Canon PowerShot SX210 IS vs Canon PowerShot SX260 HS

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      Overview

      In this comparison, we will evaluate the Canon PowerShot SX210 IS and the Canon PowerShot SX260 HS, highlighting the advantages of each over the other, discussing their pros and cons, shared strengths and weaknesses, and providing a rating based on their available features and specifications to assist you in choosing the one that best suits your needs.

      Canon PowerShot SX210 IS was introduced in June 2010 and Canon PowerShot SX260 HS was introduced in June 2012. Let us first list highlights of the models.

      Canon PowerShot SX210 IS Highlights

      • 14.1 MP 1/2.3-inch CCD Sensor
      • 80 - 1,600 Native ISO
      • 9 Focus Points
      • Image Stabilization
      • 3.0" 230k dot Fixed Screen
      • 0.7 fps Continuous Shooting
      • 1280 x 720 Video Shooting
      • Built-in Flash

      Canon PowerShot SX260 HS Highlights

      • 12.1 MP 1/2.3-inch BSI-CMOS Sensor
      • 100 - 3,200 Native ISO
      • 9 Focus Points (9 Cross-type)
      • Image Stabilization
      • 3.0" 461k dot Fixed Screen
      • 2.4 fps Continuous Shooting
      • 1920 x 1080 Video Shooting
      • Built-in Flash
      • Built-in GPS

      Now that we've looked at the most essential specifications and gained a basic understanding of these cameras, we can delve into more details and see the differences between them.

      Pros and Cons

      In this section we present pros and cons of Canon PowerShot SX210 IS and Canon PowerShot SX260 HS.

      PROS

      Canon PowerShot SX210 IS

      Canon PowerShot SX260 HS

      •   Video Capture
      •   80 Lowest Native ISO
      •   1,600 Highest Native ISO
      •   Live View Autofocus
      •   Image Stabilization
      •   Built-in Flash
      •   High USB Speed
      •   HDMI Output
      •   Light - 220 g (0.49 lb / 7.76 oz)
      •   Orientation Sensor
      •   Cheap
      •   Video Capture
      •   3,200 Highest Native ISO
      •   Face Detection
      •   Image Stabilization
      •   Built-in Flash
      •   HDMI Output
      •   Built-in GPS
      •   Light - 231 g (0.51 lb / 8.15 oz)
      •   Orientation Sensor

      CONS

      Canon PowerShot SX210 IS

      Canon PowerShot SX260 HS

      •   Small Sensor
      •   Low Resolution Sensor - 14.1 Megapixel
      •   Timelapse Recording
      •   9 Focus Points
      •   No Face Detection
      •   Fixed Screen
      •   Low Resolution Screen - 230k dot
      •   No Viewfinder
      •   Low Max Shutter Speed (Mechanical or 1st Curtain) - 1/3200 sec
      •   Low Max Continuous Shooting - 0.7 fps
      •   No External Flash Connectivity
      •   Low Video Resolution - 1280 x 720
      •   No Microphone Input
      •   No Headphone Output
      •   No Built-in GPS
      •   No Built-In Wi-Fi
      •   No Built-In Bluetooth
      •   No Environmental Sealing
      •   Small Sensor
      •   Low Resolution Sensor - 12.1 Megapixel
      •   Timelapse Recording
      •   9 Focus Points
      •   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 - 2.4 fps
      •   Low Video Resolution - 1920 x 1080
      •   No Microphone Input
      •   No Headphone Output
      •   No Built-In Wi-Fi
      •   No Built-In Bluetooth
      •   No Environmental Sealing
      •   Short Battery Life - 230 shots


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

      AVERAGE

      Canon PowerShot SX210 IS

      Canon PowerShot SX260 HS

      •   Screen Size - 3.0"
      •   100 Lowest Native ISO
      •   Screen Size - 3.0"

      Advantage of Canon PowerShot SX210 IS

      This section shows those features and specifications which are the reason to choose Canon PowerShot SX210 IS over Canon PowerShot SX260 HS.

      Canon PowerShot SX210 IS vs Canon PowerShot SX260 HS
      Higher Sensor Resolution 14.1 Megapixel vs 12.1 Megapixel
      Lower Native ISO 80 vs 100
      Max Image Resolution 4320 x 3240 vs 4000 x 3000
      Live View Autofocus vs
      Maximum Aperture at Wide End f/3.1 vs f/3.5
      Maximum Aperture at Tele End f/5.9 vs f/6.8
      Higher USB Speed USB 3.2 Gen 1x1 (5 GBit/sec) vs USB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec)
      Lighter 220 g (0.49 lb / 7.76 oz) vs 231 g (0.51 lb / 8.15 oz)

      Check out other cameras which are frequently compared to Canon PowerShot SX210 IS.

      Advantage of Canon PowerShot SX260 HS

      This section shows those features and specifications which are the reason to choose Canon PowerShot SX260 HS over Canon PowerShot SX210 IS.

      Canon PowerShot SX210 IS vs Canon PowerShot SX260 HS
      Higher Native ISO 1,600 vs 3,200
      More Powerful Processor DIGIC 4 vs DIGIC 5
      Multi Area Autofocus vs
      Center Autofocus vs
      Tracking Autofocus vs
      Continuous Autofocus vs
      Face Detection vs
      Reaches Wider Angle 28 mm vs 25 mm
      Reachs More Telephoto 392 mm vs 500 mm
      Greater Optical Zoom 14x vs 20x
      Higher Resolution Screen 230k dot vs 461k dot
      Higher Max Continuous Shooting 0.7 fps vs 2.4 fps
      External Flash Connectivity vs
      Higher Video Resolution 1280 x 720 vs 1920 x 1080
      Built-in GPS vs

      Check out other cameras which are frequently compared to Canon PowerShot SX260 HS.

      Common Strengths and Weaknesses

      We already listed pros and cons of each model. However, you may also find useful to look at their common strengths and weaknesses shown side-by-side.

      STRENGTHS Canon PowerShot SX210 IS Canon PowerShot SX260 HS
        Video Capture
        High Native ISO1,6003,200
        Image Stabilization
        Built-in Flash
        HDMI Output Mini
        Light220 g (0.49 lb / 7.76 oz)231 g (0.51 lb / 8.15 oz)
        Orientation Sensor
      WEAKNESSES Canon PowerShot SX210 IS Canon PowerShot SX260 HS
        Small Sensor1/2.3-inch1/2.3-inch
        Low Resolution Sensor14.1 Megapixel12.1 Megapixel
        Timelapse Recording
        Few Focus Points99
        Screen TypeFixedFixed
        Low Resolution Screen230k dot461k dot
        No Viewfinder
        Low Max Shutter Speed (Mechanical or 1st Curtain)1/3200 sec1/3200 sec
        Low Max Continuous Shooting0.7 fps2.4 fps
        Low Video Resolution1280 x 7201920 x 1080
        No Microphone Input
        No Headphone Output
        No Built-In Wi-Fi Eye-Fi Connection possible
        No Built-In Bluetooth
        No Environmental Sealing

      Screen

      Screen

      Canon PowerShot SX210 IS and Canon PowerShot SX260 HS have 3.0" Fixed screens with 230k dot and 461k dot resolutions respectively.

      Sensor

      Canon PowerShot SX210 IS features a 14.1 megapixel 1/2.3-inch CCD sensor with dimensions of 6.17 x 4.55 mm and a total area of 28.1 mm2. Its native ISO range is 80 - 1,600. Canon PowerShot SX260 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 20.7 mm2. Its native ISO range is 100 - 3,200.

      Canon PowerShot SX260 HS 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

      Canon PowerShot SX210 IS is equipped with DIGIC 4 processor and can take pictures up to 4320 x 3240 resolution. It can also take pictures with lower resolution like 4320 x 2432, 3456 x 2592, 2592 x 1944, 2144 x 1608, 1600 x 1200, 640 x 480 with 4:3, 16:9 aspect ratios. Canon PowerShot SX260 HS is equipped with DIGIC 5 processor and can take pictures up to 4000 x 3000 resolution. It can also take pictures with lower resolution 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 cameras have a built-in [y] image stabilization.

      Connectivity, Battery and Storage

      Built-in GPS on Canon PowerShot SX260 HS

      Canon PowerShot SX260 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.


      USB Inputs and HDMI Outputs

      Both models have USB inputs for data transfer. Canon PowerShot SX210 IS has an HDMI and Canon PowerShot SX260 HS has a Mini HDMI connector for video signal output.


      Battery

      Canon PowerShot SX210 IS comes with NB-5L battery pack and Canon PowerShot SX260 HS comes with NB-6L battery pack with battery life of 230 shots.


      External Storage Slots

      Canon PowerShot SX210 IS has a single SD/SDHC/SDXC/MMC/MMCplus/MMCplus HC card slot. Canon PowerShot SX260 HS has a single SD/SDHC/SDXC card slot.

      Other Features

      Shutter

      Shutter speed can go up to 1/3200 sec on Canon PowerShot SX210 IS, and up to 1/3200 sec on Canon PowerShot SX260 HS. Canon PowerShot SX210 IS can shoot continuously up to 0.7 fps. Canon PowerShot SX260 HS can shoot continuously up to 2.4 fps.


      Flash

      Cameras have built-in flash with maximum range of 3.50 m.. Canon PowerShot SX260 HS also accepts external flash..

      Physical Parameters

      Canon PowerShot SX210 IS body has dimensions of 103 x 61 x 38 mm (4.06 x 2.4 x 1.5") and Canon PowerShot SX260 HS body has dimensions of 106 x 61 x 33 mm (4.17 x 2.4 x 1.3"). Canon PowerShot SX210 IS weighs 220 g (0.49 lb / 7.76 oz) and Canon PowerShot SX260 HS weighs 231 g (0.51 lb / 8.15 oz).

      Canon PowerShot SX210 IS

      Canon PowerShot SX260 HS

      103 mm

      61 mm

      Image cannot be displayed

      106 mm

      61 mm

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      61 mm

      Image cannot be displayed

      61 mm

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      Size comparisons of Canon PowerShot SX210 IS and Canon PowerShot SX260 HS

      Canon PowerShot SX210 IS and Canon PowerShot SX260 HS for Different Types of Photography

      We give scores to the cameras for six types of photography based on their features and specifications. Let us see how suitable they are for each type of photography.

      Landscape Photography

      Canon PowerShot SX210 IS

      Canon PowerShot SX260 HS

      POOR
      48
      •   Small Sensor
      •   Low Resolution Screen - 230k dot
      •   No Built-in GPS
      •   No Environmental Sealing
      AVERAGE
      62
      •   Small Sensor
      •   Low Resolution Screen - 461k dot
      •   Built-in GPS
      •   No Environmental Sealing

      Sports Photography

      Canon PowerShot SX210 IS

      Canon PowerShot SX260 HS

      POOR
      54
      •   1,600 Highest Native ISO
      •   9 Focus Points
      •   No Face Detection
      •   Image Stabilization
      •   Low Resolution Screen - 230k dot
      •   No Viewfinder
      •   Low Max Continuous Shooting - 0.7 fps
      •   Orientation Sensor
      AVERAGE
      69
      •   3,200 Highest Native ISO
      •   9 Focus Points
      •   0 Cross-type Focus Points
      •   Face Detection
      •   Image Stabilization
      •   Low Resolution Screen - 461k dot
      •   No Viewfinder
      •   Low Max Continuous Shooting - 2.4 fps
      •   Short Battery Life - 230 shots
      •   Orientation Sensor

      Wildlife Photography

      Canon PowerShot SX210 IS

      Canon PowerShot SX260 HS

      AVERAGE
      62
      •   1,600 Highest Native ISO
      •   9 Focus Points
      •   Image Stabilization
      •   Low Resolution Screen - 230k dot
      •   No Viewfinder
      •   Low Max Continuous Shooting - 0.7 fps
      •   No Environmental Sealing
      •   Orientation Sensor
      AVERAGE
      66
      •   3,200 Highest Native ISO
      •   9 Focus Points
      •   0 Cross-type Focus Points
      •   Image Stabilization
      •   Low Resolution Screen - 461k dot
      •   No Viewfinder
      •   Low Max Continuous Shooting - 2.4 fps
      •   No Environmental Sealing
      •   Short Battery Life - 230 shots
      •   Orientation Sensor

      Portrait Photography

      Canon PowerShot SX210 IS

      Canon PowerShot SX260 HS

      AVERAGE
      61
      •   Small Sensor
      •   9 Focus Points
      •   No Face Detection
      •   Image Stabilization
      •   Screen Size - 3.0"
      •   Low Resolution Screen - 230k dot
      •   No External Flash Connectivity
      •   Orientation Sensor
      GOOD
      77
      •   Small Sensor
      •   9 Focus Points
      •   0 Cross-type Focus Points
      •   Face Detection
      •   Image Stabilization
      •   Screen Size - 3.0"
      •   Low Resolution Screen - 461k dot
      •   Orientation Sensor

      Street Photography

      Canon PowerShot SX210 IS

      Canon PowerShot SX260 HS

      GOOD
      82
      •   Small Sensor
      •   9 Focus Points
      •   Image Stabilization
      •   Fixed Screen
      •   Low Resolution Screen - 230k dot
      •   No Viewfinder
      •   No Built-in GPS
      •   No Environmental Sealing
      •   Light - 220 g (0.49 lb / 7.76 oz)
      GOOD
      83
      •   Small Sensor
      •   9 Focus Points
      •   0 Cross-type Focus Points
      •   Image Stabilization
      •   Fixed Screen
      •   Low Resolution Screen - 461k dot
      •   No Viewfinder
      •   Built-in GPS
      •   No Environmental Sealing
      •   Light - 231 g (0.51 lb / 8.15 oz)

      Travel Photography

      Canon PowerShot SX210 IS

      Canon PowerShot SX260 HS

      EXCELLENT
      87
      •   Image Stabilization
      •   Fixed Screen
      •   Low Resolution Screen - 230k dot
      •   Low Video Resolution - 1280 x 720
      •   No Built-in GPS
      •   No Environmental Sealing
      •   Light - 220 g (0.49 lb / 7.76 oz)
      EXCELLENT
      88
      •   Image Stabilization
      •   Fixed Screen
      •   Low Resolution Screen - 461k dot
      •   Low Video Resolution - 1920 x 1080
      •   Built-in GPS
      •   No Environmental Sealing
      •   Light - 231 g (0.51 lb / 8.15 oz)
      •   Short Battery Life - 230 shots

      Evaluations

      We evaluate Canon PowerShot SX210 IS and Canon PowerShot SX260 HS and give them scores of 53 and 59 out of 100 recpectively. 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.


      Canon PowerShot SX210 IS

      Canon PowerShot SX260 HS

      OVERALL
      53
      OVERALL
      59

      Sensor

      Canon PowerShot SX210 IS

      Canon PowerShot SX260 HS

      POOR
      46
      •   Small Sensor
      •   Low Resolution Sensor - 14.1 Megapixel
      •   80 Lowest Native ISO
      •   1,600 Highest Native ISO
      AVERAGE
      64
      •   Small Sensor
      •   Low Resolution Sensor - 12.1 Megapixel
      •   100 Lowest Native ISO
      •   3,200 Highest Native ISO

      Photo

      Canon PowerShot SX210 IS

      Canon PowerShot SX260 HS

      AVERAGE
      60
      •   Timelapse Recording
      •   Image Stabilization
      •   Low Max Shutter Speed (Mechanical or 1st Curtain) - 1/3200 sec
      •   Low Max Continuous Shooting - 0.7 fps
      •   No External Flash Connectivity
      AVERAGE
      64
      •   Timelapse Recording
      •   Image Stabilization
      •   Low Max Shutter Speed (Mechanical or 1st Curtain) - 1/3200 sec
      •   Low Max Continuous Shooting - 2.4 fps

      Video

      Canon PowerShot SX210 IS

      Canon PowerShot SX260 HS

      POOR
      43
      •   Image Stabilization
      •   Low Video Resolution - 1280 x 720
      POOR
      46
      •   Image Stabilization
      •   Low Video Resolution - 1920 x 1080

      Focusing

      Canon PowerShot SX210 IS

      Canon PowerShot SX260 HS

      POOR
      54
      •   9 Focus Points
      •   No Face Detection
      •   Live View Autofocus
      AVERAGE
      66
      •   9 Focus Points
      •   0 Cross-type Focus Points
      •   Face Detection

      Screen and Viewfinder

      Canon PowerShot SX210 IS

      Canon PowerShot SX260 HS

      POOR
      52
      •   Fixed Screen
      •   Screen Size - 3.0"
      •   Low Resolution Screen - 230k dot
      •   No Viewfinder
      POOR
      53
      •   Fixed Screen
      •   Screen Size - 3.0"
      •   Low Resolution Screen - 461k dot
      •   No Viewfinder

      Connectivity

      Canon PowerShot SX210 IS

      Canon PowerShot SX260 HS

      AVERAGE
      64
      •   High USB Speed
      •   HDMI Output
      •   No Microphone Input
      •   No Headphone Output
      •   No Built-in GPS
      •   No Built-In Wi-Fi
      •   No Built-In Bluetooth
      AVERAGE
      60
      •   HDMI Output
      •   No Microphone Input
      •   No Headphone Output
      •   Built-in GPS
      •   No Built-In Wi-Fi
      •   No Built-In Bluetooth

      Battery, Storage and Physical

      Canon PowerShot SX210 IS

      Canon PowerShot SX260 HS

      POOR
      48
      •   No Environmental Sealing
      •   Light - 220 g (0.49 lb / 7.76 oz)
      POOR
      44
      •   No Environmental Sealing
      •   Light - 231 g (0.51 lb / 8.15 oz)
      •   Short Battery Life - 230 shots


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

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