Canon PowerShot SX20 IS, Digital Camera, 12.1 Megapixel, 20x Optical, 4x Digital Zoom, Optical Image Stabilizer System

2020-03-30T20:00:00

I bought this camera pre-owned nearly four years ago. While it has its few faults -which I will detail later- it has largely lived up to my expectations as a reliable and convenient camera for my photography hobby. Both easy to use and producing high-quality images, this camera meets many of my needs, specifically in the context of wildlife photography. Macro and super-macro features allow for short range clarity, and a variety of image settings can enhance the quality of various photography environments.The zoom feature is fantastic, and the camera is capable of taking beautiful videos, which contribute to the product's versatility. However, I have noticed that the audio recorded by the camera itself boosts the volume of external sounds (ie. wind, waves, etc. which can make it difficult to hear the actual audio. In addition, any low-light setting decreases the quality of images, giving them a grainy appearance. The flash is effective, luckily, and can be modified in terms of intensity. This is largely unhelpful for wildlife photography, so all my shooting must be done during the strongest daylight hours. Overall, though I am a novice myself, I highly recommend this camera. It would be especially useful for the beginner and traveller, due to its simplicity, though it can be used for professional use as well. The camera is reliable in consistent settings, and while it has some flaws, it rarely disappoints.

ipw

Originally posted at

2012-04-30T21:00:00

This might be my only camera if it had a real viewfinder. It compares favorably with my larger, heavier, (and more expensive) DSLR in most respects. My back-up camera for serious work but the first one I grab for casual shots

jim

2011-09-22T21:00:00

I love the 20 optical zoom. I can even hand hold the 80 digital zoom with remarkable results. I just took it on vacation for 13 days and I had just received it the week before. My only complaint was slow start up and slow zoom. However maybe when I read the book this might get better. I love it anyway!!!

charley

2011-09-14T21:00:00

Here we have a slightly more compact unit compared to the DSLR body and, of course, the coverage of its system lens of 2 or 3 SLR ranges it replicates for the most part. Adorama has put together a saavy beginners kit of quality needed items; Canon has designed a great camera. I have the S3 12X of 5 years ago and find great improvements and features in this camera. Image Quality detail and sharpness is great for large englargements. I miss the on computer screen remote control feature, the in camera audio recording stand alone feature, and the body color of the S3. These were let go, but so much more was gained. Canon engineers and designers have done photography mercy and justice.The MP has doubled without getting into the smearing reports of parts of the images rendered of the higher count MP sensors on the slightly newer units employing this sized sensor(14MP+ smears parts of the image rendition, this unit has 12.1MP, ideal, and permits HD video). The video is smooth, and works with the zoom well, sound in stereo is excellent, even has a wind filter selection (as on the S3). My wife has the G series with the same sensor, which is why I got this one. The lens is excellent, as was/is the S3 lens. It is on par with my DSLR Pentax Pro optics, and offers good image stablization. The range is ideal for all but the wildlife, bird or football photographer. And the trade off in size and better image quality over the new SX30 is worth going after this unit. And, to do its resources justice, one must learn or know the technology at hand, how to access it, utilize it, and command its great menus and feature sets. There are well nuanced choices readily available, for color, action, composition, light balance and on camera flash (it syncs with the remote for my Norman mains flash system as well), and lens range. It would be nice to have a 24mm, but I can add this in a more compact 15X HD featured Canon, like the 230, or Fuji, like the 550. I am very pleased with this fully adjustable camera for its semipro feature set, and prolike results--if intelligently used. I simply do not use the "automatic" setting, so have no clue what total amateurs would assess about the camera. I use the P, TV, AV, HD movie, etc. full menus. Thanks Adorama, thanks Canon! Well done!

climbmountainway

2011-09-04T21:00:00

Getting started book needs more basic information about various buttons on camera.

D I.

2011-08-03T20:00:00

This has been a fantastic camera. We had so much fun until it and I took a fall into a creek the other day. The pictures were all saved it even took a movie of what it saw until it quit under water. It has been fantastic and I want to replace with the same thing.

linda

Originally posted at

2010-12-27T19:00:00

Finally getting the chance to put this camera to the test and after some not so great photos (totally my fault I am getting pics of pro quality, i.e. very sharp crisp pics, very satisfied. The only thing that is disapointing is that the camera doesn't accept filters to protect the lens.

San N.

Originally posted at

2010-12-05T19:00:00

I have had other canon cameras and they get better I bought the 20 And a week later the 30 came out but that is ok. I have a 10 and that camera has taken over 100 gig of picts and movies. the movies are great for work and kids. Hockey players get thier goal and the parents ask me for a copy of thier kids making thier goals. I enjoyed the 10 and hope the 20 is better. so far I like the camera.

duck

Originally posted at

2010-11-08T19:00:00

I must start by revealing that I am a loyal Canon user. I have used a Rebel for over three years now and love it. But, sometimes there are instance where all those lenses and bags full of stuff do not work(Birthday parties, Family reunions and such. I read hundreds of reviews all over the internet concerning this product and am glad I did. I purchased this camera for an easy-to-use product for my wife, but boy, did I ever get my money's worth. This little camera takes fantastic stills and unbelieveable HD video! All the features (which I will let Canon list) are very easy to use and easy to remember. Colors are great and sound on the video is a great surprise for anyone use to a regular camcorder. I don't understand some of the reviews talking about weak colors and such. Methinks this is due to a lack of curiosity concerning all settings available for use by the customer! I absolutely love this camera for above average photos and video for average users, such as my wife. I may swipe it quite often for uses where I may be taking reference photos and such. My recommendation is YES! BUY THIS CAMERA!!

JIMIR

Originally posted at

2010-11-05T20:00:00

The Best camera at a good price. I use my camera for Photography and Videography.Very clear image and good zoom:)

iamqueen

Originally posted at

2010-11-02T20:00:00

I have been thinking of buying an advanced digital camera for some time. Few weeks ago, I happen to see some shots posted by one of my friend. I enquired and with some research on the net - finalized on the sx20 IS.

neil

Originally posted at

2010-10-31T20:00:00

First it is important to note that it's a good idea to have some rudimental knowledge of photography to fully appreciate the SX20. This is a feature packed camera with countless ways to capture images from manual shooting modes to fully automatic. I've been using this camera for three months as my primary and only camera with great results right out of the box. However, I get the best results on a consistent basis shooting in a shutter-preferred mode. I have tried other modes with good and some really fun results. Unless you shoot a lot every day it will take some time to really discover all of this camera's capabilities. If you are considering the next best thing to a DSLR, the SX20 iS should be on your list. Read this web-site's specs and details concerning this camera. I have not had any experience as described in some of the negative reviews. This is a great camera that truly deserves consideration. Oh yeah, the camcorder function is phenomenal. Two cameras in one.

Gunny

Originally posted at

2010-10-24T20:00:00

I wanted a camera that took beautiful zoom shots, yet I was afraid it might be complicated or more than I needed. It is very user-friendly and I love it. My whole family loves it and we are so glad we made this investment. The USB cable connects the camera to my PC so pictures download with one push of a button. I didn't even need the software that came with the camera. I recommend this camera to anyone!

PenPen

Originally posted at

2010-10-14T20:00:00

I've been taking pictures for 30 years now! I'm not a professional photographer but take just as good pics! everything about this camera is awesome! I have been wanting a newer camera for about 3 years now and have finally found the perfect one for me! (thanks to my husband! Takes great quality pictures, easy to use and love the viewer! Great for taking pics of children!

fairyrose

Originally posted at

2010-10-12T20:00:00

This camera takes great pictures. I love the fact that the viewer folds out and it has all the features I need for landscapes to faces. I was however disappointed in the sturdiness of the camera. As I have a tendency to drop the camera (out of cars, ski lifts, pockets, etc.) the ability of the camera body to take a bit of punishment is important.

toomanycameras

Originally posted at

2010-10-04T20:00:00

Blame it on my age or whatever, but i am still using my s3 because I cannotstand this camera without a paper manual. It requires constant referal to the manual while in the field. the computer manual seems sleazy for this kind of camera cost. I am not going to carry a laptop into the field to use.

barrett

Originally posted at

2010-10-04T20:00:00

Amazing features, the camera's screen rotates out and angles for viewing high overhead or taking pictures or videos of yourself. It also snaps into place at the back of the camera for viewing. The zoom is amazing. The first test of it was a landscape shot. I took a picture of our valley and then zoomed in on a house across the way. It wasn't until I loaded the pictures onto my computer for viewing that I realized how great the zoom really is. The detail of the house was surprising and very clear. The lens cover conveniently pops off and a built-in hook on the back of it keeps it on the camera strap for storage. This is nice because it is not swinging around on a string. The camera's ability to capture detail and color is beautiful. Really enjoying this camera and highly recommend it. Pictures are crisp and clear and the video function is unreal.

Hawaiian I.

Originally posted at

2010-09-21T20:00:00

Slow....slow...slow cycle time and poor quailty indoor and low light settings!!!! Using AUTO settings in low light or indoors produced fuzy poor quaility shots...forcing flash in all low light settings helped but didn't fix it! Anti shake feature only works in bright light or daylight! Camera came with a very thin operating manual for a novice! I was unable to change format to JPEG to speed up cycle time!!!

gslide

Originally posted at

2010-09-14T20:00:00

this was a great investment. my first purchase of a digital camera after always having 35mm. Wife has a point and shoot and i was looking for something with a little more powerful zoom and i got it with this camera. the only thing i have been unable to capture has been lightening from some summer storms, but hopefully i can do that soon

w

Originally posted at

2010-09-10T20:00:00

Overall a nice camera. I like the video capability and extreme telephoto. The articulating LCD is cool. Photo quality is so-so. Too soft and fuzzy for my liking. If I could have one wish for this camera is a firmware update with RAW capability and selectable jpeg compression level.

tperki

Originally posted at

2010-09-09T20:00:00

this is my first time to use simiPro camera, actually to try Canon as it is a brand in photography. I own my PowerShot SX20 IS for almost a year now (10 months), and I took it with me during my vacation (overseas), use it, it gave me very very nice pictures from clarity to focusing, zooming (24X), HD quality images, even while using video, I could made zooming, this feature not avalaible in most cameras, after using this camera, I want to change now to SLR becuse the features it have makes you wanna do more than just shooting. definitly this camera worth every penny

maharith

Originally posted at

2010-09-08T20:00:00

Camera has several usless features. Photos are not sharp, a very cheap camera produces far better photographs. Image quality in some macro modes is fine. Camera will not focus on small close things when there is a large close background. Image quality suffers in all modes. For a camera in this price range it lacks RAW capabilty. Very disappointed with the camera. Pro - the camera has excellent battery life with rechargable battries

HG

Originally posted at

2010-09-08T20:00:00

When I first got this camera I didn't know much about cameras. I've only ever had basic point and shoot cameras with functions that you couldn't change. At first m pictures were fuzzy/noisey/piexely but then once I learned more about cameras I realized it was my own fault with having the ISO turned up to high. Now my photos come out crystal clear! I do have issues still with the prolonged shutter speed function, but I'm positive with time I can over come this as well. I rarely get a blurry picture. All my pictures are fantastic. I love using it to take pictures of my very active 2 yr old and nature. Best camera I've ever had!

SoDakGal

Originally posted at

2010-09-06T20:00:00

I own a Canon S2 and was extremely satisfied with the quality of this camera. I decided it was time to upgrade to a newer camera with higher pixels, and new technology. Therefore, I just purchased the Canon SX20 IS Since receiving this camera I have taken well over 1,000 pictures with it, and extremely unhappy with the photo quality, focus, and clarity. My old S2 has a much sharper image than the SX20 IS. The majority of the SX20 IS pictures are NOT in focus, or have a "haze" to them. I have been taking test pictures of the same objects with both the S2 and SX20 IS, and the S2 is MUCH clearer and sharper than the new SX20 IS. In taking these pictures I have compared by adjusting both cameras to the same settings, taking a picture of the SAME objects/lighting/angles and overall the S2 has a greater picture quality. I have adjusted the camera setting numerous times, from Auto to the Program settings, adjusting the ISO, and several other settings. When a picture is out of focus, I have taken several pictures of the same objects with numerous settings and get the same out-of-focus results. I am not a professional photographer, but by no means should my pictures have such a low quality, with this type of camera. In the past 4.5 years of owning the S2 I am disappointed with the SX20 IS, and thought when I purchased it I was making an upgrade, but instead I feel I have down-graded. My wife and I are planning a vacation, and plan to take our OLD Canon S2, for fear we cannot capture our memories with the SX20 IS. It is disappointing that I have invested in a newer camera and must resort to my old one. I have tried everything, and gave my best effort to give this camera a chance. Unfortunately, I am beyond frustrated and have exhausted all my energies trying to make this camera work for me.

kamikazi

Originally posted at

2010-08-30T20:00:00

I originally thought that this camera might be too heavy/cumbersome to carry around with me but I have found no difficulty in doing so. I appreciate the strap to carry around the neck and it's comfortable. This camera is to replace my Canon A620. I researched this camera purchase extensively and found that I liked this camera best out of the others for zoom, variable screen and the comfort of holding the camera with one hand because of Canon's design, like the Canon A620. The zoom on this camera is incredible. I no longer am bummed about sitting further back at concerts because with the zoom, I can get real close and take pictures just like I was in front of the performer and the quality has not been compromised. I also like the image stabilizer as sometimes shakiness can really get in the way of a great picture. I've also been having alot of fun with shooting videos now...something I've never done before and they come out great. I'm just doing really short ones but they still come out great. I do recommend getting rechargeable batteries because if you use it alot then you don't want to keep buying new batteries. So, it turns out that my research wasn't a waste of time as I made the right decision. So, for the record, I am extremely happy with this purchase. I just couldn't find another camera that could compare to all of these features that I really like. By the way, I am not a professional photographer...just your average person that likes to capture photos of events, family, friends and pets. This camera makes me look like a professional though and there's nothing wrong with that. :-)

amethystria

Originally posted at

2010-08-18T20:00:00

I received this camera from my work for twenty years of service. It takes awesome pictures as well as HD videos. I was taking a picture of a flower bush from 40 feet away, I zoomed in on a Bee and when I downloaded it to my PC , I could see the transparent wings of the Bee. The face recognition feature is a great feature when taking pictures of my new grandaughter. Is over 500 pictures of her in a week, too much? Anyway, it has so many features, I'm still learning new tricks.

ol d.

Originally posted at

2010-08-17T20:00:00

I purchased this camera because it had been put on sale, and after having looked at a competitor's camera. I actually had to get 2 cameras, as the viewfinder failed in the 1st one. The retailer did handle the defective return promptly and courteously. My wife and I are both learning to use this camera and really enjoy it's capabilities. As with any new device we are finding some quirks in the commands and menus; but, all in all, it is a delight to use. It does seem to lack in performance shooting from a well-lit area into darker areas, such as into shadows, and the phot-editing software has a few bugs, which I hope will be addressed in upgrades. I expect a longer learning curve for this camera simply because of all of the included features. The camera was shipped with alkaline batteries. I installed an 8-gig, Type 6 SD card and habe taken several hundred photos and about 20 minutes of HD video with no battery life warnings. I would recommend a tripod for zoom shots and I would like to see a button added to access recording volume and wind muff selection.

Camera N.

Originally posted at

2010-08-15T20:00:00

I'm able to take pictures of deer with great detail from 6+ acres away or of my pets from a few feet away! This is a GREAT camera for anyone wanting to take a quality picture :)

Queenie

Originally posted at

2010-08-15T20:00:00

My husband bought this for me because I was taking pictures at his softball games. It was able to keep up with the speed I was taking the pictures. The pictures came out great!! Since getting this camera, I have gotten more compliments on my pictures than I ever had before! I LOVE my camera!!!

mommacarla

Originally posted at

2010-08-13T20:00:00

I was in the market to purchase a new digital,moving up from 3x zoom which began to be frustrating to capture distance pics and low light.At the time I could not find a compact with a larger zoom so I had 3 in mind,my 1st choice was this Canon,then 2 others.Unfortunately I bought one of the other choices,took it on vacation,took great photos,easy to use,etc however had problems transferring & other issues.I returned it & bought this Canon Powershot SX20 IS...wow,should have went with my first instinct.. I am a semi beginner & was able to open it up ,read the manual,learn the basics ,began shooting with ease.Took it on another vacation ,transferred pics only to find out how beautiful my photos were... I love all the features in this camera,I can make a certain area of the photo in color while the rest is in black & white,something I could only do with a software program. I can take photos in low light with no problem.This camera is a little larger than what I set out to originally buy but the photos I got out of it is worth the size,it really is not that big,I can still carry it around & put it in my purse.The fact I do not have to turn on the camera to view my photos is a big plus for me,as I am always reviewing.I have a 12 year old granddaughter who has also used this camera and finds it to be easy.My husband was very impressed with all of the features on it & too has begun to use it ( that is when I am not).He used a film camera for years.I love the zoom which was the one of the features that led me to this camera.I am now able to sit back at a concert & take photos of my favorite singer in low light & capture all his facial expressions from a distance. I used the same rechargeable batteries with a 4GB card & maybe had to change once,after taking 900+ photos in 12megapixels.We are thinking of purchasing this same camera for my hubby,so he can have his own. The price was good for the quality and features of my CanonPowershot SX20IS. I would recommend this camera for anyone and who is willing to read the manual.

Shorty

Originally posted at