Canon-Powershot-A80 Review

Last month we bought the Canon Powershot A80 online for about $325 including shipping after looking at digital cameras for about a month. It had all the features we were looking for in our price range and the stylish gleaming metal case didn't hurt either. We looked at a few other cameras, notably the Fujifilm FinePix S7000, but settled on the Powershot and we are glad that we did.

The Canon Powershot A80 is a 4-megapixel compact digital still camera with a high quality, swiveling, flip-out LCD; built-in flash and a 3x Optical / 3.6x Digital /11x Combined Zoom. It has a Shutter Speed of 15 - 1/2,000 seconds, and a variety of shooting modes and photo effects built in. It stores photos on a Type I compact flash (CF) Card and is powered by non-proprietary AA batteries

The camera can be used in a simple point and click manner that is trivial for novice users but is expandable with optional lens adapter's and full manual control. Its ready to use after a very short power up, the zoom lever is very smooth, and the menuing system is easy to use. Photoshop found the camera's USB connection right away and we were downloadig photos within minutes of plugging it in.

On the downside it does have a noticeable shutter lag and it does not do a great job capturing video, small quibbles that do not detract from the overall usefulness and quality of the camera.

Even though the Powershot A80 is a joy to use, the real value is the photo quality. Indoor and outdoor photos are exposed well and have excellent saturation. Our biggest problem with previous digital cameras was jpeg artifacting - with the Canon A80 this is not even an issue. Family and friends raved about the quality of the photos that we posted online and with very few exceptions we have been exceedingly happy with the image quality of the photos taken with Powershot A80. We've used it in every type of lighting situation imaginable and have come away impressed in every single instance. The strong flash is a big plus in low light situations.

In conclusion we think that the Canon Powershot A80 is an excellent value for the money. Forget the numerous features - it's worth the money for the picture quality alone. If you are in the market for a small digital camera priced under $500, you could do a lot worse than this Canon Powershot A80.

This article was originally posted on IMSlack.com and was written by James Kendall of Copacetix Digital Creation.


Photography Poses ? The Missing Ingredient

You've read all the "best digital camera" articles, got the... Read More

Digital Cameras vs. Film Cameras- the debate goes on

One of the biggest debates in the photography world is... Read More

Seven Ways for Saving Your Digital Images Forever!

So, you have taken lots of pictures with your new... Read More

How to take Great Photos of Your Pet

We all love our animals. They do such funny, adorable,... Read More

7 Things You Must Do If You Want To Make That Perfect Camera Shot

Saturate yourself with your subject and the camera will all... Read More

Selecting Your First Digital Camera

Purchasing a digital camera is a wise decision, particularly if... Read More

How to Photograph Your Baby

Babies make the best and the worst subjects to photograph.... Read More

Picture Framing for Photographers - Part 2

There are two sources for obtaining the moulding for making... Read More

Nikon Digital Cameras - Cool(pix) and Functional

Even though Nikon entered the camera world by 1948, today... Read More

Help! My Old Colour Photo has Turned Pink ? 5 Minute Digital Fix

Almost all of us will have seen this particular photographic... Read More

Travel and Scenic Photography 101

When you're driving through the mountains somewhere, and you... Read More

How to Buy Wholesale Disposable Cameras

Wholesale disposable cameras are disposable cameras bought in quantity. Bulk... Read More

Modeling Portfolio Webites

In the age of home phones and 8x10's we all... Read More

Digital RAW Workflow for Beginners

Having an efficient work flow is essential for photographers. In... Read More

Digital Imaging Explained

Digital Imaging is a process where an electronic photograph, scanned... Read More

Crooked Horizons in Your Photos? ? Here is a Five Minute Digital Fix

Remember the good old photography days?Film camera in hand, you... Read More

The Well-Dressed Photographer - Winter

Some of the best images can be captured during the... Read More

Digital Cameras and Digital Photography

Before you rush into buying your digital camera this holiday... Read More

Market Your Photography Business

Setting up your own photography business it easy, you don't... Read More

Digital Wedding Photography: Myth Vs. Reality

1. Myth: Digital photos are pixilated or fuzzy. Reality: most... Read More

Digital Photography: The RAW vs JPG Debate

If you use a digital camera (I use a Canon... Read More

Using a Camcorder to Record Family Events Quickly and Easily

Let's start there (but not spend too much time on... Read More

Canon-Powershot-A80 Review

Last month we bought the Canon Powershot A80 online for... Read More

The Benefits of Disposable Cameras

Disposable cameras are cheap and easy to use. If you... Read More

Buying the Best Digital Camera for Your Needs

Choosing a digital camera can be a daunting task with... Read More