Canon PowerShot A520 review

What you need to know

Reviewed by: David D. Busch

Reviewed on: 13 July 2005

Tags: Canon, Canon PowerShot A520, digital zoom, tripod, resolution

We like:

Versatile manual and automated controls; strong image quality; zoom flash; quick burst mode; available lens converters and underwater housing

We don't like:

Not as compact as many pocket cameras; many common settings require trip to menus; long flash-recycle time

You might also need:

Two rechargeable NiMH batteries and a charger; an SD/MMC card with a capacity of at least 64MB

CNET UK judgement:

Strong image quality and a good mixture of manual and automated exposure controls make this a low-cost option for snapshooters and enthusiasts alike

Full review:

Canon's functional and practical A-series digital cameras have always made great complements to its sleek Digital IXUS line. This compact 4-megapixel replacement for the PowerShot A85 isn't as light and pocketable as a comparable Canon colleague, the Digital IXUS 40, but it offers the full range of manual controls that photo enthusiasts require, outdoes its stablemate in the number of scene modes and zoom range on offer, and costs less to boot. The PowerShot A520 has significant improvements over the model it replaces, too, including an 85g weight reduction.If you're looking for a tiny snapshot camera that will fit in your pocket, the IXUS 40 might be a better choice. But should you be seeking a model that not only lets you switch to manual focus and exposure but also includes plenty of scene modes to fall back on, the PowerShot A520 will cost you almost £40 less. You can save another £30 by opting for the PowerShot A510, which has the same features in a 3.2-megapixel package. Continue Reading...