73%
Gold Award
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73%
Gold Award
Reviewed:
Jul 2010
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The 12MP Canon Powershot SX20 IS is the successor to the SX10 IS but constitutes only a fairly minor upgrade. It is essentially the same camera (both have a 28-560mm equivalent lens) with a slightly increased megapixel count (12.1 vs 10 MP) and a new 720p HD video mode. Lens, screen and most other items on the spec sheet remain unchanged. As such, the camera is the latest incarnation of Canon's popular series of superzoom cameras that can trace its ancestry right back to the PowerShot S1 IS of 2004.
Like its predecessor the SX20 IS uses CCD technology to capture its images. When we tested it we found that the SX20 IS is one of the best performers amongst its competition across the ISO range, both in terms of performance and responsiveness. Its metering is excellent and the output features natural colors and very good sharpness across the frame.
| Quick links: | Announcement | Review | Sample gallery 1 | Sample gallery 2 | Forum |
| Announced: | Aug 19, 2009 |
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Average rating:
4.16
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Opinion: I checked out the SX20 IS at Best Buy today. It really would be a great camera if only they did not foul up on the LCD. The 2.5 inch LCD is just too small by today's standards so as to be unacceptable. I bought the new SX120 IS instead. It was $150 cheaper and has a nice 3 inch LCD.
Problems: The LCD is just too small.
Opinion: I bought the SX20 to take on an upcoming Alaskan vacation. I considered buying a super zoom lens for my DSLR but when I looked at the lens costs I reconsidered... I decided that buying a dedicated mega zoom point & shoot might be the better option. Here's why:
1. Cost, this entire camera set me back $400, a super zoom lens (with image stabilization) for my DSLR would have cost me at least $600.
2. Video, this thing shoots AMAZING HD video! See sample below.
3. Zoom range, the 28 - 560mm equivalent lens is simply stunning. No such lens exists for a DSLR body.
4. The video and zoom range combined in a CCD sensor based camera. None of that annoying rolling shutter that you see in the CMOS based DSLRS.
I've had it just a few days.. but so far I'm blown away. This video out of this thing is just amazing. It has a dedicated video button that let's you shoot photos and with one press go straight to HD video recording... perfect setup for trying to capture all the action.
Sample HD Video here:
<A HREF="http://www.vimeo.com/6456689">http://www.vimeo.com/6456689</A>
I'm very excited... it's a lot of camera built into a small, light form factor. The pictures are great, the video is gorgeous and the zoom lens is mind blowing. I don't know why the average joe would need anything else... the SX20 has almost everything.
Problems: Double A batteries, Canon.. seriously? Is this a joke? It' 2009, where is the user friendly rechargeable battery that you put in EVERY OTHER CAMERA. I don't know what Canon is thinking... AA's suck, but don't let it ruin the camera for you. It's great and some people might prefer AA's.. but it seems kind of lame to me.
Build, I'm used to cameras that are built like tanks, this is not one of them. It is probably average and no doubt solid.. but it's not going to withstand a drop like a DSLR will.
Opinion: Very impressive camera. Just bought it to get some great pictures of the kids without the husle of changing lenses with as a bonus great HD videao quality with stereo sound. So far 100+ pictures on the cam and they turn out very crisp. Interface is very good with full manual controll possible. If you see the video quality on an 42" LCD it is very impressive. The 28-560 mm gives a blowing reach.
Problems: none so far
Opinion: Best all-around camera you can get. HD video is stunning. Has the smaller but perfectly adequate 2.5" LCD screen which saves precious power so the camera can run longer. Amen to that -- you absolutely do not need anything larger. The LCD screen does come in quite handy for odd angles since it swings out and swivels. Also has a nice viewfinder.
Problems: not very compact with big lens.
Reviews and specs
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Galleries
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Challenges
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 | 22.3 megapixels 3.2" screen Full frame sensor |
