Adventure enthusiasts looked at the number of waterproof cameras in the market and found the Canon PowerShot D20. If you want the best waterproof digital camera that is popular among action oriented photographers then look no further. The Canon PowerShot D20 is Canon’s most recent offering into the rugged compact camera market. Improving over the last camera in the series, the D10, the new D20 has some great features that make it an exciting addition to the underwater digital camera category.
The PowerShot D20 digital camera is being touted as one of those cameras that can withstand a lot and handle most photography challenges. From the outdoor ruggedness adventures to your backyard swimming pool, this camera will definitely not disappoint. Some of the notable features observed by Best Waterproof Camera reviewers on the PowerShot D20 include being waterproof to 33 feet, temperature-resistant from 14°F to 104°F, shockproof up to 5.0 feet, and equipped with a GPS tracker. It is slim and sturdy with a highly visible color layout and buttons that are operable even with gloved hands.
Although the Powershot D20 can also be used on land as a digital camera, Canon created it also to be a tough, practical companion that can also withstand some of the most rigorous outdoor activities. The Best Waterproof Camera staff members found the PowerShot D20 to just be a neat camera. This is because users can capture some truly impressive stills and video all while doing what they love, for example, scuba diving, snorkeling, skiing, mountain climbing, paddle surfing and more.
No matter the activity, the PowerShot D20 can survive the accidental falls and bumps, plus getting wet from water and snow. But how does it compare to other rugged compacts that are available now? Read on to find out; the powerful Canon PowerShot D20 is considered one of the best waterproof cameras on the market and out of the most popular brands, the most expensive.
Canon PowerShot D20 Technical Details
- Waterproof to 33 feet, temperature from 14-104 degrees Fahrenheit
- It resolution has 12.1 megapixels
- 5x Optical Zoom with 28mm wide angle lens
- 3.0-inch Pure Color System LCD for easy viewing
- GPS tracker to record image locations on a map via Canon’s software (does not work under water)
- AV Output/Digital Terminal: allows you to connect the camera to a compatible computer or compatible Canon printer
- HDMI has a mini-HDMI output for connecting it to an HDTV
- Shockproof from a 5 foot drop
- Full HD 1080p video recording and playback on HDTV via HDMI output
- It's memory Up to 32GB memory card
- The dimensions are 4.42 x 1.10 x 2.79 inches
- Weight is about 7.23 ounces
Canon PowerShot D20
Feature Description
Waterproof, Shockproof and Freeze-resistant Design: Canon created the PowerShot D20 to be tough where you can participate in any outdoor activity making it possible to capture impressive photos and video. This camera is waterproof all the way to 33 feet. Performance is still fast and reliable in temperatures from 14° to 104°F, so it’s safe for everything from winter sports to summer hiking. Shockproof up to 5.0 feet, the PowerShot D20 is also able to survive the accidental falls and bumps.
Canon HS SYSTEM: Allows taking bright, clear photos in a variety of shooting situations. The system is the result of two technologies brought together in PowerShot cameras: a high-sensitivity imaging sensor, which is able to capture more light; and the DIGIC Image Processor, which actively reduces noise with high-speed image processing. The 12.1 Megapixel CMOS sensor in the PowerShot D20 incorporates advanced light reception technology that enhances sensitivity. The DIGIC 4 Image Processor provides a major boost in noise reduction, expanding the usable ISO range to an amazing high of 3200. The Canon HS SYSTEM takes the frustration out of low-light shooting, delivering clear, blur-free images.
Canon Full HD Video Advantage: Record crisp, clear high definition video at 1080p Full HD that can be watched on HDTV or downloaded to the PC to share with family and friends. The PowerShot D20 can also shoot 720p HD video.
Dedicated Movie Button, Wind filter feature and Optical Zoom for easy video capture: The PowerShot D20 has a dedicated movie button that allows start and stop recording instantly. The PowerShot D20 also incorporates an electronic wind filter, which suppresses wind noise that can muffle or distort the sound. And unlike less sophisticated point-and-shoot cameras, the PowerShot D20 lets you use the full range of optical zoom when you’re shooting a video.
HDTV playback via HDMI output: Enjoy videos by simply connecting a HDMI terminal to a HDTV using a HDMI cable.
iFrame: Users can shoot video in the Apple iFrame format. It keeps file sizes small, making it more convenient to upload or e-mail high-quality videos. The iFrame format is compatible with Mac and Windows video applications, making it unnecessary to perform video conversions.
5x Optical Zoom with 28mm Wide-Angle Lens: The 5x Optical Zoom (also operable during video recording) brings subjects close. The 28mm Wide-Angle Lens makes all your shots more dynamic.
PureColor System LCD: The PowerShot D20′s PureColor System LCD allows reviewing images with exceptional clarity with rich, true-to-life color. The PureColor System LCD is also ultra-durable to withstand heavy use in all sorts of conditions.
Optical Image Stabilizer: Handheld shooting can often lead to camera shake, making photos and videos blurry. Canon’s Optical Image Stabilizer is a sophisticated system that uses lens-shift technology to correct for unwanted camera movement. With camera shake and vibration reduced, you get a sharper, steadier image. And because it is an optical system, there is none of the image degradation typical with electronic image stabilizers.
GPS Technology: Users can travel the world and let the camera automatically record the locations and local times of stills and videos. In addition to displaying all photo locations on a world map, the camera’s GPS system can also track your route from photo to photo – a great way to visualize each trip. You can also create and share custom maps and personal mini-travel guides with friends and family members.
Intelligent IS: Intelligent IS analyzes camera movement and applies the best shake correction method for the shooting situation. With Intelligent IS, you can concentrate on image capture, letting the camera make the most effective IS settings to assure the steadiest possible image.
Battery Supply: The Canon PowerShot D20 is powered by the supplied NB-6L rechargeable Lithium-Ion battery pack. A fully charged battery is good for approximately 280 shots, 1 hour of movie recording time, or 5 hours of playback time.
Power Saving Functions: This camera is equipped with a power saving function, which automatically turns off the power or LCD monitor.
What’s In The Box?
- Canon PowerShot D20
- Rechargeable lithium ion battery
- Battery charger
- USB cable
- Wrist strap
- Software CD-ROM
Optional Accessories: There is a full range of optional accessories designed specifically for the PowerShot D20 that will take it’s functionality to new heights. Some of the recommended accessories include: A Waterproof Case and Float which is perfect for shooting in deeper waters down to 131 feet.
A Carabiner Strap and Shoulder Strap that stabilizes the camera’s movement during biking, climbing, hiking or any physical activity where you don’t want the camera moving around. Last, a Silicone Jacket and Soft Case that provides protection from the elements without adding extra weight. Consumers purchasing this camera recommend purchasing the SanDisk Extreme SDHC Flash Memory Card because it performs well when recording HD video with the PowerShot D20.
Digital zoom on the other hand does not bring you closer to your subject, but rather the camera crops the entire image, and then digitally enlarges the image to the size of the viewfinder the portion you want to zoom in on. This results in a loss of image quality and is no different than cropping and enlarging an image with editing software.
Optical zoom capabilities make all the difference in the final product. The higher the optical zoom, the farther away from the subject you can be and still get a great, clear, crisp quality shot.
Toughness Features
If you are hard on cameras consider looking for one that has added durability features. For example, you may find cameras that are: Dustproof, keeps dust out of the housing area and protects the camera’s components, Waterproof cameras are shockproof where the housing is protected in the event the camera is dropped into water or snow and Freezeproof which means you can use your camera in subzero temperatures without it freezing up.
Best waterproof camera reviewers found two underwater cameras that make the claim of being Crushproof up to 220 pounds of pressure and that is the Olympus Stylus Tough 8010 14MP Digital Camera with 5x Wide Angle Zoom and 2.7 inch LCD and the Pentax Optio WG-1 GPS Kit.
Some of these features may be necessary depending on the type of photos you will be taking, where you are taking them, and also the conditions including the weather in which the photos are being taken.
Features To Help You Take a Better Photo
If you are buying a waterproof digital camera because you want to take great pictures there are many features and specifications to take a look at when you’re comparing underwater digital cameras. They include:
- Image stabilization (IS): This feature helps you acquire great images even when your hands are a little shaky
- Flash: Able to take good photos even if the sun is low or if you’re in deep water. Some cameras even have LED lights around the lens to assist in illuminating the shot
- Megapixels: The more megapixels, the better the photo quality and resolution
- Price: You want to definitely take a look at the price. Compare the features and benefits of each camera as it relates to your needs and how you plan to use the camera
- Purpose: It’s important to consider how you’re going to use the camera and what purpose it will serve. If you’re seeking a camera to take family photos only, you may not need the more expensive rugged, tough waterproof digital camera
However, if you and your family are outdoor types and u enjoy action activities such as skiing, snorkeling or hiking then one of the rugged tough cameras are for you because of their picture taking qualities and ability to record video.
The best waterproof camera reviewers found the video below that really shows the features of the Canon Powershot D20. This camera is an upgrade from Canon’s D10 model and is the second waterproof digital camera effort from Canon. It may start with a commercial. If so, you can skip it after about three seconds and go directly to the video. It is a really good video to give you an idea of the features of the Powershot D20.
The PowerShot D20 is the waterproof and shockproof camera. It is waterproof down to 33 ft and shockproof up to 5 feet and freezeproof down to a minus 10 degrees. The D20 looks different from the D10 in that it offers a 5x optical zoom from the 3x zoom. The previous model had a 12MP CCD sensor and the D20 is now equipped with a 12MP CMOS sensor which means better photos.
One of the big differences in the D20 is the inclusion of Image Stabilization (IS) technology which can only be used in the IS auto mode. This feature compensates for any handshaking and panning issues that may occur. It also shoots 1080P HD and can be connected to an HD TV and also has GPS. Take a look at the PowerShot D20 video below.
