Canon SD960 IS vs Olympus Stylus Tough 6020: A Detailed Compact Camera Showdown

Choosing the right compact camera often boils down to prioritizing what matters most to your photographic adventures. Yesterday’s pocket-friendly glass meet today’s rugged, versatile companions. In this comparison, I take a deep dive into two distinct yet somewhat contemporaneous compact cameras - the Canon PowerShot SD960 IS, also known by some as the Digital IXUS 110 IS, and the Olympus Stylus Tough 6020, also branded as the mju Tough 6020.

From a seasoned professional’s standpoint, having tested thousands of cameras across genres and conditions, I’m here to help you unravel how these two stack up in real-world use, technical prowess, and value for various photography styles and users. Neither is a flagship powerhouse - they cater to enthusiasts valuing portability, ease of use, or durability - but their unique strengths make them stand out in differing ways.

Let’s embark on this journey with hands-on experience, technical insight, and practical perspectives.

First Impressions and Ergonomics: Size and Feel in Your Hand

My initial handling impressions give vital clues to user comfort, travel convenience, and shooting endurance. The Canon SD960 IS and the Olympus 6020 are both compact, but they feel quite different.

At 98mm x 54mm x 22mm and approximately 145g, the Canon is slender and streamlined, designed for those who want a sleek minimal footprint in a pocket or purse. Its metal exterior feels classy but also somewhat fragile, catering more to careful users.

By contrast, the Olympus 6020, measuring 95mm x 62mm x 22mm and weighing just 122g, features a robust build with environmental sealing. The design feels chunkier but instills confidence for rugged use - impervious to water, dust, shocks, and cold temperatures down to freeze-proof levels.

The ergonomics show the Canon favoring elegance and compactness; Olympus prizes functionality and protection. During extended shoots, the Canon’s slim profile can feel less secure, especially if you have larger hands, while the 6020’s textured grip and slightly bulkier frame provide a better hold, especially in wet or gloved conditions.

Top Controls and Interface Layout: Quick Access in Action

Control placement impacts how swiftly you can respond to fleeting moments, especially outdoors or while on the move.

The Canon opts for minimalism - few buttons clutter its top plate, with zoom and shutter near your index finger. However, the lack of dedicated dials or exposure modes limits manual overriding options. I found myself toggling menus to change settings more often than I’d prefer, slowing workflow in dynamic scenarios.

The Olympus 6020 offers a similar straightforward approach but adds some tactile cues with dedicated buttons. The shutter button’s travel and feedback are better, encouraging quick bursts of images. Its continuous shooting at 5 fps also benefits from this responsive design (more about shooting speed below).

Neither camera features manual focus rings or chiaroscuro dials, keeping them aimed at casual users, but Olympus’s sturdier buttons are a plus for rugged fieldwork.

Sensor Technology and Image Quality: The Heart of the Camera

The core differences begin to show when examining the sensors, image processing, and raw capabilities.

Both utilize 1/2.3" CCD sensors measuring roughly 6x4.5 mm, typical for small compacts of their generation. Olympus edges slightly with a 13-megapixel count compared to Canon’s 12-megapixel, though pixel count alone isn’t a quality guarantee.

CCD sensors traditionally excel at color rendering, though they trail modern CMOS sensors in noise handling and dynamic range. Neither camera offers RAW shooting, limiting flexibility for the post-processing inclined.

The Canon SD960 IS employs a simpler processor stack than Olympus’s TruePic III engine, impacting noise reduction, color interpretation, and sharpening. In daylight or brightly lit scenes, both deliver pleasing images with vivid colors and decent detail. The Olympus renders slightly more natural colors, especially in greens and blues, making it a better candidate for landscapes and outdoor shots.

However, low-light situations expose the deficiencies of small CCDs. The Canon’s max ISO is 1600 but its noise becomes intrusive by ISO 400. Olympus's sensor performs marginally better at high ISO, thanks to a lower base ISO sensitivity (64 native) and a more advanced processor, but noise still limits versatility after ISO 800.

Display and User Interface: Real-Time Monitoring and Playback

Quick and accurate framing is essential, especially for compact cameras lacking viewfinders.

Both cameras feature fixed 2.7-2.8 inch LCDs with 230k-dot resolution - adequate but not spectacular by today’s standards. The Canon’s screen lends slightly better contrast, which aids outdoor use, but the lack of anti-reflective coatings is noticeable under harsh sunlight.

Olympus’s screen benefits from durable Gorilla Glass, bolstering scratch resistance, vital for adventurous use, but reflections can be a nuisance during midday shooting.

Neither camera has a touchscreen, limiting interaction to buttons and menu navigation. Live view autofocus is contrast-detected, naturally slower than modern hybrid AF systems but functional for general snapshots.

Burst Shooting and Autofocus Performance: Capturing the Action

One of the primary reasons photographers consider compact cameras is their ability to seize split-second moments.

The Canon SD960 IS operates at a leisurely 1 frame per second (fps) continuous shooting rate with single-shot autofocus only. This severely limits its suitability for fast-moving subjects like sports or wildlife. Focusing relies on a nine-point contrast-detection system with face detection enabled - a helpful feature for portraits but rudimentary by modern standards.

Conversely, the Olympus 6020 shines with 5 fps continuous shooting, backed by continuous AF tracking - a rare feature in rugged compacts at the time. My field tests showed it handled slow to moderate subject motion reasonably well, though it’s far from professional-grade AF performance.

Neither camera focuses manually, so precision placement on macro or creative shots can be challenging.

Lens Quality and Focal Range: Versatility for Various Subjects

Fixed lens zooms set the focal expectations and the amount of creative framing available.

The Canon SD960 IS sports a 28-112mm (35mm-equivalent) f/2.8–5.8 lens - slightly faster aperture at the wide end compared to Olympus. The wider aperture helps in low-light and achieving shallower depth of field in portraits.

The Olympus’s lens covers an extended 28-140mm (5× zoom) f/3.9–5.9 range. While the maximum aperture is smaller (which impacts light gathering and depth of field control), the longer telephoto end offers more reach for wildlife or sports snapshots.

Lens sharpness on both cameras is respectable but not stellar. Peripheral softness appears wide open, especially on Olympus at telephoto, but stops down improve center sharpness. In general, the Olympus lens is suitable for versatility, while Canon’s faster wide aperture favors saturated, bright portraits or street photography.

Macro Capabilities: Close-Up Creativity

Macro photography in compact cameras offers fun details and texture shots but varies greatly depending on focusing ability.

The Olympus 6020 impresses with a close minimum focus distance of 1 cm, much shorter than Canon’s 2 cm. This permits framing tiny subjects - flowers, insects - with more fill.

Without manual focus, achieving exact focus points requires patience, as AF hunting indoors and in dim light sometimes leads to missed shots.

Neither camera has focus stacking or advanced macro-specific features. But Olympus’s superior minimum focusing distance paired with sensor-shift stabilization aids handheld close-ups noticeably.

Video Recording: Moving Images and Sound Capture

Both cameras offer HD video capture, but with nuances that impact usability and quality.

The Canon SD960 IS records 720p (1280x720) at 30 fps using the legacy Motion JPEG format, which tends to consume large files and is less efficient in compression.

The Olympus 6020 also records 720p at 30 fps, but with the more efficient H.264 codec, saving storage and facilitating smoother playback.

Neither camera allows external microphone input or advanced video controls, limiting sound and exposure flexibility. Video autofocus relies on contrast detection and may hunt during zoom or focus.

For casual users wanting brief family clips or travel memory capture, both suffice, with Olympus producing slightly better stabilized footage thanks to sensor-shift IS.

Durability and Weather Resistance: Built for Different Environments

Durability often becomes critical for outdoor, adventure, or travel photographers.

While Canon SD960 IS’s slim build exudes elegance, it lacks any weather sealing or shock protection. This camera is best kept in dry, protected environments.

The Olympus 6020 stands apart through its rugged certifications:

• Waterproof up to 3 meters (10 feet)
• Shockproof drops up to 1.5 meters
• Freezeproof to -10°C (14°F)
• Dustproof sealing

This makes the 6020 a trustworthy companion for hiking, poolside snaps, or snow trips where unpredictable conditions prevail.

Battery Life and Storage Options: Staying Powered and Capturing More

Both cameras use proprietary lithium-ion batteries - Canon’s NB-4L and Olympus’s Li-50B. Official figures are not standout, but real-world usage suggests about 200 shots per charge under normal conditions.

The Olympus’s rugged design often encourages longer outings; pairing it with spare batteries is advisable for extended trips. Both accept SD and SDHC cards, with Olympus adding internal storage as a safety net - a nice touch for emergencies.

Connectivity: Sharing Your Shots

Neither camera supports Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, or NFC - unsurprising given their era. Data transfer relies on USB 2.0, adequate for offloading images but slow by today’s standards.

Both feature HDMI ports for direct viewing on HDTVs, beneficial for sharing portfolios during trips or casual get-togethers.

Hands-On Photography Discipline Insights

To illustrate real-world differences, I categorized their utility into popular photography types and genres:

Canon SD960 IS screen back Olympus 6020 front Olympus 6020 screen back

Portrait Photography

Canon’s wider aperture and face detection afford smoother bokeh and better subject separation in close-ups. Skin tones were warmer and appealing under natural light.

Olympus lacks face detect, producing flatter portraits, but the longer zoom helps framing candid expressions from a moderate distance.

Landscape Photography

Olympus’s slightly higher resolution and natural color reproduction make it a better landscape choice. Its tougher body enables shooting in inclement weather - rain or snow - without worry.

Canon’s faster lens improves sharpness in low-light scenes like sunrise, but sensitive handling is required.

Wildlife Photography

Olympus’s 5 fps burst and longer 140mm reach add value for casual wildlife photography. Still, limited AF speed restricts capturing quick movement.

Canon’s reach is shorter and shooting speed reduces burst opportunities.

Sports Photography

Neither camera targets action professionals, but Olympus’s continuous AF and faster burst rate give it an edge for recreational sports.

Street Photography

Canon’s smaller, lighter design helps with discretion. The brighter wide aperture assists low-light street scenes; however, slower autofocus is a hindrance.

Olympus stands out less here due to its rugged “chunky” appearance, which can attract attention.

Macro Photography

Olympus wins on minimum focusing distance, enabling creative close-up work with fewer focus hunts.

Night / Astro Photography

Both cameras’ limited ISO capacities and lack of manual exposure modes restrain night photography. Canon’s wider aperture at 28mm aids low light somewhat but noise remains an issue.

Video Capabilities

Both suffice for casual 720p clips with Olympus’s video codec producing smaller files. Neither supports advanced videography features for enthusiasts.

Travel Photography

Olympus’s ruggedness, longer zoom, and battery life slightly favor the traveler tackling diverse conditions, whereas the Canon is excellent for urban travel with a need for style and compactness.

Professional Use

Neither caters directly to pros with raw support, manual controls, or interchangeable lenses; instead, they serve as secondary or backup cameras for casual or documentary purposes.

Performance Summary and Ratings

Bringing all facets together:

Canon SD960 IS

• Image quality: Good in daylight, limited low-light
• Handling: Sleek but fragile
• Speed: Slow continuous shooting
• Features: Face detect, optical IS
• Durability: Poor weather resistance

Olympus 6020

• Image quality: Slightly better due to more MP and truepic processor
• Handling: Rugged, comfortable grip
• Speed: Faster burst, continuous AF
• Features: Sensor-shift IS, face detection absent
• Durability: Excellent weatherproof design

Which Camera Excels in Which Photography Genre?

Final Thoughts: Which Compact Suits Your Style?

In my professional experience, choosing between the Canon SD960 IS and Olympus Stylus Tough 6020 boils down to lifestyle and prioritization.

If your priority is sleek, elegant portability suited for everyday snapshots, portraits, and urban settings - the Canon SD960 IS delivers delightful image quality with a speedy lens at the wide end and user-friendly shooting modes. It is well suited to casual shooters who cherish style over durability and won’t be shooting in harsh conditions.

If you are more adventurous, craving a camera that can shrug off rain, dust, shocks and thrives in landscapes, wildlife excursions, and rugged travel, the Olympus 6020 stands tall with its environmental sealing, longer zoom reach, and burst shooting speed. Its image quality benefits from a more refined processor, and the macro capabilities add creative freedom. The tradeoff is a slightly chunkier body and a slower wide aperture lens.

Neither camera offers state-of-the-art autofocus, manual controls, or professional-grade files, so if you’re a serious pro, consider these as secondary or backup options rather than primary workhorses.

Practical Buyer Recommendations

• For casual urban photographers, portrait lovers, and street shooters prioritizing pocketability and aesthetics, invest in the Canon SD960 IS.
• For outdoorsy users, travel photographers, and active sports enthusiasts who demand durability and versatile focal reach, Olympus Stylus Tough 6020 is the better companion.
• Neither camera excels for advanced video recording, night photography, or professional workflows - seek newer models with manual controls and raw capabilities if those are priorities.
• Both are excellent for beginner enthusiasts or secondary cameras, offering intuitive controls and simple shooting modes.

As always, I encourage testing cameras yourself when possible, balancing specs with how a camera feels ergonomically and performs with your style. I’ve enjoyed revisiting these models - both showcase distinct philosophies in compact camera design and remind us that, even as technology evolves, fundamental usability and reliability matter most.

Thank you for joining me on this detailed comparison. Should you have questions or want advice on other models, feel free to reach out!

Happy shooting!

• An experienced photography equipment reviewer