Last update 19 October’09 – Review and Sample Photos @ PhotographyBlog
Canon Powershot SX120 IS announced on August 19, 2009 is an optically image stabilized 10 megapixel compact digital camera that features a 3 inch LCD, face detection, motion detection, 10x optical zoom, contrast correction, ISO range from 80 to 1600, camera dimensions are (WxHxD) 4.35 x 2.77 x 1.76 in./110.6 x 70.4 x 44.7mm, and it weighs 8.64 oz./245g.
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Review Index – (updated 19 October’09)
PhotographyBlog
“The negatives are that the Canon PowerShot SX120 eats up alkaline AAs in a couple of afternoons of shooting, the optical zoom still can’t be used when filming video, there’s no stereo sound or HD movie option in line with some recent competitors, the zoom mechanism is very audible, the wide-angle zoom setting is not really wide-angle by modern standards, and images can be noisy if you stray above ISO 400.”
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CameraLabs
“If you’re looking for a budget compact with a long zoom and accessible Manual controls, the SX120 IS represents excellent value for money. Existing SX110 IS owners won’t feel a burning desire to upgrade, but it’s a good buy for new price-conscious shoppers, particularly if you’re a fan of Canon’s functional exposure modes and easy menu system. Do compare closely with Sony’s H20 though, and the models above if you have a little more to spend. The SX120 IS offers a big zoom at a very low price, but spending 50% extra will get you many more capabilities.”
Rating: 
DigitalCameraReview
“The SX120 IS is almost exactly the same camera as the SX110 IS that was released last year at the same time, minus the processing chip, resolution and features like advanced face detection. It has the same body size and design, the same construction, operation and controls, and the same focal length.”
DigitalCameraInfo
“There are a few rough edges: the quality of the captured images is generally good, but does fall off somewhat at the longer end of the zoom range. The videos it captures also look good, but they are standard definition, while many other cameras capture high def video. “
Video Review @ ComputerTv
Steve’s Digicams
“Canon’s PowerShot SX120 IS is an affordable compact super-zoom that performs very well and features descent image quality. Noise and chromatic aberrations are something to watch out for with this camera. Featuring a 10-Megapixel imaging sensor, 10x optical zoom lens with IS, a shooting mode to suit anyone in the family or office and a powerful flash, it will have no problems handling any shooting situation that you throw at it.”
DigitalReview
“One of the few disappointments with the Canon SX120 IS is that the camera’s built -in flash must be raised manually. It is easy to forget to raise the flash, and this could result in a missed opportunity. The camera does however offer a prompt on the LCD screen and displays an orange indicator warning when the flash is required.”
PCWorld Australia
“Despite its relatively small size, the Canon PowerShot SX120 IS digital cameras includes a 10x zoom lens and is the perfect choice for anyone who seeking a versatile camera to encompass a variety situations — such as a sight-seeing trip or a friend’s party. Its picture quality is very good overall, but it does suffer from some fringing issues.”
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CNET
“There’s magenta and purple fringing, noticeable mostly in shots with extreme contrast and also pretty typical of megazoom cameras. Colors produced by the SX120 are bright, vivid, and generally excellent, and exposure is consistently good, though not without clipped highlights.”
Rating: 
Photoreview
“Buy this camera if: – You’re looking for an affordable long-zoom digicam. – You want plenty of adjustable controls and image stabilisation. – You’re happy to use a tripod when shooting in low light levels and prepared to use sensitivity settings below ISO 400. – You prefer cameras that use AA batteries.”
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]Sample Photos
[ISO Comparison Photos @ PhotographyBlog]
[Sample Photos @ CameraLabs]
[Sample Photos @ DigitalCameraReview]
[Sample Photos @ DigitalCameraInfo]
[ISO Performance Photos @ Steve's Digicams]
[ISO Performance Photos @ CNET]
[Sample Photos @ Canon]
Press Release
London, UK 19th August 2009: Canon today announces the PowerShot SX120 IS – a high quality, easy-to-use digital compact camera with a flexible 10x optical zoom lens which offers high resolution, DIGIC 4 image processing and Smart Auto Mode – making it easier than ever for everyone to capture superb-quality images.
The new PowerShot SX120 IS offers impressive power and usability features and builds on the success of its popular predecessor, the PowerShot SX110 IS, while the design incorporates ergonomic curved lines and a handsome, lightweight, black finish.
Advanced technology with a flexible zoom
The PowerShot SX120 IS is ideal for capturing a variety of scenes and activities. A 10x optical zoom lens is perfect for family holidays or school sports days, when you often need extra zoom. For pin-sharp results, the PowerShot SX120 IS features technologies that dramatically reduce camera shake and image blur. Canon’s Image Stabiliser (IS), ISO Auto and Motion Detection Technology work together to form a complete Anti-Blur solution.
To capture every detail, the PowerShot SX120 IS includes a 10 Megapixel sensor with Canon’s powerful and intelligent DIGIC 4 processor – ensuring superb response times and natural colour reproduction. DIGIC 4 also takes care of difficult lighting conditions with i-Contrast – a technology which prevents highlight blowout, whilst retaining shadow detail.
Simplicity alongside advanced control
For trouble-free shooting the PowerShot SX120 IS includes Smart Auto and Easy modes with Scene Detection Technology. By analysing people, distance, brightness and colour in the scene, the camera automatically selects one of 18 scene variables to optimise settings for the best results – freeing the user to concentrate on picture taking, while the camera takes care of the technical details.
Framing and reviewing shots is simple too, thanks to a bright 3.0 inch LCD with wide viewing angle.
More experienced users can choose their settings with additional shooting modes such as Aperture Priority and Shutter Priority. A full manual control mode is also provided – perfect for users who wish to experiment with their shots.
The camera can also shoot VGA movies with sound, so users can film action as well as shooting beautiful stills.
Perfect Portraits with Face Detection Technology
The PowerShot SX120 IS also comes with the latest DIGIC 4 Face Detection Technology which recognises up to 35 faces in a scene and automatically adjusts key focus and exposure settings to ensure everyone looks their best.
This technology includes Auto Red-Eye Correction, Face Detection AF/AE/FE, and Face Self-Timer – a feature that is great for group shots and self-portraits as the camera waits until it detects a new face in the frame before taking the shot. Faces can also be detected if they are at an angle to the camera so that the correct focus and exposure can be achieved without subjects facing the camera directly.
Face Select & Track also allows the user to select a particular face to be the main subject of the photo. This person is then tracked as they move around the frame – making sure the chosen face is the favoured subject and captured perfectly every time – ideal for shooting the important people in a crowded scene.
Whatever your level of photography expertise, the PowerShot SX120 IS takes stunning images while being simple and easy to use.
