Canon PowerShot A80 Digital Camera

As with any type of electronics, such as computer notebooks, printers, or a computer desktop, buying a digital camera presents you with a myriad of choices. Each digital camera manufacturer has more than a dozen offerings, ranging from the more basic "point and shoot" camera to the multimedia features. Here we present a review of the basic features of the Canon PowerShot A80.

This camera has 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.

Let us look at some basic features in detail

Movie Mode
In addition to taking still photos, the A80 can also record up to 3 minutes of video with sound. It has two resolution settings: 320 x 240, and 160 x 120. You can record for up to 3 minutes per clip in either resolution. Note that you cannot use the optical zoom when in movie mode. The included 32 MB memory card can hold 91 seconds of video at the highest setting.

Optics and Resolution
The PowerShot A80 has 4.0 megapixels. So colors are vivid and details perfect. It is also loaded with features usually found only on high-end cameras like the Intelligent Orientation Sensor to automatically display pictures right side up and the 14 Mode Dial that lets you shoot effortlessly, anywhere. The 4-megapixel CCD sensor produces images up to 2272 x 1704 pixels for photo-quality 11 x 14 inch enlargements.

Other resolution modes include 1600 x 1200, 1024 x 768, and 640 x 480. The 3x zoom lens has a focal length of 7.8-23.4mm (equivalent to 38-114mm in 35mm photography). It also incorporates a 3.6x digital zoom for a total 11x zoom. The PowerShot A80 also features Canon's nine-point AiAF system for focusing accuracy, shutter speeds of 15 to 1/1,500 second, and fast sequence shooting at a rate of 2.2 frames per second (fps).

Storage and Transfer
Images are stored on CompactFlash Type I memory cards; a 32 MB card is included. When shooting in Large/Normal mode, you can store 54 images on the included memory card. Images can be downloaded to either a Mac or PC via USB 1.1, which means the camera can be connected to any USB-based Windows Me/2000/XP and Mac OS 8.6 or later computer without installing any software.

LCD Monitor
The PowerShot A80 has a 1.5-inch variable-angle LCD monitor that gives you even more shooting options. Turn the LCD monitor 180 degrees toward the front of the camera and the A80 will display your choice of a mirror image or a non-reversed image to give you a true view of your actual shot.

Printing
Using printers like Canon's bubble jet direct printers i900D and i960, and card photo printer CP-200 and CP-300, you can print your pictures without the need of any computer. You only need to connect the camera to the printer and start printing. Photos from your camera can also be printed on any home computer system with an inkjet printer, sent off for online processing, or simply enjoyed on your computer screen.

Selectable 9-point AiAF and Single-Point AF
With the PowerShot A80 you have got choices. For super-easy, accurate focus there's center-point AF. You can even go for the camera's advanced 9-point AiAF system when subjects are away from center frame. Whatever you choose, you'll get sharply focused shots every time--whether you're holding the camera vertically or horizontally.

Zoom
The 3x optical zoom helps in close-ups that amaze and inspire. This powerfully precise zoom lens has a total zooming range of 11x, aking the zoming very fast and continuous, so nothing gets in the way of your fun.

Advanced Imaging Technology Improves Every Photo
Canon's exclusive DIGIC Imaging Processor takes the camera's 4.0 megapixel CCD to new heights. DIGIC delivers speedier processing, for greater agility, more accurate autofocus and highly natural image quality.

Intelligent Orientation Sensor
Among the many convenient features of the PowerShot A80, the Intelligent Orientation Sensor can tell whether you shot your photo vertically or horizontally. It automatically adjusts AF, AE and white balance and makes sure that your photos are oriented correctly when you download them to your computer.


On a final note, do not buy a camera at a discount price just because it is a good deal. To be sure you are satisfied with your purchase, look for the key features and quality you want. Buy a camera based on your needs and you'll enjoy taking fabulous photographs with it for years to come!