Canon PowerShot A520

Like its little brother, the PowerShot A510 digital camera, the new PowerShot A520 model also is 13 percent smaller and 10 percent lighter than previous models, and is also equipped with a longer 4.0x 35-140mm (35mm format equivalent) optical zoom lens with Canon optics for sharp images. The new lens features all-glass construction and two aspherical elements in a seven-element formula. ¹²

The A520's body resembles a compressed version of the A85, mostly because Canon opted to make this model run on two double-A batteries instead of four. The only other noticeable differences are that the AF assist lamp on the front has been moved to the opposite side of the optical viewfinder and the microphone has been moved ever so slightly. The LCD is still 1.8 inches (diagonal), but the lens has undergone some changes: It is now an f/2.6 to f/5.5, 5.8- to 23.2-mm (35- to 140-mm, 35-mm equivalent), 4X optical zoom lens. The greater magnification favors the telephoto end a bit, so you may have to back up to get wide-angle shots. Luckily, the camera accepts conversion lenses and filters. The shutter button is no longer tilted forward, as it is on the A85, but this isn't an ergonomic disaster. ¹⁰

The Canon PowerShot A520 is an attractive, compact and affordable digital camera perfect for an aspiring photographer. It improves upon the hugely popular PowerShot A85 with 4 megapixel resolution and 4x optical zoom. It has the image quality Canon is famous for, its 4.0 megapixels resolution allows 11x14 in. prints, and, more importantly, it provides the features and exposure flexibility that allow a beginner amateur photographer to start with point-and-shoot simplicity and then switch to the other exposure control modes to experiment, learn and grow in digital photography. ⁵

The Canon PowerShot A520 is a compact digital camera with an unusual range of manual controls and capabilities within the sub-$299 (USD) price bracket. Replacing the A85, the PowerShot A520 expresses a 13% frame reduction, down to 3.6 x 2.5 x 1.5 inches (90.7 x 64.0 x 38.4 mm), and weighs just 6.3 ounces (180 grams). The condensed A520 offers users a 1/2.5-inch 4.0 megapixel CCD, DIGIC image processor, 4x optical zoom lens, 1.8-inch TFT color LCD and 9-point Auto Intelligent Auto focus system in a camera that is small enough to fit comfortably in a coat pocket or purse. ⁴

The Canon PowerShot A520 is a 4-Megapixel compact digital camera with a 4x optical zoom, 1.8-inch LCD screen, zooming optical viewfinder, acclaimed Canon DiG!C Image Processor, 9-point AiAF auto focus, 1-point auto focus and manual focus, 13 shooting modes including Full Auto, Program, Aperture Priority, Shutter Priority and Manual Mode, Scene modes. It stores pictures on SD (Secure Digital) or MultiMedia memory cards (16 MB MMC supplied) and features USB connection to PC and Mac computers. ⁸

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The A520 is an update to the popular 4-Megapixel Canon PowerShot A85. It upgrades the A85's 3x optical zoom to newly designed sharp 4x optical zoom (35-140 mm in 35mm equivalent with maximum apertures f/2.6-f/5.5), which is also slightly faster (A85 had f/2.8 at wide angle). The minimum aperture is f/8.0 at both wide angle and telephoto. ⁸

The Canon PowerShot A520 is the latest in a long line of well-built digital cameras from Canon. The 4.0-megapixel Canon A520 updates this extensive line with a longer-ratio zoom lens, more compact form factor, and a few other unique features, increasing the camera's already great flexibility. ¹

Last year, Canon's PowerShot A80 found itself in the Dave's Pick category, offering excellent usability and great picture quality at a low price. This year, the Canon PowerShot A520 continues the series, adding a 4x zoom lens (vs the A80's 3x design), but in most other respects simply carrying forward the features of the previous A80 model. The camera accommodates a wide range of users with its variable level of exposure control. Experienced shooters will appreciate the Manual, Aperture Priority, and Shutter Priority modes, while novices will find the Auto, Program AE, and Scene modes useful. Keep reading to find out more! ¹

It improves upon the hugely popular PowerShot A85 with 4 megapixel resolution and 4x optical zoom. It has the image quality Canon is famous for, its 4.0 megapixels resolution allows 11x14 in. prints, and, more importantly, it provides the features and exposure flexibility that allow a beginner amateur photographer to start with point-and-shoot simplicity and then switch to the other exposure control modes to experiment, learn and grow in digital photography." ²⁶

Newer digital cameras are offering more resolution than ever, and the Canon PowerShot A640 tops most point-and-shoots with a whopping 10 megapixels. Besides its high resolution, the A640’s features are fairly standard. Like most Canon A-series cameras, the A640 has a 4x optical zoom lens and a 2.5-inch LCD screen that folds out and rotates. It retails for $399. ²²