Canon's PowerShot SX20 IS superzoom gets superreviewed

You might be forgiven for not spotting the SX20 IS in the maelstrom of announcements Canon hit us with last month, so here's a thorough breakdown of the cam for your delectation. Replacing the year-old SX10, the SX20 IS adds 720p video recording at 30 fps and takes the pixel count up to 12 million. Strangely, it was features from the older model that earned praise, with the reviewers liking the 2.5-inch vari-angle display and UltraSonic Motor, which provided a smooth and silent zooming action. Their major gripe was image noise at ISO 400 and above, though picture quality was considered above average and macro performance was singled out for commendation. Hit the read link for sample snaps and footage plus the enlightening conclusion.

[Eman Posted Sep 9th 2009 10:58PM]

No Comments?

[ROFL Posted Sep 9th 2009 11:17PM]

Nope

[Eugenia Posted Sep 9th 2009 11:21PM]

I wish the review said more about its video mode, e.g. does it have manual focusing control, exposure compensation and locking (the SX200 IS does, you see: http://osne.ws/h22 ), color controls etc etc. I am personally always interested in the video mode of these still cams, as I like convergence.

[One Love Posted Sep 9th 2009 11:35PM]

too bad its super ugly.

[(Unverified) Posted Sep 9th 2009 11:55PM]

Because photographers care so much about the look of their cameras.

[jivetrky Posted Sep 10th 2009 12:04AM]

yeah dude, photography enthusiasts choose their cameras just like my 16 year old sister chooses cellphones, by how pretty they are, not by their features or quality!

[brothaa Posted Sep 9th 2009 11:48PM]

the sx10 was a great camera that did take some amaing macro shots and the zoom is fantastic

i found sometimes i use it as binoculars

I think you can get it for like 200$ these days, however if you are going for this i would just get the 500d or T1i

I have that now and its really a great camera.

[Joe Geronimo Posted Sep 10th 2009 1:55AM]

i wish my s2 would hurry up and break, i want this

[npa189 Posted Sep 10th 2009 3:52AM]

i have a sx10 is, and its great, I was too cheap for a DSLR, and this is a great stepping stone, takes great stills, and ok video.

[(Unverified) Posted Sep 10th 2009 5:26AM]

entry level dSLR is so cheap nowadays, you don't even need a stepping stone anymore; especially when the stepping stone is almost as 'steep' as the final stone. At least, that is what I thought and found out a year ago.

[(Unverified) Posted Sep 14th 2009 9:02PM]

I don't understand all the comments about the sx-10 and other cameras. This is supposed to be comments about the new sx-20IS.

Also, did any of the above actually buy this camera?

I did.

I upgraded up from the older S2 IS, 5 MP, 12X zoom which I loved as a high-end point and shoot.

I prefer to shoot using the viewfinder, so, as on the S2 IS, the foldaway screen works well for me.

I just received the SX-20 IS and only shot a few pictures, but, I am already impressed.

It's smaller than a SLR, but still it feels like a "real" camera in size and weight.

I ordered a HDMI cable so I could hook it up to my 47" HD flatscreen and was very impressed viewing the super sharp images straight from the camera.

I can't wait to shoot some video.

Also, the menu system is greatly improved since the S2 IS and I believe I will now actually use some of those features since I can actually find them within a reasonable amount of time in the field.

Overall, I feel the SX 20 IS is a good value for the money for a high-end point and shoot and allowed me to save a few bucks over the DSLR's I otherwise was considering buying.

[(Unverified) Posted Sep 25th 2009 7:44PM]

First of all, CharlieInSF, It really does suck not having the manual and I know exactly how you feel. I can't know all the camera's features and need the book when I'm no where near a computer with the pdf. That's just stupid.
I also own a S2 IS (3 years if not more now) and prefer it over many many many DSLR cameras simply for one function, the swinging LCD. You guys can say all you want but I've been doing this for a few years now and you can see my work and tell for yourself (e11world.com or if you think I'm advertising my site, see my flickr http://www.flickr.com/photos/80789985@N00/)
The cons for my camera or non-DSLR cameras are: Sensors, limited manual control, longer exposure, and raw (bigger file size for print).
That's really it for me. The Canon S2 IS can do what most DSLR camera's can and more (no need to write them here).
Almost everyone who buys a DSLR camera, spends more money on lenses & other things. Lens is the biggest thing to many people.
I still can't see myself purchasing one (probably because I'm a multimedia designer/developer) because the point&shot works for me.
JPEGs, VIDEO, price, the oh so sweet swinging LCD (which is really helpful if you need to shot flowers from a low point or at a wedding and need to go higher), and many more.
ALMOST all photographers edit their photos and guess what, JPGs work for that. Some of my photography is not even photoshoped and it looks damn good and you can tell me otherwise if you don't think so. I can do HDR, light photography and more and still no need for DSLR. So I think I might stick with that especially seeing that DSLR camera's don't have the simplest thing, the swinging LCD.
If you think otherwise, write me and convince me properly.

[(Unverified) Posted Sep 16th 2009 6:02AM]

Can this camera be controlled from a PC via USB cable?? Thanks.

[(Unverified) Posted Sep 22nd 2009 9:58PM]

Just took delivery on my new Canon SX20 today. Besides several "A" series Canon I have worked my way up from S3, S5, and my current SX10 to this SX20. I love these cameras but am VERY disappointed and angry with Canon for not providing a printed manual in the box. I called them immediately after opening the box and found them unsympathetic. They said they were trying to save the plant by using less paper. However, if you want a hard copy of the 180 page manual, you must print it - yet the size on the CD version is the same small size of the manual.
I am angry and will tell everyone I can about this disregard by Canon for their users. They already have the galleys. They could at least offer the manual on an order by order basis. Charge for it. That's OK. We can now buy books on demand. Why not an SX20 manual?
CharlieInSF