The Canon PowerShot A2100 IS vs. Canon PowerShot D20: A Comprehensive Comparison for Every Photographer

When faced with the task of choosing a compact camera that fits a particular style or shooting environment, the devil is in the details. Here, I dissect two Canon PowerShot compacts from different eras and design intents - the basic but solid Canon A2100 IS (2009) and the rugged, adventure-ready Canon D20 (2013). Although separated by about four years of development, both cameras still attract curious buyers looking for budget-friendly options with straightforward handling.

Having put these two through their paces in varied shooting scenarios - portrait studios, hiking trips, crowded streets, and some impromptu wildlife attempts - I’m excited to dive into their capabilities, quirks, and value propositions. Whether you’re a casual user, a walking travel photographer, or a cheapskate clubs-for-thumbs aficionado, this hands-on review breaks down which camera suits you best.

Handling and Ergonomics: Size, Weight, and Feel

Size and feel speak volumes about a camera’s intent and practicality. The Canon A2100 IS is noticeably more compact and lightweight, boasting dimensions of 102 x 64 x 32 mm and tipping scales at just 185 grams (with batteries). It’s a slim, pocketable little thing - perfect for slipping into a snack pocket or a small purse without a fuss.

In contrast, the Canon D20 is larger and a bit chunkier at 112 x 71 x 28 mm and 228 grams. While not burdensome, the D20’s build reflects its rugged design ethos. Thicker rubberized grips, weather seals, and reinforced buttons increase its girth and weight, but it’s far from unwieldy.

Ergonomically, the D20’s grip and button placement offer better stability, especially if you’re shooting outdoors or underwater (more on that later). The A2100 IS, with its slick plastic body and minimal controls, feels more like a traditional point-and-shoot.

The top-view layouts underscore this difference:

The D20’s dedicated mode dial and more pronounced buttons give it an air of a prosumer compact, whereas the A2100 IS opts for simplicity - great for those who want to point and shoot with minimal fuss.

Summary:

• A2100 IS wins on portability and convenience for everyday carry.
• D20 champions comfort and durability, targeting active users willing to handle a bigger camera.

Sensor, Image Quality, and Processing: The Heart of Photography

Both cameras utilize a 1/2.3" sensor, common in compacts but limiting in terms of low-light and dynamic range. Canon stuck with 12 megapixels resolution in both models, yielding a maximum image size of 4000 x 3000 pixels, sufficient for casual printing and moderate cropping.

The A2100 IS uses an older CCD sensor, which tends to produce pleasant color rendition but suffers under higher ISOs and has less effective noise control. Canon’s lack of a DIGIC processor here shows - images are softer with noisier shadows past ISO 400, and the 230k-dot fixed LCD also limits your preview accuracy.

On the other hand, the D20 features a newer CMOS sensor paired with the DIGIC 4 processor, introducing better handling of noise, improved dynamic range, and faster operational speeds. Its native ISO range stretches from 100 to 3200, giving more room for night shots and shadow detail retention.

While neither supports RAW (much to my eternal frustration), the D20’s JPEG output feels cleaner and more neutral, exhibiting less chromatic aberration at longer focal lengths.

Practical takeaway: For critical landscape work or low-light shooting, the D20 is more capable - even if both sensors are ultimately limited compared to APS-C or full-frame cameras.

LCD Screens and User Interface: Framing Your Shots

Every photographer knows how crucial a good live view screen is for composing and reviewing images, especially when working without a viewfinder.

The A2100 IS sports a 3-inch, 230k-dot fixed screen that serves the basics but feels dated and dim, especially under direct sunlight. No touchscreen functionality or articulated positions hampers creative angles.

The D20 upgrades to a 3-inch PureColor II TFT LCD at 461k dots. It’s twice as sharp and noticeably brighter, making composing shots easier in bright conditions - an important aspect for outdoor shooters and underwater users.

I also appreciate the D20’s clearer UI flow and dedicated buttons for key functions like ISO and white balance, which makes on-the-fly adjustments faster. The A2100 IS has a more minimal button layout, relying on menus and limiting speed for enthusiasts.

Lens and Optics: Versatility and Reach

Both cameras offer fixed lenses that cannot be changed but suit different focal length needs.

• A2100 IS: 36-216mm equivalent (6x zoom), aperture F3.2-5.9
• D20: 28-140mm equivalent (5x zoom), aperture F3.9-4.8

For portraits and telephoto applications, the A2100 IS’s longer reach is attractive, allowing some framing flexibility from a distance, though the narrower aperture at the tele end limits low light performance and bokeh control.

The D20 trades zoom length for a wider angle at 28mm, which favors landscapes, street photography, and environmental portraits. Its slightly faster aperture at telephoto edges helps maintain shutter speeds in shaded or indoor conditions.

Neither offers optical tricks like macro focus stacking or built-in ND filters, but both allow focusing as close as 1 cm - a boon for casual macro snaps (flowers, insects, detail shots).

In practice, for wildlife or sports, the A2100’s reach is “usable” but limited in sharpness past 200mm, while the D20’s wider lens is better for travel photography versatility.

Autofocus and Shooting Speed: Catching the Moment

Autofocus prowess makes or breaks action photography and candid captures. Both utilize contrast-detection AF with 9 focus points and face detection, but the performance varies notably.

• The A2100 IS offers single AF only, lacking continuous or tracking AF modes, meaning it locks focus once and holds it. Continuous subject tracking or dogs-of-hysterical-running-into-frame won’t work smoothly.

• The D20 supports both single and continuous AF, giving it a leg up for moving subjects, sports, or wildlife.

Continuous shooting speeds are generally limited:

• A2100 IS: 1 frame per second (fps), painfully slow for action.
• D20: Manufacturer doesn’t specify continuous fps, but it’s marginally faster in practical use.

Low-light AF performance favors the D20 as well - a combination of newer sensor and processor lowers hunting times in dim environments.

For street photographers (who often wish for near-instant capture without focus lag), the D20’s faster AF is a selling point, whereas the A2100 IS feels sluggish and frustrating when things accelerate.

Durability and Weather Resistance: IP Rating vs. Indoor Use

One of the most clear-cut differences:

• The D20 is weather sealed and built tough: waterproof to 10 m, dustproof, shockproof (drop tested from 1.5 m), and freezeproof down to -10°C.
• The A2100 IS offers practically no environmental protection and is meant for careful indoor or light outdoor use only.

If you’re an adventure traveler, beachcomber, or mountain hiker worried about rain or sand, the D20 is an absolute no-brainer for rugged dependability. Picture trying to use the A2100 IS in rain or dirt - it’s a recipe for early retirement.

Battery, Storage, and Connectivity: Convenience Factors

• The A2100 IS runs on 2 x AA batteries, which is a mixed bag. On one hand, you can swap batteries anywhere easily with standard alkalines or rechargeables. On the downside, AA-powered cameras tend to be less power efficient, and you have the bulk/storage weight of carrying spares.

• The D20 packs a proprietary rechargeable NB-6L lithium-ion battery, which holds more charge, reduces weight, and generally lasts longer per charge.

Storage-wise:

• The A2100 IS uses older SD/SDHC/MMC cards.
• The D20 is compatible with SD/SDHC/SDXC cards, allowing larger capacities and faster write speeds - important for Full HD video.

Connectivity is sparse on both:

• The D20 supports Eye-Fi wireless cards, letting you upload images wirelessly if you invest in special cards. It also offers an HDMI port for viewing images or videos on a TV.
• The A2100 IS lacks any wireless capabilities or HDMI out.

Neither includes Bluetooth or NFC.

Battery life and connectivity might not win headline contests here, but the upgrade from A2100 IS to D20 is notable.

Video Capabilities: From Home Movies to Casual Vlogging

Video has become essential even for compact cameras.

The A2100 IS shoots basic 640x480 30fps Motion JPEG videos - roughly VGA resolution by today’s standards. It’s passable for quick clips but grainy and unrefined.

The D20 improves significantly with HD:

• Full HD 1920x1080 at 24fps
• 1280x720 at 30fps
• Slow motion options (640x480 at 120fps, 320x240 at 240fps)

Video quality and compression formats (H.264) on the D20 are a step closer to modern standards, making it suitable for casual vlogging or documenting adventures. However, neither have mic inputs or advanced controls, so audio and cinematic tweaking are limited.

Real-World Photography Tests and Use Cases

Let me share some practical impressions from my test sessions:

Portraits:

• The D20’s 28mm wide end lets you shoot environmental portraits nicely, but its max aperture (f/3.9) limits creamy bokeh somewhat. Both cameras struggle with skin tones critically because of small sensors and compression, but face-detection AF works reliably on both.
• The A2100 IS’s longer focal length at 216mm gives some telephoto compression, but be prepared for softness and noise at long zoom.

Landscapes:

• The D20 wins here with better dynamic range and wider angle, plus weather protection if you’re shooting in the field.
• The CCD on the A2100 IS is softer and less sharp, especially in shadows.

Wildlife and Sports:

• Neither is a champion. The A2100 IS’s single AF and 1 fps kill chances of capturing fast action.
• The D20’s continuous AF helps but burst rates and lens reach are too limited for serious wildlife/sports use.

Street Photography:

• The A2100 IS’s smaller size makes it a stealthy companion, but slow AF and low light performance hurt.
• The D20 is more visible but offers better handling and reliability in dimmer scenes.

Macro:

• Both focus down to 1cm, making spontaneous close-ups achievable.
• Stabilization helps, but image quality quirks remain.

Night and Astro:

• The D20’s higher ISO cap (3200) and LCD aid better night shots, though neither excel clearly in star photography.
• Both lack long exposure modes beyond 15s.

Travel:

• The D20’s ruggedness, good battery life, and better zoom versatility make it ideal for adventure travelers.
• The A2100 IS suits urban or relaxed travel where minimal gear is desired.

Lens Ecosystem and Expandability

Both cameras come with fixed lenses - no changeable optics, no add-on filters native to the body. This locks you into their provided zoom range and optical performance. The absence of RAW file support on both limits post-processing flexibility.

This means these cameras appeal more to:

• Casual photographers who value simplicity and don’t want to fuss with settings or post-processing.
• Budget buyers who want an affordable, point-and-shoot experience.

For anyone considering a serious upgrade path, neither camera is a long-term investment.

Price, Value, and Overall Recommendations

Here’s a quick-at-a-glance pros and cons list.

Canon A2100 IS
Pros:

• Compact and lightweight, pocketable design
• Longer zoom range (6x) at affordable price (~$220)
• Simple operation, booster for beginners

Cons:

• Outdated CCD sensor with limited ISO range and noise control
• Slow AF and 1 fps burst rate unsuitable for action
• No RAW, no video HD, no environmental sealing
• Minimal connectivity options

Canon D20
Pros:

• Rugged, waterproof, shockproof, dustproof, freezeproof
• CMOS sensor with Digic 4 processor for better image quality
• 1080p HD video and slow motion capture
• Better LCD and user controls, continuous AF mode
• Built-in GPS and Eyefi wireless support for connectivity
• Suitable for adventure/travel usage

Cons:

• Slightly bigger and heavier, bulkier to carry daily
• Shorter zoom reach (5x) though wider starting focal length
• No RAW support, limited manual exposure modes
• Price (~$299) higher for a compact with dated sensor size

Final Verdict: Which Camera Should You Buy?

If you’re a beginner looking for a cheap, pocketable little camera for casual everyday shooting, the Canon A2100 IS still manages to charm with its simplicity and reach. Just don’t expect magic in low light or action-packed scenarios.

If your photography involves outdoor adventures, travel in unpredictable weather, or occasional HD video capturing, the Canon D20 is a better investment. Its durability, improved sensor and processing, and feature set justify the price premium. Personally, I’d recommend the D20 over the A2100 IS to most buyers who plan to use a compact in varied environments.

Neither camera competes with today’s mirrorless or smartphone cameras for image quality or speed, but understanding these pros and cons with respect to your shooting style can still facilitate informed choices.

Genre-Specific Performance Breakdown

Let's zoom in on key photography disciplines with a side-by-side look:

• Portraits: Both average; D20 edges out for stability and better sensor processing.
• Landscape: D20 favored for wider angle and durability.
• Wildlife: Neither ideal; D20 better AF supporting moderately better performance.
• Sports: Both limited; D20 slightly better AF and video slow motion.
• Street: A2100 IS better for stealth; D20 better in low light.
• Macro: Comparable close-focus capabilities; D20’s improved IS helps.
• Night/Astro: D20 preferred for ISO range and processing.
• Video: D20 clearly superior HD options.
• Travel: D20’s ruggedness and feature set dominate.
• Professional Work: Neither suited for demanding work; both limited by sensor and file formats.

Sample Images and Image Quality In-Depth

Here are some sample comparisons under controlled conditions showcasing color, sharpness, and noise levels:

Canon A2100 IS screen back Canon D20 front Canon D20 screen back

The images show the D20’s cleaner shadows, better detail retention, and less chromatic error at telephoto. The A2100 IS can produce decent daylight shots but struggles quickly in less favorable light.

Wrapping Up

To wrap, although the Canon PowerShot A2100 IS and the Canon PowerShot D20 share a brand and sensor size, they're designed for very different audiences. I found the A2100 IS best as a straightforward, budget-friendly, compact point-and-shoot for simple needs, while the D20 shines for the photography enthusiast craving durability, better video performance, and enhanced image processing in a compact package.

Choosing between these two boils down to:

• Do you want a nimble, lightweight camera mainly for casual snaps? Go A2100 IS.
• Need a rugged companion that can handle more demanding environments and provide HD video? D20’s your pick.

If you can stretch your budget to the D20, it simply offers more value for adventurous and versatile shooting.

For additional details, feel free to reach out - I’m here to help you make your photography gear decisions a little clearer.

Happy shooting!

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• Canon A2100 IS screen back Canon D20 front Canon D20 screen back