Name: Canon PowerShot SX280 HS Digital Camera, 12.1MP, 20x Optical Zoom, 4x Digital Zoom, Full HD 1080p Video Capture, 3.0" LCD Monitor, Red
Brand: Canon
SKU: ICASX280R
Price: 279.00 USD
Availability: Discontinued
Rating: 3 (128 reviews)

Canon PowerShot SX280 HS Digital Camera, 12.1MP, 20x Optical Zoom, 4x Digital Zoom, Full HD 1080p Video Capture, 3.0" LCD Monitor, Red

Canon SX280 HS

Canon

Canon PowerShot SX280 HS Digital Camera, Red

Adorama

Photography

Cameras

Digital Point & Shoot Cameras

Canon Digital Point & Shoot Cameras

Canon SX280 HS 

Buy: Canon PowerShot SX280 HS Digital Camera, 12.1MP, 20x Optical Zoom, 4x Digital Zoom, Full HD 1080p Video Capture, 3.0" LCD Monitor, Red Configuration: Camera Only, Media Type: SD, Model: Canon SX280, Resolution: 12 MP

Bought this camera 4 years ago ..wonderfully detailed photos, and easy to use

Great all around camera

So my camera's serial number is not subject to the firmware update. I mistakenly purchased this camera thing that Canon would fix the obvious software issue with an update. I was wrong. It has a great optical zoom and has good programmed shooting options, but it will not take video. Battery shows low, then the camera shuts off. I tool the camera to Japan with great results (though no videos. Battery life was OK shooting stills, especially without flash. I took 2 spare batteries and shot hundreds of pics and never used all 3 batteries completley.

Canon, fix this problem or you have lost another Canon faithful customer!

No video

I have had problems with this camera from the time I purchased it just a little over a year ago. I kept getting a lens error message and thought it was me. I now only get the message, and the camera is unusable. I have never experienced this problem with any other brand. To have a camera go bad in just a little over a year is unacceptable.

Won't Buy Another Canon

I go to concerts a lot and I bought this with low expectations a couple years ago. However, I've now recommended this to all my friends who are interested in getting a point and shoot camera. The zoom is amazing and I've been able to get some really great shots of my favorite bands. While the overall resolution of the images isn't outstanding, it's amazing for a point and shoot.

Love this camera

I bought this camera last May and used it on a vacation trip. Came back and used it a couple of weeks later with no issues. 1 month later charged battery turns off in a second or two and says to charge battery. I have had several Canon cameras but this one is my absolute last to purchase.

Awful battery life

Other than the fact that this camera doesn't work properly only 13 months after it was purchased (can't change the ISO when in manual mode which defeats the purpose of manual mode!), it has never performed as good as the one I owned previous to it (its predecessor the SX260 which I dropped in the sand so the lens would retract or zoom properly, but my fault!). Canon lowered the quality of photos in low light with this model and took aware some of the settings to compensate for that. Even in Auto, this camera has trouble in low or really bright light and the photos are not nearly as sharp, less saturated color. Not a happy Canon customer and I have always refused to buy any other brand.

Not so great

Unbelievable piece of junk from Canon. Being a Canon user, I was not prepared for the headaches this camera produces. Really just one. The battery problem is real, and this camera isn't even one that is affected (serial number). The supposed FIX a firmware update (my camera is from factory with the latest firmware) apparently does nothing to resolve the problem. However, it turns out that all the complaints are valid. This camera exhibits all the symptoms that I belatedly discovered on internet reviews, and forums. Of course Canon is aware and has even, apparently, stopped producing this camera after only one year in production.. Not what you would expect from Canon.. It does not replace my aging A620. The A620 is superior in all regards (casual shooter) except for the Zoom. I had long since disposed of my 35mm film cameras, and lenses.

Unbelievable

Others have noted that battery won't hold power in video, but for me it is happening in photo mode. It's so bad now that the camera won't even stay on for more than a few seconds with a fully charged battery. It either goes black or gives me a message to charge the battery. I have one Canon battery and one generic back up battery - same results with both.

Battery won't hold power

I purchased this camera to replace another brands which had dust on the sensor. While it doesnt have the features of the other brand. Panorama, Hdr etc.
This is a fine camera with better IQ. Zoom is marvelous and I have had no problems with the video as others have stated. I came with the latest firmware installed and in superb condition.
I will definitely keep this one and use it while traveling. Wireless works well and I have yet to test the GPS, but quite frankly dont see myself using it.
It is a solidly built camera with better than most picture quality for its sensor size. Digic 6 is marvelous!

Nice travel Camera

As others have mentioned, the camera thinks the battery is drained after a few seconds of shooting video. In some cases, the camera will turn itself off in the middle of recording. When the power is turned on again, the camera indicates a full battery. This is especially frustrating, because the firmware update was supposed to correct the problem.

Don't expect to take video

Great small point and shoot except for the battery issues. The battery is average at best in still photo mode, but with video something does not seem right.

Battery problems

I got this SX280 HS when my SX260 HS was lost. The image quality is okay for a normal point-and-shoot, but this is considered a high-end point-and-shoot. Image quality is a bit poor, despite having the settings at best quality. The SX260 HS this camera replaced actually had better image quality (fewer artifacts, crisper images, etc..

The main problem with this camera (and I don't think they've fixed it by what I see in other reviews) is that the battery dies VERY quickly if you shoot video. It's not that the battery actually drains, but instead there's a bug in the firmware that the camera "thinks" the battery is dead even when fully charged. Canon released a firmware update to fix this, but it just didn't fix it at all. So, if you plan on shooting video with this camera -- DON'T GET IT!!!

The zoom is amazing on this camera. I love how it's powerful as a point-and-shoot, but still small enough to fit in my jeans pocket.

The WiFi is handy when you really want to post a photo you just took to Facebook and don't want to wait until later. I just connect it with my phone and upload photos from the camera to my phone and then post to Facebook. I don't use it to transfer images to my PC as it takes too long over WiFi and drains the battery too much.

If you do get this camera, you will definitely want to buy a second battery.

If you can still get the SX260 and don't need WiFi (the 260 doesn't have WiFi), consider getting that instead.

Good luck!

Not As Good As the SX260

If you prefer performance over battery this is perfect.
Very short turn on time. Fast response of Zoom and focus lens.
Burst HQ is perfect for children.
Optical zoom 20X is perfect for shooting video without having to camera "in your face".
Very good image cleaning algorithms for low light.

Perfect Camera

The camera takes very good pictures and I want to like it but so far my experience has not been good overall. The wifi button when pressed would not display the menu as shown in the manual and the camera would connect to wifi or my computer. So, I am unable to transfer pictures without using the cable. I had to send the brand new camera back to Canon for repairs which I am not happy about at all. I am hoping they will replace it with a new and properly working camera that will perform the way it is expected to. Luckily I kept the camera of another brand that I was upgrading from and which connects to my computer and wife with no problems. I will be happy if/when my Canon does the same when the camera is returned from the company.

Good pictures but not too good so far

I recently upgraded from an SX260HS. Although connecting to the Wi-Fi took a little getting used to, it works great. I always buy an extra battery for my cameras, so battery life wasn't an issue. This camera is very easy to use, and would recommend it to the Novice, expert.

Love it!

Bought this after my reliable Canon point and shoot bit the dust after a drop. Looked like it would serve all my needs and indeed takes really beautiful photos for a point and shoot. But the battery drained quickly over the 12 days I was out of country (combo shooting video and stills) needing to be charged nightly.

Got back from that trip and used the camera one more time for a few hours on a short trip in the city and the battery never worked after that. Replaced the battery which holds a charge fine (checked with a battery life tester) but the camera repeatedly starts up (or only just starts up) before shutting down and requiring another charged battery. Can't even retract the lens on this one.

I'm a big fan of Canon's digital products but this is a pretty big

Battery Life is a SERIOUS issue.

Great camera. Easy operation, stunning videos. But battery does not last long especialy on videos. Need two or three if on vacation or away from power for charger. The only thing I really hated about this camera...was it lasted only a 11 months. wont power up. bought a new battery but still no response. took good care of it too. never got wet or dropped. just Died.

I have been a longtime Canon customer. This is NOT their best effort. This camera has needed to be sent back for repairs twice. Same problem they have not been able to fix. When using Video mode, the battery light blinks and camera shuts down. Even with a full battery. The camera needs to be recycled to work again. This is very inconvenient and unlike a canon camera.

Do not like this camera

I have owned my SX280 for about 6 months and I like it a lot. I chose it over other similar cameras (Canon and other brands) because of its great 20X zoom. It has great features. The one caveat is, as others have written, the movie/battery glitch is still a problem. Don't buy this camera if you are going to take movies with it. The other problem I have experienced is battery life when taking stills. If you keep the camera turned on for any length of time, it drains the battery quickly. My workaround is simply to turn on the camera, take a photo, and then turn off the camera. This greatly extends the battery life.

Great Camera except for battery issues

Had this camera for 4 months and loved the features and the shots turned out well - but I kept having problems with it freezing. Good thing I bought it from Best Buy with a warranty - returned it for a sx700 hs and hopefully will have better luck with it.

Returned

I have owned several Canons over the many years and have always been happy with them. I bought the SX280HS for a trip to Ireland and had terrible problems with the battery. It would take 10-15 pictures and then I would get a "Charge Battery" indication on the screen. I turned off the GPS to try to extend the life but didn't seem to make a difference. I have taken it to several events since then and have been unable to use for more than a few pictures and have to resort to using my cell phone. Not what I expected from Canon.

Horrible battery life

Very poorly desinged. The flash pops up where your fingers automatically rest when trying to take a picture. Everyone who uses it comments on it. Also don't like how the only way you can force flash it to use the Live setting. Slow to take another flash picture at times too. Flash doesn't reach very far. Otherwise seemed to work OK for the the last 10 mos since I received it until now, it won't take a picture despite everything else working. I am trying to figure that out currently.

Poorly designed

I bought this camera for cannon name. It is fairly easy to use but for one glaring problem. If you are in auto mode, the flash pops out in low light at the left side where people usually hold the camera. So, after it hits you finger, you move your move the finger and flash fires. But the holding of camera becomes unsteady and picture comes out blurry.

Unless there is another way most of the people are holding this camera,
I am kind of dumbfounded about possessed cannon team to place the flash in there.
I have not checked the wi-fi capabilities etc because I just bought the camera but I will find out and post about it.
Regards.

flash is in awkward location

First off, I love canon's. This would have been my sixth canon however ... While the SX280 HS is a sturdy camera with a 20x zoom with decent image quality, a few issues really spoilt it for me: On/off button and flash ill positioned; memory card/battery cover hard to open at times (often times turning on the camera when not intending to 'cause of where the on/off button is positioned); soft telephoto images (!); and perhaps the biggest issue I have, battery life is not that great! I read the reviews on how poor it was. Somehow, I just didn't think it could be THAT bad! It was! After a 4.5 min video, around 92 pictures, and a bit of editing on camera, the battery warning starts to flash its low?! While I am in video mode! Really?! While the SX280 does capture good low light images and possess a comprehensive selection of shooting modes, after a few days use, I will be returning it to the store. I didn't even bother with the Wi-Fi as I figured if it couldn't handle just video and images, Wi-Fi would just drain the battery even worse!

I bought this camera to take on a trip to Israel. I expected to do a great deal of hiking and didn't want anything large. However, I wanted something that would transfer pictures to my iPad, and that would take high quality picture. This camera fit the bill perfectly. The Wifi hookup to my iPad worked perfectly. The GPS quadrants were a bonus, but more important than I could have realized. The battery life was fair. I love this camera and would recommend it.

Very Happy

Although I am accustomed to manual controls, deliberated shooting, MUCH larger sensors, and faster lenses, I picked up one of these cameras because my son has been sending excellent pictures home from Germany, shot on the mostly similar SX-260HS. These little cameras easily surpass my expectations for image quality and convenience. The take-home percentage is very high. Compared to a DSLR, these little cameras will come up a bit short in low light, but in a very large percentage of the well-lit out-of-doors, you are going to be glad to have this camera in your pocket.

Pleasant Surprise

I am very disappointed. I had read reviews about the battery life but I guess I thought it wouldn't be that bad. With a fully charged battery, I was able to record barely 10 minutes. I would never have purchased this camera had I known that the battery charge would last only 10 minutes.

Big Disappointment

This camera is really a work of design, functionality, rugged form and has a noticeable nice weight to it, that is quite balanced for a medium sized point and shoot. First: The battery problem: Resolved, if you purchase a newer Canon Powershot SX280 HS. The Canon Website will allow to identify by serial # if your camera needs the firmware update for the battery or not. Mine did not. So, I was reluctant about filming video until I checked. I’m still taking test shots to learn this camera and so far the image quality, light and balance are outstanding. I did not want a larger camera, I choose Canon again after having a pleasant experience with Canon Powershot ELPH 330. I was looking to replace that excellent camera and started seeing this new Powershot. The choices were many, but after deciding on this brand, I choose the high zoom 20X – and good image quality – 12.1 MP. The decision came very close after looking at another Canon Powershot for $30.00 more, but the difference was 18X zoom and 18.1 MP sensor quality for the other Canon, but I decided on this. The Canon Powershot SX280 HS is a very nice camera, it has the advanced DIGIC 6 image processor, improving low light ability. It has many more functions than my previous Canon, with much more flexibility and this will allow you learn how to take better pictures. I feel for the money, this camera is, well if not, best in class.

Excellent Camera

I bought this camera New charged the battery overnight and took it to my son's 45 minute Tae Kwon Do class. I took about 30 pictures and 5 minutes of video. Suddenly taking another Video the battery indicator flashes red and the camera turns off !
Now researching other reviews this camera has many BAD reviews of batteries dieing while taking videos. My 8 year old Canon ELPH works better than this new Canon piece of junk!!
Returning it back to the store tomorrow thank goodness have 15 day trial !!!! Canon you will get this piece of junk back shortly !!!!

Battery dies in Video Mode after few mins of use !

I'm married to a travel agent and lucky enough to take several trips a year. I recently purchased as SX280 HS to replace a 5 year old SX110 IS. I was looking for a pocket size camera with a good optical zoom. The optical zoom on the SX280 HS is fantastic for a camera this small. The 80 power digital zoom produces good photos if you steady the camera. (My wife is 5'2" so I often use her as a bipod) The sport mode burst of photos comes in handy at times when there are actions shots but you don't want to bother taking a movie. There is still a problem with this camera showing a blinking red battery icon when you switch to movie mode and the firmware download did NOT correct this issue. I occassionaly take movies, for example on whale watch trips or visiting with the grandkids but I learned to ignore this problem. I don't think I will be using the GPS feature because if I take a photo of the Statue of Liberty I know where it is and if I take a photo of a sunrise in the middle of the ocean I don't need to know the exact location. If I want to post a photo on the internet, I'll either use my Iphone or laptop so I doubt if I'll ever use the WIFI. I prefer a camera with the flash centered over the lense rather than off to the side where I usually place a finger but I'll learn to adjust my grip. With the exception of the battery issue, I think that this is good camera that will meet my travel needs. I think that Canon should stick to producing cameras that take great photos rather than chasing the latest trends like GPS and WIFI.