Canon has just announced 6 brand new PowerShot A-series digital cameras today. The six models are spread out between the price range of $110 to $200, so there’s not a lot of room for differentiation and all the cameras are very similar. Let’s take a look at them now.
First off, we’ll sort through the common features of these 6 cameras; all the A-series have these features in common:
- 16 megapixel traditional CCD image sensors
- (English: No fancy high-speed shooting or photo modes that come with cameras using CMOS)
- 5X optical zoom lens equivalent to 28 - 140 mm (f2.8-6.9)
- 2.7 inch LCD display (230,000 pixels)
- 720p Standard HD movie modes
- Point-and-shoot controls (no manual controls)
- Help tooltips with a dedicated help button and easy operation
- They also come in a variety of different colors
Canon PowerShot A810 and A1300
The first two ‘super basic’ models are the Canon A810 and A1300 which use AA batteries. The difference between the two is the A1300 has an optical viewfinder, while the A810 doesn’t. It’s also interesting to note the A1300 is the only model of the 6 announced today with an optical finder.
Canon PowerShot A2300, A2400 IS and A3400 IS
Next up are the A2300, A2400 IS and A3400 IS triplets. The A2300 is the most basic of the bunch, the A2400 IS adds optical image stabilization (as hinted by the ‘IS’ moniker in the name), and the A3400 IS has image stabilization and upgrades the display to a 3 inch touchscreen unit.
Canon PowerShot A4000 IS
The A4000 IS is the model that stands out from the bunch with an 8X optical zoom lens (28 - 224 mm, f3.0 - f5.9) with optical image stabilization and the same 3 inch touchscreen as the A3400 IS.
Details of pricing and availability of the cameras are in this handy list:
- Canon A4000 IS: This month for $200
- Canon A2400 IS and A3400 IS: March for $180 and $150 respectively
- Canon A2300: This month for $140
- Canon A810 and Canon A1300: April for $110 and $120 respectively