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Canon PowerShot SX410 IS a compact 40x zoom for auto shooters

Though it's not quite pocketable, the SX410 is remarkably small for having a 24-960mm zoom lens.

Joshua Goldman Managing Editor / Advice

Managing Editor Josh Goldman is a laptop expert and has been writing about and reviewing them since built-in Wi-Fi was an optional feature. He also covers almost anything connected to a PC, including keyboards, mice, USB-C docks and PC gaming accessories. In addition, he writes about cameras, including action cams and drones. And while he doesn't consider himself a gamer, he spends entirely too much time playing them.

Expertise Laptops, desktops and computer and PC gaming accessories including keyboards, mice and controllers, cameras, action cameras and drones Credentials

More than two decades experience writing about PCs and accessories, and 15 years writing about cameras of all kinds.

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Joshua Goldman

Feb. 5, 2015 8:00 p.m. PT

Though you may be in love with your smartphone's camera, its lens will never match the capabilities of the Canon PowerShot SX410 IS.

Shop for Canon PowerShot SX410 IS (Red)

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$168 at Amazon

Backed by Canon's Intelligent IS image stabilization system, the SX410 has a 40x f3.5-6.3 24-960mm zoom lens -- a tremendous range for a camera that is only 3.35 inches (8.5cm) deep.

The CCD sensor behind the lens is capable of capturing 20 megapixel stills and 720p HD video. However, if you're looking for manual control over shutter speed or aperture, this is not the camera for you.

The SX410 IS is set up for automatic shooting including the company's Smart Auto that intelligently selects settings based on 32 predefined scene modes (21 are used when capturing movies). You'll also find a large assortment of creative effects options including favorites like Toy Camera and Miniature.

The Canon PowerShot SX410 IS camera arrives in March in red or black versions for $279.99. Pricing wasn't available for the UK and Australia, but it converts to £185 and AU$360.