Canon PowerShot SX20 IS vs. SX540 HS: A Hands-On Bridge Camera Showdown

When browsing the diverse landscape of bridge cameras, Canon’s PowerShot series stands out with numerous models designed to appeal to a wide spectrum of photographers. Today, I’m comparing two intriguing entries from Canon’s small sensor superzoom lineup - the Canon PowerShot SX20 IS introduced in 2010, and the newer Canon PowerShot SX540 HS from 2016. Both cameras offer the typical bridge camera proposition: a bulky DSLR-style body with an integrated superzoom lens, straightforward operation, and versatile shooting modes - but they approach these goals differently.

I’ve had extensive hands-on time testing each model, evaluating their real-world performance across photographic disciplines, from landscapes and portraits to wildlife and video. This comprehensive article will help you decide which one fits your needs best, whether you’re a casual enthusiast looking for reach or a seasoned shooter needing more advanced features in a compact-but-capable package.

Let’s dive into the nitty-gritty while keeping your practical experience front-and-center.

Size, Handling & Ergonomics: How They Feel in Your Hands

Bridging the gap between a compact point-and-shoot and a full DSLR, the body design and ergonomics are central to the user experience with bridge cameras. The Canon SX20 IS sports a relatively hefty frame with dimensions of 128 x 88 x 87 mm and a weight of 600 grams powered by four AA batteries. In contrast, the SX540 HS feels significantly lighter and more pocket-friendly, measuring 120 x 82 x 92 mm and weighing just 442 grams, fueled by a dedicated NB-6LH lithium-ion battery.

Physically, the SX20 IS is chunkier with a more pronounced grip. This translates to a solid feel that adds confidence during use, especially when shooting at the telephoto end of its 20x zoom. It’s a bit like the camera is bracing itself against your hand, lending stability. The downside? It’s noticeably heavier and less convenient for lugging on long excursions.

The SX540 HS on the other hand, while smaller and lighter, offers a sleeker profile that’s easier to pack and carry around. It’s not exactly pocketable (that’s still unrealistic for superzooms), but it minimizes fatigue over extended trips. From my tests hiking and street shooting, I appreciated the SX540 HS’s balance between size and usability.

Ergonomically, both have a classic SLR-like body style, but their control layouts differ just enough to influence handling. Take a glance at the top panels:

The SX20 IS features a dedicated mode dial, complete with manual exposure modes (shutter priority, aperture priority, manual), while the SX540 HS retains those but consolidates some controls for simplicity. The absence of a viewfinder on the SX540 HS is notable - it relies exclusively on its rear LCD like most modern compacts (albeit a relatively small one), while the SX20 IS offers an electronic viewfinder, which some users value for shooting under bright sunlight or for steady eye-level framing.

Ergonomically, if you prize traditional handling and manual control dials, the SX20 IS stands out. But if you prefer portability with straightforward modern controls, SX540 HS is appealing.

Sensor and Image Quality: Technology Leap Over Six Years

At the heart of every camera lies its sensor, dictating resolution, dynamic range, and noise performance. Both cameras have the same physical sensor size of 1/2.3 inches with identical sensor dimensions (about 6.17x4.55 mm), but their sensor technologies and image processors differ substantially.

The Canon SX20 IS uses a 12-megapixel CCD sensor coupled with Digic 4 processing. Back in 2010, this configuration was standard for compact superzooms but comes with some drawbacks in noise handling and dynamic range.

Meanwhile, the SX540 HS employs a more advanced 20-megapixel BSI-CMOS sensor with a Digic 6 processor. BSI (Backside Illuminated) CMOS sensors generally perform better in low light due to improved light gathering, higher efficiency, and reduced noise. The DIGIC 6 chip also enables faster processing and better autofocus functions.

From my side-by-side image testing, the SX540 HS delivers noticeably sharper images at the same focal length, with improved color accuracy and richer details, particularly in mid-range ISO settings. The SX20 IS’s CCD sensor produces pleasant images in well-lit conditions but struggles to maintain cleaner details past ISO 400. Noise becomes quite noticeable approaching its max ISO of 1600. The SX540 HS, benefiting from its newer sensor and processing, provides usable images up to ISO 1600 or even 3200 with acceptable noise for casual use.

Display and Viewfinder: How You Frame Your Shots

The rear screen is often the primary way we compose photographs and review results - especially if there’s no viewfinder.

The SX20 IS comes with a fully articulated 2.5" LCD screen with a modest resolution of 230k dots, plus a basic electronic viewfinder. Articulated screens grant great flexibility for composing shots at awkward angles or selfies - a nice plus. However, the screen is quite small and dull compared to modern standards, making outdoor visibility tricky. The EVF, while functional, is relatively crude and lower resolution.

Conversely, the SX540 HS features a fixed 3" LCD screen with a crisp 461k dots resolution, presenting more detailed previews and easier manual focus checking. However, it lacks any viewfinder, which some photographers miss for rapid framing, especially in bright outdoor settings.

In practice, the SX540 HS’s larger, higher-resolution screen offers a better user experience for framing and reviewing images. The absence of an EVF is a deal-breaker for some; personally, I found it manageable in everyday shoots but less convenient under harsh sunlight.

Lens and Zoom Performance: Reach and Aperture

Both cameras come with integrated superzoom lenses, but their focal length ranges and aperture vary significantly:

The SX540 HS doubles the maximum telephoto reach of the SX20 IS, topping out at a staggering 1200 mm equivalent. This is a significant advantage for wildlife, sports, or even certain types of event photography where extreme zoom is valuable. The trade-off is a visibly slower lens at the long end, with max aperture narrowing to f/6.5 compared to f/5.7 on the SX20 IS.

While the brighter aperture on the SX20 IS is a benefit for low light or shallow depth of field at telephoto, the real-world difference is muted due to the overall sensor capabilities and stabilization (more on this shortly).

Noise aside, I took sample images from both cameras’ widest and longest focal lengths to illustrate this impact:

Canon SX20 IS front Canon SX20 IS screen back Canon SX540 HS front Canon SX540 HS screen back

The SX540 HS’s incredible zoom reach allows more distant subjects up close, but beware the need for solid stabilization or a tripod - especially as aperture and sensor size conspire to limit light at the extreme end.

Autofocus & Shooting Speed: Keeping Up with Fast Action

Autofocus (AF) technology has advanced considerably between 2010 and 2016, impacting usability in fast-paced scenarios.

The SX20 IS, while offering manual focus, employs a contrast-detection AF system with 9 focus points but lacks face or eye detection. It supports only single AF mode - no continuous tracking - and shoots at a sluggish one frame per second (fps) burst rate. This makes it ill-suited for dynamic subjects like sports or wildlife.

In contrast, the SX540 HS features a more sophisticated contrast-detection AF system that supports face detection, center AF, selective AF, and continuous autofocus modes. Its burst shooting speed jumps to 5.9 fps with auto ISO - a considerable improvement. Although it lacks phase detection or advanced tracking typically required for professional sports action, it’s a more versatile setup that balances speed and accuracy for mainstream uses.

In my hands, the SX540 HS maintained focus reliably even when shooting moving subjects, while the SX20 IS often required more patience. For wildlife or sports enthusiasts aiming to capture fleeting moments, the SX540 HS clearly holds the edge.

Image Stabilization & Shutter Control: Sharp Shots Despite the Shake

Both cameras include optical image stabilization (OIS), a critical feature for superzoom lenses that amplify camera shake. Though Canon doesn’t detail the exact stabilization tech, my testing showed that both effectively compensate for moderate shakes - allowing handheld shots at slower shutter speeds than typically possible.

The SX540 HS’s newer generation OIS seemed more refined, especially noticeable at telephoto extremes. Combined with a faster maximum continuous shooting speed, I found it easier to get sharp images when handholding at full zoom.

Shutter speed ranges also differ: the SX20 IS offers 15 seconds to 1/3200 sec, while the SX540 HS ranges from 15 seconds to 1/2000 sec. Both support typical exposure compensation, shutter priority, aperture priority, and manual modes, giving photographers control over exposure creative decisions.

Video Capabilities: More Than Just Stills

Video demands have evolved rapidly, and camera manufacturers have adapted.

The SX20 IS outputs HD video at 1280 x 720 pixels at 30 fps in H.264 format. It lacks a microphone port and only offers basic movie capture. Video quality and autofocus during recording are average and somewhat limited by the old sensor and processor.

Jump to the SX540 HS, and you have a more capable multimedia camera. It supports full 1080p HD video at 60 fps and 30 fps, delivering smoother, higher resolution clips with improved autofocus during recording. Video is recorded in MPEG-4, H.264 codec, which is compatible and popular for editing workflows. While there’s no mic or headphone jack, the built-in microphone delivers reasonable audio for casual use.

The SX540 HS enhances versatility for vloggers, family moments, and casual filmmaking - clearly the better choice if video performance is important.

Battery Life and Storage: Powering Your Shoots

Battery life can make or break usability in the field.

The SX20 IS relies on four AA batteries. This offers flexibility since you can swap in rechargeables or spares anywhere, but adds weight and bulk.

The SX540 HS uses a proprietary rechargeable lithium-ion battery rated for about 205 shots per charge. This is average for a compact superzoom, and I found having a spare battery necessary for a full day’s shooting, especially with active usage of screen and zoom.

For storage, both cameras accept SD cards (SDHC/SDXC for SX540 HS and SD/SDHC/MMC for SX20 IS), giving a wide choice with ample capacity.

Connectivity: Modern Convenience vs. Basic Capability

Connectivity after capture is another area where the SX540 HS is superior.

The SX20 IS offers no wireless options whatsoever. Transferring images requires USB 2.0 connection to a computer.

In contrast, the SX540 HS introduces built-in Wi-Fi and NFC, enabling easier image sharing to smartphones and tablets through Canon’s apps - a valuable addition for travelers and social sharers. USB 2.0 remains the wired standard, and HDMI output is available on both cameras for direct playback on TVs.

This modern connectivity complements the SX540 HS’s improved image and video capabilities, enhancing workflow for a connected generation.

Real-World Performance Across Photography Genres

I’ve compiled detailed observations across diverse photographic pursuits, illustrating the comparative strengths and weaknesses for each model.

Portraits

• SX20 IS: Color rendering is decent; however, the CCD sensor sometimes struggles with skin tone smoothness. No face or eye detection AF means more manual focus effort. Articulated screen helps with low-angle portraits. The wider aperture at 28 mm (f/2.8) aids in subject-background separation but limited by sensor size.

• SX540 HS: Automatic face detection improves focusing on eyes and expressions. Higher resolution sensor captures admirable detail. The smaller aperture impacts bokeh, but the longer zoom facilitates distant headshots without intrusion.

Landscapes

• SX20 IS: Moderate 12 MP resolution, acceptable dynamic range for well-exposed conditions. Articulated screen assists unusual angle compositions. Slightly sluggish AF may hinder quick spontaneous shots.

• SX540 HS: Higher 20 MP resolution captures finer details, and better dynamic range preserves shadow/highlight detail. However, no weather sealing on either camera implies caution in harsh environments.

Wildlife

• SX20 IS: Max 20x zoom limits framing distant birds or animals. AF is too slow for active subjects, continuous AF unsupported.

• SX540 HS: Impressive 50x zoom allows closer framing; continuous AF at nearly 6 fps burst is handy for quick captures. Stabilization necessary at long reach.

Sports

• SX20 IS: Slow fps and single AF restrict sport shooting. Best suited for casual or static scenes.

• SX540 HS: Increased frame rate and continuous AF improves usability but still limited for professional fast action. Good beginner sports camera.

Street

• SX20 IS: Bulkier and heavier, less discreet. EVF helps for quick framing.

• SX540 HS: More portable, silent operation, and high-res LCD lends well to street shooting. No EVF might be a drawback outdoors.

Macro

• Both cameras support macro focusing from very close distances (0 cm), with manual focus capability. Neither offers focus stacking or focus bracketing.

Night & Astro

• SX20 IS: Limited ISO range and noisier CCD limits astrophotography.

• SX540 HS: Higher ISO and longer exposure capability, combined with better noise control, make it a more viable option for night shots.

Video

• SX20 IS: 720p max, limited settings.

• SX540 HS: Full HD 1080p at 60 fps, superior autofocus, better overall video experience.

Travel

• SX540 HS wins hands down for lower weight, longer zoom versatility, Wi-Fi connectivity, and video.

• SX20 IS offers rugged battery sourcing using AAs but feels bulkier.

Professional

• Neither camera supports RAW shooting (limiting post-processing flexibility), and lack of advanced AF systems or weather sealing limits professional applications. They are best suited to enthusiasts and hobbyists rather than pro workflows.

Overall Performance Summary

After weighing all factors, here’s a performance synopsis:

• Canon SX20 IS excels in manual controls, articulated screen, and a brighter lens at the wide end - a solid choice for users prioritizing classic handling and simpler budgets.
• Canon SX540 HS shines with superior sensor resolution, vastly longer zoom, faster shooting speed, stronger autofocus, and modern connectivity - catering to users needing reach and multimedia versatility.

Practical Recommendations: Which Should You Choose?

• Choose the SX20 IS if:

  • You want a traditional DSLR-like experience with an electronic viewfinder and articulated screen.
  • You value manual exposure modes with tactile controls.
  • You prefer shooting in daylight or easy subjects, and want to keep costs moderate.
  • You appreciate AA battery flexibility for remote or travel use.

• Choose the SX540 HS if:

  • You want greater zoom reach (50x) for wildlife or distant subjects.
  • You need faster autofocus, continuous shooting, and full HD video at 60 fps.
  • Portability and lighter weight matter for travel or street photography.
  • You appreciate Wi-Fi and NFC for instant image sharing.
  • You want higher resolution photos for cropping or enlargements.

Final Thoughts: Bridging Eras of Decked-Out Superzooms

The Canon PowerShot SX20 IS and SX540 HS illustrate how far small sensor superzoom bridge cameras traveled in just six years. The SX20 IS offers nostalgic charm - manual controls, articulated screen, and a trusty lens - but shows its age in sensor tech and speed. The SX540 HS leaps ahead with improved image quality, zoom reach, AF performance, and multimedia capabilities, more aligned with modern photography demands.

For enthusiasts wanting a no-nonsense, classic feel and don’t mind lower burst speeds or absence of wireless, the SX20 IS remains compelling, especially if found second-hand. However, for most photographers invested in versatility, responsiveness, and connectivity, the SX540 HS is the more practical, enjoyable daily driver.

Whichever you pick, both carry Canon’s trusted lens sharpness and solid engineering - a testament to their place in the bridge camera hall of fame.

Thanks for joining me on this detailed comparative journey. I hope my insights help you make an informed choice tailored to your photographic adventure.

Happy shooting!

If you found this article helpful and want an in-depth visual walkthrough of autofocus tests, video samples, and more, stay tuned for my accompanying video review.