Canon PowerShot A80 Digital Camera Review

Value (7.0)
The Canon PowerShot A80 is pretty comparable to others in its genre, but I don’t feel that there are any major qualities that set it above and beyond the rest. That said, there are an impressive amount of things that can be done with digital cameras of this class and $299 is a great price for what you are getting.

Comparisons
Canon PowerShot A75 --The Canon PowerShot A80 is one step up in the PowerShot line from the previous Canon PowerShot A75 released earlier in 2004. Although the two cameras are very similar in design, style, and appearance, there are some notable difference between the two. One of the most common things to compare right away when looking at digital camera models is megapixel count. The Canon PowerShot A80 provides more image possibilities with its 4.1 megapixels (highest resolution 2272 x 1704 pixels) to the A75’s 3.2 megapixels (highest resolution 2048 x 1536). Another significant difference is the LCD screen. The Canon PowerShot A75’s 1.8” stationary LCD screen is replaced by a not-so-impressive 1.5” screen on the PowerShot A80; however, the catch is that the A80’s LCD screen can pull out and rotate. The Canon PowerShot A75 is also slightly smaller and lighter, but if you’re looking for a small camera I would look at a different style all together. When it comes down to it, if you’re deciding between the Canon PowerShot A75 or Canon PowerShot A80 I would suggest an upgrade in megapixel count. It gives you better image quality, and that’s what it ultimately comes down to for most users.

Olympus Stylus 410 --The Canon PowerShot A80 is in the lower middle range of point-and-shoot cameras at $299. In the Olympus line the Stylus 410 is similar to the Canon PowerShot A80 with a comparable 4.0 megapixel count. Measuring at 3.9 x 2.2 x 1.3 inches (11.15 in³) and weighing 7.1 oz, the Olympus Stylus 410 is significantly smaller and lighter than the Canon PowerShot A80 and slightly more attractive with a sleeker exterior. The all-weather splash proof design combined with a smaller size makes the Olympus Stylus 410 perfect for portability, but it comes with a slightly higher price tag of around $349. If its portability you’re worried about go for a smaller model than the Canon PowerShot A80. However, the LCD screen is a perk that some people will want to spring for.

Kodak EasyShare DX6440 --Another 4.0 megapixel digital camera comparable to the Canon PowerShot A80 is the Kodak EasyShare DX6440, selling for around $309. This point-and-shoot camera has a slightly larger body than the Canon PowerShot A80, measuring 4.3 x 2.6 x 1.5 in. (16.77 in³), but weighs the same 9.5 oz. While it is not what I would call a fun jeans-pocket camera, the Kodak EasyShare DX6440 has some winning qualities that might be of interest. For example, the LCD screen on all Kodak products is visible both in and out of doors, eliminating the annoying solarizing effect that digital cameras often have. The LCD screen on the Kodak EasyShare DX6440 is also a much more impressive 1.8 inches at 134,000 pixels as opposed to the Canon PowerShot A80’s 67,000! Although the features on this camera are generally similar to the Canon PowerShot A80, Kodak also sets itself apart by featuring a professional-quality Schneider-Kreuznach Variogon lens with a 4x optical zoom. This is pretty impressive for a camera in this price range. If you’re okay spending a few extra bucks and carrying around a little more bulk, the Kodak EasyShare DX6440 offers some impressive features that aren’t available in the Canon PowerShot A80.

Panasonic Lumix DMC-LC43-- Another similar camera in this range is the Panasonic Lumix DMC-LC43, running for around $259.99. Panasonic released this camera with speed and image quality in mind and it has been able to compete well in both categories. Using the Venus Engine LSI processor, the continuous shooting mode of the Lumix DMC-LC43 captures an impressive 4 fps (frames per second), putting the Canon PowerShot A80’s mere 2.4 fps to shame! It has a total volume of 12.84 in³ while measuring 3.8 x 2.6 x 1.3 in. and weighing 7.6 oz. It also boasts a Leica DC Vario-ELMARIT lens designed for superb image quality. Speed is definitely not a quality the Canon PowerShot A80 was blessed with so if you’re planning on taking shots that require a quick eye and an even quicker camera, I would check out the Panasonic Lumix DMC-LC43.

Pentax Optio S4 --Pentax also offers a similar 4 megapixel digital camera, selling for approximately $275, called the Pentax Optio S4. This camera gained most of its notoriety for its most popular feature — size. The Pentax Optio S4 is the camera that is praised for its ability to fit cleanly in an Altoids mint box. It boasts a volume of 5.28 in³, measuring 3.3 x 2 x 0.8 in, and weighing a mere 4.1 oz. One would think that such a small camera can’t compete with the quality and number of options offered by other cameras of its class, but the Pentax Optio S4 does pretty well. That said, there are a few areas where the Pentax Optio S4 could improve on. For example, the highest ISO speed is only 200! That is uncomfortably low if you plan to take any shots without a flash, unless you’re in the sun. The LCD screen on the Pentax Optio S4 is 1.6” at 84,000 pixels, which is not impressive, but it’s larger than the Canon PowerShot A80 which is twice its size. If it’s size you’re worried about this is the camera for you, hands-down.

Who it's For
Point-and-Shooters --The Canon PowerShot A80 is definitely a good choice for point-and-shooters. Its fun features, small and sturdy size, and easy navigation make it appealing to a large crowd. If you’re looking for a great camera for your general shooting needs, this one is sure not to disappoint.

Budget Consumers --Canon definitely had the budget consumer in mind when they came out with the PowerShot A80. This solid compact camera gives consumers a lot of features to play with without breaking their bank balance. Canon has a great reputation for keeping prices low, from their SLRs all the way down to the low-end cameras, and the Canon PowerShot A80 backs it up.

Gadget Freaks --Although the Canon PowerShot A80 has a good number of features, it can’t compete with some of the other more advanced models with more bells and whistles. The A80 is on the lower end of gadget world and probably won’t be appealing to the techy geek crowd.

Manual Control Freaks — The same scenario goes for the manual setting buffs; a camera designed with the point-and-shooter in mind is bound to be a bore for those looking for more control and flexibility. Canon’s PowerShot A80 has manual settings available, but not enough to dazzle a real camera fanatic.

Pros / Serious hobbyists --Although a serious hobbyist might like to pick up a Canon PowerShot A80 for family snaps, they’re not going to go near it for their serious work. It’s just too limited compared to the high-end models that give you professional options and quality.