Adventure cameras have been growing in popularity for several years, and almost all of the main manufacturers have at least one waterproof and shockproof compact in their current model range.

GPS that actually works; Build quality; Start-up time

Fiddly controls

We've tested a whole bunch of tough, rugged and waterproof digital compact cameras. They may well be shockproof, freezeproof and dustproof too, but, truth be told, no company has got the full package quite right after many years' worth of attempts.

Waterproof; tough; rugged; GPS; lens-based stabilisation; 3-inch 416k-dot LCD

Awkward design; bunched up zoom buttons placement; easy to get in finger in front of lens; slow autofocus; lack of user-defined controls (AF point placement; manual shooting); so-so image quality

If you need a point and shoot camera to fill the photographic void in-between a DSLR and your phone, get the Canon PowerShot S100. But if you need something more durable and love Canon, get this camera.

The PowerShot D20 is a good underwater camera, though it doesn't stand out in any particular area. It takes decent (though slightly soft) photos with pleasing colors (but expect a color cast when shooting underwater). Although light on features, the D20 is water, freeze, dust, and shockproof, and it didn't let us down in our testing.

Photographers who want a compact camera that can go for a casual swim, hike, or diving trip.;

Low light and flash shooters, manual control lovers, and movie enthusiasts;

The PowerShot D20 is a good underwater camera, though it doesn't stand out in any particular area. It takes decent (though slightly soft) photos with pleasing colors (but expect a color cast when shooting underwater).

The Canon PowerShot D20 is the new rugged compact camera Canon waterproof, shock-resistant, low temperatures and dust. The camera is equipped with HS System with 12.1 MP, 5x Optical Zoom and Intelligent IS.

Shock Resistant; Waterproof; Dust-proof; resistant to low temperatures; the HS System with 12.1 MP; Display with TAP control; built-in GPS

Lack touch technology on display

From the unconventional design to its remarkable lens, this rugged cam easily sits among the best in the bunch.

Great in-camera interface; Sharp lens; Impressive underwater performance

Moderately slow; not suitable for fast-action shots or video, Unconventional design is interesting but bulky, Unreliable GPS

The D20 is the easiest waterproof camera to use, thanks to its array of chunky buttons and simple user interface. It delivers decent photos for web use, if all you want to do is point and shoot.

Very easy to use; Big buttons are ideal for underwater; Tough and rugged design

Images look rather soft; Videos are grainy; Sluggish performance

For anyone keeping track of Canon's waterproof camera range, you'll realise that it has been quite a while since the company's first model, the D10, made its debut. Since then, many other companies have made inroads into the space, delivering models with snappy performance and decent image quality, to boot. So does this newer model, the D20, have what it takes to stand apart from the crowd?

The D20 is the easiest waterproof camera to use, thanks to its array of chunky buttons and simple user interface. It delivers decent photos for web use, if all you want to do is point and shoot.

Very easy to use; Big buttons are ideal for underwater; Tough and rugged design.

Images look rather soft; Videos are grainy; Sluggish performance.

The Canon PowerShot D20 ($349.99 direct) is a very tough 12-megapixel camera with a fun aqua and black design and a sharp 5x zoom lens. It can go as deep as 33 feet underwater, survive drops up to five feet, and operate in temperatures as low as 14°F.

Large, even for a rugged camera; So-so speeds.