GPS-enabled 12MP compact superzoom with manual controls, 3 inch LCD and 14x(28-392) zoom lens. Users have the option to shoot Super Slow 340 x 240 movies at 240fps and 1080p24 Full HD video. There is also a Movie Digest mode that records a short video clip right before shooting a still image and then combines one day's worth of clips into a VGA-resolution video. Canon offers an optional waterproof case for this model.

Overall, the Canon Powershot SX230 HS has a lot going for it, with an elegant body and consistent performance in key areas like autofocus, zoom, and white balance. In a wide variety of shooting situations, we were able to produce very pleasing photographs without too much hassle, which is the entire point of this class of camera. Even when the going got tough, indoors and at night the Canon continued to produce quality photographs.

Product timeline

Just posted: Our group test of travel zoom compact cameras

News story, Jul 20, 2011

Canon PowerShot SX230 HS review

Review, Jul 19, 2011

Canon unveils SX230 HS GPS-enabled compact & SX220 HS

News story, Feb 7, 2011

Quick specs

Body type	Compact
Max resolution	4000 x 3000
Effective pixels	12.1 megapixels
Sensor size	1/2.3" (6.17 x 4.55 mm)
Sensor type	BSI-CMOS
ISO	Auto 100, 200, 400, 800, 1600, 3200
Focal length (equiv.)	28–392 mm
Optical zoom	14×
Lens mount	None
Articulated LCD	Fixed
Screen size	3″
Screen dots	461,000
Min shutter speed	15 sec
Max shutter speed	1/3200 sec
Format	H.264
Storage types	SD/SDHC/SDXC/MMC/MMCplus/HC MMCplus
USB	USB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec)
Weight (inc. batteries)	223 g (0.49 lb / 7.87 oz)
Dimensions	106 x 62 x 33 mm (4.17 x 2.44 x 1.3″)
GPS	BuiltIn

See full specifications

Our review

The SX230 HS is one of the best-featured cameras in its class, and came out top in our testing for detail reproduction in both good and poor light. High ISO performance is excellent, but lens distortion and chromatic aberration can be problematic in some shooting situations.

Good for: General everyday use, especially when travelling

Not so good for: Distortion and chromatic aberration can impact upon image quality in some situations

Read the full review

77%

dpreview score

Scoring

Build quality

Ergonomics & handling

Features

Exposure and focus accuracy

Image quality (jpeg)

Flash performance

Low light / high ISO performance

Optics

Performance (speed)

Movie / video mode

Value

Canon PowerShot SX230 HS videos

Canon PowerShot SX230 HS - Pike Place Market Accordian Man 00:55 (1 Jul, 2011)	Canon PowerShot SX230 HS - Pike Place Market Acapella 00:49 (1 Jul, 2011)	Canon PowerShot SX230 HS - Seattle Center Band 00:47 (1 Jul, 2011)
Canon PowerShot SX230 HS - Soul Night DJ 00:14 (1 Jul, 2011)	Canon PowerShot SX230 HS - Tracking a Speedboat 00:11 (5 Jul, 2011)	Canon PowerShot SX230 HS - Wind Filter Test 00:25 (5 Jul, 2011)