Canon SX20 User's Guide

Camera User GuideENGLISH• Make sure you read this guide before using the camera.• Store this guide safely so that you can use it in the future.COPY

10• Before using the camera, please ensure that you read the safety precautions described below. Always ensure that the camera is operated correctly.•

100You can change the timing for the flash and shutter.Choose [Flash Control] (p. 97).Make the setting.● Press the op buttons or turn the  dial to ch

101When the camera detects the possibility that people have their eyes shut, appears.Choose [Blink Detection].● Press the n button, choose the 4 tab,

102You can register commonly used shooting modes and settings. By simply turning the mode dial to , you can use previously registered settings to sho

103You can change the look of an image when shooting. However, the shooting conditions may cause the image to become coarse, or the colors may not com

Changing the Color and Shooting104Y Color SwapYou can swap one color in an image for another when recording it. You can only swap one color.Choose Y.●

Shooting Stitch Assist Images105Specify the range of colors to be swapped.● Press the op buttons or turn the  dial to adjust the range of colors affe

Shooting Stitch Assist Images106Take subsequent shots.● Overlap part of the first shot when taking the second shot.● Minor discrepancies in the overla

107Using Various Functions forShooting MoviesThis chapter provides more advanced information than the “Shooting Movies” and “Viewing Movies” sections

108You can choose between three image quality settings.Choose the image quality.● After pressing the m button, press the op buttons to choose .Choose

109You can shoot still images while shooting a movie.Focus while shooting a movie.● Press the shutter button halfway.X The focus and exposure will rea

Safety Precautions11BatteryOther Warnings• Use only recommended batteries.• Do not place the batteries near or in direct flame.• Do not let the batter

110The sound recording levels and Wind Filter can be set.Adjusting the recording volumeYou can manually set the recording volume for shooting movies.●

111You can set the exposure or change it in 1/3 steps within a range of ±2 before or during shooting.Lock the exposure.● Press the b button to lock th

112The following functions can be used in the same way as for still images.• Erasing Images (p. 28)• Quickly Searching Images (p. 116)• Viewing Images

113You can trim the beginnings and ends of recorded movies in one-second increments.Choose *.● Follow Steps 1 and 3 on p. 33, choose * and press the m

Editing114Check the edited movie.● Press the op buttons to choose (Play), then press the m button. The edited movie will play.● To edit the movie aga

115Using Playback and OtherFunctionsThe first part of this chapter explains various ways to play back and edit images. The latter part explains how to

116g Searching Images Using Index Display Displaying multiple images at a time lets you quickly find the image you want.Move the zoom lever toward g.X

Viewing Images in Filtered Playback117When there are many images on the memory card, you can filter and display them by a specified filter. You can al

Viewing Images in Filtered Playback118Viewing images using filter playback.● Pressing the m button will start filtered playback, and the jump method a

119You can automatically play back images recorded to a memory card.Choose [Slideshow].● Press the n button, choose [Slideshow] from the 1 tab and pre

Safety Precautions12Caution• Do not aim the camera at bright light sources (the sun, etc.).Doing so may cause malfunctions or damage the image sensor.

120You can magnify the area of a recorded image that was inside the AF Frame, or the area of a face that was detected, to check the focus.Press the l

121Move the zoom lever toward k.● The display will zoom in on the image and, if you continue to hold the zoom lever, it will continue to zoom in up to

122Using the supplied stereo video cable, you can connect the camera to a TV to view images you have shot.Items to Prepare• Camera and TV• Stereo vide

123Use the separately sold HDMI Cable HTC-100 to connect the camera to a high-definition TV for enhanced viewing experience.Turn off the camera and TV

124You can protect important images so that they cannot be erased by the camera (pp. 28, 127).Choose [Protect].● Press the n button, choose the 1 tab

Protecting Images125Select RangeChoose [Select Range].● Follow Step 2 on p. 124 to choose [Select Range] and press the m button.Choose the starting im

Protecting Images126Protect images.● Press the p button, choose [Protect] and press the m button.You can also choose the first or last image by turnin

127You can choose images and erase them in groups. Since erased images cannot be recovered, exercise adequate caution before erasing. Protected images

Erasing All Images128Press the n button.Erase.● Press the qr buttons or turn the  dial to choose [OK] and press the m button.Select RangeChoose [Sele

129You can organize images in categories. You can display the images in a category in Filtered Playback (p. 117) and process all images at once by usi

13Getting StartedThis chapter explains preparations before shooting, how to shoot in A mode, and then how to view, erase and print the images you take

Organizing Images by Category (My Category)130● To choose multiple images, repeat the above operation.Select RangeChoose [Select Range].● Follow Step

131You can change the orientation of an image and save it. Movies with a resolution of cannot be rotated.Choose [Rotate].● Press the n button, choose

132You can resize images to a lower pixel setting and save the resized image as a separate file.Choose [Resize].● Press the n button and choose the 1

133You can cut out a portion of a recorded image and save it as a new image file.Choose [Trimming].● Press the n button, choose the 1 tab and [Trimmin

Adding Effects with the My Colors Function134You can change the color of an image and save it as a separate image. Refer to p. 76 for details on each

Correcting the Brightness (i-Contrast)135The camera can detect areas in an image, such as faces or backgrounds, that are too dark and automatically ad

136You can automatically correct red eyes in images and save them as new files.Choose [Red-Eye Correction].● Press the n button, choose the 1 tab and

137You can add images to the print list (DPOF) directly after shooting or while in playback by pressing the c button. You can print from a print list

138You can choose certain images on a memory card for printing (up to 998 images) and specify the number of print copies so they can be printed togeth

Choosing Images for Printing (DPOF)139Choosing the Number of CopiesChoose [Select Images & Qty.].● Press the n button and choose the 2 tab, then c

14Open the cover.● Slide and hold the cover lock , then slide and open the cover as shown.Insert the batteries.● Insert the batteries with (+) and

Choosing Images for Printing (DPOF)140Choose RangeChoose [Select Range].● Choose [Select Range] in Step 1 on p. 139 and press the m button.● Choose im

141Customizing the CameraYou can customize various functions to suit your shooting preferences. The first part of this chapter explains convenient and

142You can customize convenient and commonly used functions from the 3 tab (p. 49).Turning off the Power Saving FunctionYou can set the power saving f

Changing Functions143Using the World ClockWhen traveling abroad, you can record images with local dates and times simply by switching the time zone se

Changing Functions144Turning off Hints & TipsWhen you choose an item in the FUNC. menu (p. 48) or Menu (p. 49), hints and tips display. You can tu

Changing Functions145Creating Folders by Shooting DateImages are saved into folders created each month, however, you can also create folders by shooti

146If you set the mode dial to G, you can change the settings in the 4 tab (p. 49).Switching the Focus SettingThe camera focuses on whatever it is aim

Changing Shooting Functions147Turning off the Red-Eye Reduction FunctionThe red-eye reduction lamp lights in order to reduce the red-eye effect that o

Changing Shooting Functions148Customizing Display InformationYou can choose which information is displayed when the l button is pressed, as well as th

Changing Shooting Functions149Changing the IS-Mode Settings● Choose [IS Mode], then press the qr buttons to choose an option.Registering Functions to

Inserting the Batteries15Approximate Number of Shots That Can Be Taken* The number of shots that can be taken is based on the Camera & Imaging Pro

Registering Commonly Used Shooting Menus150You can register shooting menu items in the tab to fit your preferences. You can quickly access commonly

Changing Playback Functions151X will appear.● To cancel registration, press the m button, and the will disappear.● Press the n button.Change the or

152In the 3 tab, you can change the sounds played for each camera operation or set the start-up image that appears when the camera power is turned on.

Changing the Start-up Image or Sound153● Press the qr buttons or turn the  dial to choose an image, then press the m button.● Press the qr buttons or

154COPY

155Useful InformationThis chapter introduces how to change the date/time battery, the use of separately sold accessories, troubleshooting tips, and co

156The life of the date/time battery (back-up battery) is approximately 7 years. If the Date/Time settings screen appears every time the camera is tur

157If you use Compact Power Adapter CA-PS700 (sold separately), you can use the camera without worrying about how much charge is left in the battery.T

158You can make your flash photography even clearer and more natural appearing with the use of a separately sold externally mounted flash. You are rec

Using an Externally Mounted Flash (Sold Separately)159Speedlite 220EX, 270EX, 430EX II, and 580EX II• The maximum flash synchro shutter speed is 1/250

16Check the card’s write-protect tab.● If the memory card has a write-protect tab, you will not be able to record images if the tab is in the locked p

Using an Externally Mounted Flash (Sold Separately)160Canon Flashes Other than Speedlite EX SeriesSince other flashes fire at full strength, refer to

161If you think there is a problem with the camera, first check the following. If the items below do not solve your problem, contact a Canon Customer

Troubleshooting162Image is blurred.• Press the shutter button halfway to focus on the subject, then press fully to shoot (p. 23).• Shoot the subject w

Troubleshooting163Recording images to the memory card takes a long time, or continuous shooting slows down.• Perform a low-level format of the memory

164If error messages appear on the LCD monitor, try one of the following solutions.No memory card• The memory card is not installed in the correct dir

List of Messages that Appear on the Screen165Cannot select!• When choosing the selection range (pp. 125, 128, 140), you tried to choose a starting ima

166Functions Available in Each Shooting ModeShooting modesFunctionD B M GExposure Compensation (p. 69)/Exposure Shift (p. 111)*1— {{{ISO Speed (p. 73)

Functions Available in Each Shooting Mode167AI J FKL EH U , t w y O P Z T Y— {{{{{{{{{{{{——{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{*2{{{————————————— — ——{{{{— {{{{{{{{{ { {{{

1684 Shooting MenuMenusShooting modesFunctionD B M GAF Frame (p. 82)Face Detect*1{{{{FlexiZone*1{{{{Center*1————Digital Zoom (p. 62)Standard*1{{{{Off*

Menus169AI J FKL EH U , t w y O P Z T Y*6{{{— {{{— {{{{{ { —*5—————————————— — ——— {{{{{{{{{{{{{ { {*5{{{{{{{{{{{{{———{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{ { {{{{{{{{{{{{{{

Inserting the Memory Card17Approximate Number of Shots per Memory Card• Values are based on the default settings.• The number of shots that can be tak

Menus1703 Set up MenuItem Options/Summary Ref. PageMute On/Off* p. 50Volume Set all operation sounds (5 levels). p. 50Sound Options Set the sounds for

Menus1711 Playback Menu2 Print MenuItem Options/Summary Ref. PageSlideshow Plays back images automatically. p. 119Erase Erases images. p. 127Protect P

172Equipment• This camera is a high-precision electronic device. Do not drop it or subject it to strong impacts.• Never place the camera close to magn

173Camera Effective Pixels . . . . . . . . . . . . . Approx. 12.1 millionImage Sensor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1/2.3-inch type CCD (T

Specifications174Self-timer. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Approx. 10-sec./Approx. 2-sec. delay, FaceSelf-Timer, Custom Timeri-Contra

Specifications175Lens Hood LH-DC50DimensionsDiameter x Length . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 69.7 mm x 30.0 mm (2.74 x 1.18 in.)Weight . . . . .

176Numerics3:2 Guide ... 148AAccessories ... 2, 38AE Lock ...

Index177Face Selection ...86Servo AF ...85Focus Bracketing ...

Index178Correction ... 136Reduction ... 147Resizing (Making Images Sm

179MEMOCOPY

18You can use the LCD monitor to compose pictures before shooting, operate menus or play back images.Open the LCD Monitor.Rotate the LCD monitor.● Rot

Trademark Acknowledgments• The SDHC logo is a trademark.• HDMI, the HDMI logo and High-Definition Multimedia Interface are trademarks or registered tr

19The Date/Time settings screen will appear the first time the camera is turned on. Since the dates and times recorded into your images are based on t

2Check if the following items are included in your camera package. If anything is missing, contact the retailer from which you purchased the camera.Us

Setting the Date and Time20Changing the Date and TimeYou can change the current date and time settings.Display the menus.● Press the n button.Choose [

21You can change the display language in the LCD monitor menus and messages.Enter Playback mode.● Press the 1 button.Display the settings screen.● Pre

22Before you use a new memory card or one that has been used in other devices, you should format the card with this camera.Formatting (initializing) a

23The shutter button has two stops. To take images that are in focus, be sure to first press the shutter button lightly (halfway) to focus, then take

24Since the camera can determine the subject and shooting conditions, you can let it automatically select the best settings for the scene and just sho

Taking Pictures25Focus.● Press the shutter button halfway to focus.X When the camera focuses, it will beep twice.X Green AF frames appear where the su

Taking Pictures26• the camera does not play any sounds?Pressing the l button while turning on the camera power will turn off all sounds except for war

Viewing Images27This is the area that will be recorded in a movie. Movies can be shot simply by pressing the movie button, no matter what position the

28You can choose and erase images one at a time. Please note that erased images cannot be recovered. Exercise adequate caution before erasing an image

29You can easily print the images you have taken if you connect the camera to a PictBridge compliant printer (sold separately).Items to Prepare• Camer

3Test ShotsTake some initial test shots and play them back to make sure the images were recorded correctly. Please note that Canon Inc., its subsidiar

Printing Images30Print images.● Press the c button.X Printing will start.● If you want to print additional images, repeat Steps 5 and 6 after printing

31The camera can automatically select all settings so that you can shoot movies just by pressing the movie button. The audio will record in stereo.If

Shooting Movies32● Do not touch the microphone while shooting.● Do not press any buttons other than the movie button. Otherwise, the sound the buttons

33You can view your movies on the screen.Enter Playback mode.● Press the 1 button.X The last image you shot will appear.X appears on movies.Choose a

34You can use the included software to transfer your camera images to a computer. If you are already using ZoomBrowser EX/ImageBrowser, install the so

Transferring Images to a Computer35Items to Prepare• Camera and computer• DIGITAL CAMERA Solution Disk supplied with the camera (p. 2)• Interface cabl

Transferring Images to a Computer36Connect the camera to the computer.● Turn off the camera.● Follow the steps on p. 29 to connect the camera to a com

Transferring Images to a Computer37Transfer Images● Click [Import Images from Camera], and then click [Import Untransferred Images].X All images that

38AccessoriesNeck Strap NS-DC4DIGITAL CAMERA Solution DiskStereo Video Cable STV-250N*1Battery and Charger Kit CBK4-300*3Compact Power Adapter CA-PS70

Accessories39Inkjet Printers (PIXMA series)Compact Photo Printers (SELPHY series)Card ReaderWindows/MacintoshVideo IN TerminalAudio IN Terminal (R/L)T

4What Do You Want to Do?4● Shoot, leaving it to the camera to make settings . . . . . . . . . . . . 24● Shoot to match special conditions. . . . . .

40The following camera accessories are sold separately.Some accessories are not sold in some regions, or may no longer be available.Flash• Speedlite 2

41Learning MoreThis chapter explains the parts of the camera and what appears on the screen, as well as the basic operating instructions.2COPY

42Mode DialUse the mode dial to change the Shooting mode.Components GuideZoom LeverShooting: i (Telephoto) / j (Wide Angle) (p. 24)Playback: k (Magnif

Components Guide43Control DialTurning the control dial allows you to perform operations such as choosing items or switching images.1 ButtonWhen the le

44Shooting (Information Display)The same information will display on the viewfinder.* : Standard, : Held verticallyWhen shooting, the camera detects

Information Displayed on the Screen45Playback (Detailed Information Display)Print List (p. 137)My Category (p. 129)Shooting ModeISO Speed (p. 73)Expos

Information Displayed on the Screen46Switching the DisplayYou can change the display using the l button.ShootingYou can change the displayed content.

Indicators47Overexposure Warning during PlaybackIn “Detailed Information Display” (p. 45), overexposed areas of the image flash on the screen.Histogra

48Commonly used shooting functions can be set with the FUNC. menu. The menu items and options differ depending on the mode (pp. 166 – 169).Choose a sh

49Various functions can be set from the menus. The menu items are organized under tabs, such as for shooting (4) and playback (1). The available menu

What Do You Want to Do?51● Look at my pictures . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27● Automatically play back pictu

50You can silence or adjust the volume of camera sounds.Muting SoundsDisplay the menu.● Press the n button.Choose [Mute].● Press the qr buttons to cho

51The screen brightness can be changed in two ways.You can set the brightness of the LCD monitor and viewfinder separately (Press the l button to swit

52When you have mistakenly changed a setting, you can reset the camera to the default settings.Display the menu.● Press the n button.Choose [Reset All

53Perform low level formatting when you think that the recording/reading speed of a memory card has dropped. As you cannot retrieve the erased data, e

54To save battery power, the camera shuts down automatically when it is not operated for a certain time.Power Saving during ShootingThe monitor will t

55You can adjust the viewfinder so that Information Display is clearly visible.Set the viewfinder display.● Press the l button several times (p. 46).A

56COPY

57Shooting in SpecialConditions and CommonlyUsed FunctionsThis chapter explains how to shoot in different conditions, as well as how to use common fun

58The camera will select the necessary settings for the conditions in which you wish to shoot when you choose the matching mode.Choose the Shooting mo

Shooting in Special Scenes59The camera will select the necessary settings for the conditions in which you wish to shoot when you choose the matching m

6Chapters 1 – 3 explain the basic operations and frequently used functions of this camera. Chapters 4 onward explain the advanced functions, letting y

Shooting in Special Scenes60, Take nightscapes (Night Scene)● Lets you take beautifully lit city nightscapes or night backgrounds.● You can also take

Shooting in Special Scenes61PTake shots of people in snow (Snow)● Lets you take bright, natural-colored shots of people against snowy backgrounds.Z Sh

62You can use the digital zoom to zoom up to a maximum of 80x and capture subjects that are too far away for the optical zoom (p. 24) to enlarge. The

Zooming in More Closely on Subjects (Digital Zoom)63To turn off the digital zoom, press the n button, choose the 4 tab, and choose [Digital Zoom] and

64You can insert the shooting date and time in the lower right corner of an image. Once inserted, however, they cannot be deleted. Be sure to check be

65The self-timer can be used to shoot a group photo that includes the camera operator. The camera will activate approximately 10 seconds after the shu

66Once you compose the shot, such as for a group photo, press the shutter button, and enter the composition, the camera will take three shots in a row

67Choosing Settings YourselfIn this chapter you will learn how to use the various functions in G mode to progressively advance your shooting skills.•

68You can choose the settings for various functions to suit your preferences.AE stands for Auto Exposure.Set the mode dial to G.Adjust the settings ac

69You can adjust the standard exposure set by the camera in 1/3-stop increments in the range of –2 to +2.Choose the exposure compensation.● Press the

Table of Contents7Shooting Close-ups (Macro/Super Macro) ... 72Changing the ISO Speed... 73Adjusting the White Balance

70You can choose from six recording pixels (image size) settings.Choose the recording pixels.● After pressing the m button, press the op buttons to ch

Changing the Compression Ratio (Image Quality)71Approximate Values for Recording Pixels and Compression Ratio• The values in the table are measured ac

72You can shoot an object at a close distance or even shoot extreme close-ups of it. In œ mode you can approach the subject even closer than in e mode

73Choose the ISO speed.● After pressing the r button, press the op buttons or turn the  dial to choose an option, then press the m button.X The setti

74The white balance (WB) function sets the optimal white balance for natural looking colors.Choose the white balance.● After pressing the m button, pr

75You can shoot continuously at a fixed interval.Choose a Drive mode.● After pressing the m button, press the op buttons to choose .Choose an option.

76You can change the tone of an image to sepia or black and white when shooting.Choose My Colors.● After pressing the m button, press the op buttons t

Shooting Using the Two Second Self-Timer77 Custom ColorThe contrast, sharpness, color saturation, red, green, blue, and skin tones in an image can be

78You can set the time delay (0 – 30 seconds) and the number of shots (1 – 10 shots).Choose $.● After pressing the p button, press the op buttons or t

79You can use a TV to display the camera screen content while shooting.•Connect the camera to a TV as described in “Viewing Images on a TV” (p. 122).•

Table of Contents8Erasing All Images...127Organizing Images by Category (My Category) ...129Rotatin

80COPY

81Getting More Out of YourCameraThis chapter serves as the advanced version of Chapter 4 and explains how to take pictures using various functions.• T

82You can change the AF (Auto Focus) frame mode to match the conditions you want to shoot.Choose [AF Frame].● Press the n button, choose the 4 tab, an

83When the AF frame mode is set to [FlexiZone] (p. 82) you can change the position and size of the AF frame.Press the button.X The AF frame will tur

84You can push the shutter button halfway to magnify the AF frame and check the focus.Choose [AF-Point Zoom].● Press the n button, choose the 4 tab, a

85The focus can be locked. After locking the focus, the focal distance will not change even when you release your finger from the shutter button.Lock

86You can choose a specific person’s face to focus on and then shoot.Set the camera to [Face Detect] (p. 82).Set Face Select mode.● Point the camera t

87You can change the Metering mode (brightness measuring function) to match the shooting conditions.Choose the Metering mode.● After pressing the m bu

88You can use manual focus when auto focus is not possible. If you press the shutter button halfway after roughly focusing manually, you can fine tune

89The camera automatically takes three shots in the following order: one at the manual focus position, and one each with focus positions preset farthe

9• Icons are used in the text to represent the camera buttons and switches.•Language that displays on the screen appears inside [ ] (square brackets).

90When you wish to take several shots with the same exposure, you can set the exposure and focus separately using the AE lock. AE stands for “Auto Exp

91Just as with the AE lock (p. 90), you can lock the exposure for shooting with the flash. FE stands for “Flash Exposure”.Raise the flash and choose h

Shooting with Slow Synchro92Set the exposure compensation amount.● Press the l button.● Press the qr buttons or turn the  dial to adjust the setting.

93You can set the shutter to the speed at which you want to shoot. The camera will set the appropriate aperture value for the shutter speed you set.M

94You can set the aperture to a value at which you want to shoot. The camera will set the appropriate shutter speed for the aperture value you set. B

95You can manually set the shutter speed and aperture to shoot images.D stands for “Manual”.Set the mode dial to D.Make the setting.● Press the b butt

96The camera can detect areas in the scene, such as faces or backgrounds, that are too bright or dark and automatically adjust them to the optimum bri

97You can automatically correct red-eye that occurs in images taken with the flash.Choose [Flash Control].● Press the n button, choose [Flash Control]

98Just like with exposure compensation (p. 69), you can adjust the exposure ±2 stops in 1/3-stop increments when using the flash.Choose ~.● After pres

99In D mode, you can choose 3 levels of flash output.Set the camera to D mode.Choose the flash output.● After pressing the m button, press the op butt