Monday, March 2, 2009

Canon Powershot A520 4MP Digital Camera with 4x Optical Zoom

Brace yourself for the dawn of the best digital-camera for general family use. Canon has created an easy, lightweight camera that appeals to the beginner and creative user. Packed with value superior to any other camera in its class, the Canon PowerShot A520 is brimming with that best buy feel. Four Megapixel resolution, Canon's exclusive DIGIC Image Processor and a new, longer 4x optical zoom bring life-like detail and radiant color to all your images. This camera is exceptionally easy to use, with a new ergonomic grip and big multifunction 1.8 inch LCD screen. Built-in multimode electronic-flash Self-Timer activates shutter after an approximate 2 second or approximate 10 second delay (selectable) Storage Media - SD SecureDigital memory card, MMC MultiMediaCard Image Recording Format - Still - Exif 2.2 JPEG / Movie - AVI (Image data - Motion JPEG; Audio data - WAVE (Monaural) / Still Image - 2272x1704 (Large), 1600x1200 (Medium 1), 1024x768 (Medium 2), 640x480 (Small) / Movie - 640x480, 320x240 or 160x120 Power Sources - Two Size AA Alkaline batteries (included) / Two Rechargeable size AA NiMH batteries (suggested and advised) / AC Adapter Kit ACK800 (optional) Has USB interface Canon DirectPrint for Still and Movie with Canon CP printers / PictBridge compatibility for stills Weighs 6.35 ounces without battery and memory
Customer Review: Was great, but then E18.
My wife and I were very happy with our Powershot A520 for the year and a half that we had it. However, the camera died with an E18 error during our friend's wedding, and it has not worked since. A quick web search for "Canon E18" or even "E18" will show you that this is a common error (with a number of different Canon models). We have never dropped it or abused it in any way, and it has spent most of its life in its protective case. While the camera seemed to be great before the moment it died, I would not buy this camera again. Do not get this camera if you don't want to have to replace it in 18 months like so many other users.
Customer Review: Still Working After All These Years
This camera has worked like a dream since I purchased it a couple of years ago. The picture quality is unequaled in its class, and the battery life is quite long when using lithium batteries. In fact, I have been able to take many professional-looking photos and order enlargements up to 8x10 without any pixels appearing. At the current "used" prices, this camera is a steal. It's hard to find anything negative to say about the Canon Powershot A520: I did crack the LCD screen, but was able to replace it myself by ordering a new screen directly from Canon. Compared to more recent cameras, this one is a little bulky--it won't fit in your jean pockets, but will fit easily into your coat pocket or purse.