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Canon SX20 IS vs Canon SX40 HS

Portability
65 Imaging
35 Features
40 Overall
37
Canon PowerShot SX20 IS front
 
Canon PowerShot SX40 HS front
Portability
64 Imaging
35 Features
50 Overall
41

Canon SX20 IS vs Canon SX40 HS Key Specs

Canon SX20 IS
(Full Review)
  • 12MP - 1/2.3" Sensor
  • 2.5" Fully Articulated Display
  • ISO 80 - 1600
  • Optical Image Stabilization
  • 1280 x 720 video
  • 28-560mm (F2.8-5.7) lens
  • 600g - 128 x 88 x 87mm
  • Announced July 2010
  • Superseded the Canon SX10 IS
  • Successor is Canon SX30 IS
Canon SX40 HS
(Full Review)
  • 12MP - 1/2.3" Sensor
  • 2.7" Fully Articulated Display
  • ISO 100 - 3200
  • Optical Image Stabilization
  • 1920 x 1080 video
  • 24-840mm (F2.7-5.8) lens
  • 600g - 123 x 92 x 108mm
  • Introduced September 2011
  • Replaced the Canon SX30 IS
  • Renewed by Canon SX50 HS
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Canon SX20 IS vs Canon SX40 HS Overview

In this write-up, we are contrasting the Canon SX20 IS versus Canon SX40 HS, both Small Sensor Superzoom digital cameras and they are both produced by Canon. The image resolution of the SX20 IS (12MP) and the SX40 HS (12MP) is fairly similar and they enjoy the same exact sensor measurements (1/2.3").

Photography Glossary

The SX20 IS was manufactured 14 months earlier than the SX40 HS making the cameras a generation away from each other. Both the cameras offer the identical body type (SLR-like (bridge)).

Before diving straight into a comprehensive comparison, below is a simple synopsis of how the SX20 IS grades versus the SX40 HS with respect to portability, imaging, features and an overall mark.

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Reasons to pick Canon SX20 IS over the Canon SX40 HS

		

		

			
 SX20 IS SX40 HS 
		

	

	
	

		

		
Reasons to pick Canon SX40 HS over the Canon SX20 IS

		

		

			
 SX40 HS SX20 IS 
IntroducedSeptember 2011July 2010Newer by 14 months
Display sizing2.7"2.5"Larger display (+0.2")
		

	

	
	

		

		
Common features in the Canon SX20 IS and Canon SX40 HS

		

		

			
 SX20 IS SX40 HS 
Focus manually  Very exact focusing
Display typeFully ArticulatedFully ArticulatedFully Articulated display
Display resolution230k230kExact same display resolution
Selfie screen  Both are selfie friendly
Touch friendly display  Neither features Touch friendly display
		

	

	

	
	
	
	

	

		

		
Canon SX20 IS vs Canon SX40 HS Physical Comparison

		

		

			
For those who are aiming to travel with your camera often, you'll have to consider its weight and size. The Canon SX20 IS enjoys exterior measurements of 128mm x 88mm x 87mm (5.0" x 3.5" x 3.4") along with a weight of 600 grams (1.32 lbs) whilst the Canon SX40 HS has specifications of 123mm x 92mm x 108mm (4.8" x 3.6" x 4.3") and a weight of 600 grams (1.32 lbs).
Examine the Canon SX20 IS versus Canon SX40 HS in our completely new Camera & Lens Size Comparison Tool. Camera Size Comparison with Lenses
Remember, the weight of an ILC will differ dependant on the lens you are working with during that time. The following is the front view measurement comparison of the SX20 IS versus the SX40 HS.
Canon SX20 IS vs Canon SX40 HS size comparison
Using size and weight, the portability grade of the SX20 IS and SX40 HS is 65 and 64 respectively.
Canon SX20 IS vs Canon SX40 HS top view buttons comparison		

	

	
	

		

		
Canon SX20 IS vs Canon SX40 HS Sensor Comparison

		

		

			
In many cases, it's hard to see the gap between sensor dimensions only by going over specs. The image below will offer you a far better sense of the sensor sizing in the SX20 IS and SX40 HS.
As you can plainly see, both cameras enjoy the same exact sensor sizing and the same exact MP therefore you can expect similar quality of pictures however you should factor the launch date  of the products into consideration. The more aged SX20 IS is going to be behind when it comes to sensor tech.
	
			Canon SX20 IS vs Canon SX40 HS sensor size comparison			
		

	

	
	

		

		
Canon SX20 IS vs Canon SX40 HS Screen and ViewFinder

		

		

					

		Canon SX20 IS vs Canon SX40 HS Screen and Viewfinder comparison	

	
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Photography Type Scores

		

	

	
Portrait Comparison
Canon SX20 IS Portrait photography features
Canon SX40 HS Portrait photography features
37
 has manual focus
 above average flash sync (1/500s)
 MP count low (12MP)
 sensor size is tiny (1/2.3")
 no RAW format
41
 has manual focus
 above average flash sync speed (1/2,000s)
 supports face detect autofocus
 megapixel count low (12 megapixels)
 tiny sensor (1/2.3")
 lacks RAW format
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Street Comparison
Canon SX20 IS Street photography information
Canon SX40 HS Street photography information
49
 screen articulates fully
 has image stabilization (Optical)
 sensor size is tiny (1/2.3")
 no RAW format
 more heavy than competition (600g)
49
 screen articulates fully
 has image stabilization (Optical)
 tiny sensor (1/2.3")
 lacks RAW format
 more heavy than others in class (600 grams)
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Sports Comparison
Canon SX20 IS Sports photography features
Canon SX40 HS Sports photography features
34
 incredible zoom range (28-560mm  20.0 x zoom)
 has image stabilization (Optical)
 slow frames per second (1.0 fps)
 MP count low (12MP)
 sensor size is tiny (1/2.3")
 no phase detect autofocus
42
 incredible zoom range (24-840mm  35.0 x zoom)
 has image stabilization (Optical)
 good battery power (380 shots)
 megapixel count low (12 megapixels)
 tiny sensor (1/2.3")
 lacks phase detect autofocus
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Travel Comparison
Canon SX20 IS Travel photography highlights
Canon SX40 HS Travel photography highlights
53
 built-in flash
 screen is selfie friendly
 relatively wide (28mm)
 great zoom (560mm)
 lack of Timelapse function
 more heavy than competition (600 grams)
 MP count low (12MP)
 slow max aperture (f2.8)
54
 good battery power (380 CIPA)
 flash built-in
 display is selfie friendly
 fairly wide (24mm)
 very long reach (840mm)
 no Timelapse function
 more heavy than others in class (600g)
 megapixel count low (12MP)
 slow max aperture (f2.7)
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Landscape Comparison
Landscape photography with Canon SX20 IS
Landscape photography with Canon SX40 HS
35
 has manual focus
 relatively wide (28mm)
 has image stabilization (Optical)
 cannot swap lens (fixed lens mount)
 slow max aperture (f2.8)
 tiny screen (2.5 inch)
 MP count low (12 megapixels)
 sensor size is tiny (1/2.3")
 no RAW format
 lack of Timelapse function
38
 has manual focus
 fairly wide (24mm)
 has image stabilization (Optical)
 good battery power (380 per charge)
 lens is fixed (fixed lens mount)
 slow max aperture (f2.7)
 screen is small (2.7 inches)
 megapixel count low (12 megapixels)
 tiny sensor (1/2.3")
 lacks RAW format
 no Timelapse function
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Vlogging Comparison
Vlogging with Canon SX20 IS
Vlogging with Canon SX40 HS
50
 relatively wide (28mm)
 screen is selfie friendly
 has image stabilization (Optical)
 slow max aperture (f2.8)
 low res video (1280 x 720 pxls)
 lack of microphone jack
 more heavy than competition (600g)
57
 fairly wide (24mm)
 display is selfie friendly
 has image stabilization (Optical)
 supports face detect autofocus
 video resolution high (1920 x 1080 resolution)
 slow max aperture (f2.7)
 no microphone support
 more heavy than others in class (600g)
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Canon SX20 IS vs Canon SX40 HS Specifications

		

		

					

		
		

			Detailed spec comparison table for Canon SX20 IS and Canon SX40 HS
 Canon PowerShot SX20 ISCanon PowerShot SX40 HS
General Information
Brand Name Canon Canon
Model type Canon PowerShot SX20 IS Canon PowerShot SX40 HS
Class Small Sensor Superzoom Small Sensor Superzoom
Announced 2010-07-06 2011-09-15
Physical type SLR-like (bridge) SLR-like (bridge)
Sensor Information
Processor Chip Digic 4 -
Sensor type CCD BSI-CMOS
Sensor size 1/2.3" 1/2.3"
Sensor measurements 6.17 x 4.55mm 6.17 x 4.55mm
Sensor area 28.1mm² 28.1mm²
Sensor resolution 12MP 12MP
Anti alias filter    
Aspect ratio 4:3 and  16:9 1:1, 4:3, 3:2 and  16:9
Highest resolution 4000 x 3000 4000 x 3000
Highest native ISO 1600 3200
Min native ISO 80 100
RAW files    
Autofocusing
Manual focusing    
Touch to focus    
Continuous autofocus    
Autofocus single    
Autofocus tracking    
Selective autofocus    
Autofocus center weighted    
Autofocus multi area    
Autofocus live view    
Face detect autofocus    
Contract detect autofocus    
Phase detect autofocus    
Total focus points 9 9
Lens
Lens mount type fixed lens fixed lens
Lens zoom range 28-560mm (20.0x) 24-840mm (35.0x)
Largest aperture f/2.8-5.7 f/2.7-5.8
Macro focusing distance 0cm 0cm
Focal length multiplier 5.8 5.8
Screen
Type of display Fully Articulated Fully Articulated
Display size 2.5 inch 2.7 inch
Resolution of display 230 thousand dots 230 thousand dots
Selfie friendly    
Liveview    
Touch capability    
Display tech - PureColor II VA TFT LCD
Viewfinder Information
Viewfinder type Electronic Electronic
Features
Lowest shutter speed 15 secs 15 secs
Highest shutter speed 1/3200 secs 1/3200 secs
Continuous shooting rate 1.0 frames per sec 10.0 frames per sec
Shutter priority    
Aperture priority    
Manually set exposure    
Exposure compensation Yes Yes
Custom white balance    
Image stabilization    
Inbuilt flash    
Flash distance 6.80 m 7.00 m
Flash options Auto, On, Off, Red-Eye, Slow Sync, Fill-in Auto, On, Off, Red-Eye, Slow Sync, Fill-in
External flash    
AE bracketing    
WB bracketing    
Highest flash synchronize 1/500 secs 1/2000 secs
Exposure
Multisegment metering    
Average metering    
Spot metering    
Partial metering    
AF area metering    
Center weighted metering    
Video features
Supported video resolutions 1280 x 720 (30 fps) 640 x 480 (30 fps), 320 x 240 (30, 15 fps) 1920 x 1080 (24fps), 1280 x 720 (30 fps) 640 x 480 (30, 120 fps), 320 x 240 (30, 240 fps)
Highest video resolution 1280x720 1920x1080
Video file format H.264 MPEG-4, H.264
Microphone support    
Headphone support    
Connectivity
Wireless None Eye-Fi Connected
Bluetooth    
NFC    
HDMI    
USB USB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec) USB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec)
GPS None None
Physical
Environmental sealing    
Water proofing    
Dust proofing    
Shock proofing    
Crush proofing    
Freeze proofing    
Weight 600 grams (1.32 lbs) 600 grams (1.32 lbs)
Dimensions 128 x 88 x 87mm (5.0" x 3.5" x 3.4") 123 x 92 x 108mm (4.8" x 3.6" x 4.3")
DXO scores
DXO All around rating not tested not tested
DXO Color Depth rating not tested not tested
DXO Dynamic range rating not tested not tested
DXO Low light rating not tested not tested
Other
Battery life - 380 photos
Battery style - Battery Pack
Battery ID 4 x AA NB-10L
Self timer Yes (2 or 10 sec, Custom) Yes (2 or 10 sec, Custom)
Time lapse shooting    
Storage type SD / SDHC / MMC / MMC Plus / HC MMC Plus SD/SDHC/SDXC
Card slots 1 1
Retail price $500 $330