Canon PowerShot SX20 IS Digital Compact Camera

* 20x wide-angle (28-560mm iequivalent) zoom lens with IS
* 12.1 MP CCD (new)
* 2.5 inch vari-angle PureColor VA LCD
* Smart Auto mode with Scene Detection Technology
* DIGIC 4
* Motion Detection (new)
* Face Detection
* Enhanced i-Contrast (new)
* HD movies (720p) with HDMI output (new)
* Hot shoe for external flash


Our opinion:

This camera is almost an DSLR - not only in looks! It has a fantastic lens, with a zoom range that will serve you well in all situations. The 28mm wide-angle is perfect for landscape and interiors - and the 560mm reach of the built-in telephoto with optical image stabilizer is perfect for wildlife photography (including Safaris)!

The SX20 features all of Canon's latest innovations and technologies. Face detection works in photos and movies - and the new 'Face Select & Track' setting worked brilliantly when we tried it out. Canon's newly enhanced i-Contrast feature improves the dynamic range of photos taken with the SX20 by boosting brightness and retaining details in dark areas. We also love that movies have been upgraded to HD movies (720P) in this model - and - you'll hardly believe it: you won't have to go near any camera menu settings because the SX20 features a dedicated movie record button!

At 560g, the PowerShot SX20 is not light by digital compact camera standards, however, the excellent image quality is well worth the extra weight.

Highly recommended *****



Manufacturer's description:

Wide-angle superzoom
A 20x wide-angle (28mm) optical zoom provides outstanding telephoto reach for stills and movies alike; plus, with Ultrasonic Motor (USM) and Voice Coil Motor (VCM), zooming and focus are fast, accurate and near-silent. Canon’s optical IS technology works across the zoom range, to counteract the blur caused by camera shake.

12.1 Megapixels
A 12.1 Megapixel sensor captures the detail you need to make stunning, large-scale prints, or creatively crop images to perfection.

2.5 inch vari-angle LCD
A 2.5 inch vari-angle PureColor VA provides a comfortable way to shoot from almost any position. Quick-Bright and Night Display functions enhance screen visibility in bright or low light.

Smart Auto and Shooting Modes
Smart Auto mode analyses subject brightness, contrast, distance, hue and movement. Intelligent Scene Detection Technology then selects the scene type from 22 variables, applying the best settings for optimum output. 24 dedicated shooting modes include full Manual for complete control.

DIGIC 4 processing
Canon’s DIGIC 4 processor drives exceptional processing speeds, responsive operation, superb image quality and colour reproduction. Advanced Noise Reduction ensures richly detailed, clean images, even at high ISO speeds.

Anti-blur
The PowerShot SX20 IS combats blur with Motion Detection Technology. Several advanced methods determine camera and subject movement, ISO settings are then adjusted for optimum results. Blur is also combated by Servo AF/AE, which retains focus on moving subjects while continuously adjusting exposure.

Face Detection Technology
For perfect portraits, the PowerShot SX20 IS features Canon Face Detection Technology. Face Select & Track lets you select a particular face as the main subject, while FaceSelf-Timer makes group photos easy - taking a shot after an extra face enters the frame.

i-Contrast
In shooting or playback, enhanced i-Contrast optimises dynamic range according to the scene- retaining detail in shadows and preventing overexposure of highlights. The result is natural images with the best possible contrast.

HD movies and HDMI output
Shoot HD movies (720p, 30fps) with CD quality stereo sound – ready for sharing on any HDTV via an HDMI connection.

Speedlite compatible
For extended shooting options and creative lighting, the PowerShot SX20 IS is compatible with many models in Canon’s EX Speedlite flash range.