For quality images and sophisticated features, the PowerShot A520 is by far the leader among popularly priced digital cameras. With 4.0 Megapixel reso
For quality images and sophisticated features, the PowerShot A520 is by far the leader among popularly priced digital cameras. With 4.0 Megapixel resolution, Canon's exclusive DIGIC Image Processor and a new, longer 4x optical zoom, images are crisp and bright with true-to-life color. The new ergonomic grip and big 1.8 inch LCD screen make this camera as fun to use as it is easy.
The Canon PowerShot A520 is a compact digital camera designed for the person on the run. It has a 4.0-megapixel CCD and a 1.8-inch LCD display. The A520 is a continuation of the Canon Powershot A-Series camera line, which provides advanced features with good image quality at an affordable price. Street prices start around $170.00
Introduction I have been impressed with Canon's digital camera quality for some time. Two years ago I took a Canon G3 on a trip to Paris. And I use Canon digital SLRs for my professional photography work. The Canon PowerShot A520 is the first Canon consumer point-and-shoot digital I've had the opportunity to use. Although it's only a 4-megapixel camera, I was still interested. I wanted to see how it would perform as a point-and-shoot camera for family and spontaneous personal photography.
Canon PowerShot A520 Design
The camera feels very good despite its small size. Controls are well laid out and consistent with previous models. Even though I had never used this camera before, I was able to get around using my knowledge of the Canon G3. Consistency is important. As people upgrade or replace their cameras, it's nice that they don't have to learn a completely new camera control layout. It only took a couple of button pushes to change any setting on the camera, including exposure control, white balance, ISO. The zoom is adjustable through use of a thumbwheel beside the shutter release; it controls a 4.0-times optical zoom (35mm-140mm equivalent) and a 3.6-times digital zoom.
Included is a 1.8-inch lcd monitor that is quite small in comparison to those of other digital cameras, but to be fair, those cameras cost $50-100 dollars more. It is possible to have so much data on the monitor that you have very little screen left for composition. The camera is driven by two double-A batteries, giving the Canon a convenient and readily available power source. I have been able to shoot for over a week on lithium batteries without having to change the batteries. Overall, I was very impressed with the entire design of the Canon A520, with the reservation coming from having to deal with a small screen. The durability of the camera came into question when I stumbled and it suffered a small impact. As a result, the shutter cover didn't open fully. I was able to get it to open by tapping it with my finger, and eventually it started to work on its own again. A couple of friends who own this camera or the prior versions ran into this problem as well.
Canon PowerShot A520 detailed playback display, with histogram
Camera Experience It takes a little over two seconds for the camera to turn on, extend the lens, and be ready to take a picture. Once you are ready, you can easily compose a shot with the lens control button on the upper right of the camera. I found that I didn't need to use both hands to compose or to use the zoom button while taking a picture.
When the optical zoom is in use, the screen does not show when the camera switches from optical to digital zoom. Digital zoom quality is usually poor, so it's important to know when the camera goes from optical to digital zoom. An indicator should have been included in the A520's display. The screen will show histogram, exposure detail, white balance, and focus points. White balance is good for a camera at this price point, the best setting being automatic white balance. The daytime white balance setting was also very good for capturing a beautiful sunset without having to edit the photo. You can carry this small camera around and choose a white balance setting quickly to provide reliable results. While the auto white balance setting is good, I would still adjust the settings manually at times. For example, i would use the indoor setting when indoors under tungsten house lighting. I found that the camera tends to a yellow bias when on auto white balance in this situation.
There are other features on this camera, such as manual, aperture, shutter priority, and program modes that expand its capabilities. Exposure control is very easy, and i was grateful for an ISO 50. With most small digital point-and-shoots, you don't have anything greater than f/8 to limit the light that goes into the camera. Many times you are faced with very bright conditions, and a lot of small cameras cannot capture this data. Looking at the color mural shots, I found the light was very bright, but the Canon A520 did a great job of taking a good shot. Along with pre-programmed scene modes, portrait mode, and a landscape mode, the camera is very well rounded. Overall it was extremely easy to use and a pleasure to work with.
Image Quality I found great quality in ISO 50 and 100, but noise levels were high at 200 and 400. Along with a lack of high ISO capabilities, there was a general lack of dynamic range. If you look at the photo with a skateboarder under a tree, the shadows are very dark, and the noise is easy to detect. If you are shooting scenes with heavy shadows, then this camera may not be able to pick up enough detail. I used evaluative exposure metering to test the its ability to find the right setting for real-life situations. Granted, this is a tough area for film and digital imaging alike, but a P&S shouldn't require a light meter. The shadow detail shortfall is not so bad that it should make you steer away from the camera, but it should be noted.
Click on thumbnails to view sample photos.
Click on thumbnails to view sample photos.
On a more positive note, images with good consistent color allow for vibrant hues and very good human skin tones. In my opinion, the main reason many consumers buy a camera like this is to take photos of loved ones, and it did well for images of people in daylight and under flash. Even in pure automatic mode the camera's flash, speed selection, and resolution were acceptable for quality prints up to 8x10. I was particularly impressed with the vibrant mode in the functions. It reminded me of images straight from a Velvia 50 slide, and it was very nice to see a small camera packing such vibrant colors.
Images not subjected to in-camera processing provide sufficient depth to allow for some Photoshop maximization. My test images needed slight contrast and curve adjustments to get the most out of each shot, but I don't think anybody needs to be a Photoshop expert to get the images to print. Canon also provides a print mode when the camera is attached to a Canon printer; this allows for convenient printing and may eliminate the need to make any adjustments using software.
Conclusion The Canon A520 is lightweight camera with credibility. When you are out-and-about, it can go with you without slowing you down. For the money, it will give you great shots of your family and personal events. The thing I liked the best was its ease-of-use, and I liked the availability of usable manual controls. You can actually use this inexpensive camera to learn about the fundamentals of photography and have enough features to take shots without thinking.
The main problem for me was the image noise at ISO 200 and 400, and the lack of shadow detail was sometimes troubling. Since I shoot mainly landscapes and travel photos, these things are important to me on a personal level, but if you are shooting people, then they are not as important. Shutter lag was annoying, and it seems to be among the longest I've experienced for a while. I lost a couple of shots due to the delay, which was annoying.
Mainly this camera should be considered on its affordability and quality. It's hard to find a camera at $170 that will give so much flexibility and such good results. Of course there are better cameras for $50-$100 more, but it's nice to have a reasonably priced option.
Who Should Buy The Canon PowerShot A520 If you want an inexpensive camera that you can take everywhere, then this is your camera. If you want a camera to use to learn the fundamentals of photography or wish for manual features, then this one will also be a good choice. For the price, you will find that the camera will allow you to have beautiful images for most print sizes. I think that one could give this type of camera to a juvenile for first photography experiences. Additionally, if you rarely make prints greater than 8x10, you will find this a great value. People who are looking for equipment for nature or outdoor photography shouldn't use this camera, but I don't think that this is the target market. Overall, it's great for almost any user looking for an affordable digital P&S camera. Most important, as a consumer, look at your options and compare other similar cameras before you buy.
Sample Images
More Products from Canon
Link to this page
del.icio.us
