| The Good |
|---|
| 12.1 Megapixel Sensor, DIGIC4 Image Processor, Movable LCD, Motion Detection, AA Battery Compatible, 720p Video Capabilities, ISO Speeds of 3200 Possible, Easier to Use. |
| The Bad |
| AA Battery Compatible, Heavy/Bulky, ISO Speeds of 3200 Only Possible with Lowered Resolution, Mostly Automatic Options. |
| Yay or Nay |
| This is a great buy for the beginner to intermediate enthusiast, as it offers a wide variety of options without allowing too much room for error. At a relatively affordable price, this camera is easy to fit into the budget of a college student or young professional. |
Overview
Once again, Canon has delivered a great digital camera. The SX20IS has turned out to be a remarkably good camera that is within a price range anyone can afford. This is truly one of the best all around cameras, thanks to its wide angle lens and 20x zoom capabilities. With this camera, it’s possible for anyone to take a great up close portrait or landscape photo. To top things off, the movable LCD screen allows you to take a picture around a corner or over people without guessing.
Snapshots
With Canon’s popular DIGIC4 image processor, the ISO speeds of this camera are able to catch a great deal of action. Combine this standard equipment with the motion detection system, and you have a great camera that can decide how to adjust for many different variables. Unfortunately, all of this doesn’t increase its continuous shooting capabilities above one frame per second. This makes the camera virtually useless where shots in quick succession are necessary to capture a specific moment or a series of events.
Video
The SX20 offers a versatile platform for taking photographs, and it only makes sense that it would be just versatile in video mode. With the camera’s 720p video capabilities, it easily makes up for the loss of continuous shooting. If you have the proper software on your computer, you will easily be able to freeze frame, edit and use single frames of video to replace a real photograph. This is especially true when the camera’s running at thirty frames per second. Another great video feature is that with the addition of the HD hookups, it’s easy to watch your videos without the need to upload them to your computer.
Photo Quality and Extras
Although the resolution on this camera is not the best, it’s more than adequate for most everyday situations. With ISO speeds at 1600 for high quality photographs (up to 3200 for lower resolution) and a DIGIC4 image processor, it’s easy to capture moments in friendly settings. Unfortunately, it is almost impossible to set this camera for a time lapse (and absolutely nothing for more than fifteen seconds), and it is also almost solely dependent on itself to make the right call on how best to take a picture in a particular setting.
Obviously, the motion detection and the movable screen are two of the best features of this camera. However, there are others as well, including onboard editing. Not everything is automatic and some things can be changed in screen before, during or after the actual taking of the photograph. Standard things like white balance and color options are available, but so are more advanced features like Stitch Assist, which aids in all of your panorama needs.
Downside
With all of the extras that come standard on this camera, it’s nice to see it in a “normal” battery size. However, it’s also slightly painful to almost be able to watch your battery drop with each picture. Another downside is the camera is fairly large and heavy when compared to some of its competitors. However, the most notable drawback for anyone but the casual photographer is the seriously reduced manual options that come with the camera.
Conclusion
Overall, this is a great camera. With prices ranging between $200-$300 for a used one and $300-$450 for a new one, it is great buy for someone who needs a quality camera. Despite the lack of manual options, as long as you don’t need a professional grade digital camera, the price point makes it a perfect choice for those on a budget.
