Canon PowerShot SX20 IS 12.1 MP Digital Camera - Black

There are mainly two reasons of significance that persuaded me to purchase the Canon SX20

It has a fully corrected lens for aberrations and distortions as described:- 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.

It has a TFL viewfinder which avoids the inability to view the subject when the LCD screen is blinded by bright sunlight.

These when taken into account with the easy handle ability, high definition and choice of recording formats, plus very fast recycling, makes it a versatile semi professional tool. Cost wise, the camera is less expensive than a 20 to 1 lens for an equivalent SLR and no dusty sensor problems!

The alternative manual operating options are more than adequate to allow most photographers ability to be fully exploited.

One minor dislike, is the macro. The fitting of a 2 or 3 dioptre close up lens I personally find preferable to the camera’s facility for close ups as it retains the full use of the zoom and is of particular use when photographing wild life. It would also be nice to have a fully printed manual, rather than the one provided on disc, complete though it may be!

Retired Full Time Freelance Photographer

After carrying bulky SLR's & lenses around,I wanted something portable and unobtrusive,the Canon SX20is is ideal for travelling,the versatility of this camera amazes me,I have used it for motorsport, scenery, general photography to good effect. Most people do not realize what a punch,this camera packs.True the camera cannot be compared to a full size SLR but it was never meant to be.However it still produces very acceptable results if one is willing to accept it's limitations, like all bridge cameras (previously owned Fuji,Panasonic bridge cameras). The Canon needs good lighting, so for outdoor uses it is fine,rechargeable batteries last well (450+)
LIKES Excellent Zoom range 28mm to 560mm, tiltable screen, AA battery power,Flash hot shoe.Solid feel.
DISLIKES Slow motor drive.

CONCLUSION The Canon Sx20is will never replace a Digital SLR with interchangeable lenses, however if you want a powerful zoom lens range in a compact body, to be with you at all times, then look no further.
Overall Camera Rating 95%. Highly Recommended

Finally when I decided to buy a decent camera I was browsing ebay and finally I got myself Canon PowerShot SX20 IS. The reason I choose this model is because of the good prize and the good reviews I recently read. I like that it makes pretty good photos, the battery consumption is not very high (IMHO). The controls of the camera are also pretty intuitive. When you want to catch something quickly it boots up quite fast. I do not like that it is a little bit heavier than I've expected (maybe because of the four AA batteries), but I can live with it. To conclude I would say that it is one of the best choices for semi-amateur photographer that I am :)

coming by a Canon S2is, I like the wide 28mm, the hd video and the bigger display.
I'm happy in global use , but not so happy for the autofocus in pictures (some problems starting by half zoom ramge) and focusing in video (continously adjustment).
I'm disappointed by the aperture: at 100m/150mm the max aperture is 5.7: too less!!!! slow lens!! s2 was superior in this parameter, but I see thet in prosumer market this parameter is not so considered (some years ago it was better under this poit of view).
good construction, noise as expected for the small sensor.
For me is a good choose, but only for max 300€, not more

After using a point & shoot Cannon camera I wanted an all purpose more versatile type. This SX20 is all I will need for close up work,landscape,and family portraits.Buying via E Bay, the price paid was more than competitive with other methods.In the past I have found cameras of this quality heavy and clumsy to take with you on outings a Bridge camera of this style gives an all rounder with little more size & weight than a point&shoot. I have bought Agfa, Olympus,voightlander etc all good, Cannon seem to have complete competence.