDTV playback via HDMI output and CEC Itâ€™s easy to enjoy and share the videos you shoot with the PowerShot SX260 HS. Simply connect its HDMI terminal to your HDTV using an HDMI cable. And because the PowerShot SX260 HS supports HDMI-CEC technology, youâ€™ll be able to control the playback of your images and videos on any CEC-enabled HDTV using the TVâ€™s remote control. (CEC – Consumer Electronic Control – is part of the HDMI specification, enabling components in a system to communicate with one another.)

iFrame With the PowerShot SX260 HS, you can also shoot video in the AppleÂ® iFrame format, which is a computer-friendly standard that speeds up importing and editing of videos. It keeps file sizes small, making it more convenient to upload or e-mail high-quality videos. The iFrame format enjoys native support in compatible Mac and Windows video applications, making it unnecessary to perform time-consuming and often quality-degrading conversions.

A Smarter Camera Means Better Photos Smart AUTO Smart AUTO for the PowerShot SX260 HS has been significantly expanded, making it easier than ever to capture the sharp, bright, colorful images – and videos – youâ€™re looking for. By assessing various factors in both the background and the subject, the system recognizes 58 predefined shooting situations and automatically selects the camera settings that will yield the best possible results. Simply frame the shot you want, and in dozens of common or challenging scenarios the camera takes care of the rest. Hard-to-capture shots such as moving subjects, night scenes, backlit subjects, and landscapes at evening or on a bright snowy day are instantly and effortlessly captured as â€œkeeperâ€ shots. Smart AUTO makes the PowerShot SX260 HS ideal for capturing excellent quality still images and video on the go.

Shooting Modes/Specialn Scene Modes Manual You have complete control of exposure, selecting both aperture and shutter speed manually. Aperture-priority You set the aperture, controlling depth-of-field. The camera automatically selects the shutter speed. Shutter-priority You select the shutter speed, and the camera automatically selects the appropriate aperture. Program The camera automatically and intelligently selects the aperture/shutter speed combination based on the shooting conditions. Live View Control Enables Brightness, Color, and Tone adjustments to your images using easy-to-understand controls. Smart AUTO The camera automatically selects the best shooting settings for optimal quality based on subjects and environmental factors to provide point-and-shoot simplicity. Easy Easy mode, shooting is simple and relaxed the camera handles all the settings automatically. Movie Digest in 720p HD Records a video clip in 720p HD before capturing a still image and then combines one day’s worth of clips into a video. Portrait Brings the subject into focus while beautifully blurring the background. Smooth Skin Removes dullness, wrinkles, and harsh shadows for beautiful faces. Smart Shutter The camera automatically takes the photo when people smile, wink, or get into frame. High-Speed Burst HQ Captures fast-action shots at full resolution, providing continuous shooting when the shutter button is held down. Handheld Night Scene Take clear and steady pictures at night without the use of a tripod. Low Light For high quality image capture in an amazing range of dimly lit situations. Underwater Capture underwater images with reduced backscatter effect. Optional Underwater Case required. Snow Shoot clear snow scenes without darkened subjects or an unnatural bluish tint. Fireworks Create brilliant images of skyrocketing fireworks. Stitch Assist Easy-to-use guidelines simplify the shooting of aligned multiple frames that can later be combined (using bundled software) to create panoramic photos. Creative Filters This setting provides easy access to special filter effects and scene modes, such as Toy Camera Effect, Poster Effect, Monochrome and more. Fisheye Effect Now you can get the fisheye effect – a classic photographic distortion – without a fisheye lens. Miniature Effect for Stills & Video Give images a miniature look with an effect that emphasizes perspective by blurring the top and bottom of the image. Toy Camera Effect Simulates photos taken with toy or pinhole cameras, darkening the image at the edges to create a vignette effect. Monochrome Choose from three single-tone effects: Black-and-White, Sepia, or Blue. Soft Focus Creates a hazy ambiance that’s perfect for portraits and wedding photos. Super Vivid Super Vivid intensifies existing hues, saturating the scene with bright colors. Poster Effect Poster Effect combines several similar shades into one color, turning subtle gradations into eye-catching, scene-popping contrasts. Color Accent Choose to retain a single color in your image while other colors turn monochrome. Color Swap Select a color and replace it with a color you specify for special effects. Discreet Mode Disables flash, AF assist beam, and all camera sounds with one mode dial setting so you can capture images in quiet areas. iFrame Movie The Apple® movie format, iFrame, makes it easier and quicker to import and upload videos while retaining high image quality. Super Slow Motion Movie Record your clips in high speed (approx. 240 fps), and then watch your videos in slow motion. Face ID Face ID is one of the most advanced and exciting new features of the PowerShot SX260 HS, giving you an easy way to improve every shot of the people you love. Simply take a picture of up to 12 faces you would like the camera to register, then enter names and ages. Once a person is registered, the camera will pick him or her out of a group (even against a busy background) and adjust focus and exposure to his or her face, even recognizing faces in profile. Face ID is particularly great for shots of babies and children. The system can pick your baby out of a group of children, focus on your baby when pictured with an adult, and capture her best smile by taking three successive images when the smile is detected. The flash is even disabled so as not to startle the baby and interrupt the moment. Older children in motion are tracked, with focus and exposure continually adjusted with Servo AF; with one shutter press three successive images are captured so the best shot is never missed. And because you’ll identify each face you register, Face ID makes it easy to search images by name.

A Steady Image Is a Beautiful Image Intelligent IS The latest advance in Canon Optical Image Stabilization technology, Intelligent IS analyzes camera movement and applies the best shake correction method for the shooting situation. For stills, the system automatically selects among Normal, Panning, Macro (Hybrid) and Tripod IS modes. When shooting video, the system automatically selects among Dynamic, Powered, Macro and Tripod IS modes. With Intelligent IS, you can concentrate on image capture, letting the camera make the most effective IS settings to assure the steadiest possible image.

Normal Corrects for a wide range of camera movement when shooting stills.

Panning Panning motion is detected so that IS does not interfere with desired camera movement.

Macro (Hybrid) Corrects for shift-type camera shake, which typically occurs in macro (close-up) shooting.

Dynamic Effective for video shooting at wide-angle focal lengths, eliminating the unwanted shaking that typically occurs while walking.

Powered Compensates for hand movement when shooting video at the telephoto end of the zoom range, where camera shake is magnified.

Tripod When tripod use is detected, the Image Stabilizer is stopped because it is not needed.

The Ideal Traveling Companion GPS Technology The PowerShot SX260 HS digital camera is equipped with Global Positioning System (GPS)* technology. Now you can travel the world and let the camera automatically record the locations and local times of your stills and videos. The camera can also use the GPS unit to automatically set the exact time. You can maximize the usefulness of the GPS feature by using the special bundled Map Utility software that makes it fun to share the memories of your world adventures. In addition to displaying all your photos’ locations on a world map, the camera’s GPS system can also track your route from photo to photo – a great way to visualize each trip! You can also create and share custom maps and personal mini-travel guides with friends and family members. *In certain countries and regions, the use of GPS may be restricted. Therefore, be sure to use GPS in accordance with the laws and regulations of your country or region. Be particularly careful when traveling outside your home country. As a signal is received from GPS satellites, take sufficient measures when using in locations where the use of electronics is regulated. This software uses Google Maps for displaying maps.

Versatile Still and Video Shooting Options High-Speed Burst HQ Utilizing the increased processing speed and power of the new Canon DIGIC 5 Image Processor, High-Speed Burst HQ makes it possible to capture fast action stills at full resolution during continuous shooting. The results are exceptionally high-quality images recorded in rapid sequence. In this mode, the PowerShot SX260 HS can capture a maximum of 10 shots in a single burst.*

Turn Your Memories into a Highlights Reel 720p Movie Digest With the PowerShot SX260 HS digital camera, capturing trips and special occasions with a high-quality video highlights reel is as easy as switching on the Movie Digest feature. When activated, the feature automatically records the four seconds before each still shot as video, then auto-edits them into a short movie. Played back together, the video clips capture the mood and ambiance of special days in a way that’s completely different from still images, both documenting the creation of still images and providing a unique stand-alone memory preserver. New with the PowerShot SX260 HS, the video is captured in 720p high definition so that it looks smooth and beautifully detailed when played back on your HDTV. With bundled software ImageBrowser EX, you can easily delete any scenes you don’t want.

Pick Your Color Available in 3 colors The camera’s silky-smooth coating provides a luxurious feel and radiates a deep, subtle sheen. And the fact that PowerShot SX260 HS is packed with serious specs and technological advancements doesn’t mean you’re limited to basic black: your color choice is as individual as the images you’ll create. Choose from black, red and green.

What’s in the Box:

PowerShot SX260HS Body Battery Pack NB-6L Battery Charger CB-2LY Wrist Strap WS-DC11 USB Interface Cable IFC-400PCU Digital Camera Solution CD-ROM

Product Reviews

Another winner from Canon

I received my SX260 last Wednesday and have taken about 700 shots and a few quick 5 minute video. Without writing a novel, here are the high/low points of this unit. In addition to this unit, I also purchased a couple of aftermarket batteries (and after market A/C adapters for about $5.00 each) for about $5.00 each and the batteries work fine. With the battery (original and aftermarket) I was able to get over 300 shots (50% flash) with zooming and playback and the battery meter still showed about 25% charge remaining.Pro’sZoom - very long for a subcompact camera 20x optical, total 81x combined (yes 81 times!)Image Stabilizer - Excellent (far superior than the DSC-HX9V); Even at 81x the picture did not come out of focus, but of course not as sharp. I think it’s still acceptableScenes - A few scenes; I think the portrait, sepia, B/W works real well (the Portrait+ suppose to blur the picture a bit, but it’s not to my liking) It has a few effects (fish eye, toy, miniature) that’s very effective and can be fun for creative shots.Auto Mode - was able to pick the correct type of scene almost all the time; it has an easy mode, and smart auto. Not sure why they have an easy mode, but the smart auto works greatSize/Weight - very compact and weigh’s 8.2 oz. I would have prefer if the lens was flushed with the unit, but at 20x it may not have been possibleUniformity - the unit does not feel cheap, and beautifully curved; no sharp jagged cornersGrip - the right side of the camera has a nice plastic strip for easier gripControls - Dial extremely easy to use with one hand. The other buttons, if you’re a previous Canon user, it’s a no brainer; the menu and setup are practically the same across all their models.Screen - 3 inch TFT LCD screen very beautiful; nuff saidProcessor - Didn’t notice that much difference between the DIGIC 4/DIGIC 5, but compared to the DSC-HX9V, this camera is like a Ferrari.GPS - Camera has it, but I never used it and probably won’t; at least for the time being. Am more interested in a camera that takes excellent pictureCon’sVideo - compared to the Sony DSC-HX9V this Canon comes in a distant second; if you plan on using this primarily as a video recorder, look elsewhere. I think Sony has excellent lens on their camera but their processing technology is clumsy, painfully slow and unacceptable; whereas with taking videos, the Sony does not do any processing (not to mention it captures at 60fps compared to Canon’s ²⁴⁄₂₅ fps) This is one thing I will miss dearly.Flash - not sure if there is a good place but I had to change my grip as the flash is on the top left corner. Couple of times, I had my left index finger on the flash and the camera gave some flash error message and had to power off and power on the camera to reset the flash.If you’re a casual or intermittent photographer (or a professional wanting an everyday point and shoot camera without carrying a luggage everywhere) that is interested in looking for a well refined point and shoot camera, yet has manual controls usually found on higher end DSLR (or higher end point and shoot camera), this is it!UPDATE 04/14/2012 - I paid $349 and today I noticed it’s selling for $299, a 15% price drop in less than a month! I thought cars depreciate quick …UPDATE 04/18/2012 - The Live Mode works great! For those hard shots (for example, taking indoor picture with fluorescent lighting and without a flash), you can view the screen and make the adjustment right then and there. You look at what you plan to take, compare it to the SX260 LCD screen and press the shutter button.

This Could Be the One

I am an experienced amateur photographer and I’ve owned many cameras over the past 40 years. I’ve had some photos published but photography has always been strictly a hobby, though a serious one. I shoot with a Canon 7D, Rebel backup, various ‘L’ lenses, and I also use an Olympus E-P1 occasionally as well as a Canon S90 and Powershot 1100S (kept in my glovebox for ‘emergencies’). I enjoy taking pictures.I also enjoy traveling and have traveled around the states as well as visited many foreign countries. I’m sure I echo the frustrations of every photographer out there when I say that choosing which photo equipment to take on a vacation is the most agonizing process in planning a trip.Let me share two experiences–one pleasant, another frustrating. In 2003, I visited New Zealand and took one of Canon’s first digital Powershots. It was very small, fit in my pocket, and I could easily whip it out for quick photos. Even though the pictures were not pristine SLR quality, it was easy and fun using that camera and I still enjoy viewing those photos today. I had a pleasant and memorable trip. Second experience: a 10-day tour of China in 2007. I took a DSLR and 3 lenses as well as an HD camcorder, all in the same shoulder bag. It turned out to be total frustration. Instead of being able to enjoy the moment of seeing all that glorious ancient history and the people of China, I was overly concerned with ‘getting the shot’ – all the time. Also, HD video was new in those days and I thought I could record the ‘trip of a lifetime’ with the latest technology. But switching between video and still photography simply added to my frustration. Although I got quite a few good pictures and videos, I did not enjoy that trip as much as I should have because I let my photo-taking desires get in the way of my vacation needs and cultural immersion. As a matter of fact, my wife used a point-and-shoot to get some great candid photos of people and children that totally outshone my efforts.OK, fast forward to 2012. Like so many other photographers out there, when traveling I need a camera that’s pocketable but can do everything. Impossible. It doesn’t exist. But I remember the lessons learned from the experiences described above. Concessions must be made. With experience, I’ve learned what is a necessity, and what ‘would be nice to have’ when traveling. I have concluded that for me, a camera that takes ‘very good’ pictures, that is small and lightweight, is a NECESSITY. Anything else would be ‘nice to have’ but is not worth the enormous hassle.I’ve had the Powershot SX260 HS for about a week now and I think I may have found the camera that will adequately meet my travel needs. I’ve shot a couple hundred photos and I’m surprised at the results. They are sharp, contrasty, colorful, noiseless, and good enough to use as desktop pictures on my 24-inch monitor without editing. The 20x lens is coupled to a shake-free technology that is very, very good. It’s pocketable and has easy to use buttons that are logically placed. Canon has done their homework in finding the right balance between sharpness and noise, as far as I am concerned. Although it doesn’t shoot RAW (that’s a debate for another time), I am very happy with the JPEGs and I use the included highlight-taming technology built in to the camera and it works very well.What I like:1) Pocketable. Pocketable. Did I say pocketable?2) Turns on quickly to get the shot.3) 20x lens – 25mm to 500mm. The 25mm shots are corrected internally for distortion and the 500mm shots are sharp thanks to the IS technology.4) Very good noise control – I haven’t tested it at 1600 or 3200 but several other review sites reveal surprising, low noise photos at those ISO levels.5) My copy is very sharp – no need to sharpen the photos it produces.6) Color accuracy is on par with my Olympus E-P1, which I consider to be the paragon of color accuracy.7) Full manual when desired.8) Takes very good HD video – though that doesn’t interest me so much these days. IS corrects for camera shake in video mode and zooming works well.What I don’t like:Nothing yet, though I will update this review if anything comes up.Does this camera take pictures comparable to my 7D? No. My E-P1? Very close. My S90? Superior to the S90 in my view.The 20x zooming feature of this camera can’t be overstated – it’s wonderful.So many reviewers nitpick about technical matters. Sure, I could do that with any camera, including this one. But the point is–what need does the camera serve? All I know is this: If this camera had existed at the time, the SX260 would be the camera I would have taken to China.Highly recommended.[UPDATE: Many people have asked me about the so-called ‘squeal’ in video mode. When ambient sounds are low, the condenser mic (as in all cameras) boosts the gain. Most cameras will then pick up the internal motor/electronic sounds. This camera is no exception. The noise I’ve noticed is a very subtle high pitched ring similar to tinnitus. Am I surprised? No. It’s the same sound I’ve heard in every video unit I’ve owned in the past 25 years. Medium to loud sounds will cause the mic to adjust and the tinnitus disappears. Folks, if video is important, buy a dedicated video camera. This is a PHOTO camera that has video capability, which is what I wanted.]

Compact and great outdoor pictures with the 20x zoom to capture distant wildlife.

SX260 was used but seemed in excellent condition and works well. Seems slow to focus at times but seems common in small extended zoom cameras

Hooked. This is my second one.

Love it. Can’t find a better camera that is not SLR. This one is larger than a cheap one but still fits in a purse or pocket.

Not reliable.

I loved this camera until the screen kept going black and it became unreliable. This happened after the one year warranty, so I was stuck with a broken camera.

Five Stars

Awesome camera, take excelent pictures for an amateur eye…

A few problems..

Tho’ I am having difficulty with the date and time setting that I never had with my previous Canon Power Shot 260 HS. EG - the date was set and had been working fine.

Not that impressed after 2 years.

I did not know much about better cameras than my old one. I did a bit of research before I bought the 260.. Red flag was focus was slow. Should of paid more attention to that.