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Canon Powershot SX20 IS Digital Camera

Canon Powershot SX20 IS Digital Camera

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Key Features of the Canon SX20 IS :
  • 12.1-megapixel Resolution.
  • 20x wide angle optical zoom, wide-angle lens and Optical Image Stabilizer; improved speed and quiet zooming.
  • Large 2.5-inch Vari-Angle LCD enables easy viewing.
  • Use the optical zoom while shooting superb 720p HD movies with stereo sound
  • DIGIC 4 Image Processor improves Face Detection.
  • MovieSnap mode lets you capture high-resolution still images while shooting a movie.
  • Capture images to SD/SDHC memory cards.
  • Uses Standard AA Batteries.
     

Discover the HD difference. With the classically stylish PowerShot SX20 IS, you can produce magnificent HD movies and dazzling photos. Loaded with features, it’s got a high-powered 20x wide-angle optical zoom with Optical Image Stabilizer, 12.1 megapixels, a big 2.5-inch Vari-Angle LCD, Blink Detection and more.

The PowerShot SX20 IS is equipped with many of the same features as a higher-end camera: an ultra-powerful zoom, eye-popping resolution and advanced picture-improving technology. 12.1 megapixels of resolution gives your photography incomparable depth and ensures that any section of any shot can be enlarged and cropped with no loss in quality when you edit the image even if you choose to print the image. It can create crisp, clear 13 x 19-inch posters.

PowerShot SX20 IS Highlights

Canon PowerShot SX20 highlights
20x optical zoom in action
20x wide-angle optical zoom with Optical Image Stabilizer
The PowerShot SX20 IS is equipped with a 20x Optical Zoom lens with a focal length of 5.0-100mm (35mm equivalent: 28-560mm) that allows you to shoot any scene from wide-angle to telephoto. The camera uses a VCM (Voice Coil Motor) for high-speed, quiet, energy-efficient lens movement with precise control. Focal length is conveniently indicated on the lens barrel.

Canon PowerShot SX20 highlights
The lens is optimized to fully exploit its zoom length and wide shooting angle in concert with the camera’s high 12.1 Megapixel resolution. UD glass effectively suppresses chromatic aberration, while enhanced negative refractive power ensures that distortion at the wide-angle is also corrected. Further aberration is controlled with the inclusion of a double-sided aspherical glass-molded lens and ultra-high refraction index lens.

The SX20 IS is equipped with Canon’s acclaimed Optical Image Stabilizer Technology that automatically detects and corrects camera shake--one of the leading causes of fuzzy or blurred shots. Even when zoomed in, you can get the steady, crisp, brilliant images you’ll be proud to shoot and share. And Canon’s Optical Image Stabilizer Technology is convenient to use. It functions perfectly with or without a flash.

Use the optical zoom while shooting superb 720p HD movies with stereo sound
Canon PowerShot SX20 highlights
If you long for the convenience of an advanced still camera that also creates superb movies, the new PowerShot SX20 IS lets you record video in beautiful high definition (1280 x 720 pixels). The camera also makes it easy to enjoy HD movies (and still photos) on your HDTV with a mini-HDMI connector for direct connection to a high-definition monitor. You'll enjoy the HD experience with no degradation of image or audio in the signal, plus the ability to display up to 130 thumbnails at once.

Improved Smart AUTO intelligently selects the proper settings
Just set the Canon PowerShot SX20 IS to Smart AUTO and you're ready for maximum enjoyment from your picture taking every time. It's a relaxing and satisfying way to shoot because you can completely concentrate on your subject knowing that the camera has the technical details covered. Advanced Canon technology intelligently analyzes your situation and shooting conditions. Then it automatically selects an appropriate setting from 22 specially defined settings. So whether you're photographing flowers, a captivating sunset, or your friends at the park, you can be confident that you're getting dramatic, memorable images.

Shooting Modes
Advanced presets for the best possible photos under certain conditions. With 24 Shooting Modes, you're ready for whatever shot comes your way.

DIGIC 4 Image Processor
Canon’s proprietary DIGIC Image Processors have long set its cameras apart from the competition, and the new DIGIC 4 sets the bar even higher. Faster, more accurate noise reduction delivers better image quality, even at high ISO speeds.

iSAPS Technology is an entirely original scene-recognition technology developed for digital cameras by Canon. Using an internal database of thousands of different photos, iSAPS works with the advanced DIGIC 4 Image Processor to improve focus speed and accuracy, as well as exposure and white balance.

Canon PowerShot SX20 highlights
Large 2.5-inch Vari-Angle LCD enables easy viewing
The camera’s 2.5-inch LCD screen gives you the big picture, whether you’re shooting, reviewing or showing off your images. This high-resolution screen offers a crisp, clear picture to make shooting, playback and using the camera’s menu functions especially convenient. Clear and bright, it also features Night Display for easy viewing in low light. It also has an electronic viewfinder that provides sharp images when you shoot close-up with Super Macro shooting mode.

This AA battery powered camera enables you to easily power up
Conveniently, you don’t need to worry about running out of batteries or having to recharging them. Since AA-size batteries can be purchased at any store, simply get new ones locally wherever you go--no special power adapters or chargers are needed.

What's in the Box
  • PowerShot SX20 IS Body
  • AA-size Alkaline Battery (x4)
  • Neck Strap NS-DC4
  • Lens Hood LH-DC50
  • Lens Cap
  • Digital Camera Solution CD-ROM
  • USB Interface Cable IFC-400PCU
  • Stereo Video Cable STV-250N



Canon SX20 IS Photo Samples

Click here to view more samples.
These are actual photos taken with Canon SX20 IS.
Photos courtesy of Flickr and belong to respective users. To view a larger image click on thumbnail.

Compare Canon SX20 IS with similar cameras

Name: Nikon P80 Nikon P90 Canon SX20 IS Nikon L110
Megapixels: 10.1 12.1 12.1 12.2
Optical Zoom: 17 X 24 X 20 X 15 X
Max Res: 3648 x 2736 4000 x 3000 4000 x 3000 4000 x 3000
LCD Screen: 2.7 " 3 " 2.5 " 3 "
Digital zoom: Yes Yes Yes, 4x Yes, 4x
Image stabilizer: Yes, Sensor shift Yes, Lens Yes, Lens Yes, Lens
Media Card: SD / MMC / SDHC card, Internal SD / SDHC card, Internal SD / SDHC / MMC / MMC Plus / HC MMC Plus SD / SDHC card, Internal
Battery: Nikon EN-EL5 Lithium-Ion & charger Nikon EN-EL5 Lithium-Ion & charger AA batteries (NiMH recommended) 4 x AA (Alkaline, NiMH, or Lithium)
Weight (with batteries): 405 g (14.3 oz) 400 g (14.1 oz) 600 g (21.2 oz) 406 g (14.3 oz)
Lowest Price: $299.00 $366.95 $349.00 $261.60
Details: View details View details View details View details

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Canon SX20 IS User Reviews

Avg. Rating
4.5
Out of 5
This item is reviewed by 172 people so far.
Click here for complete reviews.

5
Out of 5
Fine and simple camera to use.
- Reviewd on: 3/9/2010 12:00:00 AM By: Donald Erker

As a film camera buff for many years I finally went digital. I really like this camera and especially its auto-focus feature. I have difficulty seeing and this takes the guess work out of focusing.
5
Out of 5
A great camera!
- Reviewd on: 3/3/2010 12:00:00 AM By: Andrew Lubin
I'm heading out soon for my 5th embed in Afghanistan and this should be the perfect camera. In the past few days I've taken 500+ photos and am totally impressed by the ease of operability and clarity of photos. On "sports" mode, I can be taking photos as I walk; the 'movie' mode is awesome, and even the night shots are remarkably clear and crisp (like an Afghan evening!)

Yes, it would have been nice for Canon to include their 180 page manual, but frankly I got enough info from their little pamphlet to get me started. Then I downloaded the manual to my laptop, so I've got it if I need it.

This should be a better camera than the usual SLR; no lenses to change in adverse conditions, and no bulky lenses to carry. Hint: buy decent rechargeable battery set; you'll be taking a lot of picts with this camera!

Now I'll really be able to 'get the word out'. S/F
5
Out of 5
Dr Z. review of Canon SX20is
- Reviewd on: 3/3/2010 12:00:00 AM By: Dr.Z
Very easy to use. My only complaint is that the instruction manual is on a disc which can be downloaded to a computer, but with no printed manual, looking up something on the fly is impossible. I was able to print the manual (4 pages on an 8 1/2 x 11 sheet) and that can fit into my camera bag (folded). It is a chore to do, however. The small wheel on the back of the camera can sometimes be accidentally turned while searching for buttons, but not a big problem. Picture quality is VG for an entry camera and the 20x zoom is great. All in all, well worth the price.
5
Out of 5
this camera is awesome!
- Reviewd on: 3/3/2010 12:00:00 AM By: Kim Goodrow
I am so happy with this purchase. I don't need to go see a professional photographer anymore for photos of my children. No more spending HUNDREDS of dollars at a professional anymore. I can do it right in my own home for lots less! This camera does it all. beautiful, clear, crisp pictures!

AND, I was in the process of buying my first home, I went to see my dream house three hours away. because of this camera, I was able to see the peak of the roof on the third floor so closely that I felt like I could reach out and touch it while standing on the ground. I saw every imperfection of this "dream house". I decided it needed to much work and it wasn't worth the money they were asking for it. Thanks so much Canon for helping me with a major financial decision! I did not buy that house. If I had and later found out it needed all those repairs I'd be in debt forever!

Well worth the money!!! I love this camera!!
5
Out of 5
Loved it
- Reviewd on: 3/2/2010 12:00:00 AM By: Sanjay Sharma
I love my Canon SX20IS, my first megazoom camera. It takes awesome pics and ease of use is good. Auto mode is good for most cases. Mega Zoom works good. Photography for me is m babies photo. And i love when i get cute pictures from this camera. still learning about features it has and Video quality is again very good and you can zoom in and out during recording. In-House shots are also awesome.