Canon Powershot SD20
5 MP Digital Camera
Long before the Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ28K 10 MP Digital Camera quenched my thirst for a fixed lens digital SLR-like camera, I relied on the Canon Powershot SD20 5 MP Digital Camera as my workhorse camera. I still do in situations where a larger camera will only get in the way. This tiny camera delivers.
First and foremost, the Canon Powershot SD20 is the first truly pocketable digital camera I've ever owned. I can take it everywhere I go and not even notice it's there. Second, the brushed aluminum casing can take the knocks of hiking mountains, deserts, beaches and cities without a ding. Third, true to Canon's reputation, its DIGIC Image Processor records absolutely beautiful photos (examples below). My regard for this camera is so high, I used it to shoot most of the product photos on this Web site.
The camera has the usual assortment of automatic scenes -- night shot, landscape, portrait, macro, panorama assist, underwater and indoor, which pretty much covers all the bases. Manual controls are very limited. I consider it a point-and-shoot camera.
You might be discouraged by the lack of an optical viewfinder -- you have to line up shots on the bright 1.5 inch display -- and optical zoom -- you have to get close to your subject to get the detailed photos. But neither has held me back. (Note: Never, ever use the digital zoom on this camera or any other. It degrades photos to a grainy mess.)
To hold the lack of an optical viewfinder and optical zoom against this camera is to miss the point. I know lots of people who own digital cameras and I know lots of people who don't take them anywhere because they're too bulky, complicated, or demand constant attention.
The Canon Powershot SD20 is as intrusive as a wrist watch. It takes lots of photos on a single charge. And it takes them fast.
The only challenges I've found is the camera's flash tends to promote red-eye and doesn't illuminate very far, and the battery is tiny and can drain quickly, but only after I've taken dozens and dozens of photos. The relatively short battery life may also be because I'm gawking too much at what I shot on the LCD screen. In any case, make sure to purchase a back-up battery or two.
A must-have accessory for this camera is the All Weather Case for Powershot SD20. With it, you can take great underwater shots. I also use the case to protect the camera when I'm kayaking, hiking in rainy conditions, or trekking the dusty desert. The case is custom designed to ensure easy access to the camera's controls.
Simple, light, ultra-portable, productive and FUN, the Canon Powershot SD20 has been my constant companion for years and will be for years to come.
At 3.5 inches wide, .7 inches deep, 1.9 inches high and weighing a mere .2 lbs, the Canon Powershot SD20 is a TRULY pocketable camera.
Here's the camera with a quarter for comparison. The brushed aluminum exterior protects the camera from the occasional ding. The 6.4 mm lens projects outward about a quarter inch when the camera is used. Note there is no optical viewfinder. You have to use the bright 1.5 inch display to set up a shot.
The camera controls are very sparse. The top of the camera features only on/off and shutter release buttons and a microphone.
On back, you'll find a bright 1.5 inch display and simple controls to select play, movie still, timer, type of flash, and scene select setting. There are a few manual controls, but the camera excels with preset scenes. There is a tripod receptor on the bottom.
The camera sells with a battery and travel charger. You'll want to get a large capacity SD card and back-up battery.
The Canon SD20 is the take-everywhere camera. Here, it captures boaters off a Florida beach.
It's as at home on land as it is on the water. Difficult lighting situations aren't a problem. With minimal exposure adjustments, the Canon SD20 delivers on Florida Bay, Everglades National Park.
Night shots are a snap. This photo of Las Vegas's New York, New York Casino is as awe inspiring as the original.
Hiking Death Valley was no sweat with the Canon SD20. The camera added almost zero bulk but delivered maximum performance.
Extreme heat in the daytime and frigid cold at night while camping in California's remote Saline Valley failed to reduce the camera's performance. This shot was taken on a bumpy, rock-strewn road.
Art shots are a cinch. This foreboding sculpture marked the entrance to the Saline Valley campground.
Back home, the Canon SD20 demonstrates its prowess in portraiture.
TERMS OF USE
Users of RuggedReviews.com agree that this site is for informational purposes only. Users agree the owner of this site is not liable for content errors or the performance of product vendors and/or their products or damage to property, injuries or death that my occur from their use.
Copyright 2009 Larry Richardson
Reviewed by Larry Richardson
October 2009
Retailer Relationship Disclosure
RuggedReviews.com is compensated by retailers when you purchase gear using their links. Retailers do not influence the reviews. Unless otherwise noted, the reviewer purchased the reviewed gear using his own money.
