Customer Reviews for Canon - PowerShot 12.1-Megapixel Digital Camera - Black
Customer Rating
4
Great bang for the buck
on November 10, 2009
Posted by: Zintkala
from Chicago, IL
First I should state that I was a professional photographer for 10 years shooting nature/fine art and commercial. My review will be more biased towards an advanced amatuer or pro user. Have had the camera for three weeks now and have shot extensively with it under a variety of conditions. Very impressed with the overall performance. First thing that is a must is to use rechargeable batteries. Using rechargeables the battery life is excellent. Lot going on elctronically and with standard batteries it drains them very quickly. The autmatic white balance does a very good job of correction, lot's of flexibilty using the different balance modes for creative effect or need for a good unadjusted image. I do not use the Auto mode very much so can't speak to that but I find the different Program, aperature and shutter priority modes very easy to use and like the 1/3 stop exposure compensation capablities. Controls are very intuitive for anyone that has ever used a decent SLR. I prefer to shoot in the Vivid mode for color correction as I feel that it gives better image quality. To some of the users stating it has poor low light performance, I must say that I disagree completely. Give it a second to lock focus and it will deliver excellent low light photos. Good technique is good technique and I have found that with the image stabilization onboard that I have been able to shoot very sharp and clear images handheld at as low as 1/4 of a second shutter speeds. Give the camera time to do it's thing and it performs very well. Excellent performance from the glass and very good coatings which keep colors true and flare to a minimum. Some say it is bulky but I tend to disagree. Very solid and stable platform that is easy to handle and use. Love the rotating LCD. Makes macro work much easier. Overall it is a very fine camera capable of delivering pro level performance if used right. Now for a few cons. Black and white mode does not shoot very well in my opinion. To me the images come out overexposed and washed out. Not a big deal for me though as I prefer to edit all of my images in Photoshop and have been able to produce some excellent BW images from color shots taken and then worked over on my computer. The built in flash is adequate for fill flash but does not provide full field coverage at wide angle and is not usable with the lens shade in place as it leaves a big dark area center bottom of the image. Use a Speedlight if you need to do a lot of flash work. I do wish the aperature stopped down less than F8. There are times that I would like greater depth of field or longer shutter speeds for artistic effect. Understandable though considering the design compromises to deliver a very fine megazoom lens in a relatively compact camera. Would I buy again? Absolutely and if I were a pro looking for a backup camera to throw in the bag I would be considering this camera for sure. Hope this was helpful and good shooting!
Pros: Nice features/settings, excellent image quality, good battery life
I would recommend this to a friend!
Written by a customer while visiting usa.canon.com
Customer Rating
4
Overall Great purchase with a couple minor glitche
on October 16, 2009
Posted by: RFranko
from Albuquerque, NM
Canon has put out another fine camera. I use the SX20 IS as a backup to my EOS 5D. Performance is great and the 12mp sensor gives really sharp images for its smaller sensor size compared to the 5D. The versatil 28-560 zoom is really a day saver. Canon is a jump ahead by including the portable flash hotshoe along with the pop-up flash; that was smart thinking! Using the camera for several weeks contineously, I have only a couple minor complaints. First I've got big mitts, and when holding the camera I tend to accidently push the buttons to the right of the thumb contact area. They need to move the buttons on top or to anoher area out of the way of gripping thumbs. Next, I pre-focus or set exposure by pushing the shutter button 1/2 way down, and then reframe my image. The shutter button is overly sensetive and I have taken more accidential photos while reframing then I can count. It's really a hair trigger. The next and probably biggest jaw tightener is No hardcopy owner's manual. This camera is complex enough that a manual in the camera bag is mandatory to look up those features you tend not to use frequently but need. With all the bells and whistles you surely need a hard copy owners manual. OK book publishers, there is your chance! The last and probably most important. Why didn't Canon include RAW as one of their shooting formats? For a camera of this quality, I feel Canon flubbed not having it. I hope they will have a firmware update for this soon..HINT. Some people complain about having AA batteries as the power source as it adds weight to the camera. However, I find AA batteries an advantage. Being able to pick up new batteries at most any store is great. However, I'm not totally convinced I got 340 shots from the in the box batteries, but I didn't count and there was a lot of geting aquainted before I went out and ahot 60 frames before I got the onscreen notice, "replace batteries." With the ability to use NiMhd recharagables you are really ahead and are suppose to get 600 shots if fully charged. Alkaline or NiMhd over the counter both beat an OEM spare battery and charger. Another smart move by Canon. I've compared other manufactures of equal features and pricing and Canon wins again, inspite of not having RAW. Overall a 4 star product.
Written by a customer while visiting usa.canon.com
Customer Rating
5
Love It!
on August 31, 2009
Posted by: Swimmer
from Missouri
I was all ready to buy the SX10 IS (which is the same as this camera, only it's 10 MP instead of 12 MP), when I discovered this new model was at my local electronics store.
I would first like to say that this camera takes EXCELLENT photos. If someone is not getting crisp, sharp & beautiful photos, maybe they should set the camera to "Super Fine" prints on the "Largest" prints setting. This camera couldn't be any more sharper! The photos are still sharp and crisp even after I've reduced the resolution to 1600x1200 on my computer (for hard drive storage purposes).
I love the feel of this "bulky" camera...it makes it feel like a camera should. It's not made of cheap plastic suitable for "toy" cameras. It's sturdy and if that adds weight, it's OK with me. The battery door doesn't feel like it'll ever break; the memory card door is just as well made. There are a lot of metal parts on this camera--which, quite frankly--you cannot find on other brands.
The color is outstanding whether you use the "regular" color mode or the "vivid" mode...it's a matter of personal preference.
I could go on and on...Read all the "pros" I've listed and you'll see why I chose this camera.
I own 5 digital cameras and this one is my favorite. I cannot find one major fault with this camera. Years ago, we purchased an analog Hi-8 Canon camcorder which we loved. So...Canon knows how to make quality cameras, period!
Pros: price (very reasonable), hd video, build (sturdy and heavy), photo quality (perfect), ease of use, long battery life (uses rechargeables), can be manual or automatic, the ultra long zoom, fold-out and movable lcd screen, super macro mode
Cons: no lens cap strap, no printed extensive user manual, lcd could be 3" instead of 2.5", some buttons too close to one another
I would recommend this to a friend!
Written by a customer while visiting usa.canon.com
Customer Rating
5
Amazing Camera
on January 13, 2010
Posted by: Captain
from Erie, Pennsylvania
I purchased this camera for my 20 year old son as a Christmas gift, and he started shooting photos and video immediately after he opened the box. He is a 4.0 Honors student at American University, and I was concerned that my choice of camera would not meet his expectations. Not to worry. He was blown away with the performance and quality. The stills and video we shot were exceptional. Some video scenes and stills were shot with only candle light or Christmas tree bulbs illuminating the shots. The scenes looked like they were designed by a Hollywood lighting director. He photographed birds thirty yards away feeding against bright snow. Even at that distance he was able to frame the birds close up, and most impressive, he was able to expose the snow and birds perfectly in spite of the great contrast. The stereo mics were tested for voice quality from five yards away and the audio quality was excellent. The outdoor shots recorded beautiful winter cloud formations against patches of blue sky. Again, the contrast was recorded as seen by the human eye. In addition to a great close up lens, the lens is really wide and allows great group shots at close range. I cannot say enough positive comments about this camera, especially considering the amazing price. I have been shooting motion picture film, video and still photos for many years, and I cannot believe how lucky we are to have such amazing tools to shoot video and film as this camera. Thank you Canon engineers for your great work.
Pros: good battery life, Good Low-Light Performance, Nice features/settings, excellent image quality, durable, Bright LCD, Lightweight/Portable, Simple controls/menu, easy to use, great price, great image stabilization, great stereo mics
I would recommend this to a friend!
Written by a customer while visiting usa.canon.com
Customer Rating
5
Pro Quality
on September 7, 2009
Posted by: ProBill
from Norton, Ohio
Have had camera for 3 days, have waited for it since heard he SX10 was being updated. Used it quite a bit in the 3 days and enjoy it a lot. As a retired Pro Photographer who only used 2-1/4 format for portraits and weddings, this camers gives me a lot of features. The quality so far is great. The zoom is quick and gives good results. I especially love the hot shoe, so us photographers can use some of our more powerful strobes to reach out for great pictures. Can't wait to use the HD movie feature also to use with my studio lights and take portraits and see how well it does Will update this site as I try other features.
Pros: easy to use, Simple controls/menu, Nice features/settings, Bright LCD, excellent image quality, Good Low-Light Performance, Lightweight/Portable
Cons: no in detail manual
I would recommend this to a friend!
Written by a customer while visiting usa.canon.com
Customer Rating
5
LOVE this camera!! Canon is STILL the BEST!!
on May 18, 2010
Posted by: Chellebin
from Cincinnati, OH
I have always loved Canon, not only for their quality lens, super quick speed but also their flash that seems to extend just as far as you may need it.
Now, I have taken my love for Canon further with my recent purchase. I have always loved my handy pocket size Elph versions and I spare little cost when purchasing. However, I was looking for something with a more powerful zoom that I didn't need to take a class on how to use. My newest camera, the SX20IS was recommended by a professional photographer. It's many features made it her everyday camera in addition to her professional one.
I have never been happier. I have photographed wildlife from over 100 feet away and have been amazed at the clarity. My first encounter with a Bald Eagle in the wild was captured beautifully. My standard point and click would never have allowed me to do this.
Go Canon!
Pros: good battery life, Good Low-Light Performance, Nice features/settings, excellent image quality, durable, Bright LCD, Lightweight/Portable, Simple controls/menu, easy to use
Cons: wish my lens cap could be connected somehow
I would recommend this to a friend!
Written by a customer while visiting usa.canon.com
Customer Rating
5
Great Little Camera!
on November 9, 2010
Posted by: JIMIR
from Great Smoky Mountains, TN
I must start by revealing that I am a loyal Canon user. I have used a Rebel for over three years now and love it. But, sometimes there are instance where all those lenses and bags full of stuff do not work(Birthday parties, Family reunions and such. I read hundreds of reviews all over the internet concerning this product and am glad I did. I purchased this camera for an easy-to-use product for my wife, but boy, did I ever get my money's worth. This little camera takes fantastic stills and unbelieveable HD video! All the features (which I will let Canon list) are very easy to use and easy to remember. Colors are great and sound on the video is a great surprise for anyone use to a regular camcorder. I don't understand some of the reviews talking about weak colors and such. Methinks this is due to a lack of curiosity concerning all settings available for use by the customer! I absolutely love this camera for above average photos and video for average users, such as my wife. I may swipe it quite often for uses where I may be taking reference photos and such. My recommendation is YES! BUY THIS CAMERA!!
Pros: ease of use, great stills, fantastic video, price, easy use of the lcd monitor
Cons: slow continuous shooting, a little heavy, cheap strap, cheap lens hood
I would recommend this to a friend!
Written by a customer while visiting usa.canon.com
Customer Rating
5
Happy Purchase!
on November 29, 2009
Posted by: Molehole man
from Knoxville, TN
Love my new SX20IS Easy to use and gives great pictures. Using the zoom at 20x gives great pictures. The movies are really good. Can zoom in and out while taking movies plus can snap stills while your taking movies. The 12 pixels is more than I thought I would ever need but will be great for enlargements or for cropping pictures. Only drawback I have to get used to is lifting the flash before it will work. Lens cover is an easy fix with an attachment I bought that attaches to cover and elastic band goes around lens. On a scale of 1 to 10 I rate it an 11
Pros: good battery life, Good Low-Light Performance, Nice features/settings, excellent image quality, durable, Bright LCD, Lightweight/Portable, Simple controls/menu, easy to use
Cons: have to lift flash to use
I would recommend this to a friend!
Written by a customer while visiting usa.canon.com