Canon PowerShot SX160 IS Point & Shoot Camera

well i don't want to repeat wat's mentioned in the specifications because u need do your homework on knowing ISO, FPS, Image stabilizer and bla bla before buying any Digi cam of 9k+. well to start with, it is one of the best point to shoot cameras out there in current market. The reasons for my buying are:nn1.Optical Zoom 16x : (It is a awsum feature for this price)..clear image for longer distance object.nn2. AA batteries : i was looking for a cam which can take AA rechargeable batteries, because they are cheap and readily available anywhere in the world. Unlike in other cams they provide lithium-ion batteries they are like RS2500 to carry a spare and moreover just imagine u r in a big trip and batteries are down...lithium-ion has less recharge cycles though. lithium-ion has advantages like low weight and more charge carry.nn3.CCD Image sensor : they provide accurate and great picture than CMOS sensor.nn4.Look and Feel.nn5.Good Image Stabilizer.nn6. Lastly it is Latest, released in OCT 2012.nn7. Ppl say AA batteries will drain faster...i didn't face that problem..my new camilion rechargeable batteries 2000mah which came along with this pack gave me around 300 pics and was ON all the time. ordinary batteries gives less shots than this...(it is better to replace batteries after 15-20 recharge cycles it shud cost u less than Rs 300)nnConsn1. no Inbuilt Panorama..big deal..there are many free panorama software, with which u can stitch images later.n2. 0.8 FPS (I have no intention of taking more images in 1 sec)n3. 720p recording (Not a bit con but people who consider 1080i recording for them a note, for me 6min of 720p took almost 1gb and it was great on my 40inch LCD). just youtube it for test videos taken using canon sx160.nnNote: it is completely my point of view.

I have an SX150IS (bought it from a local Canon store), and I'd like to throw some light on this new upgraded version- SX160is.nnFor an extra 2K what you're gonna get is-n1. 16MP vs 14.1 MP [more pixels crammed into the same old 1/2.3" sensor.Which means no substantial increase in overall image quality]n2. 16x optical zoom vs 12x. Now this is a nice upgrade.n3. Shutter speed - 1/3200 secs vs 1/2500 secs. Counts ONLY if the subject is well lit because the camera has limited low light shooting capabilities.nnBottom line : 16x zoom is the only real upgradennHere is a regular Pros & Cons list, and this applies to both the cameras:-nnProsn1. DSLR like controls-Full manual control, including manual focus(controlled by a dial) and PASM shooting modes. This feature is excellent if you plan on buying a DSLR later, or diving into serious photography.nn2. Great zoom. nn3. Pop up flash system avoids shadow of the lens barrel in photos.nn4. Long exposures - upto 15 secs. Lets you create light paintings.nn5. AA battery - available in every roadside stall. You'll never run out of juice.nn6. Great macro shooting. 1 cm macro is a killer spec.nn7. Good image stabilisation.n nCons:n1. Significant shutter lag. You'll need to release the shutter much earlier to get the desired shot but thats fine when you get used to it. I mean you'll learn to click early.nn2. Image quality decreases drastically beyond ISO400. Anything above IS0400 gives crappy, noisy images.nn3. Disappointing battery life. Dont expect more than 200 shots. Continuous HD recording over 20 minutes is impossible.nn4. Low light photos tend to be noisy.nn5. Not so compact.Wont fit into your pocket.nn6. Slow continuous shooting - 0.9fpsnnIf you dont want the full manual controls, go for the IXUS 510HS - Ultra compact, with 3.2" touch screen Wifi and Super Slow motion video recording(lower resolution).nnHope this helps!