2 Responses to “Canon Powershot A520 4MP Digital Camera with 4x Optical Zoom”

1. Xaviera says:

   February 4, 2010 at 7:54 am

   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 2048×1536 pixels, or an 8.5×11 picture. The A520 has a max resolution of 2272×1704 pixels, or a picture slightly larger than 8.5×11.

   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.
2. Urian says:

   February 4, 2010 at 10:24 am

   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!

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