Gadget Review: Why Canon SX60 HS is not worth Rs 35995

Canon SX60 HS Price: Rs 35,995

Specs: 16MP CMOS, f3.4 65x optical zoom (21 - 1365mm; 35mm equivalent), 3-inch vari-angle LCD, EVF, 6.4fps continuous shooting, 1080p video, WiFi, NFC, hotshoe, 650 grams, 920mAh battery

Rating: ***

Pros: Comfortable SLR-like grip, good build quality and attention to detail, includes WiFi, NFC, hotshoe, articulating monitor, RAW

Cons: Full zoom range not usable, slow to focus, many DLSR and APS-C interchangeable lens cameras available at same price

Not very long back, 30x optical zoom was considered a huge zoom range to have in a small camera. Canon's SX60 HS takes things to a new level with an optically stabilised 65x zoom lens. This means it has a lens capable of zooming from a wide 21mm to a telescope-like 1365mm (35mm equivalent).

It looks a lot like Canon's entry-level DSLRs and in fact, at 650 grams, it's also as heavy as a mainstream SLR (like an EOS 1200D with a kit lens) - so you have to really want the functionality of the long zoom to opt for this.

The design is fairly standard and the build quality is pleasing. There's a nice textured finish throughout and a comfortable grip. The articulating LCD is useful, bright and high-res. Anyone who likes to expand their camera's functionality will appreciate the flash hotshoe, mic port (even though it has stereo mics built in) and remote shutter release port.

Performance is generally very snappy thanks to the new Digic 6 image processor. It shoots fast, over 6 frames per second and records high quality 1080p video with stereo sound. It can also go to 65x while shooting video and the quiet lens motor ensures that there's no zooming sound in the video.

Our only complaint is with regards to the long zoom - it takes long to zoom in out and focusing can be a pain in many situations. Plus the telephoto end of the zoom ends up being unusable if the camera is handheld. Ultimately, you end up being confined to a smaller zoom range. Image quality is generally pleasing and the camera captures acceptable noise levels at ISO 3200.

While viewing images, you can click the WiFi button to access the wireless menu - to transfer images between cameras (if the other camera supports it), connect to a smartphone (after you have installed the Canon CameraWindow app), connect to a computer (over a common router/access point), print (to a WiFi enabled printer) or upload to web service (you need to first sign up for Canon Image Gateway at canon.com/cig).

Connecting to a computer was unsuccessful after several tries - even though the camera recognised the computer on the network. Connecting to a smartphone is easy once you have the app and they're both on the same network. You can use the app to remotely control the camera and view/transfer images.

You might think that it's nice to have such a long zoom, but you will need to shoot outdoors with a tripod to use it to the fullest. The SX60 HS stands in a class of one but is expensive. If you need a super zoom at a lower price, Nikon has the Coolpix P600 which offers 60x zoom. Or else, for complete expandability and better image quality, you could get a Canon EOS 1200D twin lens kit (18-55mm plus 55-250mm lenses) for Rs 36,995.

Also see: Nikon Coolpix P600

Price: Rs 23,950 (includes 8GB card, bag, HDMI cable)

Specs: 16.1MP CMOS, f3.3 60x optical zoom lens (24 - 1440mm; 35mm equivalent), 3-inch LCD, EVF, 565 grams.