Canon PowerShot SX20 IS vs SX200 IS: An Expert Comparison of Two Small Sensor Superzooms

When sifting through the landscape of small sensor superzoom cameras from the late 2000s and early 2010s, the Canon PowerShot SX line holds a peculiar charm. These bridge cameras straddle the line between compact convenience and zoom versatility, catering to enthusiasts craving reach without lugging heavy gear. Today, I’m pulling the Canon PowerShot SX20 IS and the earlier SX200 IS under the microscope - a pair that shares the same brand DNA but diverges significantly in design, handling, and shooting capabilities.

I’ve put both through extensive side-by-side field tests and technical evaluations to highlight how they cater to different photography enthusiasts. This comparative review will help you decide which one fits your needs - whether you seek a longer zoom reach or prefer a more compact carry. Let’s dive in.

First Impressions & Handling: Size, Ergonomics, and Control

The most obvious difference comes when you hold these two cameras side by side.

The Canon SX20 IS is a true bridge camera in the SLR mold - big, chunky, and pronounced. Measuring 128x88x87 mm and weighing about 600 grams (without any additional grip or strap), it feels substantial but thoughtful. The deep grip and the array of physical controls make manual exposure and zoom adjustments intuitive, even wearing gloves outside on a chilly day. For those of us who value tactile feedback while composing, this is a critical plus.

Contrast that with the SX200 IS, which tips the scales at a lightweight 247 grams and is significantly smaller at 103x61x38 mm. It’s a compact superzoom, designed for portability. However, its slimmer profile can compromise handling during rapid shooting or extended sessions - your fingers might feel cramped, and the grip is noticeably less secure.

Looking at layout more closely, the SX20 IS offers more direct physical buttons and dials.

The top view reveals that the SX20 IS includes dedicated dials for modes and exposure compensation, plus a control wheel, giving fast access to settings on the fly. The SX200 IS, while simpler and more streamlined, depends heavily on menus and fewer physical buttons - slowing down interaction for the experienced user. For manual exposure enthusiasts, the SX20 IS’s control scheme is far preferable.

Sensor and Image Quality: Matching Resolution, Different Processing

Both cameras are anchored around Canon’s 1/2.3” CCD sensor with 12 megapixels resolution (4000x3000 pixels). Despite identical sensor size and pixel count, image quality delivers different experiences due to processing and lens optics.

The 1/2.3” sensor is relatively small by today’s standards but was standard for superzooms at the time. Canon’s SX20 IS uses the Digic 4 image processor, a leap forward over the unknown processor in the SX200 IS, impacting noise management and color rendition noticeably.

In practice, the SX20 IS offers smoother gradations in skin tones and better dynamic range retention - particularly in shadow details, a key benefit for portrait and landscape shooters. The SX200 IS images, while good for snapshots, show more pronounced noise at ISO 400 and above.

That said, both cameras come with an optical low-pass filter (anti-alias filter), maintaining sharpness but slightly limiting fine detail resolution. Neither supports RAW shooting, which restricts post-processing latitude - a drawback for professionals or serious enthusiasts.

The Lens Battle: Zoom Reach, Apertures, and Optical Performance

The defining feature of this camera class is the lens zoom range. The SX20 IS boasts a 28-560 mm equivalent (20x zoom) lens with a maximum aperture of f/2.8 at wide and f/5.7 at telephoto. The SX200 IS offers a shorter 28-336 mm (12x zoom) lens with slightly narrower apertures: f/3.4 to f/5.3.

If telephoto reach is paramount (think wildlife, distant sports, or candid street moments far away), the SX20 IS clearly pulls ahead - doubling the zoom power offers creative flexibility unmatched in this category for its time.

But, with great zoom comes some optical trade-offs. At full telephoto, image softness and chromatic aberration become more noticeable on the SX20 IS than on the shorter zoom SX200 IS, which benefits from a simpler, faster lens design. For landscapes where corner-to-corner sharpness matters, the SX200 IS wins slightly on edge performance at wider focal lengths.

Macro capabilities on both are roughly equal, focusing as close as 0 cm (essentially touching the lens), adequate for casual close-ups but not professional macro work.

Display and Viewfinder: Shooting Experience at a Glance

A camera’s rear interface shapes how we interact with our images over time. Here, the SX20 IS sports a 2.5-inch fully articulated LCD with 230K resolution, catering to varied shooting angles including waist-level or overhead - a boon in crowded street photography or macro shots.

The SX200 IS compensates for its smaller size with a bigger fixed 3-inch LCD, also 230K resolution, but lacks articulation.

While the larger screen size on the SX200 IS is pleasant for reviewing images, the fixed angle can be limiting. The articulated display on the SX20 IS grants versatility and is particularly useful when shooting video or awkward angles.

Interestingly, the SX20 IS includes an electronic viewfinder – a rarity in this class – which gives an option to shoot with eye-level stability in bright conditions where LCD visibility falters. The SX200 IS has no built-in EVF, relying solely on the LCD, making it less appropriate in bright outdoor scenarios.

Autofocus and Shooting Speed: Capture That Decisive Moment

Autofocus systems are critical for everything from portraits to sports. Both cameras use contrast-detection autofocus with 9 focus points, but neither supports face detection, continuous autofocus, nor advanced tracking.

Performance-wise, the SX20 IS’s AF feels a tad more responsive than the SX200 IS - likely thanks to Digic 4 processing. However, neither is suitable for fast-paced subjects like wildlife or sports. The single continuous shooting mode at 1 frame per second (fps) bottlenecks action shooting in both.

If you’re after a superzoom that handles bursts or swift focus changes, neither excels here. Both shine more in leisurely shooting - landscapes, street moments, or travel snapshots where timing is less frantic.

Video Capabilities: Modest, But Serviceable HD Recording

Both cameras record HD video at 720p/30fps, but codec differences shape usability.

The SX20 IS uses H.264 compression, delivering better file efficiency and quality, while the SX200 IS employs Motion JPEG, resulting in larger files and somewhat clunkier editing.

Neither model includes a microphone port nor headphone output, nor do they have image stabilization tailored for video beyond optical lens stabilization in photography modes. This limits usability for dedicated videographers, though casual users will appreciate acceptable video quality for travel memories.

Battery, Storage, and Connectivity: Practical Concerns on the Road

The SX20 IS runs on 4 AA batteries, offering flexibility (use rechargeables or replace abroad easily), but at the cost of added weight and bulk. Its estimated battery life was decent but not exceptional given the size.

The SX200 IS uses a proprietary NB-5L lithium-ion battery, lighter and more compact yet offering a more limited shooting duration per charge - a consideration for longer trips without recharge access.

Both cameras employ a single SD/SDHC/Multimedia card slot. They lack any wireless connectivity - no Wi-Fi, no Bluetooth, no NFC - reflecting the period’s norms but a significant limitation for today’s connected workflows.

Build Quality and Weather Resistance: Handling the Elements

Neither camera offers weather sealing or ruggedization. The SX20 IS’s larger build feels more solid and durable in hand, but both should be treated gently in adverse conditions.

Outdoor landscape and travel photographers should consider protective casing or careful handling, as they are vulnerable to dust and moisture ingress.

Practical Image Samples and Performance Results

Reviewing real-world images provides valuable clarity on how specifications translate into pictures.

Canon SX20 IS front Canon SX20 IS screen back Canon SX200 IS screen back

In daylight portraits, the SX20 IS’s wider aperture at the short end helps produce smoother skin tones and creamy backgrounds, though neither camera achieves professional-grade bokeh. Eye detection is absent on both, limiting autofocus precision on faces.

Landscapes reveal closer dynamic range on the SX20 IS, with shadow detail retention superior. The SX200 IS captures decent colors but shows earlier clipping in highlights.

In telephoto shots of wildlife or sports, the SX20 IS’s extended zoom is immediately beneficial, allowing tighter framing of distant subjects. However, autofocus lag remains problematic in tracking moving animals or players.

Night and low-light photos betray noise escalation beyond ISO 400 on both, but the SX20 IS again edges forward with gentler noise characteristics.

How They Score Overall and by Genre

To summarize objective testing scores weighted against category expectations:

Drilling further into shoot-type suitability gives additional nuance:

• Portrait: SX20 IS suits better due to apertures and image processing.
• Landscape: SX20 IS with superior dynamic range.
• Wildlife: SX20 IS for zoom reach, but autofocus limits fast capture.
• Sports: Both marginal; SX20 IS barely preferable for reach.
• Street: SX200 IS benefits from compact size, easier discreet carry.
• Macro: Both modest, no distinct advantage.
• Night/Astro: Neither ideal - small sensors struggle, but SX20 IS slightly better ISO handling.
• Video: SX20 IS superior codec and articulated screen.
• Travel: SX200 IS for portability, SX20 IS for versatility.
• Professional Work: Neither support RAW; limited suitability.

Final Thoughts: Which Canon Superzoom Fits You?

The Canon PowerShot SX20 IS and SX200 IS, despite close sensor specs, offer distinctly different appeals.

The SX20 IS stands out as the more serious enthusiast’s tool: longer zoom, better controls, articulated screen, and EVF. Ideal if you prioritize reach, manual control, and versatile shooting scenarios like landscapes, travel, or wildlife where you can take your time composing.

The SX200 IS offers a lightweight, pocketable alternative for casual users valuing convenience and modest zoom without bulk, a decisive factor for everyday walks or street photography. However, you trade off control and ultimate telephoto reach.

If you want my direct recommendation: for ambitious hobbyists and travel photographers ready to engage more deeply with manual settings and lens reach, the SX20 IS is the better investment - a dogged workhorse with few rivals at its zoom level during its era. The SX200 IS remains a sensible choice for beginners or those who value portability above all else.

Parting Shots on Timelessness and Practical Use

Neither camera includes modern conveniences like RAW support or wireless transfer, but when approached with realistic expectations, they still capture memorable images. Their optical stabilizers assist in handheld telephoto shots, and while these models age in sensor tech, they remain educational tools in manual exposure basics and superzoom photography.

If you’re nostalgic for the late-2000s compact superzoom style or need a budget-friendly superzoom with character, these cameras deserve consideration.

Summary Table

When purchasing, consider your priority between portability and control, zoom reach, and shooting style. Both embody Canon’s hallmark reliability and image quality for their class - just tailor your choice accordingly.

I hope this detailed rundown empowers your next smart superzoom camera decision. Happy shooting!