Canon PowerShot SX200 IS Has Arrived: Testing Commences

Our review unit of the Canon SX200 IS has arrived and while we’re just beginning our review process, I’d like to share a few first impressions:

• I really like the styling. It’s a real nice blend of retro and contemporary with an appealing mix of gloss and matte surfaces.
• While compact, the SX200 IS isn’t exactly something that you’d want in your front pocket.
• In early coverage of the SX200 IS there’s frequent mention of the pop-up flash in the permanent (while on) lifted position. In actual use, this isn’t a problem at all since it actually pops up and foward, creating a “bed” for your left index finger. If you were at all concerned the flash might be an “issue”, it isn’t.
• Smart AUTO is actually pretty smart, and let’s you know what it’s decided. Want to take over? The SX200 IS has program, manual, aperture, and shutter modes as well.

We’ll have more as we keep testing the camera for our upcoming review. In the meantime, I highly recommend checking in with us on Twitter, as I plan on providing frequent “field reports” for our followers there.

Only took a handful of shots today due to weather, but thought I’d share this one (click to enlarge):

That’s a pretty accurate capture on an overcast day. Good color saturation and accurate white balance. In my Lightroom workflow, this image translates to:

While we begin the review process, I’d like to encourage any of you with questions or requests on/about the SX200 IS to leave them in the comments, twitter us, or for the bashful, email. Until then, stay tuned.

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