Canon Powershot D20
The basics
The Canon Powershot D20 is a rugged camera with a 12.1 megapixels sensor. Canon claims that it is water, shock, freeze and dust proof. It has a 28mm lens with a 5x optical zoom and Canon’s Intelligent IS technology to cope with outdoor use and fast-action scene capturing. The Powershot D20 also shoots full HD movies, and, with a waterproof case, shoot down to depths of 40 metres underwater.
The good
Get up close with the Canon Powershot D20, and you’ll soon see that it’s a rugged thing. It feels reassuringly weighty when held. It’s hardly a looker, but in terms of durability, it does a job.
It may be one of those so-called rugged cameras, but the Powershot D20 is capable of some great shots. Reproduction of colour is great at this price, especially when shooting bright objects - colours really jump out.
Even underwater photos look bright, and full of detail. If you’re looking for a relatively cheap underwater snapper, the Powershot D20 will satisfy most needs.
You also get a nice array of photo effects to play with, for those that love taking Fisheye shots. Operation is pretty straightforward, and easy to get to grips with.
The bad
While the Powershot D20 is capable of producing some lovely shots, as a compact camera in daily use it still has a lot to live up to when compared to more traditional compacts. If you want all-round performance you’re better off getting a ‘non-rugged’ compact snapper. Shots could be better in low light, and there are signs of too much noise in certain conditions. A slow shutter also puts a dent in the user experience.
The bottom line
If you need a camera that is tough enough to withstand the odd knock, and can do a job underwater the Powershot D20 does a fantastic job for the price, otherwise you’re better off looking elsewhere.
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