Product Description

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

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #12678 in Camera & Photo
• Brand: Canon
• Model: A520
• Number of items: 1
• Dimensions: 3.00" h x 6.00" w x 9.00" l, 2.28 pounds
• Display size: 1.8

Features

• 4.0-megapixel CCD captures enough detail for photo-quality 11 x 15-inch prints
• 4x optical zoom, 9-point AiAF, 13 shooting modes
• Large 1.8-inch display; D!GIC Image Processor for faster speed and vibrant colors
• Print/Share button for easy direct printing and downloads, plus ID Photo Print and Movie Print with Canon CP printers
• Stores images on SD or MultiMedia Cards (MMC); powered by 2 AA batteries

From the Manufacturer
Canon's new compact 4.0-megapixel PowerShot A520 digital camera with a powerful 4x optical zoom provides you with a comfortable introduction to the fun and freedom of digital photography.

Named for their use of AA batteries, Canon's A-series digital cameras offer easy-to-use, high quality features to consumers looking to capture, save, and share meaningful memories, personal milestones and family functions.

The next generation PowerShot A520 digital camera is 13 percent smaller and 10 percent lighter than its predecessor, yet it is 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 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 faster processing speed and excellent image quality with 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.

Like its A75 predecessor, 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 mode, which makes 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 and 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.

The DIGIC 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), autoexposure, autofocus, 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 Windows XP, Me, 2000, and 98 computers for use with image processing programs, uploading to the Internet, or as e-mail attachments. When the camera is connected to a compatible printer or computer, the Print/Share button illuminates to let the user know to press the Print/Share button to begin the printing or downloading process.

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. A waterproof case 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 is great for family vacations at the beach, while skiing, or simply to protect the camera from the elements.

What's in the Box:
The PowerShot A520 digital camera kit includes interface cable IFC-400PCU, AV cable AVC-DC300, wrist strap WS-200, SD MultiMediaCard MMC-16M and two AA-size alkaline batteries as well as Canon Digital Camera Solution Disc Version 22, featuring the latest versions of Canon’s powerful software and ArcSoft PhotoStudio.

Customer Reviews

A510 vs A520 vs SDxxx
Let me begin by saying that Canon makes exceptional digital cameras; the best in the market right now. This is because they have always used high quality components since they began manufacturing digital cameras. This one is no exception.

The Axxx series is the successor to the excellent Axx series, with a few very useful upgrades, such as the switch from 4AA to 2AA batteries (with no decrease in camera life!), and the 4x optical zoom.

A510 vs A520 vs SDxxx

First off, the A510 and A520 are identical except for the 3.2 megapixel sensor in the A510 and 4mp on the A520. Today, megapixel ratings are similar to Ghz ratings in the computer world: They used to mean a lot, but with today's cameras, it doesn't mean that much anymore. More megapixels do NOT mean a better image. They mean a larger printable image. In this case, the A510 has a maximum resolution of 2048x1536 pixels, or an 8.5x11 picture. The A520 has a max resolution of 2272x1704 pixels, or a picture slightly larger than 8.5x11.

Unless you need a slightly bigger picture, the A510 is a better buy.

When it comes to the Axxx or an SDxxx, it depends on what you need. The Axxx series will give you a better picture quality, manual controls, and standard AA batteries which actually last twice as long as the SDxxx series' proprietary batteries. The SDxxx series will give you better movies, the new Dig!c 2 processor, and a compact, cool looking camera, at a higher cost and with a very fragile exposed LCD screen.

Features:

Pros:
-Beautiful image quality, better than any other camera at this price range (no purple fringing like on the SDxxx)
-4x optical zoom! It's very hard to find another camera in this class. This alone makes the camera superior to most of the competition
-Excellent, intuitive manual controls
-Easy to hold naturally - no fingers in the way of the lens
-Beautiful 1.8 inch lcd that looks great under various lighting conditions
-The lcd is protected by a plastic layer, unlike the exposed and easily broken SDxxx lcds.
-Uses AA batteries, which are cheap and easy to find instead of expensive proprietary batteries
-Uses widely available and cheap SD or MMC cards (SD are faster)

Cons (most of these are minor quirks):
-Movie mode isn't as good as the SDxxx series
-Only USB 1.1 transfer speed (SDxxx have usb 2.0)
-Uses the still good, but outdated Dig!c processor, instead of the Dig!c 2 in the SDxxx series and some newer Canons
-A historical problem for Canons still shows in this camera in the flimsy battery/Memory card covers

If you do choose this product, the first thing you should buy is a larger SD memory card. The camera comes with a 16mb MMC card, which is pretty much useless. MMC cards are slower than SD, and 16mb will fill up very quickly.

You should also consider a case, such as the very affordable and custom fit PC-65.

Also, as with any camera, rechargeable NIMH batteries are a must. You don't need to pay for the expensive Canon set however, similar offerings from Energizer, Rayovac, etc. will work fine.

Best selling digital camera series!
Canon has fully redesigned the Powershot A series to make it lighter (uses only 2 AA batteries now), smaller and with 4x optical zoom.

Pro's,
1. Very good image quality.
2. 4 MP and 4x optical zoom (A510, the 3.2MP version should be fine for most though).
3. Priced right, unlike some overpriced digicams out there.
4. Works on 2 normal AA batteries (buy rechargeable ones for extra life and lower cost), unlike expensive & hard-to-find propreitary batteries.
5. The menu on the Canon cameras is light years ahead of most other manufacturer's. Lots of manual options and scene modes.
6. Battery and SD card doors seem to be of above average quality.
7. 1.8" LCD screen is bright and fluid.
8. Uses standard SD cards, unlike propretary memory cards like Memory Stick or xD card.
9. Can attach extra lenses if one buys the adaptor for it.
10. Actual LCD screen looks nicely protected below a plastic plate.

Con's,
1. The camera is still quite thick (although not bulky).
2. It uses Digic instead of Digic2 processor in other new Canons.
3. Tripod mount is on the corner and made from plastic.
4. Doesn't have that cool-ness like iPod or Elph series.
5. Nothing else different except extra MP from A510. Save your money and get the other one.

I guess you gotta spend more money to buy Elph series for more pocketability & style. I am almost sure this will be THE best selling camera series of 2005, just like A60 & A75 in past. With a price this low for a fully loaded A510/A520 there really is no reason to buy slightly cheaper but vastly inferior cameras from HP, Kodak, Olympus, Fuji or Samsung. Just check out the top sellers list right here on Amazon!

PowerShot A520 vs. PowerShot A95 vs. Other Cameras
First of all, let me explain to you why I narrowed it down to two Canon digital Cameras. After extensive research on the net looking at prices and reviews, I really thought that their wasn't a camera for me, one that I would be happy with. Most Digital cameras on the market, for consumers, are these really small things that are fully automatic and have limited capabilities. And to add the to the previous statement, really really expensive. Olympus offered some nice cameras with 10x Zoom lens, at a reasonable price, but if you look deeper you'll find that it uses these tiny rechargable batteries. Two reasons why I do not like those, the main reason is cost. They cost a bit and you cant do with just one, you have to atleast buy several. Another reason, (which is quite big) is that if you somewhere were you're not going to get access to a power source then you're screwed when you run out of batteries.

O.k. so I finally got two decent cameras that fit basically my needs, and they both happen to be Canon. The Powershot A520, and the PowerShot A95. So now to explain why I chose the former. The main reason was "Cost". The A520 was quite allot cheaper than the A95, (err, around $80-$100/¥8,000-¥10,000). The secound thing that I was looking for was Image quality, both are great, i mean really! But the A95 came out slightly higher. Next thing was Manual controls. Both met that one with flying colors. And then there was Optical Zoom, A520 was the winner here. Then there was which one was newer? (not a big deal but still, the newer the better) The A520 was newer. Which one felt nice in the hands, looked nicer? The A520 in my opinion. Which one was lighter/smaller (I never really looked for that, but when it came down to the A520, and A95 it did) the A520 was.

So those were the main reasons that I looked to compare with the two cameras. The main reason was which one was cheaper, and in the end I decided to go with the A520, and I deffinetely think I made the right choice.

I was able to buy the A520, with a 512mb High Speed (the fastest one there was, read 20mb/s) Buffalo SD card (around 220 pics, Large and Superfine). A520 Case, 4 rechargable NiMH batteries (one of the, if not the best there was). And a A520 Lens Adapter, for the same price if Id bought the A95 by itself (the SD card was the expensive one).

The major difference between the A520, and the A95 besides the extra megapixel is that the A95 was faster at taking and saving pictures. Thats is why I bought the extremely fast SD card, making the A520 a fast little bugger. The major downfall of the A520 which is the only reason I see customers going for other cameras is the time that it takes to reload the flash. Its quite allong time.... But really if you think about it, and if you get to know your camera better and its manual controls, the only time you need your flash is at night or indoors. Neither of those settings requires you to quickly capture a little critter jumping from one shrubbery to another. You can take great pictures with-out using the flash, and just adjusting the shutter speed and Aperture, and if you really need to the ISO.

So I chose the A520 and I love it! (Pros)
I love its small size,
I love its great quality pictures,
I love its manual controls and many pre-settings.
I love that it takes only two batteries and has great battery life with the NiMHs.
I love its 4x Optical Zoom.
I love that you can get other lenses to atach on.
I love its design.

I also dislike (Cons)
I hate its really really slow "flash charging".
I dislike its Optical View finder, it only covers 81% of the actuall picture!