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Conclusion: We like it

If you're looking for the fastest, most capable compact camera on the market, this isn't it (that would be Canon's PowerShot S100, our top recommended camera). However, if you're looking for a pocketable point-and-shoot with a ridiculously long zoom lens, the PowerShot SX260 HS may be just what you're looking for. In addition to a 20x (25-500mm) lens, the SX260 HS has full 1080p video, reasonable manual controls, good image stabilization (which is sort of mandatory with this kind of zoom), and a decent range of optional accessories, including a more powerful flash and an underwater housing. It also includes GPS, which can come in handy if you're using it on a road trip, and can't remember where you took that last set of pictures.

Buy It:

$239.00
$249.95

90-Day Price History

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high
$249
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$206

Critic reviews

7.8
8 reviews
  • Image quality
    8.1
  • Video quality
    7.1
  • Battery life
    6.0
  • Design and form factor
    7.8
  • Durability
    10
  • Speed (start-up time, lag)
    7.5
  • Ease of use
    7.7

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User reviews

8.3
3 reviews
  • Image quality | 1 comment
    10
  • Video quality
    8.7
  • Battery life
    6.7
  • Design and form factor | 1 comment
    8.7
  • Durability
    8.7
  • Speed (start-up time, lag) | 1 comment
    8.0
  • Ease of use | 1 comment
    8.7
8.0
PC Mag Mar 26, 2012

The Canon PowerShot SX260 HS delivers an impressive 20x zoom ratio and very good image quality in a compact package. Integrated GPS is a boon for geotaggers, but the camera's video prowess and high ISO performance aren't best in class.

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8.0
CNET Mar 23, 2012

The Canon PowerShot SX260 HS' wider, longer lens, a few much-needed design tweaks, and excellent photo quality add up to one pretty great compact megazoom.

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8.0
DC Resource Mar 25, 2012

All things considered, the PowerShot SX260 HS is a solid choice for those looking for a travel zoom camera. It's not particularly fast, nor is it loaded with bells and whistles like landmark databases. The bottom line is that the SX260 gets the job done in nearly all situations.

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7.0
Imaging Resource Jul 27, 2012

Among Travel Zoom digital cameras, the Canon SX260 HS stands out not just for its 20x zoom lens, but for its quite complete range of controls and impressive image quality.

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8.0
TechRadar Jul 24, 2012

... the longer zoom range, versatile exposure modes, ease of use and picture quality make the Canon PowerShot SX260 HS a slightly more well-rounded and better value family camera.

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8.0
T3 Aug 13, 2012

The Canon PowerShot SX260 HS is a thoroughly competent snapshot camera. It packs in all the essentials for anyone looking for a camera that, if you’re not bothered about interchangeable lenses, is suitable for committing a wide range of subjects to card, yet can still be squeezed into a pocket.

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7.0
Digital Trends Apr 3, 2012

It’s a great travel cam: It’s sturdy but (relatively) small, and the GPS feature is a great addition to travel photography...The 20x zoom is a pretty compelling sell as well, especially given the fact that it’s in such a small, convenient package compared to other superzooms out there.

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9.0
Photography Blog Apr 16, 2012

Anyone looking for a pocket camera that can shoot high quality stills and video both near and far should seriously consider the exciting new Canon PowerShot SX260 HS.

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9.0
Sandman4432 Sandman4432

I bought this after my hs320 died so it was quite a jump for me, mostly because we strayed from the super slim body to reap some of the rewards of a larger lens and sensor. I hate comparing the two at all because they are in completely different spectrums within the point-n-shoot class. That...

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