Development objectives
Canon has designed waterproof cases for many of its compact digital camera models so they can be used in wet conditions or underwater. Still, many users have asked for an easy-use camera for the beach or ski slopes that doesn't need a waterproof case.
In response, Canon developed the PowerShot D10 digital camera that can be used safely outdoors. Although the D10 is compact, its tight waterproofing allows it to be used underwater down to 10 meters and its rugged construction makes it suitable for industrial applications.
The D10's development aim is as stated below.
Develope a digital camera for all situations, from alpine skiing to scuba-diving Feature 1 : Advanced image quality
CCD sensor with 12.1 effective megapixelsBy virtue of the combination of its 12.1-effective-megapixel CCD sensor and RGB filter, the PowerShot D10 can produce high-resolution images as large as 4000 × 3000 pixels. This is enough detail for crisp A2 enlargements.
High-quality 3x optical zoom lens with lens-shift image stabilizerThe D10 has an f/2.8 - f/4.9 3x zoom lens with lens-shift image stabilizer. The lens has a 35mm equivalent focal length of 35 - 105mm and includes one double and one single aspherical UA lens element, which allowed us to keep the lens assembly compact while virtually eliminating aberrations.
The lens-shift image stabilizer reduces the effect of camera shake on image quality, giving the photographer as much as a three-stop gain in shutter speed.
DIGIC 4 image processor provides advanced image processingHigh-precision AE and AWB using iSAPS technologyi-ContrastFeature 2 : Outstanding functionality
Waterproof to a depth of 10 meters (equivalent to the IEC/JIS IPX 8 protection standard)The D10 has been waterproofed to the IPX 8 protection standard, developed by IEC*/JIS, so the camera can be used in water as deep as 10 meters.
To achieve this waterproof performance, we sealed the seam between the front and rear cabinets with elastomer packing (Figure 1). This seal prevents water from infiltrating the camera even in 10 meters of water (two atmospheres).
The control buttons have a large O-ring seal in a gland and an E-ring retainer to handle the extra water pressure.
*The IEC (International Electrotechnical Commission) is an international organization that works to harmonize regulations and standards between nations in a number of fields, including electrical applications, electronics, communications, and nuclear power.
Superior dust proofing (equivalent to the IEC/JIS IP6X protection standard)Due to its waterproof construction, the PowerShot D10 also meets the criteria of the IEC/JIS IP6X* protection standard for dust-tightness developed by JIS. This means the D10 can be used safely in dusty or dirty locations like construction sites.
*Performance: Dust particles (with a diameter of 75 microns) do not penetrate inside the camera under test conditions.
Cold tolerance to -10°C and shock resistance to withstand most knocks and bumps (equivalent to the MIL Standard 810F Method 516.5 Selecting Procedure IV)The D10 is guaranteed to work in temperatures as low as -10°C*1 since it is expected to be used in cold conditions, such as skiing, in addition to being used underwater or in dusty conditions. To meet this guarantee, Canon designed the lens motor, which is used for zooming and focusing, with additional torque to avoid the typical performance deterioration in cold temperatures.
Canon also took into account camera usage at construction sites and in other harsh outdoor environments and devised a test based on the U.S. military MIL Standard 810F Method 516.5 Selecting Procedure IV. To ensure the D10 would pass*2 this test, Canon used a thick polycarbonate exterior and gave the camera a rounded shape (Photo 2) to distribute any external force concentrated in one spot. Protection was added to the LCD monitor screen by incorporating a thicker than normal acrylic layer, and the control buttons and other components were fashioned from acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) and other materials that resist breaking.
*1. The range 0 to -10°C is outside the NB-6L battery pack's recommended operating temperature range. There may, therefore, be a temporary decline in battery performance at these temperatures, but the camera will function.
*2. The D10 passes Canon's own testing conditions, which are based on the MIL Standard 810F Method 516.5 Selecting Procedure IV. This does not guarantee that the camera will not be damaged or malfunction as a result of an impact.
Double-paned lens window reduces fogging caused by sudden temperature changesWhen a camera is moved suddenly from a warm location to a cold location, the temperature differential often causes condensation to form and the lens to fog up. Lens window fogging in particular poses a major problem. One common method to prevent fogging is to apply an anti-fogging coating to the inside of the lens window. Because this method is not entirely satisfactory, we decided to utilize the same double-pane lens window design (Figure 2) that we use in our waterproof cases. The layer of air trapped between the two glass layers prevents fogging* in most cases.
*Fogging will occasionally occur when the temperature differential is around 20°C even with a double-paned construction.
Manual focusAutofocusing will occasionally not operate properly in certain situations. Canon has added manual focusing (Figure 3) to the D10 because it is assumed the D10 will be used in these situations.
Brighter LCD monitor for better visibility outdoorsWe used five backlights to make the LCD monitor brighter and to improve the monitor's visibility in strong sunlight at the beach or on the ski slopes, where it is often difficult to see the monitor.
Ready to shoot in just 0.9 secondsThe D10 does not have a retractable lens, thereby eliminating the time needed to extend the lens when the camera is turned on. Consequently, the D10 is ready to shoot in only 0.9 seconds.
Servo AF that continually tracks the subjectThe PowerShot D10 includes servo AF, which after first focusing on the subject with a half-press of the shutter button will continue to focus on the subject as it moves as long as the shutter button is held halfway down.
MOV formatThe D10 shares the MOV movie data format found on the PowerShot G10 and PowerShot SX 1 IS. At nearly the same image quality, MOV files are about 60 percent the size of conventional AVI files, which means users can record longer movies on the same memory card.
Face Self-timerISO 3200 - elevated ISO modeImage Inspection ToolRed-eye correctionFeature 3 : Comfortable operation
Large buttons and spacious layout for easy operation while wearing glovesCameras are notoriously difficult to operate on ski slopes or during other winter occasions when wearing gloves because the buttons are hard to press. For this reason, we made the frequently accessed control buttons as large as possible while using generous spacing between buttons (Photo 3) so the camera is easier to operate with gloves on.
Shooting/Movie button selects the shooting mode Since it is difficult to rotate dials while wearing gloves, we moved to a combination of a Shooting/Movie button and left/right arrow keys to make shooting mode selections. Pressing the Shooting/Movie button while in a shooting mode displays the icon and name of the currently selected mode on the LCD monitor. Icons for Auto, P, SCN, and Movie are shown at the top of the display (Figure 4). The selected shooting mode icon is highlighted.
Text displayed in a proportional font The D10 uses proportional font to display letters and numbers on the LCD monitor. Proportional fonts optimize spacing between letters so that text is easier to read and looks more pleasing to the eye than monospaced fonts on past cameras .
Able to customize and save shooting parametersRange-specified bulk printing and deletingFeature 4 : Enhanced print functions and digital communications
Supports PictBridgeMovie printAble to enjoy the Canon iMAGE GATEWAY Web siteFeature 5 : Extensive line of camera accessories
Change the camera's color with swappable faceplatesCanon generally offers PowerShot and IXY Digital cameras in two to six different exterior colors so that users can choose their favorite color.
With the PowerShot D10, however, we have gone with interchangeable jacket-like faceplates, so that users can select the color they like for different purposes. The original color is blue. Users can attach one of the three faceplates (in orange, gray, and camouflage).
Users can easily swap faceplates by unscrewing and tightening two screws with a handy tool that is included with the camera (Photo 4).
Multiple strap configurations and a novel soft caseIn addition to the regular wrist strap, Canon offers the D10 with three other types of straps - shoulder strap, neck strap, and snap-ring strap - so users can select how they want to carry the camera depending on their preference or application (Photo 5).
All the straps come with mounts that can be attached to any of the camera's four corner strap mounts.
The D10 is also sold with a radically designed soft case (Photo 6) that is extremely practical to use. The soft case has a plush urethane finish and provides easy access to the camera. Users can even hang the case from their belt.
Supports HC MMCplus cards
This concludes our look at the PowerShot D10 this month. Table 1 lists the main specifications of the PowerShot D10.
Photo 7 illustrates the kit components that come with the camera, including the interchangeable faceplates, four straps, and the soft case. There is no suggested retail price for the PowerShot D10.
