Bookmark & Share
Expert Recommendation
.
Overview
Equipped with class leading low light performance, 12Megapixel resolution and the tremendous reach of a 20x zoom lens, the Canon PowerShot SX20 IS captures blur-free images of kids and pets without using the harsh light of a flash. In low light conditions (typical indoors), the camera’s DIGIC IV processor removes noise with minimal artifacts. The camera provides great value with its versatile swivel LCD and a superb movie mode.
My Best In Class Pick
Canon PowerShot SX20 IS
The Canon PowerShot SX20 IS is the latest superzoom from Canon in its highly successful S series. SX20IS replaces its best-selling predecessor SX10IS. The camera now boasts of higher 12 Mega pixel image resolution which among the best of superzooms. It also offers enhanced movie mode resolution (1280 x 720 @ 30fps) and enhanced optical Image Stabiliser performance resulting in more blur free shots then ever. The camera is equipped with a wide-angle 20x zoom lens with tremendous reach to help capture the natural expressions of kids. Its eye-level viewfinder facilitates easy tracking of playful kids & fast-moving pets.
Equipped with the latest DIGIC IV processor, it has managed to strike a good balance between noise and detail under low light conditions which is particularly good for shooting portraits. Consequently the low light image quality (high ISO performance) is one of the best among non-DSLRs, making it possible to take noise free shots of babies without flash. A useful comparison of noise at various ISO settings can be seen at a leading camera review website Cameralabs
The camera comes with an extremely useful swivel LCD (camcorder like), which, along with a tremendous zoom range, facilitates taking photos of kids without making them take notice of you. Kids will enjoy posing for self portraits, when you turn the LCD towards them.
Other useful features are:
- Face detection Adjusts exposure based on the faces in the scene and removes red-eye automatically.
- Motion detection technology Combining inputs from its Face Detection Technology, the optical Image Stabilizer, changes in scene brightness and changes from frame to frame, it raises ISO to freeze action.
- Smart Auto Mode with Scene Detection Technology Camera automatically selects from one of 22 scene variables to optimise settings for the best results.
- Full featured manual controls.
All above and snappy performance makes it best in class camera for taking photos of kids & pets without using a flash.
Comparison with Canon PowerShot SD990 IS
The Canon PowerShot SX20 has a higher zoom range, aperture/shutter priority modes, a swivel LCD, and a better movie mode (allows zooming while recording HD movies).
Comparison with Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ35
Although the Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ35 has a brighter lens (at the tele end of the zoom range), but for photographing kid and pets the Canon SX20IS is preferable because of its longer reach (zoom range), better noise reduction, and the availability of a swivel LCD.
Pros
- +Good image quality
- +Swivel LCD
- +Rich feature set
- +Good high ISO performance (best in class)
- +Manual mode and aperture/shutter priority modes
Where to buy
Canon PowerShot SX20 IS
-
Best Price:
$519
See It »
Comparing My Best In Class Pick with Other Good Choices
| Product |
 |
2
 |
3
 |
| Customer Rating | |||
| Price | $519.00 | $699.00 | $249.99 |
| Size (W x H x D) | 4.9 x 3.5 x 3.4 in. | 3.8 x 2.4 x 1.1 in. | 4.6 x 3.0 x 3.5 in. |
|
?
Close
Sensor Size
Most digital cameras, even most digital SLRs, have sensors that are smaller than a standard frame of 35 mm film (36 x 24 mm). These smaller sensors have a number of effects on the captured image and the use of the camera, including an increased depth of field, decreased light sensitivity, increased pixel noise, and increased degree of enlargement.
|
6.0 x 4.5 mm | 7.6 x 5.7 mm | 6.0 x 4.4 mm |
|
?
Close
Effective Sensor Resolution
The Effective Sensor Resolution tells you the total number of pixels that are recorded when you take a picture. The units are MP, which stands for megapixels or millions of pixels. For outstanding fine compression prints, 3MP is required for 5x7's, 7.1MP for 8x10's, and 10.9MP for 11x14's. The effective sensor resolution is only one of many important factors that will determine the quality of the photograph when displayed or printed at different sizes.
|
12.1 megapixels | 14.7 megapixels | 12.1 megapixels |
| Shutter Lag Time (pre-focused) | 0.02 sec | 0.08 sec | 0.10 sec |
|
?
Close
Shutter Lag Time (including auto-focus time)
This is the time from fully pressing the shutter button until the image is captured. Longer shutter lag times make it more difficult to capture the desired moment.
|
0.4 sec | 0.4 - 0.6 sec | 0.3 - 0.4 sec |
| Max Shooting Speed (continuous) | 1.1 frames/sec | 1.3 frames/sec | 1.3 frames/sec |
| Video Zoom Available (while recording) | Yes | - | Yes |
|
?
Close
Min Focal Length (35 mm equivalent)
The 35 mm equivalent focal length is a measure that indicates the angle of view of a particular combination of a camera lens and the sensor size. The term originates from the time when the vast majority of photography was done with 35 mm film. On any 35 mm film camera, a 30 mm or less lens is considered a wide-angle lens.
|
28 mm | 36 mm | 27 mm |
|
?
Close
Max Focal Length (35 mm equivalent)
The 35 mm equivalent focal length is a measure that indicates the angle of view of a particular combination of a camera lens and the sensor size. The term originates from the time when the vast majority of photography was done with 35 mm film. Larger max focal lengths make distant objects appear more magnified.
|
560 mm | 133 mm | 486 mm |
| Optical Zoom | 20.0x | 3.7x | 18.0x |
| Auto Focus Assist Light Available | Yes | Yes | Yes |
|
?
Close
Max Aperture (wide-angle)
The aperture refers to the size of the opening in the lens that determines the amount of light falling onto the sensor. The maximum aperture (wide-angle) is the largest possible size at the wide-angle limit of the zoom lens. The lens aperture is usually specified as an f-number, the ratio of focal length to effective aperture diameter. A lower f-number denotes a greater aperture opening, which allows more light to reach the image sensor.
|
f/2.8 | f/2.8 | f/2.8 |
|
?
Close
Max Aperture (tele-photo)
The aperture refers to the size of the opening in the lens that determines the amount of light falling onto the sensor. The maximum aperture (tele-photo) is the largest possible size at the tele-photo limit of the zoom lens. The lens aperture is usually specified as an f-number, the ratio of focal length to effective aperture diameter. A lower f-number denotes a greater aperture opening, which allows more light to reach the image sensor.
|
f/5.7 | f/5.8 | f/4.4 |
| Max ISO Setting | 1600 | 3200 (reduced resolution after ISO1600) | 1600 |
| Max Usable ISO (subjective) | 1600 | 1600 | 800 |
| Shutter Priority Mode Available | Yes | No | Yes |
|
?
Close
Face Detection Available
Face detection technology will try to set the focus, exposure, and color balance so that faces appear sharp, well-exposed, and with the proper color.
|
Yes | Yes | Yes |
|
?
Close
Viewfinder Available
A viewfinder is a window that you look through to compose the picture. Some cameras do not have a viewfinder and instead use the LCD display. The LCD display may be difficult to see in bright light and may make it more difficult to capture fast-moving subjects because of the time required to update the display.
|
Yes (Swivel LCD + EVF) | Yes (Optical + EVF) | Yes (LCD + EVF) |
Canon PowerShot SD990 IS
The Canon SD990 IS is the latest top-of-line ultra compact from the market leader. The camera has an optical viewfinder, which is a great feature for keeping track of moving subjects in low light. It is the first camera in the highly successful SD series to offer manual modes, providing full control over shutter speed and the aperture.
The camera offers class-leading resolution and features a sharp lens to match it.
Thanks to DIGIC IV processor, the high ISO images are relatively clean and retain enough detail for mid-sized prints (up to 8”x10” size).
Other useful features are:
- Face detection
- Motion detection technology
- LCD with wide viewing angle
Comparison with Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ35
The Canon SD990 has higher resolution, better noise reduction resulting in better looking indoor images of kid and pets without a flash, and the availability of an optical viewfinder. Its portability is added bonus.
Pros
- +Best in class resolution
- +Good image quality
- +Optical viewfinder
- +Rich feature set
- +Well built
- +Good high ISO performance
- +Ultra compact size
Cons
- -Lacks a RAW mode and aperture/shutter priority modes
- -Zoom range no match to superzoom's
Where to buy
Canon PowerShot SD990 IS
-
Best Price:
$699
See It »
Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ35
This is the latest superzoom offering from Panasonic. This camera is equipped with a sharp wide-angle zoom lens with the widest aperture in its class at the tele end of the zoom range. This in turn results in quicker focusing and less noise in images shot without a flash under low light conditions (typical for indoors). You get more blur-free shots of kids and pets as the camera can choose relatively fast shutter speeds. The FZ35 improves upon its predecessor (FZ28) in the areas of focusing speed, scene recognition mode, burst shooting speed and movie mode (now offering HD movie recording).
However the high ISO (ISO 800 & above) images still suffer from splotchy artifacts from the noise reduction.
Panasonic FZ35 does offer the option to save images in RAW format, which will allow you to get better results later during post processing. It is the cheapest superzoom to do so.
Pros
- +Bright lens (at tele-end)
- +Rich feature set (manual, aperture/shutter priority modes)
- +Cleaner high ISO images possible (by shooting in RAW mode and post processing)
Cons
- -Smaller zoom range
- -Splotchy noise reduction artifacts at higher ISOs
Where to buy
Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ35
-
Best Price:
$249
See It »
How It Works
You tell us your budget, intended uses, and desired features. We show you personalized recommendations from unbiased experts to quickly identify the best digital camera for you.
Advertisement
How to Pick Digital Cameras
- For Travel Photos
- For Photos of Children or Pets
- For Action or Sports Photos
- For Photos in Low Light
