Title : Canon PowerShot A80 4MP Digital Camera w/3x Optical Zoom
Author : Canon
Release Date : 20030821
Binding : Electronics
Regular Price : $499.99
Amazon.com Price : $399.99
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Editorial Reviews : Featuring a high-tech design with aluminum front cover and metallic handgrip, the Canon PowerShot A80 combines a sense of both the modern and the traditional. Despite its entry-level designation in Canon's digital lineup, the easy-to-operate, 4-megapixel PowerShot A80 is a surprisingly advanced model with sophisticated optics and manual controls. It also features a twisting LCD screen.
Buyer Reviews : Well, I've been a purist 35mm SLR user for a while now and the expense of getting films developed was getting tiresome. After 2 months of research, online, in stores, borrowing various other types of camera I've finally plunged into the world of digital with the A80 and it's been worth the wait. I can't see how digital can improve anymore. I had narrowed the selection down to the A80 and the S50 (DSLR not necesarily being out of my price range, but more than I was willing to commit to for the first digital). The S50 and A80 are very comparable, but I chose the A80 for the following reasons:-
1) It felt better to hold, as a right hander, the grip is very comfortable, the S50 felt like holding a brick, no ergonomics. 2) Easier Controls. The menu controls are more intuitive and seem sturdier than those of the S50. The A80's 4way button is a lot larger and easier to use than the S50's 'nubbin' along with the other buttons. 3) The flip out screen. While at first I thought it was 'gimmicky' it has proved to be a very useful feature, enabling excellent framing at angles other than eye level. 4) AA batteries. Need I say more??? Much more practical. 5) I wasn't so sure about the sliding lens cover on the S50.
The only things that made me even consider anything else: 1) 4.0 Megapixels. I was worried that the 4.0 megapixels wouldn't cut it for enlargements, but I've just had a 10x8 printed on the 2nd highest resolution setting and it's perfect! I have no doubt I'll be able to go up to 11x14 if necessary. 2) RAW format. OK so now I know that I can enlarge as much as I can with the A80, I'm not worried about being able to record in RAW format. 3) The S50 has a slightly larger screen, but the A80's flip screen more than makes up for it's SLIGHTY smaller size..
P.S. The A80 can record video in NTSC and PAL, useful for me with relatives on both sides of the pond
I'm very happy with my A80 and would highly recomment it for first time and experienced digital users..... Good price too.
(by A customer)
Features/Technical Specs : * 4 megapixel sensor creates 2,272 x 1,704 images for photo-quality prints at 11 x 14 and beyond * 3x optical plus 3.6x digital zoom (for 11x total) * Twisting LCD for shots at any angle; up to 3-minute videos with sound; 9-point AiAF * Compatible with Type I CompactFlash memory cards; includes 32 MB card * Powered by 4 AA batteries (alkalines included, rechargeables recommended); connects to PCs and Macs via USB 1.1
