The Canon SX30 IS features a 14.1 Megapixel (effective), 1/2.3-inch type CCD sensor. Canon produces its own sensors, so they have the leverage to further optimize the sensor for specific lenses. I personally not a fan of high resolution (ad high pixel density) tiny sensors. The reason why we see large pixel count on tiny sensors, because many people in this market niche, still think that pixel count matters the most. Well, you won't try to convince them what are the advantages of large sensors, because they do not care. Less pixel density (in most cases) means better image quality. On the camera box, 14.1MP looks better than 6MP in terms of marketing strategy.
On the other end, Canon has been upgrading its sensors and imaging processing unit every couple of years. So as picky photographers, we can expect better image quality on same size sensor. That have to be tested and evaluate, but again, that's what we have right now. Furthermore, with higher pixel count sensors, you can print larger image (A2+ prints) and have more cropping freedom.
Canon has also incorporated its DIGIC 4 processor, allowing the camera to produce sharp images and have better low-light characteristics So the combination of the two components, will hopefully resemble a very high quality digital image.
35x Ultra wide-angle Zoom IS Lens
When it comes from a trusted company like Canon, the lens optical quality is its main business. Canon is a leader in the digital photography market, with many years of experience in creating high optical quality lenses. The lens is one of the most important components of any digital camera, whether it is a DSLR or consumer camera.
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| SX30 IS with its lens fully extended (840mm) |
The new 24-840mm f/2.7-5.8 IS (35x optical zoom) lens has the longest zoom length available today. It is not the first one to deliver 840mm length. Olympus has done it with its SP-800UZ ultra super-zoom digital camera. We will compare those two cameras one vs. another, later in this review. The lens is constructed with 13 elements in 10 groups, featuring one Hi-UD lens, one UD lens and also one double-sided aspherical lens).
35X Sample Video
