The Canon Powershot SX60 is a bridge camera built for people who want high-powered zoom capabilities in a single, manageable body. It features a 16.1 megapixel sensor paired with a DIGIC 6 image processor, which Canon identifies as their HS SYSTEM. The primary draw is the 65x optical zoom lens, which provides significant reach for distant subjects, supported by an Optical Image Stabilizer to help keep shots steady. The camera also includes a 3-inch vari-angle LCD screen and a built-in electronic viewfinder for framing images in various light conditions.
This camera is designed for hobbyists who need to capture a wide variety of subjects without switching lenses, such as wildlife or travel photography. It is well-suited for users who value wireless convenience, as the built-in Wi-Fi and NFC allow for the transfer of images and video to other devices. A major trade-off to consider is the size of the sensor compared to interchangeable lens systems, which may impact performance in specific low-light environments, a point that will be explored further in the following sections.
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Who Should Choose the Canon Powershot SX60
The Canon Powershot SX60 is an excellent choice for travel photographers who prioritize versatility over carrying a heavy bag of gear. If you are often in situations where you cannot get close to your subject, such as bird watching or capturing distant landmarks, the 65x optical zoom provides the reach you need to get the shot.
Because it combines a large zoom range with a 3-inch vari-angle LCD, it is also useful for those who shoot from difficult angles. You can hold the camera high above a crowd or low to the ground without needing to crouch or climb. Use the electronic viewfinder when bright sunlight washes out the rear screen to maintain your composition.
This model also suits families or casual users who want to move beyond a phone camera but do not want the complexity of a professional system. The inclusion of a dedicated movie button makes it simple to start recording 1080p HD video without navigating through menus. You can even zoom while shooting to track subjects across a distance.
Since the camera supports MP4 format, the files are generally compatible with most computers and mobile devices for quick sharing. The built-in Wi-Fi connectivity with NFC is particularly helpful for those who want to move their media to a phone or tablet immediately after a trip. If you need to post images while still in the field, this wireless transfer saves you from carrying extra cables or card readers.
However, users who primarily shoot in very dark conditions or those who require the shallow depth of field associated with large sensors should skip this model. The 1/2.3-inch sensor is smaller than those found in premium interchangeable lens cameras, which can lead to more noise in high-ISO settings.
If your main goal is professional-grade portraiture with soft, blurred backgrounds, you should look for a camera body with a larger sensor instead. This camera is built for convenience and reach, not for replacing a professional studio setup. If you find yourself frequently shooting at night or in dim indoor lighting, the high-sensitivity CMOS sensor may struggle compared to cameras with larger physical footprints.
Choose this camera if your priority is capturing a distant subject that you physically cannot reach. If your priority is image quality in low light, look elsewhere.
Capabilities and Features
The Canon Powershot SX60 provides a comprehensive set of tools for capturing both static images and moving subjects. By grouping these features into their core functions, you can see how this camera supports your creative needs.
High-Powered Zoom and Stability
The 65x optical zoom is the central feature of this camera, allowing users to move from wide-angle shots to tight telephoto framing without moving their feet. To ensure these long-distance shots remain sharp, the camera uses an Optical Image Stabilizer to counteract the natural shaking that occurs when holding a lens at high magnification. When the optical zoom is not enough, the 4x digital zoom and 260x combined zoom expand the reach even further. This makes it a capable tool for capturing subjects that are physically far away, though users should remember that digital zoom can affect final image clarity.
Image Processing and Sensor
At the heart of the device is a 16.1 megapixel 1/2.3-inch high-sensitivity CMOS sensor. This is paired with the DIGIC 6 image processor, which Canon labels as their HS SYSTEM. This combination is designed to improve image quality, particularly in situations where light levels are not ideal. The processor works to manage the data from the sensor to produce clear images. The physical size of the sensor is a fixed constraint, and it determines the overall light-gathering potential of the camera.
Connectivity and Viewing
The camera includes a 3-inch vari-angle LCD screen, which allows for flexible composition by tilting and rotating the display. For those who prefer a traditional shooting experience or are working in bright sunlight where the screen might be hard to see, there is also a built-in electronic viewfinder. To handle file management, the built-in Wi-Fi and NFC connectivity allow for wireless transferring of images and video. This simplifies the process of getting your media onto a computer or mobile device without the need for cables or external card readers.
For the full list of technical specifications, refer to the Canon official support page for this product line.
| # | What Amazon lists |
|---|---|
| 1 | Built-in Wi-Fi connectivity with NFC allows wireless transferring of images and video |
| 2 | 16.1 megapixel 1/2.3-inch high-sensitivity CMOS sensor combined with DIGIC 6 image processor (Canon HS SYSTEM) |
| 3 | 65x optical zoom, 4x digital zoom and 260x combined zoom with Optical Image Stabilizer |
| 4 | Bright 3-inch vari-angle LCD plus an electronic viewfinder |
| 5 | Capture stunning 1080p HD video in MP4 format with a dedicated movie button and zoom while shooting. |
Pros and Cons
Pros
- 65x optical zoom provides significant reach for distant subjects
- Built-in Wi-Fi and NFC allow easy wireless file transfer
- The vari-angle LCD screen provides a clear view for flexible shooting angles.
- Dedicated movie button simplifies 1080p HD video capture
- Optical Image Stabilizer helps keep long-zoom shots steady
Cons
- Small 1/2.3-inch sensor limits performance in extreme low light
- Digital zoom may reduce overall image quality
The Verdict
The Canon Powershot SX60 is a strong choice for the user who wants a “do-it-all” camera. If you are a traveler or a nature enthusiast who needs a massive zoom range without the burden of extra lenses, this camera is worth your consideration. It handles the basics of photography and video capture with simplicity, and the wireless features make it easy to get your content onto your phone.
For the family photographer, this model offers a significant step up from a mobile phone, especially when you need to zoom in on a sporting event or a school play. You gain a 65x optical zoom lens that reaches distances a smartphone cannot touch. Use the dedicated movie button to capture 1080p HD video instantly. You can even zoom while recording, which keeps the action fluid.
However, for the serious student of photography who needs to control depth of field or shoot in near-total darkness, this camera is not the correct tool. The 1/2.3-inch sensor is the main trade-off here. If your primary goal is capturing crisp images in dim indoor settings, the small sensor will likely produce noise. If you need better light performance, look for a camera with a larger sensor.
Distinguish your needs by the environment you frequent. If you are shooting outdoors in daylight, the 65x zoom and the vari-angle LCD screen provide all the utility you require. If you are shooting in a theater or a poorly lit room, the physical limitations of the sensor will become an obstacle.
Decide based on your priority. If you value reach and ease of use over extreme low-light performance, this is an effective tool for your collection. If you find yourself constantly fighting to get enough light into your shots, you are better served by a system that prioritizes sensor size over zoom magnification. Stick to the SX60 when the sun is out and the subject is far away.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does this camera require an external memory card?
Yes, the camera requires a memory card to save your images and video files. Check your storage needs based on how many photos or videos you plan to keep on the device before transferring them to a computer.
Can I use this camera for professional video work?
While the camera captures 1080p HD video in MP4 format and includes a dedicated movie button, it is intended for hobbyist use rather than professional production. The listing doesn’t mention audio controls or bitrates. It is a convenient tool for capturing events, but if you need professional-grade video, you should look for a dedicated camcorder or a system with interchangeable lenses and external microphone support.
Is the battery included in the box?
The listing doesn’t mention included accessories. Because this is listed as a renewed product, the contents can vary. You should verify the specific package contents before buying to ensure you have a battery and the necessary charging cable to power the device immediately upon arrival.
Is it difficult to set up the Wi-Fi connection?
The camera uses built-in Wi-Fi and NFC to handle wireless transfers. While the process is designed to be straightforward, it requires a compatible device, such as a smartphone or tablet, to receive the images. If you are not comfortable with digital settings, you might prefer using a standard memory card reader to move your files to a computer instead.
Is this camera good for low-light photography?
The camera uses a 1/2.3-inch sensor, which is small compared to larger professional camera sensors. While the DIGIC 6 image processor is designed to help, this camera is not intended for challenging low-light conditions. If you mostly shoot at night or in very dark indoor settings, you may find that the image quality is not as high as it would be with a larger sensor camera.