REVIEW: Canon PowerShot GOLF Laser Rangefinder – Is It a Camera Too?

The Canon PowerShot GOLF Laser Rangefinder is the first of its kind: a rangefinder and a camera in one.

But is it a good product for both? Can it find you accurate ranges and help capture some good shots on the course instead of a quality camera?

Canon PowerShot GOLF Digital Rangefinder – From Cameras to Courses

The Basics

The Canon PowerShot GOLF Laser Rangefinder is unique, to say the least. It uses a variety of different technologies to offer one of the most well-rounded and complete rangefinder products on the market today. It's better than just a simple point-and-shot device, as it uses Optical Image Stabilization to quickly pinpoint a flag, Slope Correction to give you accurate yardage on uphill and downhill pin locations, and Digital Zoom to offer yardages on those super long but visible, flagsticks.

It is small and compact, lightweight, and of good quality.

It also charges with a cord and does not use a separate, replaceable battery. This is perhaps my favorite feature with rangefinders today: they should be rechargeable.

The Use

But it offers something no other rangefinder on the market does: the ability to capture images and video, saving them to an SD card.

Although it is not included, an SD card can help you capture that sunset or that nice golf landscape that you want to show your friends. I used it a handful of times in my Wednesday evening league to capture some flagsticks. I'm no Ansel Adams, but what I snapped got the job done:

You can turn off your the yardages with the simple flick of a switch on the side of the rangefinder. I wanted to show some visuals of how far certain objects were, so I chose to keep it on for editorial sake.

A full press down on the button will take a picture, while a half press will get you a range on the flagstick. After use, it will shut off automatically, depending on your settings. Its default is five seconds, which I feel is super ideal.

Of the rangefinders I've used, this is easily the best for finding the flagstick. I don't find it picking up the trees in the back too often, and I am pretty confident with the first number I get. Not that it makes much of a difference to me, but the half-yard increments are also appreciated. 

Here are a few snaps looking down the viewfinder taken on my iPhone:

What It's Missing

In terms of what other rangefinders have that I wish this one did, there are not too many features that I think it is missing. Not too many times do I wish something was a little more robust in size, but it almost feels as if this is a mini-rangefinder.

It is just 1.2” x 2.3” x 3.6," according to Canon. It only weighs 150 grams. It is definitely a very small rangefinder compared to others.

I have not left this one in the cart, and I know that is an issue with some people, so I feel like some of the more forgetful players who purchase this will leave it behind. It is important to be vigilant when you're finished playing.

This is me being extremely nitpicky because in reality, there is not much I really think is wrong with it.

The only other thing I'd potentially add is a magnet so it can be placed on the chassis of a golf cart. However, I don't find myself missing that feature completely.

One thing I do think people should realize before buying this is you're not going to film swings or anything close range with it. It's a rangefinder primarily, so if you're standing ten feet behind your friend and want to take a video of his swing, be sure to bring your phone to the tee box. The pictures you'll take with this need to be of a considerable distance. 60 to 80 yards is a good rule of thumb, unless you use the zoom feature.

Other Specs

The rangefinder is waterproof rated IPX4, so it will be okay if it starts to rain during your round and you want to get some yardages. Don't be too concerned about it being ruined. Unless you submerge it in a puddle and it stays there for an extended period of time, you'll be okay.

Is It Worth the Price?

For $329.99, yes, I do believe this is worth the price. If it did not have a camera and video recording feature, I would still think it is worth the price. 

Bushnell's Tour V6 Shift rangefinder is the same price, and for what it's worth, I'd take the Canon PowerShot over it. There are a few reasons for this.

• Canon's is rechargeable; Bushnell's is not
• Canon's has two zoom options, whereas Bushnell's has a single 6x magnification

Bushnell's rangefinders come with an app, which will give you a flyover of the hole and help you get a good feel for a new course. While this is a great addition, it is not completely necessary. Although it is an extra expenditure, I do have a Blue Tees GPS Speaker, which does the same with its own app.

All in all, the features make it perfect to capture that quick picture from the golf course. It's also a great rangefinder that expedites your time finding how far away a flag is, it's accurate, and it's simple to use. If you're looking for a new rangefinder, I would suggest this one to you.

Cover Image via Canon