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
4
A Fantastic Value
on May 26, 2010
Posted by: PowerShotUser
from Worcester, MA
When it came time to purchase a new digital camera, I researched many different cameras and concluded the Canon SX20IS was the one. It has everything I am looking for in a digital camera. I LOVE THE LENS! Being able to zoom from 28mm-560mm(35mm eq) is a BIG plus. I don't have to lug around a bag full of lenses! The batteries last a long time - it even takes standard AA! I don't have to buy exotic or expensive batteries. Press the "ON" button and the camera is ready to shoot in less than 2 seconds. It can go full automatic or I can set exposure, flash, and focus manually. With the Speedlite 270EX flash I'm ready to go.
I was somewhat disapointed in the first test shots made with this camera. Then I stuck the pictures into my photo editing software, tweeked them and they came out perfect. I also use a competitors camera and the images don't require so much tweeking, BUT the images from the SX20IS are much more professional looking. My experience is the image requires a little more work in the lab. This camera does not like low-light conditions. It likes plenty of light.
On the down side: This camera is missing a RAW setting and there is no remote shutter release mechanism. These 2 features should be included. It has one really anoying feature. The images are stored in a folder on the SD card. Every day or every month (user selectable) the camera automaticly creates a new folder. I use a batch file to move the images onto my computer for processing. This feature has made it EXTREMELY difficult to program the batch file. I wish this feature could be turned OFF.
I have not tried the movie feature of this camera yet.
The Canon SX20IS was the right choice for me. I have rediscovered the fun of taking pictures with a decent camera.
Pros: good battery life, Nice features/settings, excellent image quality, Bright LCD, Lightweight/Portable, Simple controls/menu, easy to use, well made
Cons: Missing features/settings
I would recommend this to a friend!
Written by a customer while visiting usa.canon.com
Customer Rating
4
Very Nice Camera/Camcorder
on May 25, 2010
Posted by: txn999
from Texas
I bought this to replace Canon Powershot A630 point-and-shoot which didn't have Image Stabilization and the indoor picture quality was unacceptably soft 50% of the times.
This SX20 IS definitely fixed the 2 problems I had with the A630.
On SX20 IS, pictures were rock solid thanks to Optical IS and indoor picture were no longer unacceptable.
I set the dial to P (not Auto) and resolution to 8 Megapixels and use the default for everything else. I am happy with the result.
This SX20 IS definitely fixed the 2 problems I had with the A630.
On SX20 IS, pictures were rock solid thanks to Optical IS and indoor picture were no longer unacceptable.
I set the dial to P (not Auto) and resolution to 8 Megapixels and use the default for everything else. I am happy with the result.
I didn't buy this SX20IS for the HD video feature, but I was pleasantly surprized at how good the video quality was and how easy it was to record video.
Simply press the video button to record video anytime. No need to turn any dial. Wow, very convenient.
The video quality was definitely 720p, sharp and nice color when play through the HDMI port.
While the video was being recorded, I could press the photo button to snap a picture. Very convenient.
But there was a downside (explained in the manual).
If I snapped a picture while video was being recorded, the video would be interrupted by a very brief black screen. On playback, you would see see the blackscreen. I guess I could edit out the blackscreen to make video seamless.
Simply press the video button to record video anytime. No need to turn any dial. Wow, very convenient.
The video quality was definitely 720p, sharp and nice color when play through the HDMI port.
While the video was being recorded, I could press the photo button to snap a picture. Very convenient.
But there was a downside (explained in the manual).
If I snapped a picture while video was being recorded, the video would be interrupted by a very brief black screen. On playback, you would see see the blackscreen. I guess I could edit out the blackscreen to make video seamless.
The built-in flash was nothing to brag about. I try to avoid using the built-in flash unless the camera's shutter speed became too slow to overcome vibrations.
Overall, I am very satisfied with the SX20 IS.
It's a big step up from simple point-and-shoot cameras and well worth the price.
It's a big step up from simple point-and-shoot cameras and 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
Cons: Heavy/Bulky
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
just got better
on May 15, 2010
Posted by: clif
from northwest
I turned in an earlier review saying I was disappointed in the sx20 but decided to go back and buy another after returning the first one. I had great luck with my sx10 so was determined to fully check out the sx20. Sure enough as I suspected the first one was a dud, this second one is right on and super sharp, even better than the sx10. If you set this camera on 8 megapixel it's a lot shaper than set on 12, I tried this because on another camera test site this is what a tester experienced. I guess all camera's of the same model are not created equal so if you have one that's not doing what is expected of it go return it for another one, maybe you had one from a monday or friday production run. You know what they say," Don't buy a monday or friday produced car, get one made in the middle of the week"!
Pros: Good Low-Light Performance, Nice features/settings, excellent image quality, Bright LCD, easy to use
Cons: no printed manual what a bummer
I would recommend this to a friend!
Written by a customer while visiting usa.canon.com
Customer Rating
5
on May 12, 2010
Posted by: Anonymous
This camera is very technical so i do not recommend it to any one that has a hard time with technology. However it is also great in that it takes the pictures how i want them and when i want them. I give it full stars for being worth the money.
I would recommend this to a friend!
Written by a customer while visiting usa.canon.com
Customer Rating
3
second best
on May 9, 2010
Posted by: birddog
from northwest
This is the third canon digital camera that I've owned. I've had the S5, SX10 and now the SX20. I have to say that if you want sharp pictures buy the SX120 IS or try to find a new SX10. I'm not going to keep the SX20, really disappointed in the picture quality compared to those other camera's, not as sharp, too soft, not consistent. Maybe I got a friday camera or something, sure wish I had kept my SX10.
Pros: Nice features/settings, Simple controls/menu, easy to use
Cons: Poor image quality, Poor Low-Light Performance
No, I would not recommend this to a friend.
Written by a customer while visiting usa.canon.com
Customer Rating
5
One Great Camera
on May 7, 2010
Posted by: Aunt T
from Bakersfield, CA
I've been using this camera now for two months and I love it. I wonder now why I waited so long to buy it. The picture quality is great, as well as the color. I love the zoom. The pop-up flash works real well in illuminating the subjects without causing them to be to ghostly white. It is a little bit heavy, but well worth the extra weight, the neck strap helps. I use enelope rechargeable batteries and they last a really long time, plus you can re-use them so that will save money. It uses AA batteries so if you need to they can be purchased anywhere. I love that it looks like a SRL camera, but has the ease of a point and shot plus. I'm still in the learning stages, but definitely worth the buy.
Pros: good battery life, Good Low-Light Performance, Nice features/settings, excellent image quality, durable, Bright LCD, Simple controls/menu, easy to use
Cons: Heavy/Bulky
I would recommend this to a friend!
Written by a customer while visiting usa.canon.com
Customer Rating
4
Very good Camera
on May 5, 2010
Posted by: Trackjoker
from Decatur,GA
This is a very good camera. Purchased it about a month ago. Very good. If price went down I recommend it.
Pros: good battery life, Good Low-Light Performance, Nice features/settings, excellent image quality, durable, Bright LCD, Simple controls/menu
Cons: Heavy/Bulky
I would recommend this to a friend!
Written by a customer while visiting usa.canon.com