Used Canon PowerShot SX20IS Bridge Camera

I received the camera a few days ago. I wanted a good quality camera for all-around, basic shooting. The main features that attracted me were the wide angle/zoom lens and the video option. I am not an expert, or even an experienced amateur. I just want to be able to point, shoot, and take decent pics and some occassional vidoe. In my opinion, the best eye-pleasing pictures are those that show the vibrant colors and color variations - all other things being equal. I've experimented with various settings and taken the same shots with those various settings, and compared shots taken with Auto, Landscape, Portrait, etc. against the Foilage setting [SCN/Foilage], and the Foilage setting is by far the best for bringing out the colors (which it is meant to do anyway). Compared to those pics taken using the Foilage setting, the ones taken in the other settings are dull - not that they aren't decent pictures in the other settings, just compared to the Foilage pictures they are dull(er). So for basic shots, I will probably use the Foilage setting most of the time for all-around shooting - the pictures are beautiful. One problem I expect with this, is to get to the Foilage setting, you must use the top dial set to SCN, then using the free-spinning dial on the back, select foilage. Problem is, after taking shots and letting the camera hang against your body, the free-spinning dial may be prone to be moved to select another setting... One of the issues I do have, is not being able to choose to set the Auto-Focus frame to the center of the screen for many settings - such as Auto... I'm not crazy about the "smart focus" which chooses which subject(s) that it thinks is the main subject(s) - in my case of shooting mostly non-people so far, this "smart-focus" has been wrong. I think most of us non-pro photographers usually center our subject anyway, and even if we don't, we should still have the option of keeping the AF frame in the center... One other thing that hasn't worked for me is connecting it to HDMI on my TV. I'm going to take it to Best Buy and try it there. If it still isn't working, I hate to send it back because it is a good camera, but I would like the HDMI feature to work to see my videos in true HD. In summary, the wide-to-zoom feature is great, takes very good pictures (especially in Foilage), takes excellent video. The video option is excellent - you can take pics while filming, and you can simply press the video button in the back to start taking video even if you're in a picture-taking setting - very nice feature. If you're not a pro photographer and want to have a great all-around camera, this is definitely a good buy. I hope I can get my HDMI/TV feature to work so I can keep my camera...

Years ago I carried and VHS video camera with separate recorder as well as an SLR. Even after video went to the 8mm tape and camera were much smaller I gave up the video and concentrated on stills. I went through the 640 x 480 digital cameras and found the images horrible, digital would never replace film. I've since packed away my film cameras and concentrated on DSLRs. I carry a pocket digital camera for convenince but turn to the DSLR when I plan on taking photos. Recently I was viewing photos taken by a friend on his SX10 IS. I was intrigued by the features, the quality of the photos, and the video capability. When I went to Amazon.com to check on the price of this camera I saw the SX20 IS slated for release. After viewing the features I decided to wait for this camera. I'm glad I did. I received this camera on the day I left for a trip to Walt Disney World. While I took the DSLR with me I thought this would be a great opportunity to learn about the SX20 IS. Since I have many Disney World photos I left the DSLR behind most of the time and carried just the SX20 IS. Recently I took photos with the SX20 IS and my Canon XSi DSLR and compared the photos side by side. The results were consistent with the reviews I've read. In bright daylight the photos are comparable. As the lighting deteriorates the XS20 IS tends to show more noise. It's not unacceptable to me, just not as good. Also, the DSLR focuses more quickly and accurately most of the time. However, to get the focal length on the lens I'd have to carry more equipment for the DSLR and I still wouldn't be able to take video. I'm not a video expert but I think the quality on this camera is excellent. It is much sharper than that footage from my old video cameras. Being able to use the zoom while shooting is great. Being able to snap a still while shooting the video is also a big plus in my opinion. The articulating LCD really proved beneficial. When behind a crowd or in a tight situation it's nice to be able to move the camera and still be able to compose the shot without guessing. It's also helpful when just trying to change a perspective on a subject without having to stnad on something or lie on the ground. Self-portraits are also easier, just make sure you look at the camera, not the LCD, when you finally push the shutter. Will this camera replace my DSLR? Not for situations where I consider the quality of the photo or quick focus critical. However, for situations where I just want to enjoy an outing without carrying an entire camera bag this is a great choice. The still photo remains my preference but I can see me shooting video much more frequently. Now all I need is some extra batteries (the NiMH variety seem to work fine) and spare SD cards. The external flash from the DSLR works on the SX20 IS and helps the noise issue. However, I usually leave it behind to cut down on the bulk. I got what I expected with this camera. As I learn more about its different functions I'm sure I'll appreciate it more. One piece of advice. When storing the camera or carrying it in a backpack, etc. use the articulating feature to face the LCD toward the camera body. It protects the LCD screen. I was in sich a hurry to use the camera I forgot to do this and now have a minor scratch on the LCD, a situation I could have avoided.

I had priced different point and shoot digital camera's for quite some time. I knew that I couldn't afford to go into to the SLR world, the lenses are just too expensive, so I looked and waited for a point and shoot that was within my price range, but also offered the features I needed. The very powerful zoom lens on the optical side was the main focal point for my buying decision, but even when in the digital side (including using the digital teleconverter) you can take some AMAZING pictures. The Macro and Super Macro settings are FANTASTIC for taking very close up shots. The flash is powerful enough on it's own, and you have the option to adding a dedicated speedlite flash to it's hotshoe, which is a nice feature. The fact that it takes regular AA batteries, or even better yet rechargeable Nimh batteries, allows you not to worry about replacing a special brand specific battery, which I really like. The fact that it only takes 4 batteries and it can last so long without having to change them out is amazing. And I have taken loads of pictures since buying this wonderful camera. Just picking it up, gives you the impression that it is built well, because it is relatively heavy. It can focus and take a picture pretty quickly, and you don't have a tremendous amount of lag time by the time you press the shutter button and the camera actually taking the picture. The camera is designed so that it is easy to understand how to change from one function to another. You can have it in the totally idiot proof "program" mode, or you can go ahead and go manual and get creative, trying different settings....i.e. shutter speeds, F stop settings, ISO speeds, ect..ect... The Video camera portion of the camera is pretty neat......I haven't used it much, because I enjoy taking pictures more than taking movie shots, but it does a nice job, and with a 8mb SD card (another thing that is nice.....it takes standard SD cards) you can take a TON of pictures before having to erase them, and it gives you plenty of time to take movies as well. Your creativity with this camera is pretty much endless, which I really like. The only thing I haven't figured out very well yet, is how to create depth of field shots.....that is tricky with this camera, but I'm sure with time I'll get better as I figure how to handle it a little better. This is my first real digital camera (I have always used film camera's, and I had one small little digital camera, that had very basic functions) but I have read a lot of reviews on this camera, and everything that people have said about this camera are correct and to the point. The only one drawback that has nothing to do with the camera is that Canon forces you to download the entire Owner's manual on to your computer instead of putting it into the instruction book. It's not a big deal, but for the money you are paying, you think they could give you a hard copy of the whole instruction manual instead of the basics that the printed one covers. All in all, this is an amazing camera, and it surprises me everyday that I take a shot, because there are sometimes when I take a shot and find out that it made the shot I took look even better than I anticipated. Hook this baby up to a blu ray player or if your Blu ray has an sd slot built in it, you can look at the pictures and video in HD. The pictures just jump out of the screen on my bigscreen!! You just can't go wrong with this camera, I would just make sure to get a warranty from Square Trade, because this is total electronics you are talking about these days, so there are a lot of things that could go wrong with the camera, with time. Canon has a solid reputation, but with today's electronics.....you really need to protect yourself with such a complex and expensive unit. I can't say enough about this camera, and I'm sure I'll enjoy many years and many great pictures from this "SUPER" Camera!

I think this is a VERY excellent camera and I highly recommend it to anyone. I will admit though that like with most cameras if you don't know what you're doing you can end up with some crappy shots. It's like how a professional photographer can usually take much better pictures than someone who does it just every once in a blue moon. I will admit when I first got this camera it intimidated me a bit. It's a bit big and then the features it has? Can be very overwhelming. But if you take the time to learn how to use it properly and experiment you can wind up with some really excellent shots. I own three different digital cameras now and out of all of them? This Canon has to be my favorite. This camera has a ton of excellent features. My favorite being the 'Custom' mode because then I can create my own custom settings and take shots using those settings instead of just using the Auto mode. Another nice feature is how it allows you to take a picture while you are shooting a movie/video. The 20x optical zoom also comes in handy for when shooting far away subjects such as animals, people, etc. Man I could go on for days about all the features this camera has. Another good one is articulating LCD screen. I love how you can move it in all sorts of directions. For me personally that is one big feature that absolutely sold me on this camera. It's nice not having the LCD screen just being stuck in the back but instead be movable. This camera takes AA or rechargeable batteries which I think is a HUGE plus too over those proprietary type batteries that a lot of other cameras use. It makes it so much easier to find and get replacements because most places carry at least AA batteries if not rechargeable ones too. Though I will admit since it takes FOUR batteries it does add some weight to the camera (this camera isn't light at all imo). Battery life? Superb. Overall I highly recommend this camera. I think it's an excellent camera for people who are willing to spend a bit more on one and willing to learn the features on it/how to use it or already are pretty good at photography. It's also I think a good replacement over more expensive DSLR cameras with all the features it has and what excellent image quality it has.

I bought an SX20is, because the lens on my three-year-old Canon S3is stopped functioning, and I was told it would cost $300 to fix by my local camera shop. I really liked my S3 from just about any view point: size, weight, image quality, flexibility, etc., so I was excited to hear about the SX20, and the good price, and HD video support. We only own one camera, and we use it to take pictures and video in just about every lighting situation, from day light, through indoor scenes, to fireworks. We have three young kids so it is important that we can use it for everything. I wanted the flexibility to use aperture or shutter priority for some shots, and a long zoom is a must. Though all of this is a tall order, the S3 was a good solution. I was confident the SX20 would fill the space well. For some reason, the SX20 never really felt as good as the S3. One review I read said only 1 in 3 pictures you take will come out "clean", and I have to say this is about right. Even with the doubling of the megapixels (the S3 is 6MP and the SX20 is 12MP), the S3 always seemed to take clear pictures. The autofocus on the SX20 (as talked about in the reviews of others) seems to struggle somewhat, and I could never really get it to calm down -- this sounds strange I know, but that's what I felt. I tried many different settings of the camera, and I never really felt like the images were very high quality. Another twist came when I searched the Canon Web site, and found they have a flat-rate repair policy (US$150) for their cameras, and so I sent in my S3, they fixed it, and I have it back. Just in time to send back my SX20is before the return period expires. If I liked the camera, I would have kept it, but I couldn't bring myself to like it well enough. I would also like to mention a difference between the SX10is and the SX20is that is not mentioned much, and that is the lack of a superfine mode for storing the images. Both the S3 and SX10 have this mode, but it is conspicuously missing on the SX20. This is a shame, as the lack of RAW support makes me want my images as uncompressed as possible. From what I can tell, the three main differences between the SX10 and the SX20 are: 1) The number of MP, 2) The video resolution, and 3) The Superfine mode. I actually think I might like the SX10 better than the SX20, and I'd love to try it. I won't get the chance now, as my S3 is back and working like a charm. Maybe Canon's next version will be better, but I think I would skip the SX20. Too bad, as I was really looking forward to the upgrade.

With fine art and industrial design as background, needless to say I've taken a picture or two begun decades ago in the analog world in which no small amount of cash went into camera equipment. Having had a decade or more laps before deciding to look through a lens again, it was obvious spending a large amount on equipment would not be a wise choice (digital equipment this time). I'm more than pleased with the Canon PowerShot SX20IS. It's an incredibly capable camera. It replaces an analog professional body Minolta plus two zoom lenses (28mm to 300). Comparatively the SX20IS added 200mm (total 500 optical zoom) with good image quality likely aided by its image stabilization; allowing hand held telephoto shots at photo speeds impossible with analog. That's impressive at less than a quarter the size and weight of the Minolta plus lenses. The result is it travels when the analog gear would have stayed home. After approximately nine months of ownership it has begun to sink in there are enormous advantages to a capable digital camera combined with a change in field approach vs. analog. The impressive analytical software of the SX20IS encourages your photographic eye by automatically replacing the extensive technical analog camera-information needed to attempt to make photographs appear the way you see the scene. The only down side has been learning the new lingo AKA software based controls instead of analog buttons, dials etc; wish it had fine incremental zoom control. It's not a professional camera, but its capability combined with software frees you to just seeing what's begging to be photographed. If it fits your hand grasp reasonably and you're willing to discover its abilities, you should enjoy this camera. (The SX10IS won't discourage you point and shooters either.) Side notes 7/2010: SX20IS (and SX10IS) do not have treaded lens rings to fit lens filters (hard to figure). The unapproved solution can be found from Lensmate (SX10, SX20 & SX1 Filter Adapter 58mm), approx [...] shipped [...] which uses the SX20IS lens shade mechanism to attach 58mm filters. You can then attach a clear filter to protect your lens - Hoya 58mm UV (Ultra Violet) Multi Coated Glass Filter $22.35 - FREE Super Saver Shipping http://www.amazon.com/Hoya-Ultra-Violet-Coated-Filter/dp/B00009R9A1/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&s=electronics&qid=1277819958&sr=1-3 plus a $4.95 Zeikos ZE-LC58 58mm Plastic Snap On Lens Cap (Black) FREE Super Saver Shipping http://www.amazon.com/Zeikos-ZE-LC58-58mm-Plastic-Black/dp/B001LMXMD8/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=electronics&qid=1277820244&sr=1-1. Add a HOYA 58CIR 58mm Circular Polarized Filter for those great outdoor scenes for [...] FREE Super Saver Shipping http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00006HOAQ/ref=oss_product and for under [...] have lens protection and enhanced outdoor photo capability. (It is definitely faster to have the Polarizer filter already attached to a second Lensmate adapter.) (There is a blog comment about the weight of a lens filter and the lens zoom drive-mechanism. (Opinion) it wouldn't say much for Canon engineering quality if the miniscule weight of a filter turned out to be too much, long term, for the drive system on this camera. It's more likely normal use would have someone scratch or otherwise degrade the front optics (lens); virtually now replicable for [...].) If you're not spent out yet; two (one) other products: a good monopod can be much more usable than a tripod (unless you're taking pictures of yourself). The Vanguard monopod is solid as a rock, extremely fast to extend and contract and is light weight enough with an added Vanguard ballhead (total combined cost $212.70), it often goes where the camera goes; extending dim light (i.e. under heavy foliage) photography options significantly. The SBH-300 ballhead is serious quality; the SBH-100 is likely the same. (Get Vanguard before the prices go up.) Vanguard ELITE CP-364 Carbon Fiber Digital Camera Monopod [...] ships for FREE with Super Saver Shipping http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0016HTVL0/ref=oss_product Vanguard SBH-300 Large-Format Magnesium Alloy Ballhead with Two Onboard Bubble Levels [..] ships for FREE with Super Saver Shipping http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0016D3H1O/ref=oss_product Or the SBH-100 is likely more easily used and lighter vs. SBH-300: Vanguard SBH-100 Small Magnesium Alloy Ballhead with Two Onboard Bubble Levels $69.99 + Free Shipping (not Super Saver) http://www.amazon.com/Vanguard-SBH-100-Magnesium-Ballhead-Onboard/dp/B0016D1I0G/ref=pd_cp_p_3 You've just "double" the price of the camera (adding $303.35 7/2010), but have a true go with you much more often piece of work instead of "wish I brought the camera". Thought of another way; it's approximately the same cost as a Canon Digital Rebel XSi 12.2 MP Digital SLR Camera with EF-S 18-55mm alone; no zoom from 55mm to 500, filters, optics protection or monopod; and may more pictures taken because the gear goes with you and photographic options have increased.

I like it. It's heavy, but managable. I am having trouble understanding the icons so I need that book I ordered to arrive soon. It's on it's way. I've taken about 50 still shots and all were OK. Movies, nope, not so good, but I need to learn to use it properly. They were clear and colorful but I'm shaky. Can't do the tripod thing because I use a walker to get around. I mostly take shots of wild birds in my yard, trees and at my feeders, then post them on message boards. I think someone younger than I, with a quicker mind and steadier hands will love it. The viewfinder was an absolute must for me. The articulating screen was a plus that I didn't expect. I love it!! If I have any major complaints I'll come edit this. Annie Update as of April 5, 2010 I am in love with this camera. Once I learned how to do the settings and changed a few of the factory presets I am taking the best pics of my life. I have 5 birdfeeders surrounding my patio where I sit most of the spring and summer. The pics are coming out beautifully. Very true colors and I have been told my pics are even better than last year. Many of my pics are shared with other wildlife lovers on message boards. I also have 13 nest boxes placed around the perimeter of a very large back yard. I can see the birds little faces peeking out and the shots come out nicely. My Dad was a professional portrait photographer. I have decided this camera is taking better photos than the fancy rig in his studio. Just for fun and as another learning experience I took a photo of a friend from about 250 feet away while he was clearing brush from a neighbor's burn pile. It looks like he only 20 feet away. There's no mistaking who he is whe you see the pic. His face is in perfect focus and his big new orange dirt mover is an absolutely perfect representation of the color. I have become used to the increased weight and am much steadier in handling the added weight. Only took a week to get used to it. Years ago I had a 35 mm SLR plus huge lenses and I ran around under parachute jumpers taking their pics while coming down. This camera could easily do the same job with lots less weight and no long heavy lenses. The low price is a bonus for the quality of this camera. Annie, one happy Canon SX20IS owner

So far so good and I've had it for a month. I am very pleased with this camera. Great zoom and sharp-crisp pictures. To think of the 20x zoom but still so compact is amazing- it is much larger than my old camera- a cybershot I replaced, but it's still easy to transport and lightweight. Only things I would change: the door that closes the compartment that holds the memory stick I can tell could easily break off. This is something you want to take care in. Also I didn't know it until after I had shot the video of my son's elementary play, but while using the video, if you take a picture- the video shows this; ie: the video will pause and it shows a shutter capturing the image prior to going back to video- also on the video it picked up now sound at all- so FYI- don't plan to use this as a video camera- which I didn't I just was wanting to see the quality- which is good though. Big positives- battery life. I was very leary about buying a camera that uses regular batteries. In the past cameras, especially digital ones, would eat those things up. I've always had to use lithiums with my sony cameras. But this camera has great battery life. I have yet to see the battery status even go down at all yet- a month later, using the lcd screen the entire time, and using it a lot. Oh and this is with generic batteries that came with the camera, I imagine a good Energizer or Duracell will be even better. I do have rechargable Ni type batteries that will work with the camera too, but not sure I'll even need them! And the features- there are so many and so many settings, that for right now I just use the auto-setting. I have been playing around trying to master the rest. A few quick points of interest: the flash is only auto if you have it flipped up. It does not flip up itself, but the screen will show "flip up flash" if needed. I like this though as you can choose to have artificial lighting or not- I prefer pictures without a flash if it can be done. I've seen where people said you had to use the Canon software to download pictures correctly and it does say that in the manual- untrue for me so far. It downloads the pictures even vertical ones correctly but simply downloading via usb, or card reader and just using the general built in picture finder software we all have on our microsoft formatted computers. I find this to be easier anyway so they save directly to the folder I want and I don't have to toy with their software (I'm sure it's a ploy to buy services and merchandise through them. Overall very good camera and very happy!!!!

We travel alot, and the Canon PowerShot SX201S 12.1 Digital Camera takes amazing pictures. It is light and very easy to use. I would definitely recommend this camera.

Picture quality is good

Jadoooore! Facile a utiliser pour les debutants!!

For starters no instruction manual and most important no lens cover and I am so far not able to find one. It takes pictures but I cannot get the view to be clear or right color. It seems it is missing a key ingredient in the actual picture taking process. I am not impressed at all but will download a manual and go through it one step at a time. I had met a lady with spectacular photos from this camera and why I purchased it but I cannot come near that quality as I cannot see what I am taking a photo of properly. It is a guessing game if the photo is good or not and good thing I do not have to pay for processing. Most likely it will go in a box never to be looked at and I am out the $200.