• 1/2.3 inch 28.1mm2
  • 12.1 megapixels
  • 25.00mm - 500.00mm (35mm eq.)
  • 1/2.3 inch 28.1mm2
  • 16.0 megapixels
  • 28.00mm - 448.00mm (35mm eq.)
  • Detailed specifications
  • Canon PowerShot SX260 HS
  • Canon PowerShot SX160 IS
Links
Prices: Compare Prices Compare Prices
Manufacturer URL: Manufacturer website Manufacturer website
Predecessor: Canon SX230 HS
SX230 HS vs SX260 HS
Canon SX150 IS
SX150 IS vs SX160
Successor: Canon SX280 HS
SX260 HS vs SX280 HS
Canon SX170
SX160 vs SX170
General
Model Number: SX260 HS SX160
Alternate Model Number(s):    
Camera Format: Compact Mid-Sized
Currently Manufactured: No No
Retail Price: $349.99 $229.99
Street Price: $479.99 $145.95
Date Available: 2012-03-15 2012-09-15
Tripod Mount: Yes Yes
Weight: 8.1 oz (231 g)
includes batteries
10.3 oz (291 g)
includes batteries
Size: 4.2 x 2.4 x 1.3 in.
(106 x 61 x 33 mm)
4.4 x 2.9 x 1.7 in.
(111 x 73 x 44 mm)
Waterproof: No No
Waterproof Depth: n/a n/a
Image Sensor
Sensor Type: CMOS CCD
Sensor Manufacturer:    
Effective Megapixels: 12.1 16.0
Sensor Format: 1/2.3 inch 1/2.3 inch
Sensor size: 28.0735mm2 (6.17mm x 4.55mm) 28.0735mm2 (6.17mm x 4.55mm)
Approximate Pixel Pitch: 1.54 microns 1.34 microns
Focal Length Multiplier: n/a n/a
Aspect Ratio: 4:3 4:3
Color Filter Type: RGBG RGBG
Anti Aliasing Filter:    
Self-Cleaning: No No
Sensor shift image stabilization: No No
On-Sensor Phase Detect: No No
DxO Sensor Score:    
DxO Color Depth Score (bits):    
DxO Dynamic Range Score (evs):    
DxO Maximum Effective ISO Score (iso):    
Image Capture
Image Resolution: 4000 x 3000 (12.0 MP, 4:3),
4000 x 2248 (9.0 MP, 16:9),
4000 x 2664 (10.7 MP, 3:2),
2992 x 2992 (9.0 MP, 1:1),
2816 x 2112 (5.9 MP, 4:3),
2816 x 1584 (4.5 MP, 16:9),
2816 x 1880 (5.3 MP, 3:2),
2112 x 2112 (4.5 MP, 1:1),
1600 x 1200 (1.9 MP, 4:3),
1920 x 1080 (2.1 MP, 16:9),
1600 x 1064 (1.7 MP, 3:2),
1200 x 1200 (1.4 MP, 1:1),
640 x 480 (0.3 MP, 4:3),
640 x 360 (0.2 MP, 16:9),
640 x 424 (0.3 MP, Other),
480 x 480 (0.2 MP, 1:1)
4608 x 3456 (15.9 MP, 4:3),
4608 x 2592 (11.9 MP, 16:9),
4608 x 3072 (14.2 MP, 3:2),
3456 x 3456 (11.9 MP, 1:1),
3264 x 2448 (8.0 MP, 4:3),
3264 x 1832 (6.0 MP, 16:9),
3264 x 2176 (7.1 MP, 3:2),
2448 x 2448 (6.0 MP, 1:1),
1600 x 1200 (1.9 MP, 4:3),
1920 x 1080 (2.1 MP, 16:9),
1600 x 1064 (1.7 MP, 3:2),
1200 x 1200 (1.4 MP, 1:1),
640 x 480 (0.3 MP, 4:3),
640 x 360 (0.2 MP, 16:9),
640 x 424 (0.3 MP, Other),
480 x 480 (0.2 MP, 1:1)
Image File Format: JPEG (EXIF 2.3) JPEG (EXIF 2.3)
Continuous-mode frames/second: 10.3 0.8
Video Capture
Can take movies: Yes Yes
Movie Resolution: 1920x1080 (24p)
1280x720 (30p)
640x480 (30p/​120p)
320x240 (240p)
1280x720 (25p)
640x480 (30p)
Movie File Format: MOV (Image: H.264; Stereo Audio: Linear PCM) MOV (Image data: H.264, Audio data: Linear PCM (stereo))
Composite Video Out: Yes Yes
NTSC/PAL Switchable Video: Yes Yes
Video Usable as Viewfinder:
HD Video Out: Yes Yes
HD Video Connection: HDMI HDMI
Lens & Optics
Lens Mount: n/a n/a
Lens: Canon Zoom Lens Canon Zoom Lens
Focal Length (35mm equivalent): 25 - 500mm 28 - 448mm
Focal Length (actual): 4.5 - 90mm 5 - 80mm
Zoom Ratio: 20.00x 16.00x
Aperture Range: f/3.5 (wide) / f/6.8 (tele) - f/8.0 f/3.5 (W) / f/5.9 (T) - f/8.0
Integrated ND Filter: No No
Normal Focus Range: 5 cm to Infinity
2.0 in to Infinity
1 cm to Infinity
0.4 in to Infinity
Macro Focus Range: 5 - 50 cm
2.0 - 19.7 in
1 - 50 cm
0.4 - 19.7 in
Filter Thread: n/a n/a
Thread Type: n/a n/a
Optical Image Stabilization: Yes Yes
Digital Zoom: Yes Yes
Digital Zoom Values: Up to 4x Up to 4x
Auto Focus
Auto Focus: Yes Yes
Auto Focus Type: Contrast Detect with Face Detection; Face Detection, 1-point AF (fixed to center) Contrast Detection; Face Detect AiAF, Single AF point (center or face select and track)
Auto Focus Assist Light? Yes Yes
Manual Focus: Yes Yes
Viewfinder
Viewfinder: No / LCD LCD
Viewfinder Type:    
Focus Peaking: No No
EVF Resolution: n/a n/a
Viewfinder Magnification (35mm equivalent):    
Viewfinder Magnification (nominal/claimed):    
Display
Eye-level Viewfinder: No No
Rear Display: Yes Yes
Rear Display Size (inches): 3.0 3.0
Rear Display Resolution: 461,000 dots 230,000 dots
Touchscreen: No No
Articulating Screen: No No
Tilt Swivel Screen: No No
Selfie Screen: No No
Max Playback Zoom: 10.0x 10.0x
Top Deck Display:
Exposure
Maximum ISO (native):   1600
Minimum ISO (native):   80
ISO Settings: Auto, 100, 200, 400, 800, 1600, 3200; up to ISO 6400 in Low Light mode at 3MP resolution Auto, 80, 100, 200, 400, 800, 1600
Auto ISO Mode: Yes Yes
White Balance Settings: Auto, Day Light, Cloudy, Tungsten, Fluorescent, Fluorescent H, Underwater, Custom Auto (including Face Detection WB), Daylight, Cloudy, Tungsten, Fluorescent, Fluorescent H, Custom
Shutter Speed Range: 1/3200 - 15 sec 1/3200 - 15 sec
Bulb Mode: No No
Exposure Compensation: +/- 2.0EV in 0.3EV steps +/- 2.0EV in 0.3EV steps
Metering Modes: Evaluative, Center-weighted, Spot (center), Face Detect AE Evaluative (linked to Face Detection AF frame), Centre-weighted average, Spot (Center)
Program Auto Exposure: Yes Yes
Aperture Priority: Yes Yes
Shutter Priority: Yes Yes
Full Manual Exposure: Yes Yes
Creative Exposure Modes: SCN: Portrait, Smooth Skin, Smart Shutter, High-speed Burst HQ, Handheld Night Scene, Low Light, Underwater, Snow, Fireworks, Stitch Assist; Creative Filters: Fisheye Effect, Miniature Effect, Toy Camera Effect, Monochrome, Soft Focus, Super Vivid, Poster Effect, Color Accent, Color Swap SCN (Portrait, FaceSelf-Timer, Low Light (4.0MP), Snow, Fireworks), Creative Filters (Fish-eye Effect, Miniature Effect, Toy Camera Effect, Monochrome, Super Vivid, Poster Effect), Discreet, My Colors (My Colors Off, Vivid, Neutral, Sepia, Black & White, Positive Film, Lighter Skin Tone, Darker Skin Tone, Vivid Blue, Vivid Green, Vivid Red, Custom Color)
Self Timer: 2, 10, Custom seconds 2, 10, Custom seconds
Time Lapse (intervalometer):    
High Resolution Composite: No No
Flash
Built-in Flash: Yes Yes
Flash Modes: Auto, Flash On, Slow Synchro, Flash Off Auto, Manual Flash On / Off, Slow Synchro; Red-Eye Reduction available
Flash Guide Number (ISO 100): n/a n/a
Flash Range Description: Auto ISO: 50cm - 3.5m (W), (1.0 - 2.0m (T) 1.6 - 9.8 ft. (W), 2.0 - 6.6 ft. (T) (50cm - 3.0m (W), 60cm - 2.0m (T))
Max Flash Sync:   1/2000
Flash Exposure Compensation:   +/- 2.0 EV in 0.3EV steps
External Flash Connection: n/a n/a
Built-In Wireless Flash Control:    
Image Storage
Usable Memory Types: SD / SDHC / SDXC SD / SDHC / SDXC
UHS Support:    
Other Memory:    
Dual Card Slots: No No
RAW Capture Support: No No
Uncompressed Format:    
Movie File Format: MOV (Image: H.264; Stereo Audio: Linear PCM) MOV (Image data: H.264, Audio data: Linear PCM (stereo))
Included Memory: No memory included No memory included
Included Memory Type:    
Connectivity
Built-In Wi-Fi: No No
NFC: No No
Bluetooth: No No
Built-In GPS: Yes No
Microphone Jack: No No
Headphone Jack: No No
External Connections: USB 2.0 High Speed USB 2.0 High Speed
PictBridge Compliant: Yes Yes
DPOF Compliant: Yes Yes
Remote Control: No
Remote Control Type:    
Connections (extended): Mini HDMI Mini (Type-C) HDMI
Performance Timing
Cycle time for JPEG shooting in single shot mode (seconds per frame, max resolution): 2.08  
Cycle time for RAW shooting in single shot mode (seconds per frame):    
Buffer size for RAW shooting in single shot mode (frames):    
Cycle time for RAW+JPEG shooting in single shot mode (seconds per shot):    
Camera penalizes early shutter press? No
JPEG shooting speed in burst mode (fps, max resolution): 10.3 0.8
Buffer size for JPEG shooting in burst mode (frames, max resolution): 10 Unlimited
RAW shooting speed in burst mode (fps):    
Buffer size for RAW shooting in burst mode (frames):    
RAW+JPEG shooting speed in burst mode (fps):    
Buffer Size for RAW+JPEG shooting in burst mode (frames):    
Shutter lag (full AF, wide/mid): 0.52 seconds  
Shutter lag (full AF, tele): 0.43 seconds  
Shutter lag (full AF, live view - DSLR):    
Shutter lag (prefocused, live view - DSLR):    
Shutter Lag (manual focus):    
Shutter lag (full AF, with flash):    
Shutter Lag (prefocused): 0.079 seconds  
Shutter Lag (notes):    
Startup Time: 2.0 seconds  
Play -> Record Time:    
Flash cycle time, full power: 3.5 seconds  
Power
Battery Life, Stills (CIPA Rating Monitor/Live View): 230 shots 380 shots (NiMH AA)
Battery Life, Still (CIPA Rating OVF/EVF):    
Battery Life, Video:    
Battery Form Factor: Proprietary NB-6 2 x AA
Usable Battery Types: Lithium-ion rechargeable Alkaline, Lithium disposables; NiMH rechargeables
Batteries Included: 1 x Proprietary NB-6 Lithium-ion rechargeable 2 x AA Alkaline disposables
Battery Charger Included (dedicated charger or AC/USB adapter): Yes No
Dedicated Battery Charger Included:
Internal Charging Supported:
Software
Included Software: Canon software suite Canon software suite (ImageBrowser EX, PhotoStitch)
OS Compatibility: Windows, Mac OS Windows 7 SP1 / Vista SP2 / XP SP3, Mac OS X v10.6 - 10.7
Miscellaneous
Notes & Features: Optical Image Stabilization, DIGIC 5, 1080p Full HD Movies with stereo audio and optical zoom, Smart Auto, Face ID, GPS logger and tracker. Available in black, green or red. Optical Image Stabilization, DIGIC 4 Processor, 720p HD Movies. Available in black or red.