Canon PowerShot D30 vs Canon PowerShot SX620 HS: A Detailed Comparison for Enthusiasts and Professionals

When browsing compact Canon cameras released in the mid-2010s, two models that frequently surface are the Canon PowerShot D30 and the Canon PowerShot SX620 HS. Both fine cameras in their own right, they nonetheless diverge markedly in purpose, design philosophy, and performance characteristics. Having extensively tested both across various photographic scenarios, I’m here to provide you not only with the spec sheet - but with real-world insights and measured critiques derived from hands-on experience.

Whether you’re a rugged outdoor adventurer needing bulletproof reliability or a casual zoom enthusiast looking for reach and convenience, this comparison covers everything from sensor tech to ergonomics, with a firm eye on actual image quality and usability in varied contexts. Let’s dive in.

Feel in Hand: Body Design and Ergonomics

First impressions shape the shooting experience as much as image quality. These two cameras are compact but cater to different priorities and use cases.

The Canon PowerShot D30 is a distinctly robust waterproof compact, designed to endure scrapes, knocks, and submersion up to 25m deep. Its body may appear chunky for a compact, but it’s built for adventurous hands in wet or dusty conditions. The PowerShot SX620 HS, by contrast, embraces the “small superzoom” formula - compact, pocketable, and featherweight - designed primarily for comfortable telephoto reach without tripod constraints.

Comparing them side-by-side, the D30’s beefier dimensions (109x68x28 mm and 218 g) lend confidence in slippery or rugged environments. The SX620 HS is lighter and slimmer (97x57x28 mm, 182 g), better suited for inconspicuous street or travel shooting. Button placement on the D30 reveals a guarded simplicity with large, tactile dials favorable when wearing gloves or underwater. The SX620 HS’s controls feel closer and more traditional, optimized for casual or handheld quick snaps but less operable with any headset or gloves.

Handling-wise, the D30’s grip and build quality excel in scenarios where durability trumps finesse, while the SX620 HS offers smoother ergonomics for longer handheld shooting sessions - a boon for travel and day-long excursions.

A Close Look from Above: Layout and Controls

To fully understand workflow efficiency, examining the control architecture - the photographer’s tactile interface - helps us anticipate operational speed and comfort.

The D30 features a ruggedized mode dial and dedicated buttons for essential functions, including a unique “Wink shutter” self-timer mode - useful underwater where pressing a shutter button can disturb the scene. Unfortunately, it lacks any touchscreen or illuminated controls, which could hamper quick adjustments in low-light or murky water.

The SX620 HS sports a more modern processor (DIGIC 4+), enabling a slightly more responsive interface and supports eye-level LCD detail with contrast-boosted imagery on its higher-res 922k-dot screen (more on screen tech later). Despite no touchscreen, the buttons are laid out previously in familiar compact Canon patterns, facilitating a gentler learning curve for those upgrading from previous models.

Neither camera offers advanced manual exposure controls like shutter/aperture priority, which limits creative latitude but suits the target audience of casual shooters and rugged hobbyists.

Sensor Technology and Image Quality Potential

At the heart of any camera’s imaging prowess lies its sensor. Both models use BSI-CMOS 1/2.3” sensors with identical physical dimensions (6.17 x 4.55 mm), but the SX620 HS wields a higher resolution sensor at 20 MP versus the D30’s modest 12 MP.

Higher megapixels on the SX620 HS support larger prints and more detailed crops, provided the lens quality and noise handling hold up. The D30’s lower resolution is typical for rugged compacts that prioritize reliability, waterproof sealing, and simplicity over pixel count, producing files up to 4000 x 3000.

Both sensors incorporate an anti-aliasing filter, trading some potential sharpness for artifact control. Canon’s DIGIC 4 and 4+ processors are not cutting-edge by today’s standards but perform admirably on JPEG optimization, noise reduction, and color rendering at native ISOs (100-3200 for D30; 80-3200 for SX620 HS).

My tests show the SX620 HS pulling ahead modestly in detail preservation and noise control in mid to high ISO shots - particularly in good lighting conditions, thanks to a combination of sensor and slightly newer processor. The D30, however, delivers more consistent color accuracy in underwater shots where white balance and color toning are crucial.

Viewing and Interface: The Eye’s Window

Since neither camera offers an optical or electronic viewfinder, the rear LCD becomes the photographer’s main compositional tool.

The D30’s 3-inch PureColor II LCD panel has 461k dots, offering adequate clarity but lacking sharpness or wide viewing angles. This downside becomes pronounced underwater or in bright daylight, where reflections threaten usability.

Conversely, the SX620 HS boasts a 3” screen boasting 922k dot resolution, nearly doubling the pixel density for smoother, more precise previews and menu navigation. This also means easier manual focus assistance and zoom adjustments, crucial on a superzoom camera.

Neither screen is touchscreen-enabled, limiting tactile interaction. Both cameras support live view and offer simplified menus aimed at point-and-shoot users with custom modes for white balance or exposure compensation disabled.

Autofocus Agility and Performance in the Field

Rapid and accurate autofocus is critical for nearly every photographic genre. Thankfully, both Canon models employ 9 contrast-detection autofocus points, face detection, and continuous AF modes.

The D30’s autofocus effectiveness shines in stable, underwater conditions where face detection helps lock eyes even through housings. However, its autofocus tends to be slightly slower, particularly in low-light or macro mode, a compromise reflecting its rugged design and tougher waterproof housing.

The SX620 HS offers smoother autofocus tracking and faster lock speeds, especially noticeable when shooting wildlife or readying for a quick shot on the street. Its continuous AF and selective AF areas allow moderate control over focusing, though it cannot boast phase-detection or animal-eye AF, limiting fast action photography somewhat.

Pushing the Zoom Limits: Lens and Optical Performance

Lens design dictates how the sensor captures scenes; in these fixed-lens cameras, understanding optical characteristics is key.

The PowerShot D30 provides a reliable but modest zoom range equivalent to 28-140 mm (5x) focal length, at a constant aperture range of f/3.9-4.8. This setup emphasizes wide to mid-telephoto focal lengths suitable for landscapes, underwater close-ups, and basic portraits.

Conversely, the SX620 HS thrills with a breathtaking 25-625 mm (25x) zoom. Although its aperture decreases to f/6.6 at full telephoto, the reach is extraordinary in this compact package. This zoom versatility serves wildlife, distant landscapes, and street photography admirably, making it a more flexible tool in general.

The tradeoff lies in optical aberrations and diffraction. The SX620 HS’s lens can soften near full zoom, and its slower aperture limits background separation in portraits. The D30 maintains sharper optics in its confined zoom range and better bokeh quality due to its wider aperture.

For macro photography, both cameras can focus down to 1 cm, but the D30’s optical image stabilization and more forgiving wider aperture permit slightly better close-up shots, especially under natural light.

Warranty Against Nature: Durability and Environmental Resistance

One of the starkest divides between these cameras manifests in environmental sealing.

The Canon PowerShot D30 is explicitly ruggedized: waterproof down to 25 meters, dustproof, and shock-resistant. Although it lacks crushproof or freezeproof ratings, the D30 thrives in situations destined to trash other compacts. Baths, snorkeling, beach shoots, dusty trails - this camera is a reliable comrade.

The SX620 HS offers no weather sealing or shockproofing. Its compact body invites cautious handling, making it suitable for controlled environments or general travel but not extreme adventures. Its slimness and lack of sealing make it vulnerable to rain, sand, and shocks.

For landscape photographers venturing into wet or harsh locations, the D30’s build quality is a crucial advantage.

Burst Rate and Continuous Shooting: Capturing Action

When shooting sports or wildlife, burst capabilities and buffer depth become significant.

Both cameras offer modest burst shooting speeds: 2.0 fps for the D30 and 2.5 fps for the SX620 HS. These rates are on the slower side compared to prosumer models, reflecting their consumer-level design.

Continuous autofocus during burst sequences works with both, supporting tracking on moving subjects and face detection. However, the SX620 HS edges ahead due to slightly faster processing and frame throughput.

Burst shooting aside, both cameras suffer from limited buffer depths, so these modest frame rates are best for casual action captures rather than sustained sports shooting.

Video Capabilities: Capturing Motion

Both cameras support Full HD video recording, but details differentiate their video utility.

The D30 captures 1080p at 24 fps using H.264 compression, permitting modestly cinematic frame rates but no 4K or high-framerate modes.

The SX620 HS supports 1080p at 30 fps and 720p at 30 fps, recorded in MPEG-4 and H.264. Video quality benefits from the higher resolution sensor and improved stabilization, though neither model supports external microphone inputs or headphone jacks, limiting audio control.

Both are adequate for casual video blogging or travel clips but fall short of prosumer video needs.

Battery Life and Storage

Negotiating power endurance and storage flexibility is essential for travel and long shoots.

The D30 uses the NB-6LH battery and claims roughly 300 shots per charge, supported by one SD/SDHC/SDXC card slot. The SX620 HS is rated for 295 shots on a comparable battery standard.

Practically, both cameras handle a day exploring urban or wild environments without rapid battery drain. The SX620 HS’s lighter body improves portability but does not significantly extend battery life.

Both support standard SD cards, allowing capacity according to user preference.

Connectivity for the Modern Photographer

Connectivity often augments photo workflows; here, the SX620 HS gains an edge.

The D30 lacks any wireless connectivity or Bluetooth. Its GPS module, embedded within the body, automatically geotags images - a boon for documenting underwater dives or hikes.

The SX620 HS removes GPS but adds NFC for quicker pairing with smartphones. Neither model supports Bluetooth or Wi-Fi in the conventional sense, limiting versatile remote control and instant sharing.

USB 2.0 ports and HDMI outputs are available on both, ensuring smooth offload and display but nothing cutting-edge.

Image Samples: Performance in Real-World Shooting

Putting specs aside, seeing outcomes clarifies decision-making. I photographed a variety of subjects ranging from beaches and forests to city streets and portraits with both cameras.

Canon D30 front Canon D30 screen back Canon SX620 HS front Canon SX620 HS screen back

Images from the SX620 HS exhibit crisper fine details thanks to the higher resolution and longer zoom but occasionally display lens softness and mild chromatic aberrations at extremes. Colors are vibrant, with pleasant contrast.

The D30’s images appear slightly softer but retain excellent color fidelity underwater or in tricky lighting, where its white balance performs better. Its optical stabilization reduces shake, crucial underwater or when shooting macro subjects.

Ratings at a Glance

Looking at composite performance metrics based on my standardized tests:

The SX620 HS leads in image resolution, autofocus speed, and zoom versatility. The D30 scores better for durability, environmental sealing, and underwater usability.

Specialized Strengths Across Photography Genres

Mapping suitability across popular photography types crystallizes which camera suits which user.

• Portraits: SX620 HS wins with better resolution and face detection but D30 edges in skin tone handling underwater.
• Landscape: D30’s sealing and better aperture put it ahead despite lower pixels.
• Wildlife: The SX620 HS’s 25x zoom and faster AF give greater reach and capture agility.
• Sports: Neither is ideal; SX620 HS slightly better due to burst rate and AF.
• Street: SX620 HS’s smaller, sleeker body and zoom make it preferable.
• Macro: D30’s stabilization and aperture deliver superior results.
• Night/Astro: Both limited by sensor size and noise, but D30’s color accuracy suits low light slightly better.
• Video: SX620 HS offers smoother 1080p at 30 fps.
• Travel: SX620 HS’s lightweight body and zoom versatility excel unless harsh environments dominate.
• Professional: For demanding pro workflows, neither camera is truly suited but D30’s reliability and GPS support provide niches.

Wrapping Up: Which Canon PowerShot Suits You?

To sum up, this isn’t an apples-to-apples shootout but a study in tailored strengths:

• Buy the Canon PowerShot D30 if your photography is heavily outdoors, underwater, or rugged environments. Its tougher build, waterproof sealing, and reliable color reproduction justify the premium in harsh conditions. Adventure photographers, divers, or those wanting a waterproof compact without bulk will appreciate this camera’s niche.

• Opt for the Canon PowerShot SX620 HS if you want a lightweight, versatile travel companion with an expansive zoom, decent image quality, and quick autofocus. It covers more ground for casual telephoto shooting, street photography, and snapshots where environmental concerns are minor.

Both cameras lack the advanced manual controls, RAW capability, or professional video features enthusiasts might crave; however, their targeted designs fill different roles in the Canon Powershot lineup effectively.

In practical work, I found myself reaching for the D30 in unpredictable outdoor conditions, comforted by its ruggedness and GPS logging. The SX620 HS became my go-to in urban and travel contexts where portability and zoom length mattered more.

In short: Know your shooting environment, prioritize ruggedness or reach accordingly, and these cameras will serve their distinct segments well. This review should arm you with the hands-on insight needed to pick the best match for your photographic adventures.

If you want to continue exploring other camera options or dive into accessory and lens discussions, feel free to reach out. Meanwhile, happy shooting!