Canon IXUS 240 HS
Canon PowerShot SX240 HS
Nikon D800
Samsung DV300F
Olympus OM-D E-M5
Nikon Coolpix P510
Canon PowerShot SX260 HS
Panasonic Lumix DMC-TZ30
Nikon Coolpix S9300
Canon PowerShot SX20 IS
The Canon PowerShot SX20 IS is a new, 12.1-megapixel digital compact camera with a 20x wide-angle super zoom lens. The versatile camera, a successor to the SX10 IS, now features HD video (720p) to ensure you capture video in the sharpest detail. The Canon PowerShot SX20 IS also has a 20x optical zoom, which zooms from 28mm to 560mm equivalent. The lens features both an Ultrasonic Motor (USM) and a Voice Coil Motor (VCM) for fast, silent focus and zooming – making the camera unobtrusive and easy to use, whether shooting stills or video footage. To help users make the most of these creative possibilities, the Canon SX20 IS includes a vari-angle 2.5 inch PureColor VA LCD display. Experienced photographers will appreciate the full range of manual controls, while beginners will be pleased to learn about the onboard Hints & Tips. Furthermore, the PowerShot SX20 IS can record HD video at 720p resolution and includes a dedicated movie button for instant access to movies in still mode and instant stills shooting during movie recording. The Canon PowerShot SX20 IS will be available from late August 2009 priced at £399.00 / €459.00 RRP inc. VAT. The US price is $399.99.
Canon Press Release
Canon takes you closer to the detail with the wide-angle super zoom PowerShot SX20 IS
United Kingdom / Republic of Ireland, 19 August 2009: Canon today announces the new PowerShot SX20 IS – a digital compact camera with a 20x wide-angle super zoom lens – enabling photo enthusiasts to get closer to their chosen subject. The Canon PowerShot SX20 IS’s 2.5 inch vari-angle PureColor LCD display coupled with the full manual controls will allow photographers an even greater range of creative options. The versatile camera, a successor to the SX10 IS, now features HD video (720p) to ensure you capture video in the sharpest detail.
The PowerShot SX20 IS has a 20x wide-angle (28mm) optical zoom which zooms from 28mm to 560mm giving excellent flexibility with composition. The lens features both an Ultrasonic Motor (USM) and a Voice Coil Motor (VCM) for fast, silent focus and zooming – making the camera unobtrusive and easy to use, whether shooting stills or video footage. Combined with a wide-angle view the camera is ideal for shooting wildlife photography or sports events.
A 12.1 Megapixel image sensor is capable of capturing each moment in incredible detail, with DIGIC 4 image processing for high image quality, responsive operation and advanced noise reduction. Shots are enhanced by optical Image Stabilizer (IS) technology, which helps reduce camera shake and image blur. This gives users a 4-stop advantage when it comes to shooting in low-light conditions – making the camera easy to use indoors or at night without resorting to flash.
Creative freedom meets high definition video
To help users make the most of these creative possibilities, the PowerShot SX20 IS includes a vari-angle 2.5 inch PureColor VA LCD display, which can be used in a wide variety of shooting situations from macro level to street photography – giving photographers maximum flexibility when framing their shots.
The LCD display is useful when shooting high definition video too. The PowerShot SX20 IS can record HD video at 720p resolution and includes a dedicated movie button for instant access to movies in still mode and instant stills shooting during movie recording. The inclusion of an HDMI mini port makes it easy to playback footage on compatible TVs. The all-digital HDMI connection offers numerous benefits, including an incredible level of picture detail and reproduction of the SX20 IS’s CD-quality stereo sound.
Advanced features, maximum ease of use
More experienced users can also choose to use their own preferred presets or even opt for full manual control, making the PowerShot SX20 IS an excellent all-rounder for all levels of photography experience.
To make the PowerShot SX20 IS as easy-to-use as possible, it features an enhanced version of Canon’s Smart Auto Mode with Scene Detection Technology. This automatically detects faces, distance, motion, colour and brightness in the frame, with the camera selecting from one of 22 scene variables to optimise settings for the best results.
Face Detection, Face Self-Timer and Auto Red-Eye Correction make shooting even easier. Additionally, the PowerShot SX20 IS combats blur with Motion Detection Technology and Servo AF/AE, which enables users to select a subject in the frame while the camera continually adjusts focus and exposure. Continuous Shooting AF adjusts auto focus between shots – so users can capture action with clarity – ideal for shooting birds in flight, or high-octane sporting action.
Users will also benefit from helpful Hints & Tips incorporated within the user interface. Short descriptions of functions simplify the interaction with the camera and encourage the user to explore the features - thereby taking better shots.
In addition, the PowerShot SX20 IS includes an enhanced version of i-Contrast: Canon’s Intelligent Contrast Correction technology, which is ideal for shooting in difficult lighting situations. i-Contrast optimises the dynamic range to prevent highlight blowout, while retaining shadow detail. This makes it ideal for use with outdoor portraits, for example, where extremes of shadow and sun can make creating balanced images difficult.
The PowerShot SX20 IS has a built-in hot shoe that enables it to be used with a range of optional accessories including Speedlite EX flashes (including 270EX, 220EX, 430EX II, 580EX II) as well as the Speedlite Transmitter ST-E2 and Off-Camera Shoe Cord OC-E3.
Pricing & Availability
The PowerShot SX20 IS is available from late August 2009 priced at £399.00 / €459.00 RRP inc. VAT.
Image Gallery
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Canon IXUS 240 HS Review
Canon PowerShot SX240 HS Review
Nikon D800 Review
Samsung DV300F Review
Olympus OM-D E-M5 Review
Nikon Coolpix P510
Panasonic Lumix DMC-TZ30
Fujifilm X-Pro1
Canon PowerShot SX260 HS
Sony Cyber-shot DSC-HX200V
#1 Joe Smokie
I was in the market for a Powershot SX10. I really want the SX1 but can't afford the price difference. Now I wonder if I should wait for a price reduction on the SX10 or just hold out for the SX20.
7:28 pm - Wednesday, August 19, 2009
#2 katarn
Wow...Canon...what a mess ...what a mess
Lets see...
We have the overpriced Canon SX1 with so-so image quality and superb movies in full hd. But, the movies are huge and no one likes to wasting time trimming, editing ...
and we have too the SX10 with great pics but ancient VGA movies...
and now we have the best solution ! The SX20 , cheaper than SX1, but with 720p movies ( believe me , you must have eagle eyes to see the difference between hd and full hd in a tv up to 46 inches ...)which means much more smaller movies in size...and 28mmm lens....
I strongly recommend the SX20 rather than SX1 and SX10 !!!!
But , when you compare this baby with Pana FZ35 and Sony HX1 is a tight decision...
4:04 am - Thursday, August 20, 2009
#3 photography tricks
Camera looks nice. How about the pixels, flash, clarity.
4:47 am - Thursday, August 20, 2009
#4 Glenn Fernandes
I am impressed by the features of this camera. 12 MP camera is really not bad. The PowerShot SX20 IS can record HD video at 720p resolution which is good. I agree Face Detection, Face Self-Timer and Auto Red-Eye Correction makes shooting very simple.
7:45 am - Thursday, August 20, 2009
#5 Joe Smokie
>>I strongly recommend the SX20 rather than SX1 and SX10 !!!!<<
@katarn
How can you strongly recommend something that hasn't been released or tested yet? Shouldn't we wait until a full review is posted?
If you have had the chance to test it please point out your review so that I can see for myself.
With the price drops that should inevitable come due to the release of the SX20 the SX10 may be a great value as long as you don't *need* the HD video.
2:47 pm - Thursday, August 20, 2009
#6 labalbi
Y´re pretty right ...Joe Smokie....
I ll change my statement for : "I strongly recommend SX20 rather than SX1 and SX10 specs by specs only "
We need see a review . A full one. But, I doubt that Canon would release another so-so quality image camera as SX1.
I can bet SX20 will have the best of SX1 and SX10. The SX1 video quality and SX10 image quality.
But, if you and anyone dont need HD video we can say there are another options too...
I have the good S5. Ill upgrade very soon. Still deciding among these 3 :
Panasonic FZ35
Sony HX1
Canon SX20 (unless a really bad image quality reviews of a huge drawback prevents me to pick it )
I do love to make several short movies (1minute long) with estereo sound and zoom.
The Pana FZ35 is great too. Light, with good lenses..but no swivel LCD ...I must say its a plus in my S5. But, I think my S5 lacks some sharpness and better colors...anyway...
I keep reading ...
5:17 pm - Thursday, August 20, 2009
#7 Joe Smokie
I'm surprised the SX1 is getting such a bad report but I'm glad I have found out now instead of after I have purchased it.
I think I have settled on the SX10/20. Now I am just waiting until the 20 shows up at a nearby store so that I can test it out. If it is worth the price difference then I'll "accept" the HD recording.
8:26 pm - Thursday, August 20, 2009
#8 The Fish
I wonder if the SX20 has addressed the other problem that the SX10 had with the lens cap? There were many complaints that the lens did not have treads or a good method of attaching the lens cap. A very minor problem,but one easily fixed.
6:30 am - Saturday, August 22, 2009
#9 George
What is the exact difference between the SX20 and the DMZ-35/38?
Except for the swivel sceen, type of batteries, etc. they seem similar.
4:54 pm - Tuesday, August 25, 2009
#10 labalbi
No George..there´s a lot more. The burst mode in SX20 is reported to be a mediocre 1fps. The menus are completely different too. The weight too . The swivel lcd is a great plus .
But when you compare the SX10 and FZ28 (current models still being sold ) almost everyone will sustain that Pana´s have the best image quality. But the FZ28 movie´s sound is just horrible when compared with SX10 .
Now...spec by spec FZ35 and SX20 will become a matter of priorities only if the image quality is the same, right ?
You love the swivel LCD . It´s a must ? So, go to SX...do you hate a hefty cam ? Then, the Pana is for you...or the Sony HX1...
You want to add a flash in your cam ? You havent this option in Pana ...
See ? There´s a lot more to consider when buying a new camera ....
A hug
From Rio de Janeiro - Brazil ....
6:57 pm - Tuesday, August 25, 2009
#11 George
I have not compared the weight. What is the difference attributable to? I'm not familiar with "burst speed" (speed of taking next frame?). I don't know how to tell if the image quality is the same. Moreover, the FZ35 (which now has HD and stereo sound) and the swivel LCD seems as if it could cause problems if the cable is injured.
Which has the better menus?
The new Fuji S200EXR is a nice camera, but it is bulkier. The FZ35 is now for sale; the 28 is hard to find except at a premium or list..... Why is the 28's sound bad?
10:40 pm - Tuesday, August 25, 2009
#12 katarn
The sound in FZ28 is mono and the mic dont capt the sound very good...the FZ35 fixs(?)this .
If Canon swivel LCD is a concern just relax. My Canon S5 has a swivel LCD (I owned a S1 before the S5 too) and I can assure you can abuse the swivel pivot a lot without any problems . It really a rough construction...
FPS = Frames per Second . The SX1 can take 4 fps !!! Which is pretty good for a prosumer cam. As stated in Canon´s site SX20 has a poorer performance of 1fps . Terrible !!!
Try the FZ35 , if the swivel lcd and scene modes like color accent are not important to you get the Pana , ASAP !!!!
A hug...
2:01 am - Wednesday, August 26, 2009
#13 George
I am upgrading from a Konica Minolta A2, so either will be a huge upgrade. (The viewfinder failed, and Repairtech, the warranty repair co., has gone out of business).
I'm not sure what scene modes are, but I understand that the sound in the Lumix will be stereo and it is HD (which uses more disk space).
2:54 am - Wednesday, August 26, 2009
#14 John Earle
Thank you everyone for these fascinating comments.
I am trying to decide between the Canon SX1, the SX10 and the SX20. I do use the video option with optical zoom and the SX1 is just stunning in this respect.
My question is whether the SX20's 720p HD video is a real advance on the non-HD SX10 or should I go for the SX1 with 1080p HD video. In other words, is the video on the SX20 closer to the SX10 or the SX1?
I have a second question but I will put that in a separate message.
12:26 pm - Monday, August 31, 2009
#15 Joe Smokie
Well, I just purchased the SX20 for B&H in NYC and I expect it here in few days. After I test it out over the Labor Day weekend I'll let you guys know if it worth $400.
1:59 pm - Tuesday, September 1, 2009
#16 labalbi
Hey...Joe...please, please, promise you ll post your review here , ok ? Im eager to read it !
Thanks ...
5:18 pm - Tuesday, September 1, 2009
#17 John Earle
After trying out the SX1, SX10 and SX20 in the camera shop today, I concluded that the resolution in the viewfinder on the SX1 was so awful that I could not possibly buy it. I am old enough to instinctively put the camera to my eye so would use the viewfinder. Also, the motor driving the zoom lens seemed rather rough. I liked everything else about the SX1 but these two factors were a major problem for me, especially the viewfinder resolution.
I looked at what else was available in the compact and SLR fields and decided that I would not find what I wanted without paying more than twice the price.
I bought the SX20 since the viewfinder resolution was marginally better than the SX1 (but still not good). Also, the difference between the 720p and the 1080p video seemed too small to bother me.
I will let you know how i get on with it.
6:33 pm - Tuesday, September 1, 2009
#18 labalbi
Make it early, Earle !
6:49 pm - Tuesday, September 1, 2009
#19 VK
I checked the specifications of the SX1 vs SX10. There was not much difference (other than in features) to my untrained eye.
Why is it then that the photo quality of SX1 is spoken of as inferior to SX10? Does this also mean that with the same specs SX20 may not give the same photo quality?
Any views / reviews for SX20?
2:39 pm - Thursday, September 3, 2009
#20 labalbi
Well..many reviews says that. Anyway , the big concern for me in the SX20 is the burst mode. Its only 1fps, i.e. useless !
I gave up the idea of buying the SX1. But , the larger LCD and burst mode of SX20 are making me considering it again...
3:21 pm - Thursday, September 3, 2009
#21 VK
@labalbi
also, you said "... many reviews says that." which reviews? can you share any link(s).
why is burst mode so important? i mean under what conditions does a high fps number become useful?
does 1fps have something to do with resolution as well.. at max resolution (12.1MP) it is 1fps but at lower MP value it will be more or is this a fixed number.
9:23 am - Friday, September 4, 2009
#22 katarn
dpreview , steve-digicams , etc etc...Brazilian foruns...etc...Amazon reviews...do you search ..
11:23 am - Friday, September 4, 2009
#23 VK
do you understand the diff between a review and a press release?
i did search but did not find a review. most of them carried a standard text and press release at least till a few hours back (including dp and steves digicams). i am looking for a feedback on the quality of pictures and detailed review on usage like on cnet or photography blog.
in any case.. forget it. i'd rather wait for the reviews than rush things.
11:53 am - Friday, September 4, 2009
#24 labalbi
@VK
I dont think you got the grammatic well...
I answered your question in the first phrase.
Q : "Why is it then that the photo quality of SX1 is spoken of as inferior to SX10?"
A : "Well..many reviews says that"
Then I continue talking about another thing. Thats why we use dot .
"Anyway , the big concern for me in the SX20 is the burst mode(...)
Got it ?
And yes, 1fps is terrible. No matter what . And yes , there´s not any SX20 reviews so far, only those found in Canon´s page (promising yet not so reliable , right?) ...
Go to steve-cams and dpreview foruns ...there are more info available there...
A hug...
4:31 pm - Friday, September 4, 2009
#25 VK
Sorry buddy. Didn't get your message last time around
5:35 am - Saturday, September 5, 2009
#26 viju
Am fond of canon cameras. AM confused between Sx200,Sx10 and now Sx20.
I liked the camera SX10, but SX20 Seems to be superior that SX20. Any body who has experienced both can give some suggestion on the same
regs
2:23 am - Sunday, September 6, 2009
#27 roy
SX1 IS gives so-so image quality, that I agree. SX10 IS gives less grain even at high ISO. But SX20 after a hands-on demo persuades me to say not bad, not bad at all. It seems perfect though the video quality is not better than SX1 as it seems. In low light the video is grainy and noisy. But the image quality is superb. But tell you what, don't rely on Auto mode. It gives bad results. Use program and custom modes to make your best shots. I think I can settle on this unless I need a good quality video.
6:37 pm - Monday, September 7, 2009
#28 katarn
no way we can record videos with low light without noise and grain. But, the SX20 is supposed to be a great move mode too , cos it is 720p , like Pana FZ35. The SX1 is 1080p but the files are laaaaaaarge ! What your impressions of SX20 video in normal light ? Thanks
10:32 pm - Monday, September 7, 2009
#29 Joe Smokie
I've had the SX20 for a few days now and I'll give a short assessment now and a longer one tomorrow.
Pros:
Better quality than just about any camera I've used outside of a DSLR.
I like the size and weight because I have larger hands. (I can palm a basketball with minimal effort) It makes the camera more substantial. For that reason I have it secured around my neck at all times.
Quick start up from power on to being able to take your first pic.
Even though I'd rather use the view finder for better stability the moveable LCD screen is a great addition. My wife used this funtion quite often.
Color reproduction is very good. Better than I expected after my experience with Canon video cameras vs Sony/JVC video camera.
I love the multiple modes and flexible shooting capabilities.
Cons:
I do *not* like the Auto mode. It takes too long to recognize a scene depending on what is in the background. That can cause you to lose a shot or take a bad shot. I was taking shots of a concert at a church with a well painted mural of many people (I will post the pics shortly) but the camera tried to identify the faces on the mural and ignored the singers on stage. Caused a few bad shots due to incorrect ISO settings. I agree with Roy who posted earlier today; stay away from Auto.
Canon didn't listen to anyone in regard to the lens cap's lack of tether to the camera. When I first read the complaints about this on previous Powershot models I wondered if people were overstating the problem. They were not. This is a step above an annoyance especially since I know people complained about it on the previous model. It should not have been carried over.
I have taken the over 100 pics so far with the included batteries but I'm still trying to decide if I will keep the camera. It is not the most expensive camera I have ever used but is it the most expensive camera I have purchased.
I have not tested the video functions so far but since I have prosumer video cameras I am not relying on the SX10 for video. I can take some video tomorrow and give meythoughts on it if anyone is interested. I can also post a few video to my streaming site.
12:59 am - Tuesday, September 8, 2009
#30 katarn
I would indeed like to see your video comments as well...
Im still deciding whether to buy this camera or Pana FZ35.
Thanks
2:23 am - Tuesday, September 8, 2009
#31 VK
Joe,
Thanks for your comments. Useful indeed.
I will wait to see the results of your photographs. Not much interested in the video function though.
I will also be interested in knowing the reasons if you choose not to keep this camera.
Thanks once again
v
5:37 am - Tuesday, September 8, 2009
#32 katarn
Bad news folks...or not ?
I just read a really bad review of Canon SX20 in DPreview forum with lot of technical info !
Check it out : http://forums.dpreview.com/forums/read.asp?forum=1010&message=32963595
But, there are already 2 reviews in Amazon reflecting another perspective...
I dont know...more I read...more I get inclined to Pana FZ35...
11:36 am - Tuesday, September 8, 2009
#33 Joe Smokie
I just read the bad review from DPreview.com. I can't say it mimics my experience (can someone tell me what NR Smearing is?). The reviewer didn't mention if he was using Auto mode or not. If he was using Auto then I can see why he would have complaints.
I wish I had a chance to compare this SX20 photo quality to the SX10 to see if there is a major difference.
2:15 pm - Tuesday, September 8, 2009
#34 katarn
@Joe
Im eager to see your comments about video and the others features. If you can, post some pics and give us the link , ok ?
and dont forget to say a word or two about the burst mode ...
5:24 pm - Tuesday, September 8, 2009
#35 Joe Smokie
I have uploaded some pictures to http://66.193.164.73/sx20. The movie file is outdoors.zip and is a zipped MOV format file. Please be patient as the JPGs are 3 - 4MB in size and the video is 124MB.
These pictures were all taken in Auto mode with no adjustments made. The video was shot at a distance of 500 - 600 feet.
I will upload some indoor shots tonight that include portrait shots and the mural I spoke about yesterday.
Overall I like the camera, the question being "Is it worth $400?"
My initial foray into burst mode left me feeling a little underwhelmed. Because the screen blanks out you have no reference point to follow your subject. I will take some pics in burst mode this evening and upload them.
*Please note: These pictures will be available until 12 noon ET on 10 Sept 09. If there is a specific type of shot that you would like to see for reference please let me know and I will try to accommodate.*
7:42 pm - Tuesday, September 8, 2009
#36 katarn
@Joe
I just saw your pictures. I must say I didnt like . But, this Auto mode is reported to be terrible , anyway. I think your pictures lacks detail, color and sharpness. It´s very sad , indeed.
Canon apparently has done a downgrade with SX20 release. Thats a real pity , isnt it ?
I hope you come with new pictures and change my mind. Bring us those indoors !!! Thanks !
7:54 pm - Tuesday, September 8, 2009
#37 Joe Smokie
I've uploaded some indoor photos that I mentioned earlier. I can see a lack of clarity a little more in these pictures.
I do have outdoor pictures that are amazingly detailed but I cannot post them without permission from the subjects.
I will have to try a few shots on manual setting to see if it make a difference. I will agree with the reviewer on dpreview.com that perhaps the move to more pixels has tried to cram too much data into a more compressed format. Perhaps if there were a RAW format available the clarity would be better.
12:08 am - Wednesday, September 9, 2009
#38 VK
The SX20 thread on DP Review gives a thumb down vis-a-vis SX10. Both Ben and Adam (on that thread) are big fans of SX10
??????
6:56 am - Wednesday, September 9, 2009
#39 Zoltan Arva-Toth
I'm not sure if you guys have noticed, but PhotographyBLOG has posted the world's first in-depth review of the SX20 at
http://www.photographyblog.com/reviews/canon_powershot_sx20_is_review/
8:13 am - Friday, September 11, 2009
#40 Zackness123
Hey guys i have read alot of reviews but still no 2 little of the sx20 is ,,,,i was hoping u can ttell me the good and the bad ,if u have the camera of course
3:22 am - Monday, November 30, 2009
#41 Zackness123
Hey guys i have read alot of reviews but still know 2 little of the sx20 is ,,,,i was hoping u can ttell me the good and the bad ,if u have the camera of course
3:23 am - Monday, November 30, 2009