Canon PowerShot SX260 HS

    59
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    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
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    Disclosure: We earn money from the affiliate links to products associated with content in this article.

    Overview

    Canon PowerShot SX260 HS was announced in 2012 and is a 1/2.3-inch (6.17 x 4.55 mm) Standard Compact camera with 12.1 Megapixel BSI-CMOS sensor. Its native ISO ranges from 100 to 3,200. The camera has a Fixed 3.0" screen with 461k dot resolution. It has an image stabilization.

    Canon PowerShot SX260 HS can capture video up to 1920 x 1080 resolution.

    Table of Contents
    1. Overview
    2. Pros and Cons
    3. Predecessor
    4. Successor
    5. Screen
    6. Sensor
    7. Photography Features
    8. Connectivity, Battery and Storage
    9. Other Features
    10. Physical Parameters
    11. For Different Types of Photography
    12. Evaluation
    13. Specifications  

    Here is the Canon PowerShot SX2xx series lineup, where you can view and compare the main specifications of the cameras within the same series.

    Canon PowerShot SX2xx series lineup
    Model Date Sensor Native ISO Screen Price
    Image cannot be found Canon SX280 HS
    Compare
    		March
    2013    		 12.1 MP
    1/2.3-inch    		 100 - 6,400 Fixed 3.0"
    461k dot
    Image cannot be found Canon SX270 HS
    Compare
    		March
    2013    		 12 MP
    1/2.3-inch    		 100 - 6,400 Fixed 3.0"
    461k dot
    Image cannot be found Canon SX260 HS June
    2012    		 12.1 MP
    1/2.3-inch    		 100 - 3,200 Fixed 3.0"
    461k dot
    Image cannot be found Canon SX240 HS
    Compare
    		February
    2012    		 12 MP
    1/2.3-inch    		 100 - 3,200 Fixed 3.0"
    461k dot
    Image cannot be found Canon SX230 HS
    Compare
    		July
    2011    		 12.1 MP
    1/2.3-inch    		 100 - 3,200 Fixed 3.0"
    461k dot
    Image cannot be found Canon SX210 IS
    Compare
    		June
    2010    		 14.1 MP
    1/2.3-inch    		 80 - 1,600 Fixed 3.0"
    230k dot
    Image cannot be found Canon SX200 IS
    Compare
    		May
    2009    		 12.1 MP
    1/2.3-inch    		 80 - 1,600 Fixed 3.0"
    230k dot

    You can view their side-by-side comparison here: Canon PowerShot SX280 HS vs PowerShot SX270 HS vs PowerShot SX260 HS vs PowerShot SX240 HS vs PowerShot SX230 HS vs PowerShot SX210 IS.

    Pros and Cons

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

    PROS

    •   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

    •   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

    •   100 Lowest Native ISO
    •   Screen Size - 3.0"

    Predecessor

    Here we are comparing Canon PowerShot SX260 HS to its predecessor PowerShot SX240 HS and displaying the major changes.

    UPGRADES Canon PowerShot SX260 HS vs Canon PowerShot SX240 HS
    Higher Sensor Resolution 12.1 Megapixel vs 12 Megapixel
    Built-in GPS vs
    DOWNGRADES Canon PowerShot SX260 HS vs Canon PowerShot SX240 HS
    Heavier 231 g (0.51 lb / 8.15 oz) vs 224 g (0.49 lb / 7.90 oz)

    For more detailed comparison between the models please visit Canon PowerShot SX260 HS vs PowerShot SX240 HS.

    Successor

    In 2013 Canon PowerShot SX260 HS was replaced by Canon PowerShot SX270 HS. Let us now have a look at some important differences between Canon PowerShot SX260 HS and its successor.

    UPGRADES Canon PowerShot SX270 HS vs Canon PowerShot SX260 HS
    Higher Native ISO 6,400 vs 3,200
    More Powerful Processor DIGIC 6 vs DIGIC 5
    Higher Max Continuous Shooting 3.8 fps vs 2.4 fps
    DOWNGRADES Canon PowerShot SX270 HS vs Canon PowerShot SX260 HS
    Lower Sensor Resolution 12 Megapixel vs 12.1 Megapixel
    External Flash Connectivity vs
    Built-in GPS vs
    Heavier 233 g (0.51 lb / 8.22 oz) vs 231 g (0.51 lb / 8.15 oz)
    Shorter Battery Life 210 shots vs 230 shots

    For more detailed comparison between the models please visit Canon PowerShot SX260 HS vs PowerShot SX270 HS.

    Screen

    Fixed screen

    Canon PowerShot SX260 HS has a 3.0" Fixed screen with 461k dot resolution which is quite low by today's standards.

    Sensor

    BSI-CMOS Sensor

    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 28.1 mm2. Its native ISO range is 100 - 3,200.

    The camera 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

    Camera is equipped with DIGIC 5 processor and can take pictures up to 4000 x 3000 resolution. It can also take pictures with lower resolutions 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 camera has an image stabilization.

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

    Canon SX200 IS
    Image cannot be found

    1/2.3-inch

    12.1 MP

    Canon SX210 IS
    Image cannot be found

    1/2.3-inch

    14.1 MP

    Canon SX230 HS
    Image cannot be found

    1/2.3-inch

    12.1 MP

    Canon SX240 HS
    Image cannot be found

    1/2.3-inch

    12 MP

    Canon SX280 HS
    Image cannot be found

    1/2.3-inch

    12.1 MP

    Canon SX270 HS
    Image cannot be found

    1/2.3-inch

    12 MP

    Canon 5DS R
    Image cannot be found

    Full Frame

    50.6 MP

    Canon R50
    Image cannot be found

    APS-C

    24.2 MP

    Sony a7R IV
    Image cannot be found

    Full Frame

    61.0 MP

    Canon R7
    Image cannot be found

    APS-C

    32.5 MP

    Sony a6400
    Image cannot be found

    APS-C

    24.2 MP

    Canon R3
    Image cannot be found

    Full Frame

    24.1 MP

    Connectivity, Battery and Storage

    Built-in GPS

    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 Input and HDMI Output

    Canon PowerShot SX260 HS has a USB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec) input for data transfer. There is a Mini HDMI connector for video signal output.


    Battery

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


    External Storage Slots

    The camera has a single SD/SDHC/SDXC card slot.

    Other Features

    Shutter

    Canon PowerShot SX260 HS's shutter speed can go up to 1/3200 sec. Camera can shoot continuously up to 2.4 fps.


    Flash

    Canon PowerShot SX260 HS has a built-in flash with maximum range of 3.50 m and also accepts external flash.

    Physical Parameters

    Canon PowerShot SX260 HS has dimensions of 106 x 61 x 33 mm (4.17 x 2.4 x 1.3"). It weighs 231 g (0.51 lb / 8.15 oz), so it is a lightweight camera.

    106 mm (4.17")

    61 mm (2.4")

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    61 mm (2.4")

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    33 mm (1.3")

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    Canon PowerShot SX260 HS dimensions

    Canon PowerShot SX260 HS for Different Types of Photography

    We give scores to the camera for different type of photography based on its features and specifications. Let us see how Canon PowerShot SX260 HS is suitable for six different types of photography.


    Landscape Photography

    AVERAGE
    62

    Canon PowerShot SX260 HS gets a score of 62 and is AVERAGE choice for Landscape photography.

    •   Small Sensor
    •   Low Resolution Screen - 461k dot
    •   Built-in GPS
    •   No Environmental Sealing

    Sports Photography

    AVERAGE
    69

    Canon PowerShot SX260 HS gets a score of 69 and is AVERAGE choice for Sports photography.

    •   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

    AVERAGE
    66

    Canon PowerShot SX260 HS gets a score of 66 and is AVERAGE choice for Wildlife photography.

    •   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

    GOOD
    77

    Canon PowerShot SX260 HS gets a score of 77 and is GOOD choice for Portrait photography.

    •   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

    GOOD
    83

    Canon PowerShot SX260 HS gets a score of 83 and is GOOD choice for Street photography.

    •   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

    EXCELLENT
    88

    Canon PowerShot SX260 HS gets a score of 88 and is EXCELLENT choice for Travel photography.

    •   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

    Canon PowerShot SX260 HS Evaluation

    We evaluate Canon PowerShot SX260 HS and give score of 59 out of 100. 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.


    OVERALL
    59

    Sensor

    AVERAGE
    64

    We give Canon PowerShot SX260 HS a score of 64 for Sensor parameters.

    •   Small Sensor
    •   Low Resolution Sensor - 12.1 Megapixel
    •   100 Lowest Native ISO
    •   3,200 Highest Native ISO

    Photo

    AVERAGE
    64

    We give Canon PowerShot SX260 HS a score of 64 for Photo parameters.

    •   Timelapse Recording
    •   Image Stabilization
    •   Low Max Shutter Speed (Mechanical or 1st Curtain) - 1/3200 sec
    •   Low Max Continuous Shooting - 2.4 fps

    Video

    POOR
    46

    We give Canon PowerShot SX260 HS a score of 46 for Video parameters.

    •   Image Stabilization
    •   Low Video Resolution - 1920 x 1080

    Focusing

    AVERAGE
    66

    We give Canon PowerShot SX260 HS a score of 66 for Focusing parameters.

    •   9 Focus Points
    •   0 Cross-type Focus Points
    •   Face Detection

    Screen and Viewfinder

    POOR
    53

    We give Canon PowerShot SX260 HS a score of 53 for Screen and Viewfinder parameters.

    •   Fixed Screen
    •   Screen Size - 3.0"
    •   Low Resolution Screen - 461k dot
    •   No Viewfinder

    Connectivity

    AVERAGE
    60

    We give Canon PowerShot SX260 HS a score of 60 for Connectivity parameters.

    •   HDMI Output
    •   No Microphone Input
    •   No Headphone Output
    •   Built-in GPS
    •   No Built-In Wi-Fi
    •   No Built-In Bluetooth

    Battery, Storage and Physical

    POOR
    44

    We give Canon PowerShot SX260 HS a score of 44 for Battery, Storage and Physical parameters.

    •   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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