Canon PowerShot SX400IS

A bridge camera at a modest price with extreme zoom capability that shoots well but has basic features — Ashok Pandey

Canon brings a new bridge camera in its popular PowerShot line to attract consumers looking for a camera that can capture detailed images even from a long distance. The ultra zoom SX400IS sports 30x optical zoom along with a 16-megapixel CCD (1/2.3-inch) sensor and DIGIC 4+ image processor combined with Canon’s Intelligent IS system.

Good image quality and comfortable grip: The Smart AUTO mode enables the camera to identify an ideal image setting by intelligently selecting from one of the 32 pre-defined modes for still shots and 21 scenes for video. It can capture moments even from far away distances using the full 30x zoom range. Canon upgraded SX400 IS’s High Speed AF which reduces time lag and improves image quality. It has a 3-inch TFT LCD display at the rear.

The updated grip has been designed to provide overall handling comfort to the user. Though, it is a bridge camera, so the resemblance to a mini DSLR is there but it’s not that bulky. It looks good and feels light for its design that makes it easy to hold in one hand. The buttons are all located on the right side of the device and are thumb accessible, while the large shutter/focus button rests within reach of the index finger. All the buttons are large and click nicely when pressed. The only problem which we came across is the placement of video shoot and auto program mode buttons which are quite near to each other creating difficulties while gripping the camera and sometimes makes an accidental press a bit more likely.

30x optical zoom: The main USP of this camera is – 30x optical zoom at this price point that allows you to click images even from long distance. Though, it has 30x optical zoom, but you can go further up-to 120x with digital zoom, but using the max zoom will introduce noise and produce muddy images. The camera lens performs well and is capable of handling barrel distortion. In addition, the chromatic aberration is also very less.

Canon PowerShot SX400 IS’s Smart AUTO mode enables users to shoot pictures at the optimum setting for various shooting situations. It produces detailed images, though the auto white balance can be a bit wonky, especially indoors. SX400 IS packs Canon’s latest advancements in autofocus (AF) technology and has an AF that is significantly faster than its previous models. The camera is not only quick but also boasts multiple focus modes, including a center focus, that intelligently focuses on objects and prioritizes faces, and tracking AF. It doesn’t have Wi-Fi or any other connectivity feature which we missed a lot.
The camera is capable of capturing quality images even in dark using the flash. It can shoot 1280x720 resolution videos at up-to 25 fps. It shoots decent quality videos in daylight, but low light videos can disappoint you.

An average battery: It comes with NB-11LH 800 mAh battery that can shoot about 210 shots in one full charge. It’s better to carry a spare battery if you are planning to click images for one full day.