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Canon PowerShot SX20 IS Point & Shoot Camera

The Canon PowerShot SX20 IS is a 12MP 1/2.3 inch compact camera — with 720p video. Used copies start from $115.06 on GearFocus, with buyer protection on every purchase.

Canon PowerShot SX20 IS Point & Shoot Camera

Canon PowerShot SX20 IS Point & Shoot Camera

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Canon PowerShot SX20 IS 12.1MP Digital Camera w/20x Zoom

Condition: Excellent

Product Highlights

  • 20x Zoom
  • 12.1MP
  • HD Video
  • Articulated LCD

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Used Canon PowerShot SX20 IS Listings on GearFocus

Canon PowerShot SX20 IS 12.1MP Digital Camera w/20x Zoom
Canon PowerShot SX20 IS 12.1MP Digital Camera w/20x Zoom

Excellent

$115.06

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Camera Overview — Canon PowerShot SX20 IS

The Canon PowerShot SX20 IS is a 12MP point-and-shoot camera built around a 1/2.3-inch sensor and powered by Canon's DIGIC 4 image processor. It offers an ISO range of 80 to 1600, giving shooters a reasonable sensitivity spread for a camera in this class. The vari-angle 2.5-inch LCD with 230,000 dots of resolution is one of the standout physical features, allowing for flexible framing from high and low angles — a genuine practical advantage over fixed-screen alternatives.

An electronic viewfinder rated at 235,000 dots provides an additional aiming option when shooting in bright conditions. Autofocus is handled via a contrast detection system with face detection AF across 9 focus points. Optical image stabilization is built in, helping to manage camera shake.

For video, the SX20 IS records up to 720p at 30fps or 15fps, with a selection of color profiles available including Standard, Vivid, Neutral, Sepia, and Black & White. A 2.5mm microphone jack supports external audio input. The camera accepts SD and SDHC storage media and is powered by four AA alkaline or NiMH batteries, with CIPA-rated battery life of approximately 340 shots using NiMH cells.

A standard ISO hot shoe enables connection to external flash units. The plastic body measures 124 x 88.3 x 86.9 mm and weighs 560g, with no weather sealing.

Key Features — Canon PowerShot SX20 IS

20x Optical Zoom Lens: Wide-angle 28mm equivalent to 560mm telephoto zoom range gives shooters significant reach without any digital quality loss.

12MP 1/2.3-Inch Sensor: Pairs with Canon's DIGIC 4 processor for standard image quality typical of this camera class.

Vari-Angle 2.5" LCD: Articulating screen allows flexible framing from high, low, and awkward angles that a fixed display cannot accommodate.

Built-In Electronic Viewfinder: 235,000-dot EVF provides a secondary framing option useful in bright outdoor conditions where LCD visibility suffers.

Optical Image Stabilization: Lens-based OIS reduces camera shake during handheld shooting, particularly helpful at longer zoom lengths.

Standard ISO Hot Shoe: Accepts external flash units beyond the built-in pop-up, expanding lighting options for more advanced users.

Camera Specifications — Canon PowerShot SX20 IS

Canon PowerShot SX20 IS full specifications
SpecDetail
Use CasesTravel
TypePoint and Shoot
Sensor1/2.3 inch
Resolution12MP
ProcessorDIGIC 4
ISO Range80 – 1600
AF SystemContrast Detection, Face Detection AF
AF Points9 points
Max Photo Resolution4000x3000
Burst Rate1 fps
Max Video Resolution720p
Max Frame Rate30fps

Description — Canon PowerShot SX20 IS

The Canon PowerShot SX20 IS is a 12MP point-and-shoot camera featuring a 1/2.3-inch sensor and Canon's DIGIC 4 image processor. The camera's ISO range runs from 80 to 1600, and optical image stabilization is on board to help manage camera shake during handheld shooting. One of the most practical features for flexible shooting is the vari-angle 2.5-inch LCD screen with 230,000 dots of resolution, complemented by an electronic viewfinder rated at 235,000 dots.

Autofocus uses a contrast detection system with face detection AF covering 9 focus points. Video recording reaches up to 720p at 30fps, with a 2.5mm microphone jack for external audio. The camera stores images on SD and SDHC cards and draws power from 4 x AA batteries, with a CIPA-rated life of approximately 340 shots using NiMH cells.

A standard ISO hot shoe supports external flash. The plastic body measures 124 x 88.3 x 86.9 mm and weighs 560g, with no weather sealing.

Pros — Canon PowerShot SX20 IS

  • ✓Vari-angle 2.5-inch LCD (230,000 dots) enables flexible framing from a wide range of angles
  • ✓Electronic viewfinder (235,000 dots) provides an alternative framing option in bright conditions
  • ✓Optical image stabilization helps reduce camera shake without relying on digital processing

Cons — Canon PowerShot SX20 IS

  • ✗No weather sealing, making the camera vulnerable to dust and moisture
  • ✗Maximum burst frame rate of 1fps limits ability to capture fast-moving subjects
  • ✗Video tops out at 720p — no 1080p recording option

Videos — Canon PowerShot SX20 IS

Canon PowerShot SX20 IS review — Gordon Laing

Resources & Downloads — Canon PowerShot SX20 IS

Manuals & Guides

Frequently Asked Questions — Canon PowerShot SX20 IS

What batteries does the Canon PowerShot SX20 IS use, and how many shots can I expect per charge?+
The SX20 IS runs on four AA batteries — either alkaline or NiMH rechargeable cells. Canon rates battery life at approximately 340 shots per set when using NiMH batteries under CIPA standard testing conditions.
Does the SX20 IS have a viewfinder, or do I have to use the LCD screen?+
The camera includes both a 2.5-inch vari-angle LCD (230,000 dots) and an electronic viewfinder rated at 235,000 dots, so you have two options for composing your shots depending on lighting conditions and shooting preference.
What video resolution does the SX20 IS support?+
The SX20 IS records video at a maximum resolution of 720p at frame rates of 30fps or 15fps. Several color profiles are available for video, including Standard, Vivid, Neutral, Sepia, and Black & White.
What memory cards are compatible with this camera?+
The Canon PowerShot SX20 IS accepts SD and SDHC memory cards. SDXC cards are not listed among the compatible storage media.
Can I attach an external flash or microphone to the SX20 IS?+
Yes — the camera features a standard ISO hot shoe for connecting an external flash unit in addition to the built-in pop-up flash. It also has a 2.5mm microphone jack for connecting an external microphone when recording video.
Is the Canon PowerShot SX20 IS weather sealed?+
No, the SX20 IS has no weather sealing. The body is constructed from plastic and should be kept away from rain, dust, and moisture during use.

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