Canon PowerShot SX20 IS

    57
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    Highlights

    • 12.1 MP 1/2.3-inch CCD Sensor
    • 80 - 1,600 Native ISO
    • 9 Focus Points
    • Image Stabilization
    • 2.50" 230k dot Fully Articulated Screen
    • Electronic Viewfinder
    • 0.7 fps Continuous Shooting
    • 1280 x 720 Video Shooting
    • Built-in Flash
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    Disclosure: We earn money from the affiliate links to products associated with content in this article.

    Overview

    Canon PowerShot SX20 IS was announced in 2010 and is a 1/2.3-inch (6.17 x 4.55 mm) Bridge camera with 12.1 Megapixel CCD sensor. Its native ISO ranges from 80 to 1,600. The camera has a Fully Articulated 2.50" screen with 230k dot resolution and built-in Electronic viewfinder. It has an image stabilization.

    Canon PowerShot SX20 IS can capture video up to 1280 x 720 resolution.

    Table of Contents
    1. Overview
    2. Pros and Cons
    3. Predecessor
    4. Successor
    5. Screen and Viewfinder
    6. Sensor
    7. Photography Features
    8. Connectivity, Battery and Storage
    9. Other Features
    10. Physical Parameters
    11. For Different Types of Photography
    12. Evaluation
    13. Specifications  

    Here is the Canon PowerShot SXxx series lineup, where you can view and compare the main specifications of the cameras within the same series.

    Canon PowerShot SXxx series lineup
    Model Date Sensor Native ISO Screen Price
    Image cannot be found Canon SX70 HS
    Compare
    		September
    2018    		 20.3 MP
    1/2.3-inch    		 100 - 3,200 Articulated 3.0"
    922k dot
    Image cannot be found Canon SX60 HS
    Compare
    		September
    2014    		 16.1 MP
    1/2.3-inch    		 100 - 6,400 Articulated 3.0"
    922k dot
    Image cannot be found Canon SX50 HS
    Compare
    		January
    2013    		 12.1 MP
    1/2.3-inch    		 80 - 6,400 Articulated 2.80"
    461k dot
    Image cannot be found Canon SX40 HS
    Compare
    		September
    2011    		 12.1 MP
    1/2.3-inch    		 100 - 3,200 Articulated 2.70"
    230k dot
    Image cannot be found Canon SX30 IS
    Compare
    		September
    2010    		 14.1 MP
    1/2.3-inch    		 80 - 1,600 Articulated 2.70"
    230k dot
    Image cannot be found Canon SX20 IS July
    2010    		 12.1 MP
    1/2.3-inch    		 80 - 1,600 Articulated 2.50"
    230k dot
    Image cannot be found Canon SX10 IS
    Compare
    		January
    2009    		 10.0 MP
    1/2.3-inch    		 80 - 1,600 Articulated 2.50"
    230k dot

    You can view their side-by-side comparison here: Canon PowerShot SX70 HS vs PowerShot SX60 HS vs PowerShot SX50 HS vs PowerShot SX40 HS vs PowerShot SX30 IS vs PowerShot SX20 IS.

    Pros and Cons

    In this section we present pros and cons of Canon PowerShot SX20 IS.

    PROS

    •   Video Capture
    •   80 Lowest Native ISO
    •   1,600 Highest Native ISO
    •   Live View Autofocus
    •   Image Stabilization
    •   Fully Articulated Screen
    •   Built-in Flash
    •   High Flash Sync Speed - 1/500 sec
    •   HDMI Output
    •   Orientation Sensor

    CONS

    •   Small Sensor
    •   Low Resolution Sensor - 12.1 Megapixel
    •   Timelapse Recording
    •   9 Focus Points
    •   No Face Detection
    •   Low Resolution Screen - 230k dot
    •   Low Max Shutter Speed (Mechanical or 1st Curtain) - 1/3200 sec
    •   Low Max Continuous Shooting - 0.7 fps
    •   Low Video Resolution - 1280 x 720
    •   No Microphone Input
    •   No Headphone Output
    •   No Built-in GPS
    •   No Built-In Wi-Fi
    •   No Built-In Bluetooth
    •   No Environmental Sealing

    And here are some specifications which fall into average criteria and are neither in PROs nor in CONs category:

    AVERAGE

    •   Screen Size - 2.50"
    •   Weight - 600 g (1.32 lb / 21.16 oz)

    Predecessor

    Here we are comparing Canon PowerShot SX20 IS to its predecessor PowerShot SX10 IS and displaying the major changes.

    UPGRADES Canon PowerShot SX20 IS vs Canon PowerShot SX10 IS
    Higher Sensor Resolution 12.1 Megapixel vs 10.0 Megapixel
    Max Image Resolution 4000 x 3000 vs 3648 x 2736
    Higher Video Resolution 1280 x 720 vs 640 x 480
    DOWNGRADES Canon PowerShot SX20 IS vs Canon PowerShot SX10 IS
    Face Detection vs
    Built-In Bluetooth vs

    For more detailed comparison between the models please visit Canon PowerShot SX20 IS vs PowerShot SX10 IS.

    Successor

    In 2010 Canon PowerShot SX20 IS was replaced by Canon PowerShot SX30 IS. Let us now have a look at some important differences between Canon PowerShot SX20 IS and its successor.

    UPGRADES Canon PowerShot SX30 IS vs Canon PowerShot SX20 IS
    Higher Sensor Resolution 14.1 Megapixel vs 12.1 Megapixel
    Max Image Resolution 4320 x 3240 vs 4000 x 3000
    Reaches Wider Angle 24 mm vs 28 mm
    Reachs More Telephoto 840 mm vs 560 mm
    Greater Optical Zoom 35x vs 20x
    Maximum Aperture at Wide End f/2.7 vs f/2.8
    Larger Screen 2.70" vs 2.50"
    Built-in Microphone Stereo vs Mono
    DOWNGRADES Canon PowerShot SX30 IS vs Canon PowerShot SX20 IS
    Maximum Aperture at Tele End f/5.8 vs f/5.7
    Lower Max Continuous Shooting 0.6 fps vs 0.7 fps
    Heavier 601 g (1.32 lb / 21.20 oz) vs 600 g (1.32 lb / 21.16 oz)

    For more detailed comparison between the models please visit Canon PowerShot SX20 IS vs PowerShot SX30 IS.

    Screen and Viewfinder

    Fully Articulated screen

    Canon PowerShot SX20 IS has a 2.50" Fully Articulated screen with 230k dot resolution which is quite low by today's standards. Fully articulated screen makes this camera selfie and vlogger friendly and generally very useful for video shooting.

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    Canon PowerShot SX20 IS with Fully Articulated screen


    Electronic Viewfinder

    Camera has a built-in Electronic viewfinder.

    Sensor

    Canon PowerShot SX20 IS features a 12.1 megapixel 1/2.3-inch CCD sensor with dimensions of 6.17 x 4.55 mm and a total area of 28.1 mm2. Its native ISO range is 80 - 1,600.

    Photography Features

    Camera is equipped with DIGIC 4 processor and can take pictures up to 4000 x 3000 resolution. It can also take pictures with lower resolutions like 3840 x 2160, 3264 x 2448, 2592 x 1944, 1600 x 1200, 640 x 480, 320 x 240 with 4:3, 16:9 aspect ratios.


    Image Stabilization

    The camera has an image stabilization.

    Check out the cameras which are frequently compared to Canon PowerShot SX20 IS.

    Canon SX70 HS
    Image cannot be found

    1/2.3-inch

    20.3 MP

    Canon SX10 IS
    Image cannot be found

    1/2.3-inch

    10.0 MP

    Canon SX30 IS
    Image cannot be found

    1/2.3-inch

    14.1 MP

    Canon SX60 HS
    Image cannot be found

    1/2.3-inch

    16.1 MP

    Canon SX40 HS
    Image cannot be found

    1/2.3-inch

    12.1 MP

    Canon SX50 HS
    Image cannot be found

    1/2.3-inch

    12.1 MP

    Canon 5DS R
    Image cannot be found

    Full Frame

    50.6 MP

    Sony a7 III
    Image cannot be found

    Full Frame

    24.2 MP

    Sony a9 II
    Image cannot be found

    Full Frame

    24.2 MP

    Canon R50
    Image cannot be found

    APS-C

    24.2 MP

    Canon R100
    Image cannot be found

    APS-C

    24.1 MP

    Canon R3
    Image cannot be found

    Full Frame

    24.1 MP

    Connectivity, Battery and Storage

    NFC

    Canon PowerShot SX20 IS has Near Field Communication (NFC) technology which simplifies the process of pairing it with other NFC-enabled devices like smartphones or tablets. It allows to quickly transfer photos and videos or remotely control the camera from compatible device. NFC can also be used for authentication and security purposes. It can verify your identity before accessing certain features or transferring sensitive data. It can be used with NFC-enabled accessories as well, such as lenses, flashes and GPS devices.


    USB Input and HDMI Output

    Canon PowerShot SX20 IS has a USB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec) input for data transfer. There is an HDMI connector for video signal output.


    Battery

    Canon PowerShot SX20 IS comes with 4 x AA battery pack.


    External Storage Slots

    The camera has a single SD /SDHC / MMC / MMC Plus / HC MMC Plus card slot.

    Other Features

    Shutter

    Canon PowerShot SX20 IS's shutter speed can go up to 1/3200 sec. Camera can shoot continuously up to 0.7 fps.


    Flash

    Canon PowerShot SX20 IS has a built-in flash with maximum range of 6.80 m and also accepts external flash which can be connected via [n]. The fastest flash synchronization speed is 1/500 sec.

    Physical Parameters

    Canon PowerShot SX20 IS has dimensions of 128 x 88 x 87 mm (5.04 x 3.46 x 3.43"). It weighs 600 g (1.32 lb / 21.16 oz) which is neither heavy nor lightweight.

    128 mm (5.04")

    88 mm (3.46")

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    88 mm (3.46")

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    87 mm (3.43")

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    Canon PowerShot SX20 IS dimensions

    Canon PowerShot SX20 IS for Different Types of Photography

    We give scores to the camera for different type of photography based on its features and specifications. Let us see how Canon PowerShot SX20 IS is suitable for six different types of photography.


    Landscape Photography

    POOR
    47

    Canon PowerShot SX20 IS gets a score of 47 and is POOR choice for Landscape photography.

    •   Small Sensor
    •   Low Resolution Screen - 230k dot
    •   No Built-in GPS
    •   No Environmental Sealing

    Sports Photography

    AVERAGE
    57

    Canon PowerShot SX20 IS gets a score of 57 and is AVERAGE choice for Sports photography.

    •   1,600 Highest Native ISO
    •   9 Focus Points
    •   No Face Detection
    •   Image Stabilization
    •   Low Resolution Screen - 230k dot
    •   Low Max Continuous Shooting - 0.7 fps
    •   Orientation Sensor

    Wildlife Photography

    AVERAGE
    62

    Canon PowerShot SX20 IS gets a score of 62 and is AVERAGE choice for Wildlife photography.

    •   1,600 Highest Native ISO
    •   9 Focus Points
    •   Image Stabilization
    •   Low Resolution Screen - 230k dot
    •   Low Max Continuous Shooting - 0.7 fps
    •   No Environmental Sealing
    •   Orientation Sensor

    Portrait Photography

    AVERAGE
    69

    Canon PowerShot SX20 IS gets a score of 69 and is AVERAGE choice for Portrait photography.

    •   Small Sensor
    •   9 Focus Points
    •   No Face Detection
    •   Image Stabilization
    •   Screen Size - 2.50"
    •   Low Resolution Screen - 230k dot
    •   High Flash Sync Speed - 1/500 sec
    •   Orientation Sensor

    Street Photography

    GOOD
    81

    Canon PowerShot SX20 IS gets a score of 81 and is GOOD choice for Street photography.

    •   Small Sensor
    •   9 Focus Points
    •   Image Stabilization
    •   Fully Articulated Screen
    •   Low Resolution Screen - 230k dot
    •   No Built-in GPS
    •   No Environmental Sealing
    •   Weight - 600 g (1.32 lb / 21.16 oz)

    Travel Photography

    GOOD
    81

    Canon PowerShot SX20 IS gets a score of 81 and is GOOD choice for Travel photography.

    •   Image Stabilization
    •   Fully Articulated Screen
    •   Low Resolution Screen - 230k dot
    •   Low Video Resolution - 1280 x 720
    •   No Built-in GPS
    •   No Environmental Sealing
    •   Weight - 600 g (1.32 lb / 21.16 oz)

    Canon PowerShot SX20 IS Evaluation

    We evaluate Canon PowerShot SX20 IS and give score of 57 out of 100. We also give separate scores for 7 different categories according to the available features and specifications some of which are listed below. These evaluations are relative and may change each time a new camera is added to the database.


    OVERALL
    57

    Sensor

    POOR
    45

    We give Canon PowerShot SX20 IS a score of 45 for Sensor parameters.

    •   Small Sensor
    •   Low Resolution Sensor - 12.1 Megapixel
    •   80 Lowest Native ISO
    •   1,600 Highest Native ISO

    Photo

    AVERAGE
    63

    We give Canon PowerShot SX20 IS a score of 63 for Photo parameters.

    •   Timelapse Recording
    •   Image Stabilization
    •   Low Max Shutter Speed (Mechanical or 1st Curtain) - 1/3200 sec
    •   Low Max Continuous Shooting - 0.7 fps
    •   High Flash Sync Speed - 1/500 sec

    Video

    POOR
    43

    We give Canon PowerShot SX20 IS a score of 43 for Video parameters.

    •   Image Stabilization
    •   Low Video Resolution - 1280 x 720

    Focusing

    AVERAGE
    58

    We give Canon PowerShot SX20 IS a score of 58 for Focusing parameters.

    •   9 Focus Points
    •   No Face Detection
    •   Live View Autofocus

    Screen and Viewfinder

    GOOD
    77

    We give Canon PowerShot SX20 IS a score of 77 for Screen and Viewfinder parameters.

    •   Fully Articulated Screen
    •   Screen Size - 2.50"
    •   Low Resolution Screen - 230k dot

    Connectivity

    AVERAGE
    62

    We give Canon PowerShot SX20 IS a score of 62 for Connectivity parameters.

    •   HDMI Output
    •   No Microphone Input
    •   No Headphone Output
    •   No Built-in GPS
    •   No Built-In Wi-Fi
    •   No Built-In Bluetooth

    Battery, Storage and Physical

    POOR
    47

    We give Canon PowerShot SX20 IS a score of 47 for Battery, Storage and Physical parameters.

    •   No Environmental Sealing
    •   Weight - 600 g (1.32 lb / 21.16 oz)


    For a full specification list please go to the specifications page:

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