Camera Lens Question

[Ronie]

Alright, I'm probably really showing off how much of a novice I am, but I'm just going to ask this question. Does a Camera have to be a DSLR to handle a lens? My Camera is the Canon Powershoot SX20 IS as seen here. Canon Direct Store- PowerShot SX20 IS

Would my camera be able to support an extra lens? Because my parents would like to buy me a lens for my 21st birthday coming up in a few months but I want to know if its worth it yet or if I should wait till I get a DSLR.
Thanks so much for taking the time to read.
Tosha

[IlluminatingPhoto]

I don't believe that you can switch the lens on that camera. I just took a quick look through the accessories listed on the Canon website and did not see any lenses or extension tubes. That camera looks like a great one though. I hope that helps.

[OsmosisStudios]

You cant change the camera, but you might be able to get add-on lenses. I wouldnt bother, though: most arent great/are terrible.

[inkista]

Illuminating Photo is right: the SX20IS doesn't let you use add-on lenses. You can hold stuff up in front of the lens, obviously, but I think you've got the right idea on waiting until you move up to a dSLR before purchasing this kind of stuff.

It's sad. Canon's been systematically removing that accessory tube mount from its P&S cameras, the same way it's been removing the PSAM modes. It's a shame, because 58mm filters are something useful that you can easily share between a lot of dSLR lenses and P&S cameras.

[Ronie]

Thank you so much. That was the answer I figured I'd come up with since I'd tried to find one myself and hadn't come up with anything, but I wanted to double check before I told them it wasn't an option.
Thanks for your help everyone!
Tosha

[inkista]

Well, Lensmate sells a filter holder you can glue to the front of the lens, but it's a far cry from the old S5 accessory tube.