Canon SX20 Review - I Love This Camera!

At last I have the zoom I need for capturing photos of egrets, blue herons and alligators around my small lake in Florida. To get close enough before for a good photo was rare, as the animal would flee when I got in range. My photos were either lacking in detail or just showed the animal fleeing. Now I can zoom in without startling them away.

I do find it heavier in the hand after having the A550. That was a great lightweight camera to tuck in a pocket or purse or throw into the golf cart. That meant it was at hand for snapping wildflowers and scenes. I take the new camera out when I'm planning to capture wildlife. Sure I usually had the A550 with me everywhere, but it was frustrating to see deer, a bobcat, bald eagles and other animals but not be able to get a really clear, crisp close photo of them.

The Canon SX20IS has greatly expanded my range of animal photos. I've added some great alligator photos and sand hill crane pictures in just the first few days.

I did like the self-closing lens cap on the A550. With this one, I had to train myself to remove, then attach the lens cap to the strap, then replace it after using the camera. You learn to do that pretty quickly, so it hasn't been a problem. There is an inexpensive leash that you can buy for a few dollars to keep the lens cap from wandering off.

The shape of the SX20IS fits well into the hand with the thumb naturally falling near the on/off button and the index finger poised by the shutter button. There are adequate spaces to rest the hand while gripping the camera without triggering the many buttons. These take a little getting used to though.

I haven't even tried out the video yet, but am quite pleased with my expanded zoom capability. A great camera.