ISO comparison
These are 100 percent crops from the center of our test scene. Though you probably won't want to use its photos at full size, the SX160 IS overall produces very nice photos, especially for its price and features. Pixel peepers will see noise even at ISO 100, but it's not noticeable at reduced sizes. Up at ISO 400 is where it starts to be more visible. Going above that you'll start to see more color noise, artifacts, and loss of detail. The camera definitely favors dropping shutter speed over raising ISO when left in auto. That's good in general, but if you're not paying attention it could result in blurry photos.
Macro
For those who like to shoot close-ups, the SX160's macro option can focus as near as 0.4 inch from a subject. This is a 100 percent crop from the inset photo taken at ISO 100.
Color
Color performance is generally very good up to ISO 400. Above that you start to end up with noise that makes colors look off.
ASM modes
The camera has semimanual and manual shooting modes for those who like more control over their results. This makes it a good choice for those who are just getting into photography, but perhaps aren't ready for a more advanced (or more expensive) camera. Available apertures at the wide end are f3.5, f4.0, f4.5, f5.0, f5.6, f6.3, f7.1, and f8.0; at telephoto you get f5.9, f7.1, and f8.0. Shutter speeds go from 15 seconds down to 1/3,200 second.
Zoom range
The SX160's zoom lens goes from a wide 28mm wide (top) to 448mm telephoto (bottom).
Lens distortion
There is a slight amount of barrel distortion at the wide end (top), which is more noticeable when shooting videos. The telephoto end has a bit of pincushioning, too. Center sharpness is good (but best in macro), but the corners and sides on my review camera were a little softer.
Fringing
Purple or green fringing wasn't much of an issue at the center of the frame, but high-contrast areas off to the sides did show quite a bit of it.
Live View Control
Live View Control mode gives you simple sliders for adjusting brightness, color, and tone. For example, the top photo was taken with everything set to the middle, while the bottom shot is with all three raised. Everything else in this mode is set for auto, but it does make it easy to experiment since you can see the changes onscreen before you shoot.
Creative Filters
For those who are addicted to the photo filters from a favorite smartphone app, Canon includes several of its high-quality Creative Filters: Fish-eye Effect, Miniature Effect (pictured), Toy Camera Effect, Monochrome, Super Vivid, and Poster Effect.
More Galleries
My Favorite Shots From the Galaxy S24 Ultra's Camera
My Favorite Shots From the Galaxy S24 Ultra's Camera
20 Photos
Honor's Magic V2 Foldable Is Lighter Than Samsung's Galaxy S24 Ultra
Honor's Magic V2 Foldable Is Lighter Than Samsung's Galaxy S24 Ultra
10 Photos
The Samsung Galaxy S24 and S24 Plus Looks Sweet in Aluminum
The Samsung Galaxy S24 and S24 Plus Looks Sweet in Aluminum
23 Photos
Samsung's Galaxy S24 Ultra Now Has a Titanium Design
Samsung's Galaxy S24 Ultra Now Has a Titanium Design
23 Photos
I Took 600+ Photos With the iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max. Look at My Favorites
I Took 600+ Photos With the iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max. Look at My Favorites
34 Photos
17 Hidden iOS 17 Features You Should Definitely Know About
17 Hidden iOS 17 Features You Should Definitely Know About
18 Photos
AI or Not AI: Can You Spot the Real Photos?