Canon PowerShot A720 IS

Viewfinder (3.5)
The Canon PowerShot A720 IS is equipped with an optical viewfinder. Many contemporary point-and-shoots nix this feature in favor of bigger LCDs. The benefit of having the viewfinder is that it conserves battery life and supplies an alternate view in bright, direct sunlight. The circular viewfinder, however, is so tiny that most users will probably opt for the LCD whenever possible.

LCD Screen (5.0)
The PowerShot A720 IS is fitted with a modest 2.5-inch amorphous silicon TFT color LCD with a monitor resolution of 115,000 pixels. While the specifications of the LCD screen are average among cameras in this category, many other cameras’ screens are up to 3 inches and have resolutions up to 230,000 pixels. While the screen is big enough to adequately view images, the 115,000-pixel resolution makes images look pixilated.

The monitor has 100 percent coverage, so users can accurately frame a scene. Impressively, the screen does not solarize at extreme vertical or horizontal angles like most point-and-shoots.

The LCD displays recording information during shooting, including aperture and shutter speed. Checking if images are in focus takes a few steps. Users can view the single image immediately after capture with a review time of 2 to 10 seconds without magnifying capabilities, or toggle the mode switch to Playback and use the zoom lever to magnify the image. Most cameras simply use an instant review that allows users to directly magnify by hitting the zoom toggle. Canon’s system takes a couple extra steps.

The A720 IS shares the same monitor specifications as last year’s A710 IS, which is disappointing when compared to its contemporaries. Improved LCD monitor resolution, bigger size, and more intuitive playback magnification will hopefully be included in the next A-series model.

Flash (6.75)
The Canon A720’s flash offers a surprising amount of options. The camera has an impressive amount of flash control when compared to other automatic point-and-shoots. Most entry-level cameras only offer standard automatic flash presets, but the Canon PowerShot A720 IS allows users to choose when the flash fires and at what intensity.

The PowerShot’s A720 IS Flash modes include the basic set of Auto, Auto with Red-Eye Reduction, Flash On, Flash On with Red-Eye Reduction, Flash Off, and Slow Synchro. In addition to these presets, the camera gives the users the option to have the flash fire at the when the shutter opens or closes, called first or second curtain sync. In First Curtain mode, users can control when the flash fires regardless of shutter speed. At this setting, which most users will default to, the flash fires right after the shutter opens. In Second Curtain mode, the flash fires right before the shutter closes, which creates a trailing light effect.

Users can also control exposure when the flash is enabled. When the camera is set to Program, Shutter Priority, or Aperture Priority modes, and the Safety FE (flash exposure) Lock is set to on, the camera automatically adjusts exposure so images won’t appear blown out or underexposed. However, we didn’t find a noticeable difference between images when Safety FE Lock is on or off. Regardless of the extra exposure setting, images are properly exposed. Still, the Safety FE is an admirable step in the right direction for point-and-shooters who are fed up with a poor flash.

In addition to Flash modes, timing, and exposure, users can control flash output, again to prevent images from being over- or underexposed. Flash output can be controlled with three emission levels using the func./set button in Manual, Tv, or Av modes. Flash compensation can be controlled in 1/3 increments to +/- 2 stops in all four PSAM modes.

Even with these helpful manual flash controls, there are a couple downsides to the Canon A720 IS’s flash. The built-in flash is flush to the left edge of the camera, right where the fingers of the left hand grip. The other concern is the flash’s limited range. In wide shooting, the flash reaches 1 to 11 feet. In telephoto shooting, the flash reaches 1.8 to 8.2 feet. That restricted range translates to dark backgrounds that are beyond 11 feet from the camera.

The flash takes a reported 10 seconds to recharge, but we found it recharges about every 5 seconds. That’s better than reported, but still pretty slow.

Even with the limited flash illumination for long distances and slow recharge time, the Canon PowerShot A720 IS offers a host of impressive flash controls. Overall, the Canon A720 IS’s wealth of flash options sets the standard for entry-level point-and-shoots.

Zoom Lens (8.0)
One of the lauded features of the Canon A720 IS is its zoom lens. The 6x optical zoom lens with optical image stabilization is one of the best things this PowerShot has going for it. The 6x optical zoom, which can compensate for camera shake, goes beyond the standard 3x optical zoom on many point-and-shoots in the $250 price category. The focal length measures 5.8-34.8 mm, the equivalent to 35-210 mm in 35mm film terms. That range gives users enough wide shooting for group shots, but enough zoom for close-up shots of a playing field from the bleachers.

For extended zoom, the lens includes 4x digital zoom, but at lower resolution. Users who opt to use digital zoom should be prepared to sacrifice image quality.

For even more zoom, users can buy optional lens converters that add an extension barrel to the existing lens for close-up shots. Having that option gives users the flexibility to grow with their camera should they choose to buy the accessories. Users can add converters by pressing the ring release button located near the bottom of the lens, similar to SLR bodies. Compatible lens accessories include the Conversion Lens Adapter LA-DC58G, Wide Converter WC-DC58N, Tele-converter TC-DC58N, and the Close-up Lens 250D (58mm) by Canon.

The lens has an aperture range of f/2.8 to f/4.8. The TTL autofocus lens focuses from 1.8 feet to infinity (55 centimeters to infinity) in normal shooting and 0.39 inches to 1.8 feet (1 to 55 centimeters) in wide shooting.

The lens zooms in and out relatively smoothly but makes a humming sound. The nice thing is that the Movie mode doesn’t seem to pick up the sound. There is also slight barrel distortion, causing the corners of the frame to appear to curve in a convex form, meaning photos of straight horizons might look bowed at the corners.

With its relatively long focal range and image stabilization, the Canon PowerShot A720’s lens offers more zoom and flexibility than other point-and-shoots at this price point.