The Canon PowerShot SX20 IS, with a 12.1-megapixel resolution and a 2.5-inch vari-angle PureColor LCD display, features a 20x wide-angle (28mm) optical zoom lens, HD video capabilities and enhanced preprogrammed settings.

The wide-angle zoom lens on the SX20 allows users to zoom from 28 to 560mm and features an ultrasonic motor and voice control motor for camera adjustments. Images are further enhanced with the optical image stabilizer and available low-light setting options.

HD video is recorded at 720p resolution with CD-quality stereo sound. Video can be played back on the camera with one push of the playback button or on a television by using the HDMI mini port connection.

Enhanced features include smart auto mode, which uses scene detection technology to register faces, distance, motion, color and brightness before selecting one of 22 preprogrammed settings, and i-Contrast, which modifies light balance to reduce shadows and highlights.

For photographers interested in additional flash options, the SX20 is compatible with Speedlite EX flashes – 270EX, 220EX, 430EX II, 580EX II – as well as the Speedlite Transmitter ST-E2 and the Off-Camera Shoe Cord OC-E3.

The camera has an estimated retail price of $399.