Inspect A Gadget: Canon PowerShot D10

Most summer fun involves water: diving into it, paddling in it, getting splashed by it. Is it possible to immortalize these moments without having to worry about getting your camera wet?

In late May, Canon introduced a compact 12.1-megapixel digital camera that’s perfect for shooting in such conditions. The new PowerShot D10 is waterproof to 10 meters and can withstand a 1.2-meter drop, meaning you can – with moderate caution – capture splashes and underwater pictures. (Another plus: It’s also freeze-proof to minus 10 degrees Celsius, so it’ll be handy on the ski slopes come winter.)

But the beauty of a truly waterproof gadget extends far beyond the pool or the beach. Just use your imagination. For example, when guests misbehave at your barbeque, you can grab your Canon D10 with your greasy hands. To clean it? Simply rinse the camera under the tap. What’s the worst that could happen? It’s waterproof.

DESIGN
The curvy blue-and-silver case gives it the appearance of a toy submarine. Nemo and friends may swim up close just to gawk at this cutie.

IMAGE QUALITY
With a 3x optical image-stabilized zoom lens and DIGIC 4 processor, this 12.1 MP camera lets you create richly detailed photos at 4000x3000 pixels.

LCD
Its ultra-bright 2.5-inch LCD lets you review your pictures easily under any light conditions. A 2mm Perspex shield protects the screen against scratches.

FUNCTIONALITY
It can detect up to 35 faces in a shot, adjusting settings automatically for optimal natural skin tones.

Powershot D10
RMB 3,249

Order from Canon’s website: www.canon.com.cn (Chinese only).
The PowerShot D10 is also available at the Canon retail store: Rm 1068, 1/F, 12 Chaoyangmenwai Dajie, Chaoyang District (8561 8515) 朝阳区朝外大街12号1层1068