Canon Powershot SX20 IS review

20x zoom, vari-LCD and much more…

Styled like a DSLR but with ease of use and smaller sensors like compacts, superzoom cameras like the new Canon PowerShot SX20 IS have something to offer every photographer. Shoehorned into the hardwearing plastic body, is a massive 20x optical zoom, which offers users a 28mm wide angle and 560mm extreme telephoto reach. Following on from the SX10, the new model also add 720p

HD movie recording with stereo sound into the mix, helping to justify that £389 price tag.

Powered by four AA cells, the PowerShot SX20 is weighty (over 600g in total) but the battery grip gives photographers a firm hold and the dimensions still remain compact enough to slip into a large jacket pocket when out for a day trip with the family. And family friendly it is, with a Guide mode built in that flashes brief explanations of features selected along the bottom of the (rather small) 2.5” LCD. Perfect for new digital photographers or younger children to start learning the basics with.

That’s not to say this camera is aimed at beginners though, there’s plenty onboard for the more experienced user too. For creative opportunities, the hotshoe is found on the top plate, whilst round the back, a fairly clear electronic viewfinder can be located. The LCD with Live View is still present and correct, and although it is smaller than the standard 3” screens we have come to except, it does offer shooters a vari-angle flexibility which means that high and low shots are made easier, and the screen can even be rotated to lie flat against the camera back, preventing any scratches whilst in your pocket or bag. Switch between the LCD and EVF using the Disp button located on the rear of the SX20, which also toggles between different display options including framing lines and a histogram for aiding compositions.

On top of the camera, photographers will find the mode dial, which features a selection of modes for both advanced and beginner users. Included is Manual, Aperture Priority, Shutter Priority, Program, Custom as well as the usual range of automatic and scene modes. Rotate the dial and each selection has a clear demarcation with little chance of the dial accidentally being moved on.

The mode dial offers photographers access to the HD movie mode, although access can also be gained by pressing the dedicated button on the rear of the camera, labelled with a simple red dot. Press this to start and stop recording video clips. Video clips are of a good quality and the SX20 does take a few second to buffer these to memory, although this is to be expected.

Speed whilst shooting stills is excellent, with start up almost instantaneous and shutter lag minimal. The camera does not shoot RAW files (something some photographers may lament) however, this does mean recording speeds are fairly quick, and images sizes are kept manageably low.

Capturing images with the Canon SX20 IS is a pleasure, with tools like the MF (located on the top of the dpad) allowing users to determine focus manually, adding to the overall experience. The automatic modes all work well, with night and macro modes in particularly standing out. Manual modes are effective too and allow users to be as hands on (or off) as they want.

Images straight out of the camera are of a good quality, with noise and some distortions and softness becoming apparent at the longer end of the zoom and at mid to high ISOs (around 400 sees an incline on out Imatest charts).

Overal the Canon PowerShot SX20 IS is a likeable, quick and easy to use camera with many features on board to appeal to a broad spectrum of photographers. The anti-shake technology works well to ensure that hand held shots are possible, even with the mammoth 20x zoom in operation, and the bonus of HD movies will suit families who want the best of both the stills and video world.