SX20 for Novice User?

[kodeblue]

I am a novice camera user and really enjoy photgraphy. The problem is I bought a Canon Rebel and I have no idea how to use it. I have tried to listen to people explain things to me but for some reason, cameras are not my thing lol. I have tried using it manual mode and cannot get anything right on it. Now, I am wanting to get a new digital camera but don't know what to look at and am hoping some of you could direct me in the right direction. I would like a camera that can really zoom in if need be when we are outside. I would like it to give really good quality. I don't care for the manual modes and such so that isn't important. I would also like to be able to take night shots too. I tried again with our kids as the Olympic torch passsed through our town but again, the pics sucked because I cannot figure out the manual mode. Anyways, hope this can help someone to point me in the right direction. A point and shoot would be nice. Can I get feedback on this camera if it would be good for me??

http://www.usa.canon.com/consumer/controller?act=ModelInfoAct&tabact=ModelFeaturesTabAct&fcategoryid=144&modelid=19208

[angel0fmars]

Not a bad camera, but I think most people would prefer its predecessor, the SX10. Really, the only "big" difference is that their megapixels are different and that the SX20 has 720p HD recording. Canon is stuffing too many megapixels into such a small sensor. Because of this, the SX10 is arguably the better camera in terms of picture quality. Remember: you can make very large prints with both cameras. Another nice choice is the SX1, though that is more expensive and may not have the photo quality of the other two. However, it does have full HD (1080p) video recording and can snap pictures away at 4 frames per second. It's a 10 megapixel sensor.

Hope you find the camera you like!

[kodeblue]

Hope you find the camera you like!
Would you rate this a nice camera for someone wanting a point and shoot?

[Woolburr]

The SX20 is a very nice P&S camera. Fantastic zoom range, convenient size and weight, decent image quality....it is a very capable tool.

[tmwag]

You and anyone/everyone that has an interest in photography need to always learn more. I suggest this thread be moved to "compact camera"..maybe more comments :-)

[angel0fmars]

Would you rate this a nice camera for someone wanting a point and shoot?

I would say it's a pretty good camera. It should suit your needs well.

[StandSure]

I got one a few weeks ago and am happy with it so far. I took photography classes back in the 80's and haven't kept up with it, so I'm having to refresh my memory on everything. I'm just a small step above clueless. My wife doesn't know a single thing about photography, and this camera works well for both of us. I can put it on "Program" with a click and play around with settings as I try to learn. Then she can grab it and *click* to "Auto" and start shooting easy pics of the cat, the kids, etc.

I was sorry to learn about the reduction in picture quality from the SX10, but capturing video in HD has been a great feature. The moveable lcd display makes it easy and the video quality is good. If I had to do it over again, I'd still probably go with the SX20. Too bad Canon felt the need to bump the MP number for the sake of marketing, but I've gotten some beautiful shots regardless!

A couple of friends got other smaller but very nice point-and-shoot cameras recently. I have to say that they seem to have better luck with the basic "say cheese" snapshots of people indoors than I do--they look more natural somehow. The SX20 IS takes some pics outdoors that make them all say oooh and aaah. Maybe it's the flash? I've ordered a flash to put on top to see if bouncing it off the ceiling helps. In any case, if you are focused on social snapshots, I might find something smaller and better suited.

Good luck!

[lsk333]

Hi,

I have an SX camera. It's an outstanding camera and you can be totally clueless and still take fabulous photos. The zoom is fantastic and the photo quality is really good...especially for a point and shoot. There is one problem with the camera...it's huge. It's almost as big as a dslr which makes it very clutsy to carry around and to pack when traveling. I found myself not taking it with me...and not taking photos when I should have been precisely because of its size.

I ended up purchasing a G11 because it takes fabulous pictures but doesn't have the bulk of the SX. You do give up zoom capability with the G11. I'm a little frustrated with this but at least I find myself taking the camera with me when I travel...some photos are better than none at all.

That's my two cents!