Getting Started with the Canon PowerShot SX620 HS
The Canon PowerShot SX620 HS is a compact point-and-shoot camera that punches well above its size. It comes with a 25x optical zoom lens, Wi-Fi and NFC connectivity, 1080p video recording, and Canon’s DIGIC 4+ image processor. Whether you picked it up for travel, family events, or everyday snapshots, this guide will walk you through everything from first-time setup to getting the most out of its features.
If you also own a Canon superzoom, you might want to check out our guide to the Canon PowerShot SX60 HS for a comparison of what the bigger model offers.
First-Time Setup and Charging
When you unbox the SX620 HS, you’ll find the camera body, a wrist strap, a battery (NB-13L), a USB cable, and a charger. Start by inserting the battery into the bottom compartment. The door slides open with a small latch. Drop the battery in with the contacts facing inward and close the door until it clicks.
Next, insert a microSD card. The card slot sits right next to the battery. Push the card in until it locks. The SX620 HS supports microSD, microSDHC, and microSDXC cards. A 32GB card is a good starting point and will hold thousands of photos at the default settings.
Turn the camera on using the power button on top. The first time you power it up, the camera will ask you to set the date, time, and time zone. Use the arrow buttons on the back to scroll through the options and press the center button to confirm each one. This step matters because the camera stamps every photo with a timestamp.
Understanding the Shooting Modes
The SX620 HS doesn’t have a mode dial on top like larger cameras. Instead, you change modes through the on-screen menu. Press the FUNC./SET button, then navigate to the shooting mode option in the top-left corner of the screen.
Auto Mode
This is where most people start, and it handles most situations well. The camera picks the shutter speed, aperture, ISO, and white balance for you. Just point and shoot. If it detects a specific scene (like a sunset or a close-up of food), it will adjust its settings to match.
Program (P) Mode
Program mode gives you more control without going fully manual. The camera still sets the exposure, but you can adjust ISO, white balance, and exposure compensation. A good stepping stone for learning what different settings do.
Tv (Shutter Priority) Mode
In Tv mode, you choose the shutter speed and the camera adjusts the aperture. This is useful for freezing fast motion (1/500 or higher) or creating motion blur (1/15 or slower). Sports, kids running around, and moving water are good candidates.
Av (Aperture Priority) Mode
Av mode lets you pick the aperture while the camera handles shutter speed. A wider aperture (lower f-number) blurs the background, great for portraits. A narrower aperture (higher f-number) keeps more of the scene sharp, better for landscapes and group shots.
Making the Most of the 25x Zoom
The 25x optical zoom covers a focal range equivalent to 25mm to 625mm, meaning you can go from wide-angle group shots to tight close-ups of distant subjects without moving.
Use the zoom lever around the shutter button to zoom in and out. Push gently for a slow zoom, harder for a faster one. Past about 10x, small hand movements cause visible shake. That’s where image stabilization comes in.
Image Stabilization Tips
The SX620 HS has Intelligent IS, which automatically detects the type of movement and applies the right stabilization. It works during both photos and video. When you’re at full zoom, try bracing your elbows against your body or leaning against a wall for extra stability. If you’re shooting video while walking, hold the camera with both hands and keep your steps smooth.
For stationary subjects at extreme zoom, rest the camera on a flat surface or use a small tabletop tripod. The combination of IS and a steady surface will give you noticeably sharper results.
Wi-Fi Transfer to Your Phone
One of the best features of the SX620 HS is wireless photo transfer. You can send images directly to your phone without cables or card readers.
Setting Up Canon Camera Connect
1. Download the Canon Camera Connect app on your iPhone or Android phone.
2. On the camera, press the Wi-Fi button (the button with the wireless icon on the back).
3. Select the smartphone icon from the connection options.
4. The camera will create a Wi-Fi network. On your phone, go to Wi-Fi settings and connect to the network name shown on the camera screen.
5. Open the Camera Connect app. It should detect the camera automatically.
6. On the camera, confirm the connection when prompted.
Once connected, you can browse all the photos on the camera through the app and save the ones you want to your phone. You can also use the app as a remote viewfinder and trigger, which is handy for group photos where you want to be in the shot.
NFC Pairing (Android Only)
If your Android phone has NFC, you can skip most of the setup. Just touch the NFC logo on your phone to the NFC mark on the camera (it’s on the side of the body). The phone will launch Camera Connect and pair automatically. This only works for the initial connection, but it saves time.
Recording Video
The SX620 HS records 1080p video at 30fps. To start recording, press the dedicated video button on the back of the camera (the red dot button). You don’t need to switch to a special video mode first. The camera will use the current zoom level, and you can zoom in or out during recording.
A few things to keep in mind with video:
– The camera uses the full 25x zoom during video, but zooming can pick up motor noise on the built-in microphone.
– Continuous autofocus works during recording, so the camera will track moving subjects.
– In bright sunlight, the screen can be hard to see. Shade the screen with your hand if needed.
– A single clip can run until your memory card fills up or the battery runs out. On a full charge, expect about 55 to 60 minutes of continuous recording.
Scene Modes and Special Shooting
The SX620 HS has a collection of built-in scene modes that optimize settings for specific situations. You’ll find these under the SCN option in the shooting mode menu. Some useful ones include:
– Portrait: Softens the background and smooths skin tones.
– Low Light: Bumps up the ISO and uses noise reduction for dim indoor settings.
– Fireworks: Uses a slow shutter speed to capture the light trails.
– Snow: Adjusts exposure so white snow doesn’t turn gray.
Macro Mode for Close-Ups
To shoot something very close, switch to Macro mode by pressing the left arrow button on the back and selecting the flower icon. In Macro mode, the SX620 HS can focus as close as 1cm from the lens at the widest zoom setting. This works well for flowers, insects, food, and small product shots. Keep in mind that at such close distances, depth of field is very shallow, so the background will go blurry quickly.
Battery Life Tips
Canon rates the SX620 HS at about 295 shots per charge, which is reasonable for a compact camera. Here are a few ways to stretch that number:
– Turn off Wi-Fi and NFC when you’re not using them. Wireless radios drain the battery even on standby.
– Lower the screen brightness. The LCD is the biggest power draw on the camera.
– Use Eco Mode (found in the camera’s settings menu). It dims the screen after a few seconds of inactivity and puts the camera to sleep faster.
– If you’re going on a long trip, pick up a second NB-13L battery. They’re small and inexpensive, and having a spare means you won’t miss a shot.
The SX620 HS charges through USB, so you can top it off with a portable power bank during the day. Just connect the included USB cable to the camera while it’s turned off, and it will charge from any standard USB power source.
