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With a 20x wide-angle zoom, the 12.1-megapixel PowerShot SX20 IS offers intelligent, versatile shooting power. Switch to Smart Auto mode for effortlessly great results, or shoot stunning HD movies.
Technical Details
- High-powered 20x wide-angle optical zoom with Optical Image Stabilizer- Capture 720p HD movies with stereo sound; HDMI output connector for easy playback on your HDTV
- 2.5-inch Vari-Angle System LCD; improved Smart AUTO intelligently selects from 22 predefined shooting situations
- DIGIC 4 Image Processor; 12.1-megapixel resolution for poster-size, photo-quality prints
- Powered by AA batteries (included); capture images to SD/SDHC memory cards (not included)
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By C. Carleo-Evangelist
I did a lot of research prior to purchasing this camera and after approximately six months of use I can say I don't think I've ever earned a better camera. I use this camera for a wide range of photos - from close-ups of blooming SPring flowers to action shots at baseball games. They come out fabulously. The camera's tools take some learning for someone more used to a point-and-shoot but it's fairly easy for someone user to a prosumer model camera. Battery life is excellent, only recently ran down the batteries and the fact that they're AA is excellent. Easy to find new ones on the go. I don't have as much experience with video, but the ones I've taken are of a high quality. The adjustable view is wonderful, night shots benefit from use of a tripod.
By D. Brown (Thomaston, Georgia United States)
Wonderful camera nothing but good to say about it. This camera does everything you would want in photography!! Can't take my hands off this camera goes everywhere does everything!! Photo and Video quality excellent....
Danny
By Lorac (USA)
I bought the SX20is primarily because my video requirements were becoming too demanding for my S3is. I do lots of video clips at band and orchestra concerts and the S3is could not do a full 20-minute orchestra piece due to file size limitations. When I got the SX20is I assumed it was an "upgrade" to my previous S1is and SX3is and I liked those cameras very much. What I found is that although the SX20is has better video capabilities I was very disappointed in the full auto mode (which I used a lot with my two previous cameras). With the older cameras if you raised the flash the minimum shutter speed used in auto mode would be 1/60 which is enough to stop motion. With the SX20is in full auto mode I have taken indoor flash photos of people who are standing still (posing) and had significant blur due to the slow shutter speed selected in auto mode (1/15 - 1/30). I can't imagine why if the flash is raised and therefore will fire it chooses such a slow shutter instead of opening the aperture. This has forced me to try to take all flash photos with the Tv shutter priority mode, but then I'm trying to guess/choose the slowest shutter to freeze the motion and I don't always get optimum settings. Furthermore, I like to use auto mode so I don't have to study the situation and make changes on the dial of the camera and possibly forget that I made those changes when taking the next shot. I use these cameras for travel, and I like using auto because I can stop and take a quick pic of the family in a restaurant, walk down a street in old town and take outdoor photos, then enter a cathedral and take indoor photos with flash, all without changing the settings. Well, that's not going to work with the SX20 because every time I want to use the flash I will need to avoid auto mode and force a particular shutter speed by using TV. Also, when using Tv for flash photos I cannot use face detection (which I like) or any of the other nifty features available in full auto mode.
Although I haven't fully tested it yet, I also got some blurry photos of posing subjects outdoors on a cloudy day when I raised the flash (for fill) and the camera chose 1/30 shutter speed in full auto mode. I tried some without the flash and did notice slow shutter on those too so at this point I have lots of ruined shots. I wish the full auto mode had a setting where you could specify the minimum shutter speed to use yet have all of the other features of auto mode available. The same problems with slow shutter exists if you use P (programmed auto) mode as well.
The quality of the video and sound are great and I am not disappointed in this camera for video, but the auto mode for still photos is a problem for me. If you like to take time to think and prepare for every shot and change the settings I'm sure the camera will perform, but if you are in a busy situation with changing scenes and needs don't count on full auto to make the right decisions. I still can't fathom why a hand-held indoor shot with flash should use a 1/15 shutter speed!
By J. Coughlin
This camera is seriously the most dank (in a great way) piece of equipment I own. I have had little point and shoot cameras in the past which surprisingly took decent quality photos, but this camera is great for any explorer. The zoom is incredible and so sharp once you have the subject focused. I have not yet taken this puppy out in the real world yet, so I am super excited to really give it a try. This camera is definitly for any photo-taking lover, and seems like it is a level lower than an SLR. BUY IT!
By Bruce Harris (u.s.a)
This is the 1st Camera that I've used that is what you would call a level above the regular point and shoot. I read both the good and bad reviews before choosing this camera. In regards to the bad reviews I can only surmise that you either got a bad one or didn't read the manual. Consumer Reports rates this one as a good one and my experience so far backs that up for me at least.
In regards to pictures I've taken, I've only used the auto function so far and when I'm comfortable with that I'll move up to using the more advanced features. I've uploaded a few of my pictures to Amazon and I made a note that the pictures were taken using the auto function. I hope the pros reading this won't judge me too harshly but like I said this is my 1st camera that is at this level. Most of the pics were great and the ones that weren't were caused by my moving too much while taking the pictures.
If you are looking for a camera to take you to the next level from point and shoot, then this one will work nicely. One thing I did notice is that while filming video if there is a lot of wind it does cause a lot of rumbling in the audio portion but the video portion is excellent. So I guess my suggestion there is don't film in a lot of wind.
And one last thing, the 35 page manual that's included did a great job of explaining the basic operation of the camera and how to use some of the features. Some people complained about not getting a manual but if you just need to get started the enclosed one works well and if I need to know about the more advanced features I have no problem firing up my computer and reading the PDF that's on the enclosed CD. Canon is just doing their part for the environment by keeping the camera package size down to the minimum which not only saves trees but also shipping cost.
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►►► Check Price Canon PowerShot SX20IS 12.1MP Digital Camera with 20x Wide Angle Optical Image Stabilized Zoom and 2.5-inch Articulating LCD
