The Canon Powershot SX20 IS is a fully featured super zoom digital camera. It has 12 megapixels and a wide angle 20x optical zoom lens. The zoom lens is fast to respond and is powered by an ultrasonic motor. As you would expect with this type of camera the Powershot SX20 IS has image stabilisation been built into the lens.

Other features include manual exposure controls (manual exposure, aperture priority and shutter priority). The LCD screen pulls away from the camera body and can twist round to help you with any awkward shooting angles. You can also save your favourite settings to a custom mode. High definition movies are available too. On the top of the camera sits a hotshoe. This is compatible with a range of Canon speedlites that can boost the power of the on camera, pop up flash unit.

This is probably the most feature rich super zoom camera when it comes to exposure controls. It can take a very good picture in most situations as well.

Outdoor 1 (Medium Zoom)
I can see a number of positive points about this shot. To start with the glare of the sun is handled well. Sharpness levels are above average. Focusing also stays sharp up to the edge of the shot. The Powershot SX20 IS also manages to show a good level of detail in areas of light shade such as around the names of the boats.

Outdoor 2 (No Zoom)
There is an issue with purple fringing in this shot. This could be a problem if you are planning to make larger prints. This can be seen along the treetops and around window edges. Compared to other digital cameras with a wide angle lens the Powershot SX20 IS produces a crisp shot.

Outdoor 3 (Maximum Zoom)
This is a decent effort. You can see the power of the zoom lens as you are able to home in from distance on the subject.

Outdoor 4 (Building)
The level of sharpness in this shot is very good indeed. It makes the brickwork really stands out and adds extra perspective to the shot. There is minimal fall off in sharpness as you move out towards the edges of the shot.

Outdoor Portrait
In my view this picture works well. I like the colours and focusing is sharp once again.

Indoor Portrait with Flash
This is a very good effort. The light is evenly distributed and manages to reach areas that other cameras struggle with in this picture.

Indoor Portrait without Flash
I have to admit this picture gives me a problem. Having tested previous cameras in this range this photo is not as good as I have produced previously. Noise levels are high. The light at the time of the year this picture was taken may not be perfect, but I am still a little disappointed. Unless lighting is very good flash will be required.

Colours
I like the colours this camera produces. Contrasting scenes work very well.

Macro
My macro shot is top drawer. With the Powershot SX20 IS being able to focus from right in front of the lens this camera is a good choice for close up shots.

Noise
As mentioned in my indoor portrait test without flash noise can be an issue when the light starts to fade. This is true of most digital cameras, but I would like to see some of the advances in Digital SLR technology transferred into the top end of the compact camera market.

Overall
On the whole I am very impressed with the picture quality offered by the Powershot SX20 IS. I would like to have seen less noise on my indoor portrait and fringing could be an issue in some shots if you are planning to make larger prints.

This camera was quite fast when taking a single shot. It took 0.2 seconds to capture a shot. Five shots were timed at 12.51 seconds. With flash turned on times were standard at 0.54 seconds for a single shot and 13.33 seconds for five.

To turn the camera on and take the first shot took 2.63 seconds.

You can compare this camera to other models by taking a look at the Shutter Lag Comparison Table.

Canon has based the Powershot SX20 IS on a Digital SLR.

124 x 88.3 x 86.9mm

560g

4 AA batteries. Canon estimates a set of batteries should be able to take up to 340 shots.

The Powershot SX20 IS is compatible with SD and SDHC memory cards. Canon do not supply a card with the camera and there is no built in memory.

Click here to save money on SD cards..

Difficult. With the range of features available it will take you a while to fully master this camera.

Picture quality - range of features

Fringing issues could be a problem with large prints

Other digital cameras with long lenses and plenty of manual features include the Panasonic Lumix DMC FZ38. The Lumix DMC FZ38 does not have quite the same breadth of features the Powershot SX20 IS has, but it is cheaper and offers very good value for money.

The Canon Powershot SX20 IS has plenty of features for the most demanding hobby photographer. It can take very crisp photos and should be on the shortlist if you are looking for a super zoom digital camera.

Front View

Back View

Top View

Sample Menu

Description:	12 megapixels and a 20x optical zoom lens
Ease of Use:	7
Features:	9
Colour:	9
Macro:	9
Indoors:	8
Value for Money:	8
Style:	8
Movie Mode:	9
Image Quality:	9
Build Quality:	8
Total:	84
Verdict:	This is one of the most fully featured super zoom cameras. Picture quality is up there with the best. You also get the bonus of High Definition movies. The lens offers wide angle as well as the more obviously super telephoto qualities. This is a very good camera.
Review Date:	December 2009
Related Pages:	Canon Powershot SX20 IS Specification Canon Powershot SX20 IS Sample Images Canon Powershot SX20 IS Features
Comparisons:	Canon Powershot SX20 IS vs Panasonic Lumix DMC FZ38

	GBP 269.99
	GBP 304.99
	GBP 329
	GBP 329.99
	GBP 332.51
Click a flag for prices from other countries:

Camera	Rating
Fuji Finepix HS10	87
Fuji Finepix S200EXR	87
Panasonic DMC FZ38	87
Canon Powershot SX1 IS	87
Sony DSC HX1	85
Canon Powershot SX20 IS	84
Fuji Finepix S1800	83
Olympus SP-590 UZ	83

Although every effort is made to ensure the accuracy of the information on this site, please make sure you double check the feature set and specification at the point of purchase.

Canon Powershot SX20 IS