Canon's 2009 superzoom bridge — 12.1MP CCD, 20x 28-560mm equiv, 720p video, AA power
The Canon PowerShot SX20 IS is a superzoom bridge camera announced in August 2009 as the successor to the PowerShot SX10 IS, sitting between it and the later SX30 IS in Canon's SX line. It kept the SLR-styled body and AA power of its predecessor while adding high-definition video, and was pitched at photographers wanting one do-everything camera.
It pairs a 12.1-megapixel CCD sensor with a 20x optical zoom covering a 28-560mm equivalent range, backed by Canon's optical Image Stabilizer to fight shake at the long end. A 2.5-inch vari-angle LCD flips out for waist-level and overhead shooting, and video records at 1280x720 HD. Full PASM manual exposure control is available alongside auto modes, images go to SD/SDHC cards, and power comes from four AA batteries.
The SX20 IS suits travel, casual wildlife and general family duty where changing lenses is unwelcome. The 28mm wide end and 560mm reach cover almost any subject, the articulated screen helps awkward angles, and manual modes give room to learn. The small CCD sensor limits high-ISO output, so it performs best in decent light.
Used buyers benefit from AA power - no obsolete proprietary battery to hunt down, though four fresh NiMH cells are advisable. Test the full zoom travel and stabilisation, inspect the vari-angle screen hinge and ribbon for faults, confirm the pop-up flash rises, and check test images for CCD sensor lines.