Introduction

Ease of Use

Super zoom or ‘bridge’ cameras have typically been bulky affairs, whilst the focal range of so-called ‘travel’ cameras has been slightly ham-strung by the fact of still needing to produce a camera that will slip readily into pocket or day bag. Announced back in February and newly arrived, the Canon PowerShot SX430 IS seeks, in our opinion at least, to offer a ‘best of both’ solution, strapping a whopping yet still impressively compact 45x optical reach to the front of a camera that resembles a consumer grade SLR (or enthusiast level super zoom), yet one that’s been conveniently shrunk in the wash.

It’s really difficult to appreciate how diminutive this camera is, just from going by the press shots in advance of its arrival in your hands. We managed to squeeze just two adult sized fingers around its handgrip, leaving our forefinger hovering over the conveniently placed shutter release button at its topper-most edge, itself encircled by the lever for adjusting the zoom. Though it’s possible to operate the camera with one (right) hand, you’ll want to use your left to help both keep the body (and your horizons) level and steady, when supporting the lightweight zoom.

Whilst the prominent lens barrel, affording a maximum f/3.5 aperture but much more eye catching massive 24-1080mm equivalent reach in 35mm film terms, means the SX430 IS (‘image stabilised’, naturally) would be an awkward squeeze for any trouser pocket, it will drop comfortably into any jacket or, for those travelling types on a weekend city break, small rucksack or shoulder bag. The simple fact that operation is largely point and shoot ensures this camera can be used by all the family – if the youngest members are, say, 7+. The wide focal range also means that just about any shot can be framed and re-framed with the assistance of the rear LCD screen, with the photographer rarely having to take a step towards, or away from, their subject. We’d wager a summer holiday would definitely make the best use of both this PowerShot’s lack of size and broad yet at the same time very simple and accessible capabilities. The lens cap here is of the detachable plastic variety, which can be affixed via thread to the camera’s vacant lug for a strap. That’s probably the best way to avoid simply losing the cap.

With operation pretty much point-and-shoot all the way and a relatively un-flashy 1/2.3-inch CCD sensor at its heart providing a 20 megapixel effective resolution, (just like the 8x zoom IXUS 185 released alongside it), the SX430 IS is perhaps not a camera for the photo enthusiast, however, who will want something more substantial in every sense of the word. We can see the ideal purchaser of this camera instead being the typical smartphone user or family man or woman seeking to upgrade to a ‘proper’ camera with a bit of extra punch and flexibility when it comes to the zoom department. Talking of smartphones, the camera offers both Wi-Fi and NFC transfer when it comes to image sharing, without needing to remove the optional yet essential memory card. Thankfully, a regular postage stamp sized SD/SDHC card is the media of choice here, rather than the smaller and more fiddle-some microSD.

We mentioned the SX430 IS’ handgrip earlier, which, while small, at least makes for a comfortable hold. The shutter release button encircled by the zoom lever sits up at the front top of the handgrip, gently moulded to provide slightly more purchase for two adult fingers, with the main on/off power button set a little back on the camera top plate. At the back of the grip, where we’d commonly find our thumb coming to rest, is a red record button for activating video capture. Again this button is flush with the bodywork/slightly recessed, in order to avoid accidentally firing off a clip when merely handling the camera or lining up a stills’ shot. Buttons are responsive to the touch and at no point did we feel the camera was waiting to catch up with our selections. One might assume that with the massive focal range at our disposal the SX430 IS might be great for wildlife or sports photography. While we were able to capture some fairly static wildlife in our frame, a continuous shooting speed of 0.5 shots per second at full resolution is hardly Olympic standard.

If we’ve one grumble to do with the Canon PowerShot SX430 IS betraying its budget cost, it is that the operation of the lens itself – by which we mean the motor used to extend it outwards and retract it backwards. This is slightly noisy, making a grinding and buzzing sound in operation. But in fairness this won’t be picked up on, or prove a distraction for potential subjects, if you’re using the camera in busy, bustling tourist environments anyway.