Monday, Jun 13, 2005 - Here's what I receive
in the box:
PowerShot A520
Wrist Strap
2 AA Alkaline Batteries
16MB MultiMedia (MMC) Card
Interface Cables: A/V; USB
Documentation: None
Software CDs: Digital Camera Solution 22.0;
ArcSoft PhotoStudio 5.5
The Canon PowerShot A520 is a very interesting
camera to review. It is targeted to entry-level
users (with an entry-level price) but it comes
equipped with many of the features found on more
expensive models. Are these just "paper features"
or actually usable and practical features?
If you are new to digital photography and are
wondering which digital camera to start with --
look no further. A quick look at the specifications
of the Canon A520 reveals a feature-packed digital
camera that allows you to go beyond point-and-shoot
-- and all the advanced features work exactly
as they should.
Here are the settings I use that I find (for
me, at least) bring the best out of the Canon
A520. Note that I use the Programmed Auto shooting
mode (P):
MENU (Rec. Menu tab):
AiAF = Off
Red-eye = On (if you are taking portraits)
otherwise Off
MF-Point Zoom = On
AF-assist Beam = On
Digital Zoom = Off
Review = 3 sec. or turn it off to reduce shot
to shot time
MENU (Set up tab):
Mute = On
Power Saving: Auto Power Down = On; Display
Off = 1 min.
File No. Reset = Off
Auto Rotate = Off (the intelligent orientation
sensor automatically rotates portrait shots
-- I personally find this annoying, especially
when taking macro shots as it keeps changing
orientation on me)
FUNC:
Exposure Compensation = 0
White Balance = AWB
Drive Mode = Single
ISO = 50
Effect = Off
Metering = Evaluative
Image Size = 2272x1704 (L)
Image Quality = Superfine
Plus, I also have Flash turned Off by default
(use the Up arrow key to set this).
The included 16MB MMC memory card holds about
17 SuperFine Large (2272x1704) images. I recommed
you either get a 256MB or 512MB SD card (the 256MB
SD card holds about 120 SuperFine Large pictures).
Argos
Cheerleaders
7.8mm, Program AE, Evaluative, 1/50 sec., F3.2
and ISO 50
OK, things I like on the Canon A520:
Consistently gives very good to excellent
image quality
No practical shutter lag
4x optical zoom
Look & Feel is classy with two-tone silver
colours
Solid construction
Handles well with user-friendly controls
Intuitive -- even when you have to go into
the menu for a particular feature, it's where
you expect it to be
Uses only 2 AA batteries with excellent power
consumption
Full exposure flexibility -- all these advanced
features work the way they're supposed to
Choice of 2 sec., 10 sec. or custom self-timer.
I usually use the 2 sec. in macro photography:
long enough to eliminate camera shake, not so
long that the ladybug has time to crawl off
screen.
Histogram in Playback Mode is a very good
way to judge whether your image is under-, over-
or correctly exposed.
Best value for money
Things to improve:
It can sometimes be difficult to achieve focus
lock in low-light situations (even with AF-assist
Beam), especially at the long-end of the zoom
or in macro mode. I usually just ease up on
the zoom a bit or physically back up the camera
in macro mode to instantly achieve focus lock.
Would be nice if LCD monitor gains up more
in low-light
The Canon PowerShot A520 is definitely
a family camera with point-and-shoot simplicity
for all those family events -- and the option
to get more serious about photography the rest
of the time. It's the perfect camera for a beginner
to start on the exciting journey of digital photography,
and one of the best value for money.
