CANON SX20 IS

Features
This high-powered 20x Wide-angle Optical Zoom with Optical Image Stabilizer reduces camera shake so you achieve magnificent images whether you are up close or far away.
Provides flexibility to use the optical zoom while shooting superb 720p HD movies with stereo sound so you can fully capture those fun, memorable moments, with an HDMI output connector for easy playback on your HDTV.
Improved Smart AUTO intelligently selects the proper settings for the camera based on 22 predefined shooting situations.
This classically styled DIGIC 4 Image Processor, 12.1 Megapixel camera is a perfect device for any shooter!
Large 2.5-inch Vari-angle LCD enables easy viewing.
This AA battery powered camera enables you to easily power up.
View Sample Images

Powerful Zoom, True-to-Life Imaging.


20x Wide-angle Optical Zoom
This high-powered 20x Wide-angle Optical Zoom with Optical Image Stabilizer reduces camera shake so you achieve magnificent images whether you are up close or far away.

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.
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.



PowerShot SX20 IS

12-megapixel CCD imager for up to 4000x3000 pixel images

Canon's DIGIC 4 image processor

Canon 20x optical zoom lens covers 28-560mm

Lens-Shift type optical image stabilization system

Articulated 2.5-inch Vari-angle 'Pure Color II' LCD flips forward and rotates 270 degrees

SmartAuto choose from 22 specially defined settings for optimum results in various situations

Advanced TTL autofocus system

Low-light focus assist illuminator

SmartAuto, Program AE, Shutter-speed priority, Aperture priority, Manual, and Custom exposure modes

16 Pre-programmed creative scene modes for specific shooting situations

iContrast intelligent contrast correction

Record's 720p HD video w/stereo sound @30fps (640x480 or 320x240 resolution also available), length limited to memory capacity or 4GB clip size max.

1fps Continuous burst capture of Large/Fine images

Face Detection AF/AE/FE/WB and new Face Detect Self-timer mode

Evaluative, Center-weighted or Spot metering options (fixed to the center or linked to the AF frame)

Stitch Assist mode for perfect panoramas

Exposure and Flash compensation: +/-2EV in 1/3-step increments

White Balance: Auto, 7 presets and two Custom settings

Orientation sensor that automatically detects vertical or horizontal shooting

Built-in manual pop-up flash unit

Hot shoe accommodates Canon Speedlites

Shutter speeds of 15 seconds to 1/3200 second

Selectable ISO settings from 80 to 1600 (3200 using special lower resolution scene mode)

Built-in stereo microphones and speaker

Powered by 4 AA-size batteries

Direct print and PictBridge Compatible

USB 2.0 high-speed connectivity for PC and Mac

SDHC/SD/MMC/MMC Plus compatibility


 The camera kit includes:

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 Conclusion


Pro:
Articulating LCD is liked by most



Good build quality


Wide-angle 20x optically stabilized lens


720p HD movies


Dedicated Movie button


Programmable Shortcut button


Stereo microphones


Custom setting on mode dial


Generally good exposure accuracy


Accurate color, not too oversaturated (see Con about skin-tones)


Good Auto WB in tungsten light


iContrast works well to preserve shadow detail


Good flash power and range


Fast flash recycling


Flash hotshoe


Decent autofocus speeds


Low prefocused shutter lag


Excellent battery life


HDMI output


DC input


Good print quality for a megazoom

Con:

Higher than average barrel distortion at wide-angle



Lots of chromatic aberration at both wide-angle and tele, but not unusual for a megazoom


Some soft corners, lens flare


Images look somewhat soft onscreen


Higher ISOs lose a lot of detail to noise reduction


Autofocus occasionally failed, especially in macro mode


Electronic viewfinder is low-res


Outdoor skin-tones a bit cool with Auto and Daylight WB


Autoexposure not reliable in low light (we resorted to manual exposure)


Very uneven flash coverage at wide-angle


Sluggish mode switching


Sluggish cycle times and continuous mode


No RAW file support



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