Front (8.0)
The front of the Canon PowerShot A80 is predominantly taken up by the lens, with the ring release button located near its bottom right. The lens of the Canon PowerShot A80 is interchangeable with three other Canon lenses capable of shooting wide angle, telephoto, and macro images beyond the regular capabilities of the camera. At the top center of the Canon PowerShot A80, located above the lens, the user will discover the optical viewfinder window, and directly to its right, the AF-assist beam, red-eye/self-timer lamp, and finally in the upper left corner, the flash bulb. Barely visible, the microphone for the Canon PowerShot A80 is represented as two small points nestled between the ring for the lens and the viewfinder window.
Back (8.5)
The back of the Canon PowerShot A80 features an LCD monitor, which consumes most of the left-hand side of the camera. The monitor can be flipped from its recessed position on the body of the camera on a 180-degree post, allowing for viewing by both subject and user of the Canon PowerShot A80. It is also possible to turn the monitor into the body of the Canon PowerShot A80 when not in use, saving the screen from scratching or other accidental damages that could potentially occur during transportation and storage.
Above the LCD monitor is the optical viewfinder, which is minuscule and hardly functional. It makes more sense to use the LCD monitor to frame the shot. To the viewfinder's right the user of the Canon PowerShot A80 will discover the mode switch, along with the combined flash/macro button which is combined with the right/left/up/down button options for in-menu choices. Located beneath these features are the function and display buttons. Beneath the LCD monitor are the slightly raised set and menu buttons. To the left of these buttons is the DC in port, which is covered by a flexible rubber tab.
Left Side (8.0)
There is not much to the left side of the Canon PowerShot A80. The LCD monitor hinge spills over from the back as well as part of the flexible rubber terminal cover masking the A/V out terminal and the digital terminal for the camera.
Right Side (7.0)
The right side of the Canon PowerShot A80 holds the compartment for the CF card, as well as the wrist strap attachment feature located at the top of the digital camera. The CF compartment is opened by a small grooved tab slightly raised from the plastic body of the camera, and it is at times difficult to open properly and comfortably due to its minimal height.
Top (8.0)
The shutter button and zoom lever ring are both located on the top right side of the Canon PowerShot A80, with the shooting mode dial resting directly behind and to the left of this feature. Further to the left of these options sits the recessed on/off button, and to the right of the shooting mode dial, the user will discover the self-contained speaker for the Canon PowerShot A80.
