WHEN THE CAMERA it is great. I have taken some amazing pictures with this camera. I stressed the when it works, because the first one I bought told me I needed to change the batteries (recharagables) after 5 pictures. I hit the power button again and it came on. It did this to me over and over but took about 90 pictures more. I exchanged it for another. It did the same thing after a month. I bought new batteries thinking my batteries were bad. It did the same with both sets. I sent it to Canon for service. They fixed it and it did the same thing after 3 months. I called them and told them I wanted to pay them more for a different camera since this was obviously never going to work. They said they couldn't because they don't keep stock of cameras. In other words, we've got your money. Go away. How can a company that makes cameras, not have the ability to get a camera.
Strengths:
Excellent picture quality in all conditions.
Weaknesses:
Reliability. Customer support. Company.
Customer Service:
Freindly, but useless. I had three reps tell me it was because I wasn't using Canon batteries. When I asked if they would refund the purchase of the batteries if they didn't solve the problem, the said "No". I had one agent tell me the camera stunk, but still wouldn't help me. All other people, through both voice and mail, told me they couldn't do anything. I told them the term was "wouldn't" do anything, not "couldn't" do anything. There is a BIG difference.
Rating Reviewed by: Avi Heftes(Unregistered User)
(Intermediate)
Review Date August 31, 2002
Overall Rating 4 of 5
Value Rating 5 of 5
Used product for 0-1 years
Visitors rate this review 3.17 of 5,
6 votes
Review 2 of 21
Price Paid:
$322.00
from Photo specialist sto
Summary:
I bought the A20 after reading the site reviews, and I must say I'm more than satisfied.
The overall performance is outstanding!!
Strengths:
Very good flash capabilities especialy at night. outstamding picture quality. features are very friendly and easy to operate.
Excellent optical zoom lens.
Weaknesses:
The A20 is a battery terminator!!! batteries end up very quickly.
Usage of digital zoom spoils the pictures quality.
I am fairly new to the digital camera world but I did a lot of research for a client who was looking to buy. While looking for his camera I found the Canon A20 along with others but the Canon always won out in the reviews. It didnt meet my clients needs, however, it would meet mine. So I decided after about 2 months of reading reviews and talking to owners, sellers, etc.. to give it a try. Im glad I did too. I am running Win XP Professional at home and this has created a little havoc with other software, NOT for the Canon A20. I loaded the drivers and after taking a few shots plugged it in and whammo it found the camera and asked me what to do. This is one of the easiest to use cameras I have ever owned. I did however spend the money and buy the Rayovac mdl ps4 1-hr fast battery recharger and NiMH batteries. It doesnt eat them as quickly as it does regular batteries. I also bought an additional 64 MB Sandisk memory card, which are cheaper than the Kodak memory cards. The old saying holds true "You get what you pay for". I would recommend this camera to anyone who is new to the digital world.
Strengths:
Outstanding picture quality
Easy to setup and use.
Like others, I did some research before buying. Looking for a mderate priced camera, 2+ mpixels, glass lens, zoom, etc.
Found the A20 to have all of the features. Only things lacking are no video and no sound, but, not important to me. Just returned from vacation to Key West, FL. Took over 350 shots using a 256 M card. The capacity of the card is 409 at standard settings. Also took 2 sets of RayOVac NiMH batteries charged before leaving - first set lasted for about 200 shots - mix of flash/available light. Second set still going strong. As for color rendition, this is absolutely excellent. Having been a 35mm user for 30+ years, all I can say is this camera is excellent.
Have been printing 4 X 6 inch prints on a Canon S-600, glossy paper, normal setting, and defy anyone to tell from 35mm. Do use PhotoShop to resample image to 4 X 6 @ 300 DPI before printing.
Strengths:
Excellent color and clarity; easy to use but enough features to keep an old 35mm SLR fan happy.
Download time through USB from camera with cable is good/very good. Self storing lens and integral lens cover nice.
Weaknesses:
8MB card is too small; I purchased a 32MB (50 images) and a 256 (400+);
delay between shutter press and release a bit annoying, but not uncommon for digitals.
I bought this camera,according to the reviews in your site.
During my trip to bangkok,I have bought
ps A20 at tax free shop.After only using,
2,5 months and not taking not more than 200 pictures,once I turned off the camera,I could not turn on again.I have send the camera to the Canon Istanbul,they fixed to me two problem,Dc Board and Main Board have problem and it will cost to me 250 EURO.They have also admitted that they will not accept the guarantee,because I have bought this from Bangkok.
We should remind these to the new customers of canon.
1-A camera,as a name canon,I ask why broke down,so easily within 2,5 months.i am sure this have some production problem.
2-the guarantee should be universal.I do not understand,why local service do not accept guarantee.
3-People should be aware that,when they buy an electronics of canon at freeshops,
the should face a lot of expenses afterwords.I am wondering by the way,at freeshops,do foreigners mostly buy,or own citizens???
3-Now I should send this camera to bangkok,probably because of theirproduction problems!!
Customer Service:
I have send faxes several canon customer support,
but no answer!!!
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