Canon PowerShot S20 Point & Shoot Camera
The Canon PowerShot S20 is a 3MP 1/1.8 inch compact camera — known for its 3MP 1/1.8-Inch Sensor and All-Metal Body. Check GearFocus for current availability, with buyer protection on every purchase.
Canon PowerShot S20 Point & Shoot Camera
Get notified when one lists.
We'll text or email you the moment a Canon PowerShot S20 Point & Shoot Camera is listed on GearFocus.
Have a Canon PowerShot S20 sitting in your bag?
You'd be the first listing for this model.
Serious buyers are already watching — list yours in minutes.
Available Now on GearFocus
Camera Overview — Canon PowerShot S20
Key Features — Canon PowerShot S20
3MP 1/1.8-Inch Sensor: Captures images at up to 2048x1536 pixels, suitable for standard prints and digital sharing.
All-Metal Body: Solid metal construction at 320g provides durability well above typical plastic point-and-shoot cameras of its era.
Dual Battery Compatibility: Accepts either a Canon NB-5H NiMH rechargeable battery or a 2CR5 lithium battery, giving flexibility when a spare is needed.
CompactFlash Storage: Uses CF cards for image storage, a common and widely available format for cameras of this generation.
Optical Viewfinder: Traditional optical viewfinder provides an alternative to the LCD for framing shots, useful in bright outdoor conditions.
1.8-Inch Fixed LCD: Rear display for image review and menu navigation, standard for compact cameras of this period.
Camera Specifications — Canon PowerShot S20
| Spec | Detail |
|---|---|
| Use Cases | Travel |
| Type | Point and Shoot |
| Sensor | 1/1.8 inch |
| Resolution | 3MP |
| Processor | Canon proprietary digital signal-processing IC |
| ISO Range | 100 – 400 |
| AF System | Contrast Detection |
| AF Points | 1 point |
| Max Photo Resolution | 2048x1536 |
| Burst Rate | 1.2 fps |
| Image Stabilization | None |
| Display | 1.8 inches Fixed LCD |
Description — Canon PowerShot S20
The Canon PowerShot S20 is a compact point-and-shoot camera housed in an all-metal body measuring 106 x 70 x 34 mm and weighing 320g. At its core is a 3MP, 1/1.8-inch sensor processed by Canon's proprietary digital signal-processing IC, capable of producing images at up to 2048x1536 pixels in sRGB. A single-point contrast detection autofocus system keeps the shooting experience simple and direct.
For image review and composition, the camera provides both an optical viewfinder and a 1.8-inch fixed LCD with 113,578 dots of resolution. The built-in flash covers Auto, Fill-in, Red-Eye Reduction, and Off modes, while the ISO 100–400 range handles a variety of lighting situations. Burst shooting runs at 1.2 fps.
Storage relies on CompactFlash media, and the camera connects via USB for file transfer. Power options include the Canon NB-5H NiMH battery, rated at approximately 100–150 shots per charge, or a 2CR5 lithium alternative.
Pros — Canon PowerShot S20
- ✓All-metal body construction offers durability in a compact 106 x 70 x 34 mm form factor
- ✓3MP sensor with 1/1.8-inch type delivers 2048x1536 maximum resolution
- ✓Flexible battery compatibility — accepts either Canon NB-5H NiMH or 2CR5 lithium
Cons — Canon PowerShot S20
- ✗ISO range tops out at 400, limiting performance in low-light conditions
- ✗No image stabilization of any kind — neither in-body nor digital
- ✗Single autofocus point with contrast detection only; no subject or eye tracking
Videos — Canon PowerShot S20
Canon PowerShot SX20 IS review — Gordon Laing