Battle of the Rugged: Canon Powershot D10 vs. Panasonic Lumix DMC TS2

We just came from a mountaineering activity last weekend and while we brought our bad boy heavy digital SLRs for amazing landscape shots we noticed that we used our digital compact camera more because it was easier to set-up.

The only problem is that unlike the delicate care we gave our SLRs, we just tossed the point and shoot camera here and there. The result of the weekend hike is sore muscles pluse a scratched Sony TX1 camera.

While we love good old Sony TX1 what we really needed was a rugged camera that is shockproof, scratchproof and waterproof.

Were doing the research and so if you want a rugged camera too read on…

Canon Powershot D10

Pricetag: £236.28

When we first saw the submarine looking Canon D10 it was love at first site. The quirky shape of this waterproof camera shows character. Although it is not the size of a pocket camera, it is small enough to fit in your rucksack.

This rugged camera also performs well with a 10m waterproof depth, shock proof of 1.2 m and freezeproof to -10 degrees centigrade. A good addition is that it’s also dustproof so perfect for weekend hikes.

It also works well with non-extreme activities with its 12 megapixel sensor and 3 times optical zoom. Like many Canon point and shoot cameras it has great image stabilization

The buttons in the D10 are bigger and raised which makes it perfect for underwater situations but can be akward to use out of water.

Overall the Canon D10 is a rugged camera that is a basic point and shoot and does outdoors well. It’s not fast but is quicker than most rugged cameras.

The Canon PowerShot D10 is probably the best option for a rugged point-and-shoot camera if you spend a lot of time snorkeling, skiing, or poolside.

Technical Details

*12.1 Megapixel camera, Waterproof (to 10m), freeze-proof (to -10oC) and dustproof

*3.0x optical zoom and optical Image Stabilizer and 2.5” high resolution PureColor LCD II

*Smart Auto mode with Scene Detection Technology and DIGIC 4 for high image quality

*Combats blur with ISO Auto, Motion Detection Technology and optical IS

*Great people shots with Face Detection Technology, Face Self-Timer, Auto Red-Eye Correction and Blink Detection

Panasonic Lumix DMC  TS2

Price tag: £298.70

If these rugged cameras were highschool then the Panasoni Lumix TS2 is your jock who does extreme kite jumping on Saturdays. It looks rugged and it really is compact unlike the body of the Canon D10. It’s waterproof of up to 33 feet, schockproof and dustprrof.

When we first saw the submarine looking Canon D10 it was love at first site. The quirky shape of this waterproof camera shows character. Although it is not the size of a pocket camera, it is small enough to fit in your rucksack.

Technical Details

*14.1 MP Digital Camera for active people, 28mm Wide-angle Leica lens

*Waterproof 10m, Shockproof 2m, Freeze-proof -10℃, 4.6x Optical Zoom

*Intelligent Resolution Technology and 6x Intelligent Zoom

*HD Movie in AVCHD Lite and HDMI Compatibility Featuring VIERA Link

*iA (Intelligent Auto) Mode and POWER O.I.S. (Optical Image Stabilizer)

The Verdict

Between the two cameras we still trust Canon even if the camera’s body is too bulky. The picture quality both in and out of the water is faster and it the processor is somewhat quicker.

But were still doing research so keep on checking out hot topics as we pit Canon D10 with Olympus Tough next.

For photography lessons turn to our digital photography tips .