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Canon PowerShot S20 Canon packs 3 megapixels and a 2x optical zoom into their "smallest digicam" body! Select a topic Reference: Datasheet PowerShot S20 Sample Images --------------------------------- 1. Intro and Highlights 2. Executive Overview 3. Design 4. Viewfinder 5. Optics 6. Exposure & Flash 7. Shutter Lag & Cycle Time Tests 8. Operation & User Interface 9. Camera Modes & Menus 10. Image Storage & Interface 11. Video, Power, Software 12. Test Results & Conclusion --------------------------------- Print-Friendly Review Version Additional Resources and Other Links Reader Comments on PowerShot S20 Review --------------------------------- Digital Camera Comparometer (TM) --------------------------------- <-- Digital Cameras (Home) <-- Digital Camera Reviews Index <<Executive Overview :(Previous) | (Next): Viewfinder>> Page 3:Design Review First Posted: 4/4/2000

Design
The PowerShot S20 looks very much like its cousin, the S10, in everything except color (the S20 has a warmer silver tone than the cooler S10). Side by side, they look almost identical, down to the last button. They even have the same weight and measurements, 9.5 ounces (270g) and 4.1 x 2.7 x 1.3 inches (105.4 x 69.4 x 33.8mm). The main difference between the two, aside from the exterior color (the S20 has a gold-toned metal case, vs the silver-colored one on the S10), lies in the larger 3.3 megapixel CCD of the S20, resulting in a larger 2048 x 1536 pixel maximum image resolution.

When the lens is in its retracted position, the front of the camera is very sleek and smooth with no protrusions. Once the camera is switched into any of the four capture modes, a mechanical lens cover slides open and the lens extends outwards automatically. Also on the front of the camera is a small finger grip, the built-in flash, the front of the optical viewfinder and an autofocus-assist light that activates in dark conditions.

The back panel of the S20 features most of the control buttons, the CompactFlash slot cover release, optical viewfinder and LCD monitor. Consistent with the styling of the front of the camera, the back is very smooth and sleek. Because of the small size of the camera, one-handed operation is possible, as all of the control buttons are within easy reach.

The right side of the S20 (looking at the back of the camera) holds the CompactFlash slot, wrist strap attachment and DC coupler cable cover (a little slot to accommodate the cord of the AC adapter). As with the S10, the positioning of the CompactFlash card and the slot cover make it a little tricky to get the card out of the slot. It would have been much easier if the card were turned to face the other direction, exposing the little lip most CompactFlash cards have on the back side which is perfect for hooking with a fingernail.

The opposite side of the S20 features the video and digital jacks as well as a CR2016 battery slot (which powers the S20's internal clock/calendar). The video jack remains exposed while the digital jack has a soft rubber cover that snaps into place to protect the interface.

A small status display, the mode dial and the shutter button live on top of the S20, all maintaining a very low profile like the rest of the camera. We're glad to see the continued presence of the status display panel, as it helps greatly in conserving battery power by working without the LCD (although you still need to revert to the LCD monitor to navigate the menu system).

The S20 features a nice, flat bottom with a metal tripod mount and locking battery compartment. Because of the camera's small size, the battery compartment and tripod mount are extremely close, making it impossible to change batteries while mounted. Probably a petty gripe, since the camera's size and portability mean it's more likely to be found in a coat pocket than atop a tripod in a studio.