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Canon have just announced their new Canon Powershot A520, a 4 megapixel digital camera with a 4x Optical Zoom lens. It is a replacement model for their popular Powershot A85. Get the full details of this camera from the following news release from Canon.
Buy the “Canon Powershot A520 4MP Digital Camera with 4x Optical Zoom”
Steve's Digicams reviews the Canon Powershot A520 and writes - 'There's a lot to like about the Canon PowerShot A520. With automatic and scene modes for the beginner, and manual, shutter-priority and aperture-priority modes for the advanced user, it has appealing features for every member of your family. It is small and light enough that you'll want to have it with you all the time, never missing a photo op. The A520's image quality is very good, with sufficient resolution for 8x10-inch prints even after a moderate amount of cropping. Fill out your kit with a 512MB SD memory card and two pair of AA NiMH batteries and you'll be good to go for shooting an all day family event. With an MSRP of $300, the A520 will make many families happy while making only a small dent in their bank account.'
DCRP also reviews the Canon Powershot A510 and writes - 'First, the good news. Despite being smaller than their predecessors, the A510 and A520 offer a bigger zoom lens. Where most cameras have 3X zoom lenses, the A-series models offer a 4X zoom. Not satisfied with that? The cameras support wide-angle, telephoto, and close-up conversion lenses. A new optional feature on these models is an external slave flash, which attaches to the side of the camera. For people who take a lot of flash shots, this may be worth the $100 price. While the A-series cameras offer a new �zoom flash� feature, that doesn't necessarily translate into better flash range. It does, however, focus the light on the subject while you're shooting at the telephoto end of the lens.'
Imaging Resource Page reviews the Canon PowerShot A520 Digital Camera and writes - 'Featuring a 4.0-megapixel CCD, automatic, partial, or fully manual exposure control, and a wide range of preset shooting modes, the PowerShot A520 is another fine addition to Canon's A-series of digital cameras. Built on the same long-tested design as many A-series predecessors, the Canon A520 offers a lot in its compact package. Its combination of automatic and manual features make it very approachable for novices, but interesting for experienced users, the net result being a camera that will satisfy a broad range of interests and provide a good path for novice users to expand their photographic horizons as their experience grows. I'd like to see it equipped with a more accurate optical viewfinder, and its image noise at ISO 400 was on the high side, but the bottom line is that this is a camera that will meet the needs of the average consumer very well.'
DP Reviews has a review of the Canon PowerShot A520 and writes - 'It would be hard to find a more suitable first digital camera for the novice digital photographer than the PowerShot A520. No matter what the situation, the A520 turns out perfectly exposed and focused results shot after shot. And the fact that as well as idiot-proof 'point and shoot' modes and scene modes you get a full array of manual options means it's a camera that you can grow with as your skills develop.'
Pocket Lint reviews the Canon PowerShot A520 and writes - 'The Canon PowerShot A520 might look a style icon compared with some of its brethren, but it is probably the ideal model for anyone buying a digital camera for the first time. It�s simple to use, has resolution enough for prints of up to, say, 8x10-inches and it takes cracking photos too. It also has a good range of auto and manual controls, so that as you become more confident, you can grow with your photography without quickly outgrowing the camera. And it�s a cracking price too.'
Digital Camera Review has just posted a review of the Canon Powershot A520 and writes - 'Canon's "A" series digital cameras have always provided consumers with impressive ease of use, exceptional performance, excellent image quality, and "best in class" bang for the buck, the A520 doesn't deviate from this family tradition. The A520 is a super choice for advanced amateur photographers just making the jump to digital, but it will also do a great job for casual shooters and as a primary family camera. The A520 is an excellent imaging option for travelers who want a digital camera that will allow them to record their adventures and student photographers who want a digital camera that they can "grow into" as their photographic capabilities evolve.'
DigiCamReview has a review of the Canon Powershot A520 and writes - 'The Canon Powershot A520 is an excellent all round camera, with a decent 4x optical zoom lens, and features to suit every need, from basic point and shoot operation, to full manual controls. The camera takes AA batteries so can travel with you anywhere without any need to worry about running out of battery power or supplies. The camera is also expandable with optional lenses, and flash accessories, so will grow with you if you expand your requirements without the need to buy a replacement camera. Image quality is very good, the camera is capable of some excellent results - the only areas where this camera are let down is in the outdated movie modes, the slightly sluggish performance, and the slightly high price compared to some of the competition.'
Phototexls.com review the Canon PowerShot A520 and write - "The Canon PowerShot A520 is an attractive, compact and affordable digital camera perfect for an aspiring photographer. It improves upon the hugely popular PowerShot A85 with 4 megapixel resolution and 4x optical zoom. It has the image quality Canon is famous for, its 4.0 megapixels resolution allows 11x14 in. prints, and, more importantly, it provides the features and exposure flexibility that allow a beginner amateur photographer to start with point-and-shoot simplicity and then switch to the other exposure control modes to experiment, learn and grow in digital photography."
CNet review the Canon PowerShot A520 and write - "Canon's functional and practical A-series digital cameras have always made great complements to its sleek Digital Elph line. This compact 4-megapixel replacement for the PowerShot A85 isn't as light and pocketable as its Elph counterpart, the PowerShot SD300, but it offers the full range of manual controls that photo enthusiasts require, outdoes its stablemate in number of scene modes and zoom range, and costs less to boot."
Lets Go Digital reviews the Canon PowerShot A520 digital camera and writes - 'The Canon Powershot A520 is absolutely a recommendable digital camera. It offers value for its money, has a few minor points that need improving, but in general it delivers an excellent result. The compact size offers many possibilities, turning itself into a versatile camera, and actually exceeding its own class. The possibilities that the A520 offers ensure keeping the camera in sight and in use. The Canon A520 is a worthy successor to the old Canon A-series digital cameras!'
Get the Latest Price on the Canon Powershot A520
Canon PowerShot A520 - The Newest PowerShot in the A series, with four megapixel resolution and a 4x optical zoom. Available in March for an estimated price of $299.99.
New PowerShot A520 Digital Camera Features 4x Optical Zoom, SD/MMC Media And More Compact Than Previous Models
Canon's new PowerShot(R) A520 compact digital camera combines the sought after simplicity of a family-focused camera, a phenomenally faithful four megapixel image sensor and a powerful 4x optical zoom to produce pictures that all can be proud of with the image quality Canon is renowned for. The camera will be in stores this March for an estimated street price of $299.99*.
Named for their use of AA batteries, Canon's A-series digital cameras offer comfortably placed controls and feature high image quality in order for consumers to capture, save and share images of meaningful memories, personal milestones and family functions.
“We created the A520 model to give consumers an enhanced level of image quality and resolution without sacrificing the flexibility, freedom and fun that digital photography can be,” explained Yukiaki Hashimoto, senior vice president and general manager of the consumer imaging group at Canon U.S.A., Inc, a subsidiary of Canon, Inc.. “The PowerShot A520 digital camera continues Canon's long-standing tradition of providing consumers with imaging excellence in an affordable and uncomplicated package.”
PowerShot A520 Digital Camera
Like its little brother, the PowerShot A510 digital camera, the new PowerShot A520 model also is 13 percent smaller and 10 percent lighter than previous models, and is also equipped with a longer 4.0x 35-140mm (35mm format equivalent) optical zoom lens with Canon optics for sharp images. The new lens features all-glass construction and two aspherical elements in a seven-element formula.
In order to make the camera smaller, Canon engineered the new PowerShot A520 model to accept SD and MMC media. Even with its small size, the camera sports a large 1.8-inch LCD screen for easy preview and review. It also includes Canon's exclusive DIGIC image processor for fast processing speed, excellent image quality, and crisp, vibrant colors.
The PowerShot A520 digital camera requires only two AA batteries, while providing the same number of shots (300 with LCD screen on) as previous models that used four batteries, thanks to reductions in power consumption made possible by improvements in key components and circuit design.
The PowerShot A520 digital camera is equipped with a nine-point AiAF “Smart” autofocus system and 13 shooting modes. The standard shooting modes are Full Auto, Program, Manual, Shutter-priority, and Aperture-priority with additional modes including Portrait, Landscape, Night Scene, Fast Shutter, Slow Shutter, Special Scene, Stitch Assist and Movie. The Special Scene modes, which helps make it easy for beginners to achieve optimum results in many popular photo opportunities, has been enhanced with the addition of two new settings called Night Snapshot and Kids & Pets. The PowerShot A520 digital camera is also capable of recording movies with sound for up to three minutes per clip, making it perfect for capturing memories in motion.
The new camera's grip is ergonomically improved, and the control layout is even easier to use than before. Other camera functions including self-timer and review have also been enhanced for greater creative flexibility from previous models
The DIGIC(R) Difference
Image quality is enhanced and improved as a result of Canon's proprietary DIGIC (Digital Imaging Integrated Circuit) image processor. DIGIC combines the roles of image processing and camera function control into one chip, resulting in faster display and write times for each image and lower power consumption, which extends battery life. Moreover, because DIGIC technology was designed specifically for use in digital cameras it is also capable of handling JPEG compression and expansion; memory card control; LCD/Video control and processing gain control (control of CCD signal amplification); Auto Exposure; Auto Focus; Auto White Balance control and most other functions.
Print/Share Button
Located on the backside of the PowerShot A520 digital camera is the Print/Share button. This button simplifies and accelerates direct printing to compatible Canon and PictBridge-enabled printers and one-touch image transfer to computers*** for use with image processing programs, uploading to the Internet, or as email attachments. When the camera is connected to a compatible printer or computer via the supplied USB cable, the Print/Share button illuminates to let the user know to press the Print/Share button to begin the printing or downloading process.
The PowerShot A520 digital camera kit includes a USB cable, audio and video cable, wrist strap, 16MB MultiMediaCard and two AA-size Alkaline batteries as well as the Canon Digital Camera Solution Disc Version 22, featuring the latest versions of Canon's powerful software and ArcSoft PhotoStudio.
Optional Accessories
In addition to its rich feature set, the PowerShot A520 digital camera is compatible with a wide variety of optional accessories including supplementary wide-angle (WC-DC52), telephoto (TC-DC52A) and close-up lenses (52mm Close-up Lens 250D). These accessories enhance the new camera's versatility and make it easier to use in specialized applications such as real estate and insurance photography. An underwater housing, WP-DC60, is also available and can be used at depths up to 130 feet. The combination of the A520 digital camera with the WP-DC60 housing unit is great for family vacations at the beach, while skiing, or simply to help protect the camera from the elements.
New High Power Flash HF-DC1
Canon was able to improve the performance of the A520 digital camera's built-in flash relative to its predecessor - the PowerShot A85 digital camera, with a maximum distance range of approximately 11 feet at ISO 100. To further enhance the built-in flash of the A520 digital camera, Canon has developed a new optional accessory called the High Power Flash HF-DC1. The flash is a supplementary unit that operates wirelessly and increases the effective flash range up to approximately 30 feet. The HF-DC1 flash is supplied with a mounting bracket so it can be attached to the camera, but it can also be hand-held or mounted on a tripod or accessory light stand to adjust the lighting angle for pro-like quality results. Multiple HF-DC1 units can be synchronized with a single camera for even greater lighting flexibility. This smart high powered slave flash unit is compact and compatible with almost every PowerShot digital camera**.
About Canon U.S.A., Inc.
Canon U.S.A., Inc. delivers consumer, business-to-business, and industrial imaging solutions. The Company is listed as one of Fortune's Most Admired Companies in America and is rated #35 on the BusinessWeek list of “Top 100 Brands.” Its parent company Canon Inc. (NYSE:CAJ) is a top patent holder of technology, ranking third overall in the U.S. in 2004, with global revenues of $33.3 billion. For more information, visit www.usa.canon.com.
All referenced product names, and other marks, are trademarks of their respective owners.
Specifications are subject to change with notice.
*All prices are set by the individual dealer and may vary.
**Except for early models including the PowerShot 600, 350, and Pro70.
***One touch image transfer is available for Windows XP, ME, 2000 and 98.
Get the Latest Price on the Canon Powershot A520
Posted by Darren in our Canon category on February 01, 2005