Canon PowerShot SX130 IS Review: A Cheap Digicam With 12x Zoom

The quick verdict

The Canon SX130 IS is my pick from this comparison when zoom range matters most. Its 12x optical zoom gives you far more reach than the typical 3x or 4x compact, and I liked its sharp 12MP photos.

It is bulkier than a slim pocket camera. I would choose it for the zoom and manual controls, rather than for carrying the smallest possible camera.

Compare used Canon PowerShot SX130 IS listings on eBay. Check the condition, total cost, and return terms before buying.

Photo quality

The SX130 IS is a 12MP CCD camera from 2010. In my comparison, its photos generally looked cleaner and sharper than those from the earliest digicams.

That is useful if you want everyday detail from an older compact. If you specifically want very soft, low resolution files, watch the other cameras in the video before choosing this one.

What the 12x zoom gives you

The lens lets you frame distant buildings, travel details, animals, and other subjects that a short compact zoom cannot reach as easily. You can change the framing optically instead of relying on a digital crop.

That reach comes with a larger body. If you only shoot nearby subjects and want something that slips into a small pocket, a thinner compact may be easier to carry.

Controls, batteries, and storage

The SX130 IS gives you manual exposure options as well as automatic shooting. That makes it useful if you want to experiment with settings instead of leaving every decision to the camera.

It uses two AA batteries and compatible SD storage. I would carry rechargeable AAs and a charged spare pair. Check the supported card types and capacities before using a card you already own.

See Canon’s SX130 IS specifications for the exact camera features and supported storage.

Pros and cons

Pros

• Useful 12x optical zoom.
• Sharp 12MP photos in my testing.
• Manual options and replaceable AA batteries.

Cons

• Bulkier than a slim pocket compact.
• A modestly priced body still needs working batteries and a card.
• The old lens mechanism and stabilization need testing.

Buying a used SX130 IS

Check the battery compartment for corrosion, test the flash and card slot, and run the zoom through its range. Confirm that the lens moves smoothly and the stabilization works. Ask for a sample photo if the listing does not show one.

Check used Canon PowerShot SX130 IS listings on eBay.

My verdict

I would choose the SX130 IS when I wanted an older compact with useful zoom reach and manual options. Make sure you are comfortable with its size, then prioritize a tested camera with a healthy lens mechanism.