The Perfect Travel Companion? Canon PowerShot SX620 HS Review

 

As an avid traveler, I’m always on the lookout for a versatile camera that can capture stunning photos and videos without being too bulky. A recent trip to Santa Barbara, just a couple of hours’ drive from Los Angeles, provided the perfect opportunity to test out the Canon PowerShot SX620 HS. I was excited to see if it would live up to my expectations for a travel camera.

Design and Build

The first thing I noticed about the Canon PowerShot SX620 HS was its compact size, making it the perfect pocket-sized travel companion. Weighing in at just 182g (including the battery and memory card), the camera is easy to carry around all day without being a burden. The camera’s metal body feels solid and durable, with a sleek design that is both aesthetically pleasing and functional.

Despite its small size, the SX620 HS sports an impressive 25x optical zoom lens, equivalent to 25-625mm in 35mm terms. The lens retracts neatly into the camera body when not in use, helping to maintain the compact form factor.

On the rear, there is a 3-inch, 922k-dot LCD screen, which is clear and bright, even in direct sunlight. The screen is fixed and not touch-sensitive, but the camera’s straightforward menu system and physical buttons make it easy to navigate.

Performance

One of the most important aspects of a travel camera is its performance, and the Canon PowerShot SX620 HS didn’t disappoint. The camera’s DIGIC 4+ image processor, combined with the 20.2-megapixel CMOS sensor, delivers sharp, vibrant images with minimal noise even at higher ISO settings.

The 25x optical zoom was one of the standout features during my trip. It allowed me to capture close-up details of the beautiful Santa Barbara Mission, as well as sweeping panoramic shots of the stunning coastline from the Santa Ynez Mountains. The intelligent image stabilization worked wonders in keeping my images sharp, even when shooting at the maximum zoom.

In low-light situations, like at the Santa Barbara Night Market, the camera’s performance was decent, but not extraordinary. Images were usable, but they did exhibit some noise at higher ISO settings. The built-in flash came in handy in these situations, providing just enough fill light without being overpowering.

The SX620 HS also features Wi-Fi and NFC connectivity, allowing me to quickly transfer images to my smartphone for sharing on social media. This was a convenient feature when I wanted to share my favorite moments with friends and family back home.

Autofocus and Shooting Modes

The autofocus system on the Canon PowerShot SX620 HS is generally quick and accurate, with the camera locking onto subjects with ease in good lighting conditions. In low-light situations or with fast-moving subjects, the camera did struggle a bit, but overall, the autofocus was reliable and effective.

The SX620 HS offers a variety of shooting modes, including Smart Auto, which intelligently selects the appropriate settings based on the scene. This mode worked well for the majority of my trip, allowing me to focus on framing my shots without worrying about the technical aspects.

For those looking for more control, the camera also offers Program, Aperture Priority, Shutter Priority, and Manual modes, providing a range of creative options. The camera’s built-in Creative Shot mode was also a fun addition, automatically applying various filters and effects to create unique images.

Video Performance

The Canon PowerShot SX620 HS is capable of recording Full HD 1080p video at 30fps. During my trip, I found the video quality to be quite good, with crisp, detailed footage and accurate colors. The intelligent image stabilization worked well for handheld video, keeping my footage stable even when I was walking or panning. However, it’s worth noting that the autofocus could be a bit slow to respond when filming, especially when changing subjects or zooming in and out.

One downside is the lack of an external microphone input, which means you’re limited to the camera’s built-in stereo microphones for audio. While the audio quality is acceptable for casual use, those looking for professional-grade sound may find this limiting.

Battery Life

Canon rates the battery life of the PowerShot SX620 HS at approximately 295 shots, which I found to be fairly accurate during my trip. I was able to shoot throughout the day without needing to recharge, but I would recommend carrying a spare battery for longer outings or when shooting a lot of video.

The battery is charged in-camera via USB, which is convenient as it allows you to charge the camera using a portable power bank or a car charger. However, the downside is that you can’t use the camera while charging, so having a spare battery is essential.

Pros and Cons

Pros:

1. Compact size and lightweight design: The small form factor of the Canon PowerShot SX620 HS makes it perfect for travel and carrying around all day without feeling weighed down.
2. 25x optical zoom: The powerful zoom lens offers versatility for various shooting situations, allowing users to capture everything from wide landscapes to close-up details.
3. Good image quality: The camera delivers sharp, vibrant images with minimal noise, even at higher ISO settings.
4. Full HD video recording: The SX620 HS captures detailed 1080p video at 30fps, with effective image stabilization for smooth footage.
5. Wi-Fi and NFC connectivity: These features allow for easy sharing and transferring of images to smartphones or other devices.

Cons:

1. Fixed, non-touch LCD screen: The screen is not touch-sensitive, which may be a disadvantage for some users who prefer touch-based controls.
2. Autofocus performance in video mode: Autofocus can be slow to respond when filming, especially when changing subjects or zooming in and out.
3. No external microphone input: The lack of an external microphone input limits audio quality and options for those seeking professional-grade sound in their videos.
4. Battery life: The battery life of the SX620 HS is not exceptional, requiring users to carry a spare battery for longer outings or when shooting a lot of video.

Conclusion

The Canon PowerShot SX620 HS is an excellent travel camera, offering a great balance between size, performance, and features. Its compact design and powerful 25x optical zoom make it a versatile choice for capturing everything from landscapes to close-up details. With good image quality, Full HD video, and a range of shooting modes, it’s suitable for both casual photographers and more experienced users.

However, there are some limitations to be aware of, such as the fixed, non-touch LCD screen and the lack of an external microphone input. The battery life could also be better, but this can be easily remedied by carrying a spare.

Overall, the Canon PowerShot SX620 HS proved to be a reliable and capable travel companion during my Santa Barbara trip. For those seeking a compact, versatile camera with a powerful zoom, the SX620 HS is a solid choice that won’t break the bank.

Canon PowerShot SX620 HS

• Sensor: 20.2-megapixel, 1/2.3-inch CMOS sensor
• Processor: DIGIC 4+ image processor
• Lens: 25x optical zoom (25-625mm equivalent in 35mm terms)
• Image stabilization: Intelligent IS (Optical Image Stabilization)
• Display: 3-inch, 922k-dot fixed LCD screen
• Video recording: Full HD 1080p at 30fps
• Connectivity: Wi-Fi and NFC
• Shooting modes: Smart Auto, Program, Aperture Priority, Shutter Priority, Manual, and Creative Shot
• Weight: 182g (including battery and memory card)
• Battery life: Approximately 295 shots per charge