Test Images (click to enlarge)
Still Life	Multi Target

Basic Specifications
Resolution:	12.10 Megapixels
Lens:	20.00x zoom (28-560mm eq.)
Viewfinder:	EVF / LCD
LCD Size:	2.5 inch
ISO:	80-3200
Shutter:	15-1/3200
Max Aperture:	2.8
Mem Type:	SD / SDHC
Battery:	4 x AA
Dimensions:	4.9 x 3.5 x 3.4 in. (124 x 88 x 87 mm)
Weight:	19.8 oz (560 g)
MSRP:	$400
Availability:	09/2009

12.10 Megapixels	20.00x zoom	2.5 inch LCD

The Canon SX20IS follows up last year's SX10IS model - itself an update of 2007's popular long-zoom S5 IS model. Compared to the SX10IS, Canon has again upped the resolution slightly, taking the SX20 from a ten megapixel sensor to a twelve megapixel chip of identical size. The Canon SX20's body is nearly identical to that of its predecessor, the only noticeable changes being to the screen-printed labels where a feature change has necessitated a different label. As was the case with its predecessor, with dimensions of 4.9 x 3.5 x 3.4 inches (124 x 88 x 87mm) and weighing in at 19.8 ounces (560g) including battery and flash card, the Canon SX20IS won't fit in your pocket - but then that's hardly surprising given the reach of its powerful zoom lens.

The Canon PowerShot SX20 combines its twelve megapixel sensor with a 20x optical zoom lens, which offers the range from a useful 28mm wide angle to a whopping 560mm telephoto. Maximum aperture varies from f/2.8 at wide angle to f/5.7 at telephoto. As the "IS" in the SX20's name would suggest, it includes Canon's Image Stabilization technology, helping fight the effects of blur from camera shake - absolutely vital at the longer focal lengths. Images are framed and reviewed on a 2.5-inch color LCD display or a 0.44-inch electronic viewfinder, both of which have 100% coverage and resolutions in the region of 235,000 dots.

The Canon PowerShot SX20 IS offers not only a selection of scene modes and a Program auto mode, but also the ability to control shutter and/or aperture manually. Canon's implementation of face detection is included, and the face detection functionality is linked not only to the autofocus system, but also to the exposure metering and white balance systems to ensure correct exposure of portraits as well. When focusing in dim light, a green LED provides for AF-assist. For the more experienced photographer, there's a wide range of adjustments and customizations on hand, including a range of ISO sensitivities from 80 to 1,600 equivalent, and three metering modes - evaluative, center-weighted, and spot.Shutter speeds vary from 15 to 1/3,200 second, and the maximum flash synch speed is 1/250 second. Compared to its predecessor, the PowerShot SX20 offers slightly increased flash range when the ISO sensitivity is under automatic control, with a maximum reach of 22 feet at wide angle, or 12 feet at telephoto. Continuous burst-mode shooting is possible at one frame per second, rather reduced from the 1.4 fps possible with the SX10.

The most significant change in the Canon SX20IS when compared to the SX10 can be found in the movie modes. Where the earlier camera was limited to shooting at standard-definition resolutions of VGA or below, the newer model is capable of recording high-definition 1280 x 720 pixel (720p) clips. The SX20IS retains its predecessor's framerate of 30 frames per second, as well as its stereo microphone. Sadly, Canon has dropped the Sound Memo and Sound Recorder functions from the SX20IS' playback mode, even though the hardware necessary to offer them is all present. The Sound Memo function allowed recording of short audio clips up to one minute in length to annotate an image - perhaps to describe the circumstances of the photo, the settings, or the names of those present. The Sound Recorder function allowed audio-only clips as long as two hours to be captured, letting the SX10 take the place of a dedicated audio recorder. Neither function is to be found in the SX20.

One further change of note is that where the SX10 offered only standard definition NTSC / PAL video output, the Canon SX20 also includes a high definition HDMI connector. There's also USB 2.0 high-speed computer connectivity. The Canon PowerShot SX20 IS stores images on Secure Digital or MultiMediaCard media, including the newer (and higher capacity) SDHC types. Images are saved in one of two JPEG compression settings, where the SX10 offered three choices. Movies are saved as MOV files using H.264 compression. Like its predecessor the SX10, the Canon SX10IS runs on four AA batteries - either alkaline disposables, or NiMH rechargeables. A set of alkaline disposables is included in the product bundle.

Retail pricing for the Canon PowerShot SX20 IS is set at the same US$400 point at which the SX10 shipped a year earlier. Availability is set for September 2009.