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Canon PowerShot SX20 IS

Discontinued

Reviewed

May 2010

by ConsumerSearch

Pros

Captures 720p HD video
Wide-angle lens
Tilting LCD
20x optical zoom

Cons

Relatively heavy
Falters in low-light situations

Where to Buy

Our Analysis
Specs
469 Amazon Reviews

The 12-megapixel Canon PowerShot SX20 IS improves on the well-liked PowerShot SX10 IS in a few ways, including the addition of HD video capture (720p), along with a small bump in resolution. It shares the same 20x optically stabilized zoom lens, with an impressive 28 mm wide angle, making it great for both close-ups and panoramas. While its 2.5-inch LCD is on the small side, it rotates horizontally and vertically, giving shooters greater flexibility in setting up shots. Negatives, according to reviews, are its large size (it weighs nearly 20 ounces) and its less-than-perfect performance in low light.

CNET offers a review of the Canon PowerShot SX20 IS backed by lab tests, while consumer organizations that ConsumerReports.org and Which? magazine offer shorter evaluations, also based on extensive tests. Digital camera enthusiast sites, including Steves-Digicams.com, round out the coverage.

Where To Buy

Canon PowerShot SX20IS 12.1MP Digital Camera with 20x Wide Angle Optical Image Stabilized Zoom and 2.5-Inch Articulating LCD
(469 reviews) 28 Used from $160.00

Our Sources

1. CNET

Editor Lori Grunin offers a thorough review of the SX20 IS, complete with comparison charts and performance graphs. Grunin is a bit disappointed in the SX20's image quality, though she's impressed with some of its features.

Review: Canon PowerShot SX20 IS, Lori Grunin, Dec. 15, 2009

2. ConsumerReports.org

The SX20 is included in ConsumerReports.org's report on digital cameras. Each camera receives a rating, but individual reviews are rather brief and you need a subscription to read them.

Review: Digital Cameras, Editors of ConsumerReports.org

3. Which? magazine

Which? editors offer a bit more analysis than ConsumerReports.org, though their reviews aren't very lengthy. The SX20 is included in their latest digital camera ratings.

Review: Digital Camera Reviews, Editors of Which? magazine

4. StevesDigicams.com

This review is replete with photos and detailed descriptions of the SX20's features. Editors like the camera overall, including the addition of HD video, but they are disappointed with the slower burst mode speeds.

Review: Canon PowerShot SX20 IS Review, Editors of Steves-Digicams.com, Oct. 5, 2009

5. DigitalCameraHQ.com

Initially, editors were disappointed that Canon's SX20 offered little improvement on its predecessor -- until it dropped in price, which prompted them to call it "an unbeatable all-around package."

Review: Canon SX20 Review, Editors of DigitalCamera-HQ.com, Jan. 14, 2010

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