Used Canon PowerShot SX20IS Bridge Camera

With fine art and industrial design as background, needless to say I've taken a picture or two begun decades ago in the analog world in which no small amount of cash went into camera equipment. Having had a decade or more laps before deciding to look through a lens again, it was obvious spending a large amount on equipment would not be a wise choice (digital equipment this time). I'm more than pleased with the Canon PowerShot SX20IS. It's an incredibly capable camera. It replaces an analog professional body Minolta plus two zoom lenses (28mm to 300). Comparatively the SX20IS added 200mm (total 500 optical zoom) with good image quality likely aided by its image stabilization; allowing hand held telephoto shots at photo speeds impossible with analog. That's impressive at less than a quarter the size and weight of the Minolta plus lenses. The result is it travels when the analog gear would have stayed home. After approximately nine months of ownership it has begun to sink in there are enormous advantages to a capable digital camera combined with a change in field approach vs. analog. The impressive analytical software of the SX20IS encourages your photographic eye by automatically replacing the extensive technical analog camera-information needed to attempt to make photographs appear the way you see the scene. The only down side has been learning the new lingo AKA software based controls instead of analog buttons, dials etc; wish it had fine incremental zoom control. It's not a professional camera, but its capability combined with software frees you to just seeing what's begging to be photographed. If it fits your hand grasp reasonably and you're willing to discover its abilities, you should enjoy this camera. (The SX10IS won't discourage you point and shooters either.)Side notes 7/2010: SX20IS (and SX10IS) do not have treaded lens rings to fit lens filters (hard to figure). The unapproved solution can be found from Lensmate (SX10, SX20 & SX1 Filter Adapter 58mm), approx [...] shipped [...] which uses the SX20IS lens shade mechanism to attach 58mm filters. You can then attach a clear filter to protect your lens - Hoya 58mm UV (Ultra Violet) Multi Coated Glass Filter $22.35 - FREE Super Saver Shipping http://www.amazon.com/Hoya-Ultra-Violet-Coated-Filter/dp/B00009R9A1/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&s=electronics&qid=1277819958&sr=1-3 plus a $4.95 Zeikos ZE-LC58 58mm Plastic Snap On Lens Cap (Black) FREE Super Saver Shippinghttp://www.amazon.com/Zeikos-ZE-LC58-58mm-Plastic-Black/dp/B001LMXMD8/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=electronics&qid=1277820244&sr=1-1. Add a HOYA 58CIR 58mm Circular Polarized Filter for those great outdoor scenes for [...] FREE Super Saver Shipping http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00006HOAQ/ref=oss_product and for under [...] have lens protection and enhanced outdoor photo capability. (It is definitely faster to have the Polarizer filter already attached to a second Lensmate adapter.)(There is a blog comment about the weight of a lens filter and the lens zoom drive-mechanism. (Opinion) it wouldn't say much for Canon engineering quality if the miniscule weight of a filter turned out to be too much, long term, for the drive system on this camera. It's more likely normal use would have someone scratch or otherwise degrade the front optics (lens); virtually now replicable for [...].)If you're not spent out yet; two (one) other products: a good monopod can be much more usable than a tripod (unless you're taking pictures of yourself). The Vanguard monopod is solid as a rock, extremely fast to extend and contract and is light weight enough with an added Vanguard ballhead (total combined cost $212.70), it often goes where the camera goes; extending dim light (i.e. under heavy foliage) photography options significantly. The SBH-300 ballhead is serious quality; the SBH-100 is likely the same. (Get Vanguard before the prices go up.)Vanguard ELITE CP-364 Carbon Fiber Digital Camera Monopod [...] ships for FREE with Super Saver Shipping http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0016HTVL0/ref=oss_productVanguard SBH-300 Large-Format Magnesium Alloy Ballhead with Two Onboard Bubble Levels [..] ships for FREE with Super Saver Shipping http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0016D3H1O/ref=oss_productOr the SBH-100 is likely more easily used and lighter vs. SBH-300:Vanguard SBH-100 Small Magnesium Alloy Ballhead with Two Onboard Bubble Levels $69.99 + Free Shipping (not Super Saver) http://www.amazon.com/Vanguard-SBH-100-Magnesium-Ballhead-Onboard/dp/B0016D1I0G/ref=pd_cp_p_3You've just "double" the price of the camera (adding $303.35 7/2010), but have a true go with you much more often piece of work instead of "wish I brought the camera". Thought of another way; it's approximately the same cost as a Canon Digital Rebel XSi 12.2 MP Digital SLR Camera with EF-S 18-55mm alone; no zoom from 55mm to 500, filters, optics protection or monopod; and may more pictures taken because the gear goes with you and photographic options have increased.

Years ago I carried and VHS video camera with separate recorder as well as an SLR. Even after video went to the 8mm tape and camera were much smaller I gave up the video and concentrated on stills. I went through the 640 x 480 digital cameras and found the images horrible, digital would never replace film. I've since packed away my film cameras and concentrated on DSLRs. I carry a pocket digital camera for convenince but turn to the DSLR when I plan on taking photos.Recently I was viewing photos taken by a friend on his SX10 IS. I was intrigued by the features, the quality of the photos, and the video capability. When I went to Amazon.com to check on the price of this camera I saw the SX20 IS slated for release. After viewing the features I decided to wait for this camera. I'm glad I did.I received this camera on the day I left for a trip to Walt Disney World. While I took the DSLR with me I thought this would be a great opportunity to learn about the SX20 IS. Since I have many Disney World photos I left the DSLR behind most of the time and carried just the SX20 IS.Recently I took photos with the SX20 IS and my Canon XSi DSLR and compared the photos side by side. The results were consistent with the reviews I've read.In bright daylight the photos are comparable. As the lighting deteriorates the XS20 IS tends to show more noise. It's not unacceptable to me, just not as good. Also, the DSLR focuses more quickly and accurately most of the time. However, to get the focal length on the lens I'd have to carry more equipment for the DSLR and I still wouldn't be able to take video.I'm not a video expert but I think the quality on this camera is excellent. It is much sharper than that footage from my old video cameras. Being able to use the zoom while shooting is great. Being able to snap a still while shooting the video is also a big plus in my opinion.The articulating LCD really proved beneficial. When behind a crowd or in a tight situation it's nice to be able to move the camera and still be able to compose the shot without guessing. It's also helpful when just trying to change a perspective on a subject without having to stnad on something or lie on the ground. Self-portraits are also easier, just make sure you look at the camera, not the LCD, when you finally push the shutter.Will this camera replace my DSLR? Not for situations where I consider the quality of the photo or quick focus critical. However, for situations where I just want to enjoy an outing without carrying an entire camera bag this is a great choice. The still photo remains my preference but I can see me shooting video much more frequently. Now all I need is some extra batteries (the NiMH variety seem to work fine) and spare SD cards. The external flash from the DSLR works on the SX20 IS and helps the noise issue. However, I usually leave it behind to cut down on the bulk.I got what I expected with this camera. As I learn more about its different functions I'm sure I'll appreciate it more.One piece of advice. When storing the camera or carrying it in a backpack, etc. use the articulating feature to face the LCD toward the camera body. It protects the LCD screen. I was in sich a hurry to use the camera I forgot to do this and now have a minor scratch on the LCD, a situation I could have avoided.