The Canon PowerShot A300 offers the entry level solution to digital camera users new to the field. Packed with a host of features and a 3.2 mega pixel CCD sensor, this little camera produces great pictures.
Like Olympus digital cameras, the camera is turned on via a sliding lens protector at the front that forces the camera into life. Two AA batteries and the CompactFlash compartment are housed behind a sturdy door that will easy take a beating over the lifespan of the camera without snapping or falling apart. The other side the camera offers a DC and USB port, but unfortunately no video-out to watch your pictures on the TV.
On the rear of the camera, the user is offered a 1.5" TFT screen that is sharp and responsive to changing lights and focuses, as well as, a host of buttons - most of which are self explanatory and you can easily access flash modes, picture review and other options like this without having to plough through plenty of menus.
The camera offers a 33mm f3.6 fixed focal length lens with a 5.1 digital zoom option that offers the equivalent of a 33mm - 168mm lens in a 35mm camera. This combined with shutter speed range of 1-1/2000 sec and ISO ratings of 50 - 400 and a range of pre-programmed settings to cope with landscapes and portrait shooting makes for a nice little camera for beginners. For the more adventurous there is a macro mode up to 5cm, as well as, the option to record up to 3 minutes of movie clips with sound.
For an auto focus fixed lens camera with a digital zoom the quality is quite good. Detail is captured well and greens are differential when it comes to photographing landscapes. The digital zoom is useful for getting into the action, but should not be replied upon for crisp images. Overall as a starter's camera this is an okay place to start. If you are starting out and need a camera that will get you going, this is as good a place as any to start, just don't expect the world.
--Jason Denwood, Amazon.co.uk
The jury is still out on this one. I purchased this with high expectations of Canon's experience and reputation for digital cameras. I grew up in a family of professional photographers so I am fussy. PROS:1) You can't beat the price considering this is 3.2 megapixel camera.2) Picture quality is excellent.3) This can take short movies, with sound. Again, excellent quality. CONS:1) No optical zoom. The 5.1x digital zoom is fine if that's what you want. However, there is a huge difference. If zooming is not important to you, then this is fine. 2) The button choosing between still pictures and the movie setting is a hair trigger and can be easily shifted by accident. Both my father and I inadvertently took movies when we wanted to take stills. We didn't know it until we downloaded the images.3) Buy stock in a battery company. At least you'll get some of your money back in dividends when you become the company's best customer. Digitals consume batteries like water, but this one devours batteries like Niagara Falls. In fact, this is probably the single biggest limitation of this camera. Getting a rechargeable package is the way to go, and you'll be using it a lot. Also, be careful of battery consumption when connected to the computer -- it's a killer.4) The instructions in the manual, and the controls on the camera itself, are very complicated. Plan to spend a lot of time reading the manual over and over again, and practicing with the camera to get the hang of things. This is far from a "take it out of the box and start taking pictures" kind of camera. The function and display controls on the camera are, in my opinion, very frustrating. If you have patience and can spend some time concentrating and practicing, you can master it. All in all, while you may never use half of the cameras capabilities (either because you don't need them, or will never understand how to use them), you can take great pictures. The primary decision making factor here is price. Why spend $500 when you can get this camera for less than half?
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