Canon SX20 IS vs Leica V-Lux 20
65 Imaging
35 Features
40 Overall
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91 Imaging
35 Features
33 Overall
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Canon SX20 IS vs Leica V-Lux 20 Key Specs
(Full Review)
- 12MP - 1/2.3" Sensor
- 2.5" Fully Articulated Screen
- ISO 80 - 1600
- Optical Image Stabilization
- 1280 x 720 video
- 28-560mm (F2.8-5.7) lens
- 600g - 128 x 88 x 87mm
- Introduced July 2010
- Previous Model is Canon SX10 IS
- Renewed by Canon SX30 IS
(Full Review)
- 12MP - 1/2.3" Sensor
- 3" Fixed Display
- ISO 80 - 6400
- Optical Image Stabilization
- 1280 x 720 video
- 25-300mm (F3.3-4.9) lens
- 218g - 103 x 60 x 33mm
- Announced April 2010

Canon SX20 IS vs Leica V-Lux 20 Overview
In this write-up, we are comparing the Canon SX20 IS vs Leica V-Lux 20, both Small Sensor Superzoom digital cameras by competitors Canon and Leica. The image resolution of the SX20 IS (12MP) and the V-Lux 20 (12MP) is fairly well matched and they come with the same exact sensor size (1/2.3").

The SX20 IS was revealed 3 months later than the V-Lux 20 which means that they are both of a similar age. Each of the cameras offer different body type with the Canon SX20 IS being a SLR-like (bridge) camera and the Leica V-Lux 20 being a Compact camera.
Before getting through a in-depth comparison, below is a simple summary of how the SX20 IS grades against the V-Lux 20 in terms of portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

Canon SX20 IS vs Leica V-Lux 20 Gallery
The following is a sample of the gallery pictures for Canon PowerShot SX20 IS & Leica V-Lux 20. The full galleries are provided at Canon SX20 IS Gallery & Leica V-Lux 20 Gallery.
Reasons to pick Canon SX20 IS over the Leica V-Lux 20
SX20 IS | V-Lux 20 | |||
---|---|---|---|---|
Manually focus | ![]() | Dial accurate focus | ||
Display type | Fully Articulated | ![]() | Fixed | Fully Articulating display |
Selfie screen | ![]() | Easy selfies |
Reasons to pick Leica V-Lux 20 over the Canon SX20 IS
V-Lux 20 | SX20 IS | |||
---|---|---|---|---|
Display sizing | 3" | ![]() | 2.5" | Larger display (+0.5") |
Display resolution | 461k | ![]() | 230k | Crisper display (+231k dot) |
Common features in the Canon SX20 IS and Leica V-Lux 20
SX20 IS | V-Lux 20 | |||
---|---|---|---|---|
Announced | July 2010 | ![]() | April 2010 | Similar age |
Touch display | ![]() | No Touch display |
Canon SX20 IS vs Leica V-Lux 20 Physical Comparison
For those who are intending to carry your camera, you will have to take into account its weight and measurements. The Canon SX20 IS features physical 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 Leica V-Lux 20 has proportions of 103mm x 60mm x 33mm (4.1" x 2.4" x 1.3") accompanied by a weight of 218 grams (0.48 lbs).
Check the Canon SX20 IS vs Leica V-Lux 20 in our completely new Camera & Lens Size Comparison Tool.
Remember that, the weight of an ILC will change dependant on the lens you choose at that time. Following is the front view measurement comparison of the SX20 IS compared to the V-Lux 20.

Factoring in dimensions and weight, the portability grade of the SX20 IS and V-Lux 20 is 65 and 91 respectively.

Canon SX20 IS vs Leica V-Lux 20 Sensor Comparison
Quite often, it's hard to visualise the gap between sensor sizing just by looking at technical specs. The graphic below might give you a more clear sense of the sensor sizing in the SX20 IS and V-Lux 20.
As you have seen, both of the cameras enjoy the same exact sensor sizing and the identical resolution therefore you can expect similar quality of images although you will want to factor the launch date of the products into consideration.

Canon SX20 IS vs Leica V-Lux 20 Screen and ViewFinder


Photography Type Scores
Portrait Comparison

Street Comparison

Sports Comparison

Travel Comparison

Landscape Comparison

Vlogging Comparison

Canon SX20 IS vs Leica V-Lux 20 Specifications
Canon PowerShot SX20 IS | Leica V-Lux 20 | |
---|---|---|
General Information | ||
Brand | Canon | Leica |
Model | Canon PowerShot SX20 IS | Leica V-Lux 20 |
Type | Small Sensor Superzoom | Small Sensor Superzoom |
Introduced | 2010-07-06 | 2010-04-20 |
Body design | SLR-like (bridge) | Compact |
Sensor Information | ||
Processor Chip | Digic 4 | - |
Sensor type | CCD | CCD |
Sensor size | 1/2.3" | 1/2.3" |
Sensor measurements | 6.17 x 4.55mm | 6.08 x 4.56mm |
Sensor area | 28.1mm² | 27.7mm² |
Sensor resolution | 12MP | 12MP |
Anti aliasing filter | ||
Aspect ratio | 4:3 and 16:9 | 4:3, 3:2 and 16:9 |
Highest Possible resolution | 4000 x 3000 | 4000 x 3000 |
Maximum native ISO | 1600 | 6400 |
Min native ISO | 80 | 80 |
RAW pictures | ||
Autofocusing | ||
Manual focus | ||
Autofocus touch | ||
Autofocus continuous | ||
Autofocus single | ||
Autofocus tracking | ||
Selective autofocus | ||
Center weighted autofocus | ||
Multi area autofocus | ||
Autofocus live view | ||
Face detection focus | ||
Contract detection focus | ||
Phase detection focus | ||
Number of focus points | 9 | 11 |
Lens | ||
Lens mount | fixed lens | fixed lens |
Lens focal range | 28-560mm (20.0x) | 25-300mm (12.0x) |
Maximal aperture | f/2.8-5.7 | f/3.3-4.9 |
Macro focus distance | 0cm | 3cm |
Focal length multiplier | 5.8 | 5.9 |
Screen | ||
Range of screen | Fully Articulated | Fixed Type |
Screen size | 2.5 inches | 3 inches |
Screen resolution | 230 thousand dot | 461 thousand dot |
Selfie friendly | ||
Liveview | ||
Touch operation | ||
Viewfinder Information | ||
Viewfinder type | Electronic | None |
Features | ||
Min shutter speed | 15s | 60s |
Max shutter speed | 1/3200s | 1/2000s |
Continuous shutter speed | 1.0 frames per sec | 2.0 frames per sec |
Shutter priority | ||
Aperture priority | ||
Expose Manually | ||
Exposure compensation | Yes | Yes |
Change white balance | ||
Image stabilization | ||
Built-in flash | ||
Flash range | 6.80 m | 5.30 m |
Flash settings | Auto, On, Off, Red-Eye, Slow Sync, Fill-in | Auto, On, Off, Red-eye, Slow Syncro |
Hot shoe | ||
AEB | ||
WB bracketing | ||
Max flash sync | 1/500s | - |
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) | 1280 x 720 (60 fps), 848 x 480 (30 fps), 640 x 480 (30fps), 320 x 240 (30 fps) |
Maximum video resolution | 1280x720 | 1280x720 |
Video format | H.264 | Motion JPEG |
Microphone input | ||
Headphone input | ||
Connectivity | ||
Wireless | None | None |
Bluetooth | ||
NFC | ||
HDMI | ||
USB | USB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec) | USB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec) |
GPS | None | BuiltIn |
Physical | ||
Environmental seal | ||
Water proof | ||
Dust proof | ||
Shock proof | ||
Crush proof | ||
Freeze proof | ||
Weight | 600 gr (1.32 lbs) | 218 gr (0.48 lbs) |
Dimensions | 128 x 88 x 87mm (5.0" x 3.5" x 3.4") | 103 x 60 x 33mm (4.1" x 2.4" x 1.3") |
DXO scores | ||
DXO Overall score | not tested | not tested |
DXO Color Depth score | not tested | not tested |
DXO Dynamic range score | not tested | not tested |
DXO Low light score | not tested | not tested |
Other | ||
Battery model | 4 x AA | - |
Self timer | Yes (2 or 10 sec, Custom) | Yes (2 or 10 sec) |
Time lapse recording | ||
Storage media | SD / SDHC / MMC / MMC Plus / HC MMC Plus | SD/SDHC/SDXC, Internal |
Storage slots | One | One |
Launch price | $500 | $779 |