Canon PowerShot SX20IS 12.1MP Digital Camera with 20x Wide Angle Optical Image Stabilized Zoom and 2.5-inch Articulating LCD

Great Second or third Camera for travel

8/31/2010

I must first say that except for a Fuji point and shoot, all my cameras are Canon so I may sound a bit like a Canon commercial but I really like this camera. I purchased this camera as an upgrade to my S5IS. I am planning a cruise and am always afraid to take my DSLR cameras and lenses with me for fear of loss or theft and because of weight restrictions on the plane. I used the S5IS on a trip to Bermuda and was thrilled with the results. I created a DVD slide presentation and even on a 50 in HDTV, the shots were fantastic. This camera produces even better pictures, 12 megapixels as apposed to 8 for the S5IS and a 20 times optical zoom as compared with 12 for S5IS. The SX20IS has better video, more features, and a much better zoom. I was amazed with the first shots I took and even when using the digital zoom, the noise was very tolerable and easily fixed with a good photo program. Using the digital zoom, I printed great 4 X 6 prints that were clear and sharp. I also have a Canon G10, a Canon T1i with an 18 -270 Tamaron lens, and a Canon XTI with a Sigma 18 - 200 lens. When I compared the quality of photos between the these cameras and the SX20IS the DSLR did win but not by that much. For the price, the SX20IS will be a great camera to take on a trip where space and weight are of a concern. I recommend this camera to anyone who wants an upper end quality point and shoot camera.

Bad Camera

8/30/2010

I bought this camera in November of 2009 and 8 months later, the thing was eating my batteries like crazy. I would place a new set of batteries in and the camera immediately tells me they are bad and needs to be changed when the batteries are brand new! Would not recommend buying this camera!

Canon SX20 IS

8/28/2010

I am very pleased with its features and my results thus far. Two things to be aware of however. There are no actual filter threads (Canon says the lens construction doesn't permit them) and the owner's manual is on a disc. I'd like to see a printed manual offered at least as an added purchase item. There's a lot to know to take full advantage of its potential. I have found that a 52mm filter thread will work, but it does not thread on smoothly nor all the way in. It is a secure fit however.

Fantastic Camera - with a few quirks

8/26/2010

Great Camera! But here's a word to the wise - DON'T FORMAT THE CARD after you've taken pictures! It deleted all of my pictures that I took for my 30th birthday party...I was SO upset. I did download a software that retrieved them, but still - the camera gave absolutely no warning before it deleted 130 pictures. I was in shock. It is also a heavy camera, be prepared for your arm to get sore while trying to shoot moving subjects.

Other than that - I've taken some incredible photos and I've had the camera less than a week. It's easy to use, and captures wildlife effortlessly. I've taken some gorgeous photos of hummingbirds, and they aren't easy to photograph.

You will love this camera! It's definitely worth the money.

Love this Camera

8/25/2010

I bought this camera about 2 weeks ago, and so far I absolutely love it. I had debated between getting a nikon and a canon. Consumer Reports listed the Powershot SX10 IS as its best super zoom camera and so I figured that the Powershot SX20 IS would not be that much different.

I am not a professional photographer by any means - I just enjoy taking pictures. I haven't been able to take a bad picuture yet - the sharpness and quality are excellent. I really enjoy just playing around with the different features - although there is no instruction manuel to go along with the camera - you don't really need one - I just read the basics to get started and occasionally refer to it for different things. If you just play around with settings you can't really mess anything up.