Canon PowerShot SX260 HS Digital Camera, Black {12.1MP}

Canon SX260 HS: 20x optical zoom with built-in GPS in your pocket.

The SX260 HS packs a 25-500mm equivalent lens into a body that weighs 231 grams and measures just 33mm thick. That focal range covers everything from wide environmental shots to distant subjects most compact cameras can't touch, all stabilized optically so the long end stays usable handheld. Canon's Digic 5 processor handles the 12MP BSI-CMOS sensor, and ISO tops out at 3200 for low-light situations where you can't add flash.

The built-in GPS logs coordinates directly into your EXIF data, which pairs with Canon's Map Utility software to plot your shots on a map after the fact, genuinely useful for travel photographers sorting through images from multiple locations. Manual exposure, aperture priority, and shutter priority are all present, so you're not locked into full auto. The 3-inch LCD at 461,000 dots handles framing duty since there's no optical viewfinder, and macro focus reaches down to 5cm for close subjects.

Video records at 1080p/24fps in H.264 with stereo audio, and a slow-motion 640x480 mode at 120fps adds some creative range. At 230 shots per charge on the NB-6L, you'll get through a full day of casual shooting before needing a top-up. For the focal range and geolocation capability in a shirt-pocket form factor, there's a lot of camera here.

Who It's For

Travel photographers shooting across multiple destinations benefit directly from the GPS tagging, which embeds location data without any external hardware. Hikers and outdoor shooters get the 20x zoom range to pull in wildlife or landscapes from a single compact body that won't weigh down a pack. Street and documentary photographers who want manual control without carrying interchangeable lenses will find aperture priority and full manual exposure give enough latitude for deliberate shooting. The 5cm macro range also suits close-up work on small subjects, flowers, textures, food, that a basic point-and-shoot zoom typically cannot resolve well.

Key Features

• 20x optical zoom with 25-500mm equivalent focal range
• 12MP BSI-CMOS sensor with Digic 5 processor
• Built-in GPS logs location data directly into EXIF
• Optical image stabilization for handheld long-telephoto work
• Manual exposure, aperture priority, shutter priority modes available
• 1080p video at 24fps with stereo audio recording
• 231 grams and 33mm thin for pocket carry
• 230-shot battery life on single NB-6L charge

FAQ

What's the actual reach of that 20x zoom?

25-500mm equivalent, so you're covering everything from moderate wide-angle environmental shots to subjects most compacts can't touch. Optical stabilization keeps the long end usable handheld.

Does GPS really write location data into the photos?

Yes, directly into EXIF. Canon's Map Utility software plots your shots on a Google Map afterward, and if you used the logging function, you can see your travel route overlaid.

How long does the battery last between charges?

230 shots per NB-6L charge on CIPA standard, which covers a full day of casual shooting. The included charger tops it up in just under 2 hours.

Can you shoot manual exposure on this camera?

Yes. Manual, aperture priority, and shutter priority are all available, along with 58 scene modes and custom white balance if you want that level of control.

What video frame rates does this shoot?

1080p at 24fps in H.264, plus 1280x720 at 30fps, 640x480 at 30/120fps for slow motion, and even 320x240 at 240fps. There's also a miniature effect mode that records at 6fps, 3fps, or 1.5fps for a tilt-shift look.

Is there a viewfinder on this camera?

No optical viewfinder. You frame entirely on the 3-inch LCD with 461,000 dots, which is fixed rather than articulated.

How close can you focus for macro work?

Down to 5cm, which handles small subjects reasonably well on a compact sensor.