Customer reviews from usa.canon.com
Canon - PowerShot 12.1-Megapixel Digital Camera - Black
Average customer rating
4.5
(219 Reviews)
Rating breakdown 219 reviews
5 Stars
145
4 Stars
46
3 Stars
16
2 Stars
9
1 Star
3
87%of customers recommend this product.
(
191 out of
219)
Customer Reviews for Canon - PowerShot 12.1-Megapixel Digital Camera - Black
Customer Rating
5
Simply Amazing
on March 8, 2010
Posted by: Meg
from Ohio
This camera is truly amazing. The quality is wonderful and I wish I could post a few pictures to accompany this review. To be honest I did not know all the features of the camera when I purchased it. I was impressed by the zoom and quality that was shown through the display screen. I really thought the pivoting screen was unique and it wasn't until I got it home that I realized the screen flipped around and clicked into place to display like most digital cameras. I recently went to a festival and used the screens agility to my advantage. It helped me raise the camera far above my head with the screen facing down to my point of view so I could take pictures above other audience members heads to avoid those photos that would be wonderful if it weren't for the first row of "back of the head shots". The movable screen also helps in taking self-portraits and being satisfied with the first shot. Now this is where I decided I would write a review. It was snowing and I decided to take a picture of myself in the snow. Once I got the photo on my computer it was an expanded view and I could not believe the beautiful quality. The camera had captured a snow flake in my hair, it looked as if it were under a microscope. Being able to zoom while taking video was a wonderful surprise as well. The only con was every now and then if I just carelessly take a photo it seems to blur but that is by my own hand and movement. I have not took a blurry photo since by holding the grip more firmly. Really I have no complaints and feel that it is well worth the price!
Pros: good battery life, Good Low-Light Performance, Nice features/settings, excellent image quality, durable, Bright LCD, Simple controls/menu, easy to use
I would recommend this to a friend!
Written by a customer while visiting usa.canon.com
Customer Rating
5
Excellent Camera
on November 1, 2010
Posted by: Gunny
from Chattanooga, TN
First it is important to note that it's a good idea to have some rudimental knowledge of photography to fully appreciate the SX20. This is a feature packed camera with countless ways to capture images from manual shooting modes to fully automatic. I've been using this camera for three months as my primary and only camera with great results right out of the box. However, I get the best results on a consistent basis shooting in a shutter-preferred mode.
I have tried other modes with good and some really fun results. Unless you shoot a lot every day it will take some time to really discover all of this camera's capabilities. If you are considering the next best thing to a DSLR, the SX20 iS should be on your list. Read this web-site's specs and details concerning this camera. I have not had any experience as described in some of the negative reviews. This is a great camera that truly deserves consideration. Oh yeah, the camcorder function is phenomenal. Two cameras in one.
I have tried other modes with good and some really fun results. Unless you shoot a lot every day it will take some time to really discover all of this camera's capabilities. If you are considering the next best thing to a DSLR, the SX20 iS should be on your list. Read this web-site's specs and details concerning this camera. I have not had any experience as described in some of the negative reviews. This is a great camera that truly deserves consideration. Oh yeah, the camcorder function is phenomenal. Two cameras in one.
Pros: easy on batteries when using diopter view-finder, dedicated flash hot shoe, good ergonomics, easy to adjust for most lighting situations
Cons: none
I would recommend this to a friend!
Written by a customer while visiting usa.canon.com
Customer Rating
5
Great in between camera
on January 9, 2010
Posted by: DraftTeach
from Montgomery,Alabama
After spending a couple of weeks finding all of the settings, I am very satisfied. The only thing I wish I could control better is the depth of field. The lens is perfect for point and shoot in that it has so much flexibilty . The downside is that there are limits with this type lens. I would love to take a portrait that pops out with the background blurred. The only option for me is to use lens blur in Photoshop or possibly attach a lens blur filter to the end of the lens. Overall though I love this little camera
Pros: good battery life, Good Low-Light Performance, excellent image quality, durable, Bright LCD, Lightweight/Portable, Simple controls/menu, easy to use
Cons: Missing features/settings
I would recommend this to a friend!
Written by a customer while visiting usa.canon.com
Customer Rating
5
Wish I bought this sooner !!!
on August 14, 2010
Posted by: Shorty
from New Jersey
I was in the market to purchase a new digital,moving up from 3x zoom which began to be frustrating to capture distance pics and low light.At the time I could not find a compact with a larger zoom so I had 3 in mind,my 1st choice was this Canon,then 2 others.Unfortunately I bought one of the other choices,took it on vacation,took great photos,easy to use,etc however had problems transferring & other issues.I returned it & bought this Canon Powershot SX20 IS...wow,should have went with my first instinct.. I am a semi beginner & was able to open it up ,read the manual,learn the basics ,began shooting with ease.Took it on another vacation ,transferred pics only to find out how beautiful my photos were... I love all the features in this camera,I can make a certain area of the photo in color while the rest is in black & white,something I could only do with a software program. I can take photos in low light with no problem.This camera is a little larger than what I set out to originally buy but the photos I got out of it is worth the size,it really is not that big,I can still carry it around & put it in my purse.The fact I do not have to turn on the camera to view my photos is a big plus for me,as I am always reviewing.I have a 12 year old granddaughter who has also used this camera and finds it to be easy.My husband was very impressed with all of the features on it & too has begun to use it ( that is when I am not).He used a film camera for years.I love the zoom which was the one of the features that led me to this camera.I am now able to sit back at a concert & take photos of my favorite singer in low light & capture all his facial expressions from a distance. I used the same rechargeable batteries with a 4GB card & maybe had to change once,after taking 900+ photos in 12megapixels.We are thinking of purchasing this same camera for my hubby,so he can have his own. The price was good for the quality and features of my CanonPowershot SX20IS. I would recommend this camera for anyone and who is willing to read the manual.
Pros: easy to use & fantastic photos
Cons: none
I would recommend this to a friend!
Written by a customer while visiting usa.canon.com
Customer Rating
5
Awesome Pictures
on August 19, 2010
Posted by: ol dude
from Omaha, Ne
I received this camera from my work for twenty years of service. It takes awesome pictures as well as HD videos. I was taking a picture of a flower bush from 40 feet away, I zoomed in on a Bee and when I downloaded it to my PC , I could see the transparent wings of the Bee. The face recognition feature is a great feature when taking pictures of my new grandaughter. Is over 500 pictures of her in a week, too much? Anyway, it has so many features, I'm still learning new tricks.
Pros: easy to use, great pictures, zoom is unbeliveable, batteries last a long time
Cons: lens cap not attached, canon doesn't make a carrying case
I would recommend this to a friend!
Written by a customer while visiting usa.canon.com
Customer Rating
5
Great purchase
on October 28, 2009
Posted by: Dottie
from Utah
This is a sweet little camera. I find the quality excellent, it's easy to use and the photos are sharp professional quality. I consider this a great purchase.
Pros: easy to use, Nice features/settings, Bright LCD, excellent image quality, Good Low-Light Performance, Lightweight/Portable, good battery life, durable
Cons: Complicated controls/menu
I would recommend this to a friend!
Written by a customer while visiting usa.canon.com
Customer Rating
5
Power Shot is Right!
on November 9, 2009
Posted by: ZShutterbug
from New Jersey
Though I have only owned the Canon Power Shot SX20IS for a short time, I have been around cameras long enough to know a winner when I see one. The zoom is absolutely phenomenol for a point and shoot ! I went out for a "test ride" with my new SX 20 to shoot the fall foliage while it was at its peak. The results are absolutely stunning! I was able to zoom in and actually catch the intricate veins of the leaves, and the shot is crisp and crystal clear - no fuzziness. I'm officially hooked, and I haven't even had the chance to play with all the available features.
Pros: easy to use, Simple controls/menu, Nice features/settings, Bright LCD, excellent image quality, good battery life, durable
I would recommend this to a friend!
Written by a customer while visiting usa.canon.com
Customer Rating
5
Good Purchase
on December 24, 2009
Posted by: georgus
from California
I have been using Canon cameras for years. I've owned a variety of their cameras over the years from their point and shoot line to the digital EOS line. I purchased this camera to replace my S5 IS, and I was happily surprised at the improved focusing, especially on closeup shots using the zoom. I did prefer the S5 menu setup though. The menu setup on this camera seems to have become more complicated with similar features. A 3" LCD would be nice too given the price point.
If I was forced to come up with a significant con, I would have to say the low light peformance on Auto. If one goes into the low light feature, or manual settings, it works just fine though, in my experience. I do recommend getting a flash for the hot shoe if you are going to take a considerable amount of pictures in low light in large spaces though.
Overall, a great camera.
Pros: good battery life, Nice features/settings, excellent image quality, durable, Bright LCD, easy to use
I would recommend this to a friend!
Written by a customer while visiting usa.canon.com