Ultra zoom cameras are a most interesting niche. For one, this category is synonymous with very long zooms (obviously!) and (not so obviously) a lot more manual control than ultra compacts give you. Larger bodies mean they are a little closer to the reassuring grip of dSLR cameras, but are typically smaller, and lighter. Prices are also at par with entry level dSLR bodies with a kit lens, and therefore, there is a tradeoff - while a dSLR at a similar price range will give you better image quality, the kit lens are mostly mediocre, a fact that most would-be buyers do not take into consideration. Also, you cannot even dream of the zoom flexibility of an ultra zoom. And this is where the SX30IS earns its bread. The latest of a long line of Canon ultra zoom point and shoots, the SX30IS has a massive focal range of 24mm to 840mm, and this equates to an impressive 35x optical zoom.

Look and feel

If you've held a dSLR like the Nikon D300s, the SX30IS will feel like a toy. A very well built toy however, and it feels better put together than its predecessor the Canon SX20IS. Good quality plastics have been used and while the body isn't metal, it feels pretty solid in hand. Even the mode dial has a nice positive feel and works with a reassuring click. A slight indentation has been given for your thumb, but for most people, this grip will feel small, especially if you're used to dSLRs. For a point and shoot, the grip is pretty good, although the Panasonic FZ35 has a better grip. The entire camera is a matte black, and looks rather attractive with lettering in white and red.

All the buttons are well laid out, and pretty large - making them easy to use. Button travel and feedback is inconsistent though. For example, the maximise image preview button has hard feedback but is usable, whereas the button immediately below it i.e. the play/preview button is set deep in the body and you really need to press to activate it. The rear dial has a smooth action, but its movement is precise, and for the most it works well. This dial is also a four-way button and this part too works well. Canon has gotten menus down to a fine art, and everything on the SX30IS is intuitive and menu options are well organised.

The zoom ring also works well, and is sensitive to force - push harder and you'll zoom quicker. The lens zooms quietly, unlike the SX20IS which was quite noisy, with a sound akin to grating. The 1050 mAh battery and SD card bay share an entrance. The outer barrel that houses the lens is made of metal, but isn't heavy, and the SX30IS feels nicely balanced. A mini USB and mini HDMI port are on the right side, under a hard rubber cover.