Waterproof Compact Showdown: Canon PowerShot D20 vs Nikon Coolpix S32

When it comes to rugged, waterproof compacts designed to join you on adventures without fear of water, dust, or shock, two models from Canon and Nikon stand out as popular contenders: the Canon PowerShot D20 and the Nikon Coolpix S32. Both cameras promise splash-proof resilience coupled with the convenience of compact portability. But under the splash-resistant exteriors, how do they truly compare in terms of imaging capabilities, handling, and versatility?

Having spent many hours testing compact waterproof cameras across various photography scenarios - from wide open landscapes to delicate macro details near water, and from capturing kids’ birthdays poolside to snorkeling excursions - I’m excited to break down exactly what these two models bring to the table. Let’s peel back the specs, analyze real-world performance, and help you decide which waterproof compact camera deserves a place in your gear bag.

Feeling in the Hands: Design, Build, and Ergonomics

First impressions matter, and in rugged cameras, how a model feels in hand can make or break the shooting experience - especially in adventurous scenarios where gloves, wet hands, or quick reactions come into play.

Canon D20: Rugged Yet Reasonably Compact

Canon’s D20 measures a confident 112 x 71 x 28 mm and weighs in at 228g, presenting a sturdy but very pocket-friendly profile. The construction includes environmental sealing to withstand water (to 10m), dust, shock, and freeze conditions. I found the slightly wider grip and textured surfaces lend the D20 commendable confidence when shooting underwater or on rough terrain. Buttons are tactile though not illuminated - no surprise in this category - but accessible even with damp fingers. That dedicated GPS module baked in is a bonus for travel logging.

Nikon S32: Lightweight and Mostly Slim

In contrast, Nikon’s S32 is a bit smaller - 108 x 66 x 40 mm and lighter at just 175g. The tradeoff for the slimmer height is a chunkier depth, likely to accommodate weather sealing and plunge protection to 10m. While a bit less grippy due to smoother finishes, it still felt solid in hand. Its anti-reflective coating on the 2.7" LCD reduces glare outdoors. I noted the S32’s minimal controls favor simplicity - great for family or beginner photographers - but less so if you want more manual input.

Summing up ergonomics: the Canon PowerShot D20 edges ahead with a slightly more robust, confident grip and physical control layout that inspire shooting confidence in wet or cold conditions.

Controls and User Interface: How Much Command Do You Have?

Compact waterproof cameras typically lock down manual controls to maintain simplicity and durability, but subtle differences affect usability.

• Canon D20’s Controls: Features nine autofocus points and face detection, combined with manual focus capabilities (rare in this segment). It supports live view with contrast-detection AF and gives limited but welcome exposure compensation options. Having control over white balance through custom presets is a thoughtful inclusion for mixed lighting underwater or in tricky shadows.

• Nikon S32’s Controls: No manual focus and fewer autofocus points with only center-weighted metering. Face detection exists but lacks continuous or tracking AF modes that I found valuable for moving subjects. It offers an auto exposure system with some AE bracketing but no exposure compensation dialing. Custom white balance is missing, slightly limiting creative control.

In my hands-on tests, the D20’s richer control environment lends users incremental power - helpful for enthusiasts or pros wanting to do more than just point and shoot, though definitely still beginner-friendly. Nikon’s simpler approach makes it a no-fuss, grab-and-go choice, especially for casual or family use.

Sensor and Image Quality: The Heart of the Capture

Image quality hinges heavily on sensor size, resolution, and processing - the Canon and Nikon could not be more different here.

• Canon D20: Utilizes a 1/2.3" CMOS sensor measuring 6.17 x 4.55 mm with a 12MP resolution (4000 x 3000 pixels). CMOS technology offers strong low-light performance and faster readout speeds. The Digic 4 image processor handled noise reduction and color fidelity fairly well. The lens covering 28-140mm equivalent focal range with an aperture of F3.9-4.8 delivers decent versatility.

• Nikon S32: Uses a smaller 1/3" CCD sensor (4.8 x 3.6 mm) with 13MP (4160 x 3120 pixels), resulting in a higher pixel density on a tinier chip. CCDs traditionally excel in color accuracy but lag behind CMOS on noise and dynamic range at higher ISOs. The lens zoom is more limited at 30-90mm equivalent and slower aperture F3.3-5.9.

From side-by-side testing, the Canon’s sensor produced cleaner images at ISO 400 and above, with better shadow detail and less color noise - a direct benefit of CMOS and Digic 4 processing. Nikon’s images, while sharp at base ISO, were noticeably noisier beyond ISO 800 and flatter in dynamic range, which became apparent in challenging lighting.

Both cameras impose an anti-alias filter to limit moiré; however, the Canon’s balanced sensor size to resolution ratio better preserves detail without excessive smoothing.

Viewing Your Shots: Screens and Image Review

Both cameras offer fixed LCDs with no electronic viewfinders - and no articulating screens, as expected in waterproof compact models.

• Canon D20: Features a 3-inch PureColor II TFT LCD with 461k dots, offering vibrant colors and excellent viewing angles. The screen is bright enough for outdoor framing, though direct sunlight challenges remain - as always in this category. The interface is straightforward but includes dedicated buttons for flash modes and self-timers.

• Nikon S32: Comes with a smaller 2.7-inch TFT LCD with anti-reflective coating and 230k dots resolution. The lower resolution and size mean less precise image review and framing but the anti-glare finish aids sunlight visibility.

Hands-on, the Canon’s screen made for a more pleasant shooting and browsing experience, especially when composing underwater at oblique angles or reviewing images with fine detail.

Autofocus and Shooting Speed: Catching the Moment

Excellent autofocus and shooting speed are critical when capturing unpredictable wildlife, sports action, or fleeting smiles - as any seasoned photographer knows.

• Canon D20 AF System: Employs nine autofocus points with contrast-detection AF, face detection, and continuous AF capabilities. Manual focus ability allows precision on macro shots. Burst shooting is unavailable, but single AF is brisk. The optical image stabilization helps steady shots in handheld or underwater conditions.

• Nikon S32 AF System: More limited with only a single AF point (center), face detection, and contrast-detection AF but no continuous AF. Burst mode offers 5 frames per second, a useful feature for capturing moments in quick succession, although with lower buffer depth. Its digital image stabilization compensates less effectively than optical.

Through practical testing, the Canon’s AF was faster, more accurate, and more versatile - particularly when tracking moving subjects underwater or in uneven lighting. Nikon’s 5 FPS burst offers scene opportunities but autofocus limitations temper potential gains.

Canon D20 front Canon D20 screen back Nikon S32 front Nikon S32 screen back

Image Output Across Genres: What Does Each Camera Shine At?

I evaluated both cameras extensively across major photography genres to gauge their practical strengths and compromises.

Portraits

Canon’s face detection and skin tone reproduction benefit significantly from the CMOS sensor and Digic processor. Bokeh (background blur) is limited by lens speed but the longer 140mm reach allows pleasant separation in portraits. Nikon’s slower aperture and smaller sensor yield flatter, less dimensional portraits with cooler color rendition.

Landscape

Canon impresses with wider zoom (28mm) and strong dynamic range capturing skies and shaded areas vividly. Its weather sealing assures dependability in rugged outdoor conditions. Nikon’s narrower 30mm start and smaller sensor make wide vistas less spectacular; however, it remains a solid rugged snapshot tool where ultra-wide isn’t critical.

Wildlife

Canon’s accurate AF and optical stabilization help capture skittish wildlife, especially in mid-telephoto range. Nikon offers shorter telephoto and less capable AF for fast animals. Burst mode on Nikon aids action capture but only in limited use cases.

Sports

Neither is a sports specialist, but Nikon’s 5 FPS burst contrasts with Canon’s lack in this area, providing a slight edge for fast sequences. Still, Canon’s superior autofocus and stabilization balance Nikon’s frame rate advantage.

Street & Travel

Canon’s slightly larger size is offset by its greater versatility and GPS tagging - huge for travel photographers. Nikon’s smaller size and lighter weight make it comfortable for casual street shooting, though limited zoom and sensitivity reduce creative freedom.

Macro

Canon’s superb 1cm macro focus range and manual focus ability let you get close with precision. Nikon’s macro distance is a modest 5cm, restricting close-up versatility.

Night & Astro

Canon’s higher max ISO (3200) and better noise control enable more successful night shots. Nikon maxes at ISO 1600 and noisier files limit handheld low-light versatility.

Video

Canon records Full HD at 24fps with H.264, while Nikon shoots at 30fps in HD and VGA. Both lack external mic inputs or headphones; Canon supports 1080p slightly faster frame rates, delivering cleaner video quality.

Overall Performance Scores

In an objective rating breakdown:

The Canon D20 unsurprisingly ranks higher overall, driven by its sensor, autofocus, and environmental robustness. Nikon’s S32 goals skew towards simplicity and ease-of-use, reflected in moderate scores.

Breaking It Down by Photography Genres

• Portraits: Canon D20 clearly leads thanks to better skin tone rendering and selective focus options.
• Landscape: Stronger dynamic range on Canon supports wider tonal gradations.
• Wildlife: Canon’s AF and zoom reach edges out Nikon’s burst speed advantage.
• Sports: Nikon’s 5fps burst offers a marginal lead here, but limited AF detracts.
• Street: Nikon’s smaller form factor is preferred for stealth, but Canon’s versatility wins.
• Macro: Canon’s 1cm close focusing is a clear winner.
• Night/Astro: Canon’s higher ISO handling is superior.
• Video: Marginal advantage to Canon.
• Travel: Canon’s GPS and range reflect increased travel utility.
• Professional Use: Neither fits true professional needs but Canon’s files and controls are more flexible.

Lens Ecosystem and Compatibility

Both cameras use fixed lenses - meaning no interchangeable lens options. Canon’s 5x zoom (28-140mm equivalent) covers wide to moderate telephoto ranges, sufficient for most general uses and travel. Nikon’s 3x optical zoom narrows framing flexibility, favoring snapshots over creative composition.

Battery Life and Storage

• Canon D20: Uses NB-6L rechargeable battery; official capacity isn’t stated but practical use indicates moderate life - around 200-250 shots per charge under normal conditions. Storage is via commonly available SD/SDHC/SDXC cards.

• Nikon S32: Powered by EN-EL19 battery, officially rated around 220 shots. Storage identical via SD/SDHC/SDXC.

Neither model excels in battery stamina by today’s standards, so bringing spare batteries or power banks on day trips is advisable.

Connectivity and Extras

• Canon: Built-in GPS for geo-tagging is a standout feature, highly appreciated by travel enthusiasts. Eye-Fi wireless card support expands connectivity options, though no native Wi-Fi or Bluetooth.

• Nikon: No wireless connectivity or GPS, limiting instant sharing or location data capture.

Both lack external microphone/headphone jacks, limiting video aficionados, and HDMI ports are minimal (present on Canon only).

Practical Insights and Recommendations

If you prioritize image quality, versatile zoom range, and advanced autofocus, and place a premium on durability with GPS tracking, the Canon PowerShot D20 is your better bet. Its ruggedness and control options shine through countless adventure scenarios I have put it through - from snorkeling coral reefs to winter mountain hikes.

Conversely, if you want an ultra-simple, kid-friendly waterproof camera that’s lightweight, easy to operate, and good for casual snapshots and poolside fun, the Nikon Coolpix S32 may suffice. It’s especially suited for those with tight budgets or first-time camera buyers who won’t miss advanced manual controls.

Conclusion: How to Choose Between These Two

In the world of waterproof compacts, the Canon D20 is the more serious shooter - providing a blend of solid image quality, decent zoom, manual focus options, and rugged handling that appeals to enthusiasts and casual pros alike. Nikon’s S32 plays the entry-level game smartly with simplicity and kid-centric operation but ultimately sacrifices advanced features that matter for anyone wanting more than snapshots.

For anyone serious about outdoor photography or adventure travel, the Canon PowerShot D20’s blend of durability, image quality, and GPS support will reward consistent use. Meanwhile, families or beginners benefit from the Nikon’s lightweight design and burst mode for capturing fast family moments, albeit with limitations.

I hope this detailed comparison helps guide your choice toward the best waterproof compact camera for your photographic adventures. Feel free to reach out if you want more personalized advice or hands-on testing insights on related gear!