Pros: Easy to use, picture quality better than expected, decent software, good price, 13 shooting modes
Cons: Needs rechargeable batteries, buy a memory card (expected), occasional red-eye, slightly heavy for size
The Bottom Line: I recommend the camera to new digi-camera users. We used it for taking hospital newborn baby pictures and are satisfied with the results considering the price and 4.0 megapixels limitation.
mrchristian's Full Review: Canon PowerShot A520 4.2 Megapixel Digital Camera
Disclaimer: I am not a camera expert, by any means.
I purchased the A520 for the sole purpose of capturing my new baby daughter in digital style, who arrived on July 7th. I have to say that for only 4 megapixels, it produces a very decent picture for the $227 price I paid. Over the course of three days in the hospital I managed to take over 150 pictures, using flash. Of course, I opted to purchase an additional 512 memory chip, and set of rechargeable batteries (we need to change the batteries on the third day). The camera purports to have 13 settings, but the auto setting has worked best so far. The children/pet setting was not anything special and produced much lighter pictures, requiring me to reshoot in auto mode.
We also took the camera to Elizabeth park (a CT rose garden) and the color scheme produced was better than expected: bright colors and good detail.
The upload software that accompanies the camera is excellent. Very quick and easy to learn to use.
The only two complaints I have are that 1) some of the photos did show red-eye even with the red-eye setting on. You can edit out the red-eye with the software provided after you upload the pics to your PC, and 2) several seconds between shots as camera "resets itself for the next shot".
Both my wife and I have had fun using this camera, and it was obviously a big risk knowing that you only get one opportunity to take in hospital birth pictures of your baby being born, etc.
Bottom Line: There are probably lots of cameras that are better than this one, but I have no complaints considering what I paid, and understanding that it is only 4 megapixels.
The results of the physical pictures (those printed) were better than expected (4x5s and 8x10s), and were perhaps better in quality than my regular Olympus camera(non-digital).
Lastly, I made this purchase based on reading dozens of reviews on pro-camera review sites. It's 4 out 5 star rating is warranted for the casual user like myself.
Recommended:
Yes
Amount Paid (US$): 227 This Camera is a Good Choice if You Want Something... Fool-Proof for Absolute Beginners
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