Canon PowerShot SX280 HS

    62
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    Highlights

    • 12.1 MP 1/2.3-inch BSI-CMOS Sensor
    • 100 - 6,400 Native ISO
    • Image Stabilization
    • 3.0" 461k dot Fixed Screen
    • 3.8 fps Continuous Shooting
    • 1920 x 1080 Video Shooting
    • Built-in Flash
    • Built-in GPS
    • Built-In Wi-Fi
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    Disclosure: We earn money from the affiliate links to products associated with content in this article.

    Overview

    Canon PowerShot SX280 HS was announced in 2013 and is a 1/2.3-inch (6.17 x 4.55 mm) Standard Compact camera with 12.1 Megapixel BSI-CMOS sensor. Its native ISO ranges from 100 to 6,400. The camera has a Fixed 3.0" screen with 461k dot resolution. It has an image stabilization.

    Canon PowerShot SX280 HS can capture video up to 1920 x 1080 resolution.


    Here is the Canon PowerShot SX2xx series lineup, where you can view and compare the main specifications of the cameras within the same series.

    Canon PowerShot SX2xx series lineup
    Model Date Sensor Native ISO Screen Price
    Image cannot be found Canon SX280 HS March
    2013
    12.1 MP
    1/2.3-inch
    100 - 6,400 Fixed 3.0"
    461k dot
    Image cannot be found Canon SX270 HS March
    2013
    12 MP
    1/2.3-inch
    100 - 6,400 Fixed 3.0"
    461k dot
    Image cannot be found Canon SX260 HS June
    2012
    12.1 MP
    1/2.3-inch
    100 - 3,200 Fixed 3.0"
    461k dot
    Image cannot be found Canon SX240 HS February
    2012
    12 MP
    1/2.3-inch
    100 - 3,200 Fixed 3.0"
    461k dot
    Image cannot be found Canon SX230 HS July
    2011
    12.1 MP
    1/2.3-inch
    100 - 3,200 Fixed 3.0"
    461k dot
    Image cannot be found Canon SX210 IS June
    2010
    14.1 MP
    1/2.3-inch
    80 - 1,600 Fixed 3.0"
    230k dot
    Image cannot be found Canon SX200 IS May
    2009
    12.1 MP
    1/2.3-inch
    80 - 1,600 Fixed 3.0"
    230k dot

    You can view their side-by-side comparison here: Canon PowerShot SX280 HS vs PowerShot SX270 HS vs PowerShot SX260 HS vs PowerShot SX240 HS vs PowerShot SX230 HS vs PowerShot SX210 IS.

    Pros and Cons

    In this section we present pros and cons of Canon PowerShot SX280 HS.

    PROS

    •   Video Capture
    •   6,400 Highest Native ISO
    •   Face Detection
    •   Image Stabilization
    •   Built-in Flash
    •   HDMI Output
    •   Built-in GPS
    •   Built-In Wi-Fi
    •   Light - 233 g (0.51 lb / 8.22 oz)

    CONS

    •   Small Sensor
    •   Low Resolution Sensor - 12.1 Megapixel
    •   Timelapse Recording
    •   0 Cross-type Focus Points
    •   Fixed Screen
    •   Low Resolution Screen - 461k dot
    •   No Viewfinder
    •   Low Max Shutter Speed (Mechanical or 1st Curtain) - 1/3200 sec
    •   Low Max Continuous Shooting - 3.8 fps
    •   No External Flash Connectivity
    •   Low Video Resolution - 1920 x 1080
    •   No Microphone Input
    •   No Headphone Output
    •   No Built-In Bluetooth
    •   No Environmental Sealing
    •   Short Battery Life - 210 shots

    And here are some specifications which fall into average criteria and are neither in PROs nor in CONs category:

    AVERAGE

    •   100 Lowest Native ISO
    •   Screen Size - 3.0"

    Predecessor

    Here we are comparing Canon PowerShot SX280 HS to its predecessor PowerShot SX270 HS and displaying the major changes.

    UPGRADES Canon PowerShot SX280 HS vs Canon PowerShot SX270 HS
    Higher Sensor Resolution 12.1 Megapixel vs 12 Megapixel
    Built-in Microphone Stereo vs Mono
    Built-in GPS vs
    Built-In Wi-Fi vs

    For more detailed comparison between the models please visit Canon PowerShot SX280 HS vs PowerShot SX270 HS.

    Screen

    Fixed screen

    Canon PowerShot SX280 HS has a 3.0" Fixed screen with 461k dot resolution which is quite low by today's standards.

    Sensor

    BSI-CMOS Sensor

    Canon PowerShot SX280 HS features a 12.1 megapixel 1/2.3-inch BSI-CMOS sensor with dimensions of 6.17 x 4.55 mm and a total area of 28.1 mm2. Its native ISO range is 100 - 6,400.

    The camera has BSI-CMOS sensor, short for Backside Illuminated Complementary Metal-Oxide-Semiconductor sensor. In traditional CMOS sensors, the wiring and circuitry are located on the front side of the sensor, which can block some of the incoming light. BSI technology flips this design by placing the photosensitive elements (pixels) on the backside of the sensor, allowing more light to reach the pixels. This significantly enhances light sensitivity and improves low-light performance. BSI-CMOS sensors are particularly effective in low-light conditions, as they can capture more light, resulting in brighter and less noisy images. This makes them well-suited for indoor and night photography. BSI-CMOS sensors deliver a higher SNR and reduced cross-talk.

    Photography Features

    Camera is equipped with DIGIC 6 processor and can take pictures up to 4000 x 3000 resolution. It can also take pictures with lower resolutions like 4000 x 3000, 4000 x 2248, 4000 x 2664, 2992 x 2992, 2816 x 2112, 2816 x 1880, 2816 x 1584, 2112 x 2112, 1920 x 1080, 1600 x 1200, 1600 x 1064, 1200 x 1200, 640 x 480, 640 x 424, 640 x 360, 480 x 480 with 1:1, 4:3, 3:2, 16:9 aspect ratios.


    Image Stabilization

    The camera has an image stabilization.

    Check out the cameras which are frequently compared to Canon PowerShot SX280 HS.

    Connectivity, Battery and Storage

    Built-in GPS

    Canon PowerShot SX280 HS has a built-in GPS (Global Positioning System) technology which allows you to automatically tag the location where you took your photos. You can later categorize, organize, and search for photos based on location. This is very useful for travel and outdoor photographers for documenting the locations where images were captured.
      Check out the cameras in our database that have built-in GPS.


    Built-in Wi-Fi

    Camera has a built-in Wi-Fi which allows to easily transfer photos and videos from the camera to other Wi-Fi-enabled devices, such as smartphones, tablets, printers, or computers. This eliminates the need for cables and allows for quick and convenient media sharing and social media integration. It gives you the ability to control your camera remotely using a smartphone or tablet. This is particularly useful for taking self-portraits, group shots, or capturing images in challenging conditions without having to touch the camera. Firmware updates can also be downloaded and installed wirelessly.
      Check out the cameras in our database that have built-in WiFi.


    USB Input and HDMI Output

    Canon PowerShot SX280 HS has a USB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec) input for data transfer. There is a Mini HDMI connector for video signal output.


    Battery

    Canon PowerShot SX280 HS comes with NB-6L battery pack with battery life of 210 shots.


    External Storage Slots

    The camera has a single SD/SDHC/SDXC card slot.

    Other Features

    Shutter

    Canon PowerShot SX280 HS's shutter speed can go up to 1/3200 sec. Camera can shoot continuously up to 3.8 fps.


    Flash

    Canon PowerShot SX280 HS has a built-in flash with maximum range of 3.50 m.

    Physical Parameters

    Canon PowerShot SX280 HS has dimensions of 106 x 63 x 33 mm (4.17 x 2.48 x 1.3"). It weighs 233 g (0.51 lb / 8.22 oz), so it is a lightweight camera.

    106 mm (4.17")

    63 mm (2.48")

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    63 mm (2.48")

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    33 mm (1.3")

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    Canon PowerShot SX280 HS dimensions

    Canon PowerShot SX280 HS for Different Types of Photography

    We give scores to the camera for different type of photography based on its features and specifications. Let us see how Canon PowerShot SX280 HS is suitable for six different types of photography.


    Landscape Photography

    AVERAGE
    62

    Canon PowerShot SX280 HS gets a score of 62 and is AVERAGE choice for Landscape photography.

    •   Small Sensor
    •   Low Resolution Screen - 461k dot
    •   Built-in GPS
    •   No Environmental Sealing

    Sports Photography

    GOOD
    70

    Canon PowerShot SX280 HS gets a score of 70 and is GOOD choice for Sports photography.

    •   6,400 Highest Native ISO
    •   0 Cross-type Focus Points
    •   Face Detection
    •   Image Stabilization
    •   Low Resolution Screen - 461k dot
    •   No Viewfinder
    •   Low Max Continuous Shooting - 3.8 fps
    •   Short Battery Life - 210 shots

    Wildlife Photography

    AVERAGE
    67

    Canon PowerShot SX280 HS gets a score of 67 and is AVERAGE choice for Wildlife photography.

    •   6,400 Highest Native ISO
    •   0 Cross-type Focus Points
    •   Image Stabilization
    •   Low Resolution Screen - 461k dot
    •   No Viewfinder
    •   Low Max Continuous Shooting - 3.8 fps
    •   No Environmental Sealing
    •   Short Battery Life - 210 shots

    Portrait Photography

    AVERAGE
    69

    Canon PowerShot SX280 HS gets a score of 69 and is AVERAGE choice for Portrait photography.

    •   Small Sensor
    •   0 Cross-type Focus Points
    •   Face Detection
    •   Image Stabilization
    •   Screen Size - 3.0"
    •   Low Resolution Screen - 461k dot
    •   No External Flash Connectivity

    Street Photography

    EXCELLENT
    85

    Canon PowerShot SX280 HS gets a score of 85 and is EXCELLENT choice for Street photography.

    •   Small Sensor
    •   0 Cross-type Focus Points
    •   Image Stabilization
    •   Fixed Screen
    •   Low Resolution Screen - 461k dot
    •   No Viewfinder
    •   Built-in GPS
    •   No Environmental Sealing
    •   Light - 233 g (0.51 lb / 8.22 oz)

    Travel Photography

    EXCELLENT
    88

    Canon PowerShot SX280 HS gets a score of 88 and is EXCELLENT choice for Travel photography.

    •   Image Stabilization
    •   Fixed Screen
    •   Low Resolution Screen - 461k dot
    •   Low Video Resolution - 1920 x 1080
    •   Built-in GPS
    •   No Environmental Sealing
    •   Light - 233 g (0.51 lb / 8.22 oz)
    •   Short Battery Life - 210 shots

    Canon PowerShot SX280 HS Evaluation

    We evaluate Canon PowerShot SX280 HS and give score of 62 out of 100. We also give separate scores for 7 different categories according to the available features and specifications some of which are listed below. These evaluations are relative and may change each time a new camera is added to the database.


    OVERALL
    62

    Sensor

    AVERAGE
    65

    We give Canon PowerShot SX280 HS a score of 65 for Sensor parameters.

    •   Small Sensor
    •   Low Resolution Sensor - 12.1 Megapixel
    •   100 Lowest Native ISO
    •   6,400 Highest Native ISO

    Photo

    AVERAGE
    60

    We give Canon PowerShot SX280 HS a score of 60 for Photo parameters.

    •   Timelapse Recording
    •   Image Stabilization
    •   Low Max Shutter Speed (Mechanical or 1st Curtain) - 1/3200 sec
    •   Low Max Continuous Shooting - 3.8 fps
    •   No External Flash Connectivity

    Video

    POOR
    46

    We give Canon PowerShot SX280 HS a score of 46 for Video parameters.

    •   Image Stabilization
    •   Low Video Resolution - 1920 x 1080

    Focusing

    GOOD
    70

    We give Canon PowerShot SX280 HS a score of 70 for Focusing parameters.

    •   0 Cross-type Focus Points
    •   Face Detection

    Screen and Viewfinder

    POOR
    53

    We give Canon PowerShot SX280 HS a score of 53 for Screen and Viewfinder parameters.

    •   Fixed Screen
    •   Screen Size - 3.0"
    •   Low Resolution Screen - 461k dot
    •   No Viewfinder

    Connectivity

    GOOD
    79

    We give Canon PowerShot SX280 HS a score of 79 for Connectivity parameters.

    •   HDMI Output
    •   No Microphone Input
    •   No Headphone Output
    •   Built-in GPS
    •   Built-In Wi-Fi
    •   No Built-In Bluetooth

    Battery, Storage and Physical

    POOR
    44

    We give Canon PowerShot SX280 HS a score of 44 for Battery, Storage and Physical parameters.

    •   No Environmental Sealing
    •   Light - 233 g (0.51 lb / 8.22 oz)
    •   Short Battery Life - 210 shots


    For a full specification list please go to the specifications page:

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