Surfing with the Canon Powershot D20

Q: Key Point 1: I borrowed the Canon D20 from Canon Phils.

I borrowed the Canon D20 from Canon Phils.

I borrowed the Canon D20 from Canon Phils. so I can take it along with me to our trip to La Union last week-end and test it while having our surfing session.

I’ve always wanted to own one since the first time the D10 was introduced around 3 years ago.

I’ve had the Ixus 30 around 10 years ago, then upgraded to the Ixus 80 before getting the S95 and S100. The D20 is something I’d like to add to my stash just in case we go on trips like diving or surfing. I was also intrigued by the Go Pro but I’ve always been a Canon guy.

Canon Powershot D20 specs:
12MP CMOS sensor
DIGIC 4 chip
28-140mm equivalent
5x optical zoom
1080p video
Image stabilization
built-in GPS
3-inch LCD

The Canon D20 is waterproof up to 33 feet, shockproof up to 5 feet, tolerant to temperatures between 14 to 104 degrees Fahrenheit. It can shoot 2 frames per second continuously or a burst mode of 6.8fps.

What I’m really after is the video quality at full HD 1080p. Here’s some sample clips I took during our trip. It’s not much since there weren’t any huge waves that week-end.

It was already a bit late in the afternoon (around 4 or 5PM) so some of the clips are dark. The footage is still pretty good though and the camera focus is spot on. Would also love to try this out under water, probably on the next diving trip.

The only thing I regretted is that the wax from the surf board has rubbed off on to the camera and it’s hard to clean it up.

Some online stores are selling this unit for just a little over Php15k although it goes up to Php18.5k in others.

React to this article:

19 Comments

Faust · 14 years ago

it’s waterproof right? ^_^

Yoyo · 14 years ago

No, it’s not. Abe wrapped the camera in a plastic while shooting the video. smh

JM · 14 years ago

I was expecting a shot of you on the board! :P

wyldkard · 14 years ago

@Ramon: I have a TS3 and so far it’s been a great waterproof camera.

http://www.dpreview.com/reviews/q311waterproofcompactgrouptest <– see the link for detailed comparisons of the lot. Although the ts4 and aw100 aren't here, this'll give you a better insight about waterproof compacts.

Ramon · 14 years ago

Thanks :-)

Hmm so it’ more on the TS4 and TX10. I’ve heard problems with both though
TS4 sometimes fog up and even breaking when it shouldn’t =\
While the TX10 would have problems with it’s front sliding panel and sand

right on with the fogging. had mine fog up on humid conditions, so far 1 of 9 trips in the water. opening the door seal will eventually remove it.
good luck with your decision.

how about Panasonic TS4 or Nikon AW100?

I have absolutely no experience with cameras but I’m looking to buy a waterproof one, so I need some opinions and suggestions XD

Thanks :-D

mockeryofme · 14 years ago

I’m torn between getting this or the olympus tg-820 or 620. What would you suggest sir Abe? Thanks!

dulfo · 14 years ago

Em not sir Abe but I would recommend this one. Used the old Canon D10 to get shots of the Butandings at Donsol and d video clips were great. This is a big update from Canon and so considering the new specs I would recommend this one. Again, em not sir Abe and I don’t work for Canon but I do have a Canon DSLR and I used Canon and Sony cameras for photography.