Comments about Canon PowerShot SX20 IS Digital Camera - 12.1 Megapixel - 20x Optical Zoom - 4x Digital Zoom - Black:

Short battery life is kind of to be expected with a 20X zoom. If you use that zoom to the fullest extent, the motors just drain those batteries rather quickly.
What I mean with the not easy to use is that there are a lot of buttons and scrolling through menus and modes to find whatever you are looking for. Fortunately I was already used to the Canon way of doing this since I do own an S2 but I could see that for somebody who is not used to all the features and where they are "hidden" it is gonna take a while to get used to.
For the rest, the zoom is excellent and paired with a good image stabilization it produces wonderful pictures even when maxed out at 20X.
One of the better things about this camera compared to similar models is that it uses simple AA batteries. No special Li-ion battery packs that are sometimes hard to find. When your batteries run out you just go to the nearest store to buy new ones or you already have several sets charged and waiting.

Comments about Canon PowerShot SX20 IS Digital Camera - 12.1 Megapixel - 20x Optical Zoom - 4x Digital Zoom - Black:

I love everything about this camera except for the weight. It is still small enough to fit in my day pack but I can feel the extra weight after an hour of walking.

Comments about Canon PowerShot SX20 IS Digital Camera - 12.1 Megapixel - 20x Optical Zoom - 4x Digital Zoom - Black:

Great image stability on zoom
Color is fantastic
Many neat features that take some time to work through - finding new ones every time I pick up the camera.
Never owned a camcorder - this camera shoods excellent videos

Comments about Canon PowerShot SX20 IS Digital Camera - 12.1 Megapixel - 20x Optical Zoom - 4x Digital Zoom - Black:

General Photography, inside and out. Great zoom for sporting events. Photo quality very good and has quite a bit of flexibility built in once I figure out how to use it all.

Comments about Canon PowerShot SX20 IS Digital Camera - 12.1 Megapixel - 20x Optical Zoom - 4x Digital Zoom - Black:

Greatest use of Camera is on Macro and Super Macro of wild flowers.
The moveable LCD is a life saver and saves my knees by not having to kneel down for close to the ground shots. You could give up a lot of other functions for this feature.
The hand grip is not deep enough to allow comfortable carrying for any length of time.

Comments about Canon PowerShot SX20 IS Digital Camera - 12.1 Megapixel - 20x Optical Zoom - 4x Digital Zoom - Black:

When one is learning to operate this camera in the field to have a full manual would be nice.
Short movies and that zoom lens a must for wildlife.
Close-up and macro were super.
Face recognition and the self timer were a hoot.

Comments about Canon PowerShot SX20 IS Digital Camera - 12.1 Megapixel - 20x Optical Zoom - 4x Digital Zoom - Black:

I bought it specially for our vacation trip. Worked out to be a good deal. It has options to take pictures in all kinds of surrounding and environment. The panorama option is a nice feature. The sport feature is another one. The video quality is excellent. The only said thing I found is I think the flash is too strong and the face gets too much of light. That takes off 1/2*. So I rate it 4 1/2*. The size might look bulky for those who have used pocket sized camera so far but this one comes along with a neck belt which provides comfort in carrying.

Comments about Canon PowerShot SX20 IS Digital Camera - 12.1 Megapixel - 20x Optical Zoom - 4x Digital Zoom - Black:

My prior super-zoom is a Canon S2IS. Operation of the SX20IS is very similar with a number of upgrades. With the S2IS as a starting point, learning the new camera is a piece of cake!

Comments about Canon PowerShot SX20 IS Digital Camera - 12.1 Megapixel - 20x Optical Zoom - 4x Digital Zoom - Black:

Takes great pictures on auto setting, try using p setting to make a sun rise look exceptional camera sets it up like a sunset

Comments about Canon PowerShot SX20 IS Digital Camera - 12.1 Megapixel - 20x Optical Zoom - 4x Digital Zoom - Black:

a little to fast on the shot button - need a light touch

Comments about Canon PowerShot SX20 IS Digital Camera - 12.1 Megapixel - 20x Optical Zoom - 4x Digital Zoom - Black:

Upgraded from a Canon Powershot to the SX20 IS. Amazing zoom. The auto setting does a great job of selecting what mode it wants. The separate record button is a good idea too. No more trying to spin the selector dial to get to video. It definitely won't fit in your pocket, but the higher quality pictures are worth it. My wife, who is the serious photog said it was like using a real camera again.

Comments about Canon PowerShot SX20 IS Digital Camera - 12.1 Megapixel - 20x Optical Zoom - 4x Digital Zoom - Black:

Intuative menu and responsive. I really like separate photo and video buttons. Picture quality superb though wish the video was 1080p instead of 720p. Would also be nice if the camera case had a couple of pockets or pouches for extra batteries and memory cards.

Comments about Canon PowerShot SX20 IS Digital Camera - 12.1 Megapixel - 20x Optical Zoom - 4x Digital Zoom - Black:

great photos of vacations, family photos & anytime.

Comments about Canon PowerShot SX20 IS Digital Camera - 12.1 Megapixel - 20x Optical Zoom - 4x Digital Zoom - Black:

The best thing about this camera is that it doesn't have interchangeable lenses. This limitation means that you don't have to travel with a heavy camera bag carrying accessory lenses, filters, and other additional gear.

If you take this camera on a trip you will find that you will come back with more and better photos than others in your group with more expensive equipment.

This camera will help you to enjoy where you are and what you are looking at instead of fussing with equipment.

The sensor in this camera captures colors and tonality better than any camera I have ever owned.

Highly recommended.

Comments about Canon PowerShot SX20 IS Digital Camera - 12.1 Megapixel - 20x Optical Zoom - 4x Digital Zoom - Black:

I use this product now for volleyball tournaments. It is not to bulky to handle but has
long enough zoom to take some good action shots.
I got a nice camera bag with extra pockets for
money, charge card, keys and leave my purse in
the car. Great auto mode I just leave it on auto and takes great pictures. I like the screen and view finder mode alot. One turns off when you turn the other one on. Also it is easy to review
the pictures I have taken and to delete ones I do
not want to keep. Overall I am very happy with my purchase. You need to purchase a card separate as one does not come with it, just so you know. Good luck!

Comments about Canon PowerShot SX20 IS Digital Camera - 12.1 Megapixel - 20x Optical Zoom - 4x Digital Zoom - Black:

Have not been able to use it very much but everything has been relatively simple with good results. I've been especially pleased with the zoom feature. Mainly used in taking bird photos in my back yard.

Comments about Canon PowerShot SX20 IS Digital Camera - 12.1 Megapixel - 20x Optical Zoom - 4x Digital Zoom - Black:

This camera replaces having to take two cameras one for still pictures and one for video. Great whenever you are traveling since you can really can take some fantastic HD videos as well as hihg quilty pcitures. It difently a All in one camera. Worth the price we paid for it trust me.

Comments about Canon PowerShot SX20 IS Digital Camera - 12.1 Megapixel - 20x Optical Zoom - 4x Digital Zoom - Black:

I was looking for replacement of my cannon s90I have got teh Philips first and then Cannon IS 20. I honestly do not understand why are these canmeras [$] picture quality is .... poor, no stabilization

Comments about Canon PowerShot SX20 IS Digital Camera - 12.1 Megapixel - 20x Optical Zoom - 4x Digital Zoom - Black:

Great overall. I have owned the 5mp version for 3 yrs and loved it. This is much better with higher zoom and better video. Wish shutter speed was quicker for action sports shots but I have only had it about 3 weeks. I would highly recommend this to anyone looking for a great camera at a resonable price

Comments about Canon PowerShot SX20 IS Digital Camera - 12.1 Megapixel - 20x Optical Zoom - 4x Digital Zoom - Black:

Excellent camera for those looking for something just this side of an slr. Straight out the box my eight year old was taking shots that were phenomenal. Other reviewers have indicated having trouble using this camera in this situation or that. We just got back from taking it on a Disney cruise so it ran the gamut from full sun at the pool/beach to nighttime fireworks from poorly lit theatres to mildly lit dining from inside the cabin and hallways to high celing atriums. The only bad shots were user error of an eight year old (ie walking and shooting on a slow shutter speed or focussing and then letting the subject change distances prior to shooting). Every shot that was taken with any degree of seriousness came out amazing.

Comments about Canon PowerShot SX20 IS Digital Camera - 12.1 Megapixel - 20x Optical Zoom - 4x Digital Zoom - Black:

This camera takes great pictures for the price. I keep it with me and can take pictures at anytime. It is the type of camera that you can pull out quick and get a great looking picture.

Comments about Canon PowerShot SX20 IS Digital Camera - 12.1 Megapixel - 20x Optical Zoom - 4x Digital Zoom - Black:

I purchased this camera to replace my Canon PowerShot A540. I'm headed to Europe in a month, and wanted something that had a greater optical zoom. I'm no professional, so whatever I bought had to be easy for the average person to learn how to use. I have not been disappointed.I haven't tried all the 'bells and whistles' yet, but the quality of the photos is exponentially better than my older camera, and the HD video is exceptional. Another great camera from Canon.The *only* reason I didn't give it 5-stars is because I haven't had the opportunity to try all the settings, and I'm sure the higher-priced lines are better cameras...but for the money, you'd be hard-pressed to find something better than the SX20 IS.[...]

Comments about Canon PowerShot SX20 IS Digital Camera - 12.1 Megapixel - 20x Optical Zoom - 4x Digital Zoom - Black:

We bought this camera for our son for Christmas. He loves it. He is satisfied with the quality of the pictures and all the functions of the camera. It was a great gift choice!

Comments about Canon PowerShot SX20 IS Digital Camera - 12.1 Megapixel - 20x Optical Zoom - 4x Digital Zoom - Black:

I have used this product for family photo.It is really good.

Comments about Canon PowerShot SX20 IS Digital Camera - 12.1 Megapixel - 20x Optical Zoom - 4x Digital Zoom - Black:

WOW! What a camera! Setup was very easy and the quality of pictures are awesome. It's so easy to use a novice photographer will be a pro in no time. I have several 35mm camera's with a wide variety of lenses, this camera does everything and more. I use good rechargeable NiMH batteries and have no issues with battery life. I find it's size very easy to use, controls are very friendly, I don't have to worry about film or missing shots while loading film.

Comments about Canon PowerShot SX20 IS Digital Camera - 12.1 Megapixel - 20x Optical Zoom - 4x Digital Zoom - Black:

It is quick on its feet, turn it on and in a flash you are ready to shoot your first image. The macro feature is amazing. This kind of camera turns you to a professional photographer with the kind of information and options it gives. It is a perfect camera for some one who think they are one step away from the Digital SLR leap.

Comments about Canon PowerShot SX20 IS Digital Camera - 12.1 Megapixel - 20x Optical Zoom - 4x Digital Zoom - Black:

A great family camera . . . it is predictable but not perfect. It works really well for my useage.

Comments about Canon PowerShot SX20 IS Digital Camera - 12.1 Megapixel - 20x Optical Zoom - 4x Digital Zoom - Black:

I am going this camera mainly to take my new-born child, indoor useis very good, when i try to take outside with high zoom i got only bluish images.

Comments about Canon PowerShot SX20 IS Digital Camera - 12.1 Megapixel - 20x Optical Zoom - 4x Digital Zoom - Black:

I purchased this camera for general purpose uses on family outings and indoor photography and I am very happy about its performance. Recently I have done some low light night photography of Christmas lights and it all came out amazing. The Images quality of images at full optical zoom taken in low evening light were also beyond expectation. The movie quality is also very good. All in all I am yet to find a con for this product :-).

Comments about Canon PowerShot SX20 IS Digital Camera - 12.1 Megapixel - 20x Optical Zoom - 4x Digital Zoom - Black:

When I first recieved this camera my kids were staying at their grandparents so I got to learn by taking shots of my cats and leopard geckos and I have to say it took beautiful pics of my shy leopard geckos. The zoom is good enough that I could take pics from across the room of them and they never knew I was even there. I am definately glad I bought this camera.

Comments about Canon PowerShot SX20 IS Digital Camera - 12.1 Megapixel - 20x Optical Zoom - 4x Digital Zoom - Black:

Just try it!

Comments about Canon PowerShot SX20 IS Digital Camera - 12.1 Megapixel - 20x Optical Zoom - 4x Digital Zoom - Black:

Nice middle camera between commpact and full size

Comments about Canon PowerShot SX20 IS Digital Camera - 12.1 Megapixel - 20x Optical Zoom - 4x Digital Zoom - Black:

Taking photo of granchild became a lot easier and the pictures alot better.

Comments about Canon PowerShot SX20 IS Digital Camera - 12.1 Megapixel - 20x Optical Zoom - 4x Digital Zoom - Black:

This camera gives you an opportunity to take professional pictures for less money. It has all the features to do that.

Comments about Canon PowerShot SX20 IS Digital Camera - 12.1 Megapixel - 20x Optical Zoom - 4x Digital Zoom - Black:

As you learn to use the advanced features you can take some incredible photos. Does great in very low light with a slow shutter speed settings.

Comments about Canon PowerShot SX20 IS Digital Camera - 12.1 Megapixel - 20x Optical Zoom - 4x Digital Zoom - Black:

I bought this camera specifically for going to shows and concerts. I've been to many a show where I'm way in the back so the artists on stage look puny in my pictures. I'm very excited about the 20x zoom however I haven't had the chance to use it yet! I love the pictures I've taken so far - mostly candid snapshots of my friends and dog but all have come out beautifully, even the ones in low light. In fact, sometimes I feel colors are more true in low light without the flash. I haven't noticed too much "noise" either - but then again, I'm not a pro.

The functions are easy to use though I, like some other people who've reviewed this camera, really wish the camera came with a complete instruction manual. I want to use this camera to its full potential so I'll more than likely purchase a guide book for it. For what I've used it for, it's been pretty easy to work out. (Auto function is a no brainer).

It's a little bulky for a P&S but not more than you'd expect for the zoom. I also bought the rechargeable NiMH batteries which last a LONG time. I got a 16G Transcend memory card as well and it seems there is no end in sight to filling it up.

Pictures are amazing, very easy to use and I can't wait to get to know the Canon SX20 even better.

Comments about Canon PowerShot SX20 IS Digital Camera - 12.1 Megapixel - 20x Optical Zoom - 4x Digital Zoom - Black:

Great value high quality

Comments about Canon PowerShot SX20 IS Digital Camera - 12.1 Megapixel - 20x Optical Zoom - 4x Digital Zoom - Black:

My first 1st Canon, I need more learning time as buttons and features are not in same place as my Minolta of Nikon. Great picutes from wide to full 1st zoom. I need some practice on the fully extended zoom. Not as steady as I once use to be.

I have not tried the video yet

I use it to take and submit American with Disabilities Act violations by my town. I send them to the USDOJ. With this camera you do not have to be personally close so it makes situations safer.

Comments about Canon PowerShot SX20 IS Digital Camera - 12.1 Megapixel - 20x Optical Zoom - 4x Digital Zoom - Black:

This is a great product. Only complain I have is that the Lens cap does not have a string-hole to tie it with the neck strap - makes it prone to losing...

Comments about Canon PowerShot SX20 IS Digital Camera - 12.1 Megapixel - 20x Optical Zoom - 4x Digital Zoom - Black:

This is a great camera. I really like the zoom lens and the image stabilization when fully zoomed.

Comments about Canon PowerShot SX20 IS Digital Camera - 12.1 Megapixel - 20x Optical Zoom - 4x Digital Zoom - Black:

Bought this camera for my wife to take pictures and videos of our baby. She was afraid of my DSLR, but loves this one. The zoom is fantastic. Takes great pictures and video. It's not quite a DSLR or a camcorder, but it's a credible substitute.

Comments about Canon PowerShot SX20 IS Digital Camera - 12.1 Megapixel - 20x Optical Zoom - 4x Digital Zoom - Black:

I am really happy with this product. So far no complains. The picture quality is really good and it is really easy to handle this camera.

Comments about Canon PowerShot SX20 IS Digital Camera - 12.1 Megapixel - 20x Optical Zoom - 4x Digital Zoom - Black:

Great Camera to fill the gap between the point and shoot and a full size SLR. Love the Telephoto as well as the small size and weight.

Wish Cannon would include a full operating manual. I downloaded the manual and it was over 100 pages but very detailed and helpful.

This is a great product.

Comments about Canon PowerShot SX20 IS Digital Camera - 12.1 Megapixel - 20x Optical Zoom - 4x Digital Zoom - Black:

Camera is a joy to use. Great quality pictures. Still in a "Leaning Mode" with it, however, presently do not find any serious problems with it. Would strongly recommend this camera for an enjoyable point and shoot camera.