Canon PowerShot A80 4MP Digital Camera w/ 3x Optical Zoom

by Canon

Product Details

Product Manual [14.85mb PDF]

• Product Dimensions: 1.4 x 4.1 x 2.5 inches ; 8.8 ounces
• Shipping Weight: 3 pounds
• Shipping: This item is also available for shipping to select countries outside the U.S.
• ASIN: B0000C8VF9
• Item model number: A80
• Average Customer Review: 4.2 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (128 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #7,888 in Camera & Photo (See Top 100 in Camera & Photo)
• Discontinued by manufacturer: Yes
• Date first available at Amazon.com: August 21, 2003

Product Description

Amazon.com Product Description

Featuring a high-tech design with aluminum front cover and metallic handgrip, the Canon PowerShot A80 combines a sense of both the modern and the traditional. Despite its entry-level designation in Canon's digital lineup, the easy-to-operate, 4-megapixel PowerShot A80 is a surprisingly advanced model with sophisticated optics and manual controls. It also features a twisting LCD screen.

Optics and Resolution
The PowerShot A80 offers a 4-megapixel CCD sensor that produces images up to 2272 x 1704 pixels for photo-quality 11 x 14 inch enlargements. Other resolution modes include 1600 x 1200, 1024 x 768, and 640 x 480. The 3x zoom lens has a focal length of 7.8-23.4mm (equivalent to 38-114mm in 35mm photography). It also incorporates a 3.6x digital zoom for a total 11x zoom. The PowerShot A80 also features Canon's nine-point AiAF system for focusing accuracy, shutter speeds of 15 to 1/1,500 second, and fast sequence shooting at a rate of 2.2 frames per second (fps).

Movie Mode
In addition to taking still photos, the A80 can also record up to 3 minutes of video with sound. It has two resolution settings: 320 x 240, and 160 x 120. You can record for up to 3 minutes per clip in either resolution. Note that you cannot use the optical zoom when in movie mode. The included 32 MB memory card can hold 91 seconds of video at the highest setting.

More Features
The PowerShot A80 has a 1.5-inch variable-angle LCD monitor that gives you even more shooting options. Turn the LCD monitor 180 degrees toward the front of the camera and the A80 will display your choice of a mirror image or a non-reversed image to give you a true view of your actual shot.

Offering a wider scope for photographic experimentation, Canon has also included manual, aperture priority, and shutter priority exposure modes. These modes are supported by a metering system that boasts evaluative, center-weighted average and spot options.

Canon's DIGIC (DIGital Imaging Core) processor ensures excellent color rendition and white balance for every shot, as well as super-fast auto focusing, noise-free imaging, and advanced flash exposure performance.

• Shooting Modes: Auto, Creative (P, Av, Tv, M, Custom 1, Custom 2), Programmed Image Control Zone, Image (Portrait, Landscape, Night Scene, Stitch Assist, Movie)
• White Balance Control: Auto, Pre-set (Daylight, Cloudy, Tungsten, Fluorescent or Fluorescent H) or Custom
• Built-in flash with auto, red-eye reduction, on/of, and slow sync modes; 10-second recycle time
• Maximum Aperture: f/2.8/ 8.0 (W), f/4.9/ 8.0 (T)
• Photo Effects: Vivid Color, Neutral Color, Low Sharpening, Sepia, Black & White
• Continuous shooting mode: 2.2 shots per second with LCD and Large/Fine mode off
• Self timer with 2 and 10 second options

Printing
Canon has introduced a series of printers designed to work directly with its lineup of digital cameras. Using these printers, no computer is required--simply connect the camera to the printer and start printing. Printers include Canon's bubble jet direct printers i900D and i960, and card photo printer CP-200 and CP-300. Of course, photos from your camera can also be printed on any home computer system with an inkjet printer, sent off for online processing, or simply enjoyed on your computer screen.

Storage and Transfer
Images are stored on CompactFlash Type I memory cards; a 32 MB card is included. When shooting in Large/Normal mode, you can store 54 images on the included memory card. Images can be downloaded to either a Mac or PC via USB 1.1, which means the camera can be connected to any USB-based Windows Me/2000/XP and Mac OS 8.6 or later computer without installing any software.

Power and Size
The camera is powered by 4 AA batteries (alkalines included, NiMH rechargeables recommended). It measures 4.1 by 2.5 by 1.4 inches and weighs 8.8 ounces (excluding battery).

What's In The Box
This package includes the PowerShot A80 digital camera, 32 MB CompactFlash memory card, four AA alkaline batteries, USB and AV cables, and wrist strap. It also comes with ArcSoft Camera Suite and Digital Camera Solutions CD-ROMs with imaging software and USB drivers for Windows and Mac.

From the Manufacturer

Inside the PowerShot A80's gleaming metal case are all the sophisticated Canon technology and advanced shooting features that put this camera in a class by itself. Exquisitely compact and simple to operate, yet remarkably affordable; the A80 allows anyone to create lively, memorable images straight out of the box.

High-Resolution 4 Megapixel CCD with High-Performance Features
Terrific image quality has never been easier. The PowerShot A80 has 4.0 megapixels. So colors are vivid; details, perfect. And the A80 is loaded with features usually found only on high-end cameras like the Intelligent Orientation Sensor to automatically display pictures right side up and the 14 Mode Dial that lets you shoot effortlessly, anywhere.

3.0x Optical, 3.6x Digital, 11x Combined Zoom
The PowerShot A80 features an authentic Canon 3x optical zoom for close-ups that amaze and inspire. This powerfully precise zoom lens has a total zooming range of 11x. And Canon has engineered it to ensure that zooming is fast and continuous, so nothing gets in the way of your fun.

Advanced Imaging Technology Improves Every Photo
Canon's exclusive DIGIC Imaging Processor takes the camera's 4.0 megapixel CCD to new heights. DIGIC delivers speedier processing, for greater agility, more accurate autofocus and highly natural image quality.

iSAPS Technology is an entirely new scene-recognition technology developed for digital cameras by Canon. Using an internal database of thousands of different photos, iSAPS works with the fast DIGIC Imaging Processor to improve focus speed and accuracy, as well as exposure and white balance.

Selectable 9-point AiAF and Single-Point AF
With the PowerShot A80 you've got choices. For super-easy, accurate focus there's center-point AF. Or opt for the camera's advanced 9-point AiAF system when subjects are away from center frame. Whatever you choose, you'll get sharply focused shots every time--whether you're holding the camera vertically or horizontally.

An LCD Monitor with a New Twist
The PowerShot A80 has a Variable-Angle LCD Monitor that gives you even more shooting options. Turn the LCD monitor 180-degree toward the front of the camera and the A80 displays your choice of a mirror image or a non-reversed image, to give you a true view of your actual shot. Now you can create brilliant pictures, no matter where you're standing.

Create Exciting 3 Minute Movies with Sound and Special Effects
Shoot, edit and playback sound movie clips right on your camera with the PowerShot A80's enhanced Movie Mode with PhotoEffects. The PhotoEffects tools include Vivid, Neutral, Low Sharpening, Sepia and Black & White. Your photos and movies will never be the same again.

Intelligent Orientation Sensor
Among the many convenient features of the PowerShot A80, the Intelligent Orientation Sensor can tell whether you shot your photo vertically or horizontally. It automatically adjusts AF, AE and white balance and makes sure that your photos are oriented correctly when you download them to your computer.

Canon Direct Printing

• Bubble Jet Direct Photo Printers: For desktop large-format printing, try one of the Bubble Jet Direct Photo Printers which allow you to print directly in one of two ways: plug the compatible PowerShot camera into the Bubble Jet Direct Photo Printer using the supplied cable, or simply insert a memory card with supplied adapter. You can also connect the printer to your computer for more options. Print high resolution borderless images in post card size or 8.5" x 11" size within minutes.
• Card Photo Printers: Card Photo Printers let you produce versatile fun credit card size prints or post card size prints in just three easy steps: connect, select and print. Control the printer right from your camera's LCD monitor. Prints Dye-Sublimated credit card size or post card size--fast. Bordered and borderless options are available. Available paper types let you create mini or credit card size labels. You can even take the CP-300 printer to a party or an outdoor picnic using its included battery.

Kit Contents:

• PowerShot A80 Body
• Wrist Strap WS-200
• AV Cable AVC-DC100
• Interface Cable IFC-300PCU
• Digital Camera Solution CD-ROM
• ArcSoft Camera Suite CD-ROM
• Compact Flash Card FC-32M
• 4 AA-type Alkaline Batteries

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

273 of 281 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars As we expected...an excellent follower!, October 22, 2003

By 

Luppapa (Hungary) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Canon PowerShot A80 4MP Digital Camera w/ 3x Optical Zoom (Electronics)

Canon A70 was the biggest hit since it hit the shelves.
So everyone had high expectations about Canon A80. I think everyone should be more than satisfied with Canon's new model. If A70 was the best compact camera in it's class, then A80 is the best of the best. If you try the camera I am sure you will agree with me.
I don't want to talk too much about the techical issues, you can read it on the official pages and on several digicam review sites.
Let's talk about what made me return to Canon, may be it can help you decide if you are new to digital photography or just have a dc of another brand and cannot decide.
I had the following cameras in order: Canon A40, S40, S400 then switched to Minolta F200 and finally returned to Canon A80.
I would like to explain to you why I went from one to another and why I think that A80 is the best of all.
First, I need an entry level quality digital camera at a low price, I got the A40. Then I would have liked more megapixels in a more compact metal body, I got the S40. Then I went for a subcompact light weight dc with brand new technology (DIGIC) and fast performance (S400). Then I realized that I miss manual controls and need sharper pictures and got a Minolta F200. Finally, realized that F200 has a very high battery consumption and an extremely high noise even at ISO100. I bought an A80 this week for several reasons: I saw some pics and used some cameras of differend types, and think that Canon is the BEST in the compact middle-range category. All the reviews and tests I've read about A70 was positive, so I had no doubt that A80 will be even better. One thing I was unsure about is the quality of the LCD on A80. S400 had sharper and darker LCD, but A80's is still better than average and I think satisfies most people. Don't bother with the resolution of the LCD if you read different numbers on web pages, it is nice and clear.
The flip-out and twist LCD is a big advantage to others: not only you can use the LCD when shooting over people's head or on the floor, but the monitor can be easily protected from scratches. I can't explain how big this advantage is till you see and try it yourself. Good work Canon!
If you know Canon digicams, then you know how fast are Canons. A80 is no exception, this is by far the fastest camera I used beside my S400. If it is up to Canon, you won't miss an important shot!
And there are all the things you've already read about: 4MP,3x optical zoom, full manual control, AF-Assist lamp (great!) etc, etc. You know it! :)

Some questions and answers:
- Shall I upgrade from A70 to A80?
My answer is: YES. The more megapixel and the new flip-out LCD worth that plus. Also, the construction adds more quality feel to it (there are more metal).
- Shall I go for A80 if I have no digicam yet?
If you can afford, definitely. But consider that A60 and A70 are also excellent machines when you are on budget.
- Shall I change to Canon from a different 3-4-5 megapixel compact digicam?
Definitely yes. May be some other cameras are better in some issues than Canon, but all in all Canon makes the best consumer cameras to date. Usability, image detail, low noise, faster than average performance are important things and A80 has it all at a very good price.

One very important thing: don't let you fooled by the sharp pictures of Minolta and Fuji. They have a very high noise that are annoying. I tried to remove the noise with some photo editing software, but the result was a washed picture in all cases. Some say that Canon has no sharp pictures. This is true, the competition may be sharper...BUT! you can always add some unsharp mask with the right software and make Canon images look excellent. Unfortunately, you cannot do the opposite with those "sharp but high noise" cameras. Keep these in mind always!

Another thing: chromatic abberration and blown highlights. Yes, it's there. Not always, but there. And it were there in my S400, S40, A40 and even my Minolta F200 images as well. It is there in almost every compact digital camera. This is NOT an issue, though some are complaining about it continiously. No camera is perfect and no will ever be.

Decision is yours. Take it in hand and you'll never want to give it away! :)

425 of 461 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Quality counts - cheapest doesn't mean best, January 2, 2004

By 

VTRocker (Swanton, Vermont United States) - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Canon PowerShot A80 4MP Digital Camera w/ 3x Optical Zoom (Electronics)

I did a lot of research prior to purchasing the Canon A80 digital camera. I read a lot of reviews, many right here at Amazon. I also looked into lens quality and the quality of electronics. I read consumer report's test results. The bottom line - as with most things in life "you get what you pay for". You can find cameras with more than 4MPs, however, my research indicated that the picture quality may not be as good as Canon's 3MP A70. Digital picture quality is a mixed bag of tricks. MPs are one part of the "picture" when determining what quality a digital camera is going to deliver. I will give you my advice in each of four major purchasing catagories below.

Retailer: If you take nothing more from this review, please listen to what I have to say here. The cheapest price is not always the best deal!!!! In fact I would go so far as to say that the cheapest price may be the worst deal. While searching for the best price on an A80 I called four of the cheapest retailers listed at sites like Pricegrabber. EVERY store I called was either out of cameras (surprise, surprise) or the price quoted was only good if the camera was purchased in a overpriced package. The "cheap" store would then proceed to try and sell you what "they had" - not what you wanted. After four attempts at the cheapest price, I went back to Amazon and found a price of $359.00. This price was $50.00 or more than the cheapest price, but they told me if the camera was in stock and gave me a delivery date. I actually purchased through an Amazon affiliate. I received the product on time and in good condition.

Camera brand: I touched on this above. Again, the cheapest product is not always the best buy. Don't be fooled into believing that MPs alone or a fancy zoom equate to good picture quality. If you don't plan on spending in the $300 dollar range, plan on mediocre results. Now...many people will argue that a $100 camera will deliver good results - it depends on why you are buying digital. If you are buying digital to replace conventional cameras, why would you want anything but great quality. You cannot go back in time and take another picture of your child at age 2. I went digital to begin replacing my conventional cameras. Canon is not the only good brand, but it certainly rises to the top of the heap in the quality for dollars catagory. I would stick to companies that make photography their business - Canon, Nikon, Olympus, Minolta, ect.

Camera model: Do your research and have a clear picture in your mind of what you need a digital camera for. A digital camera is like a computer - it's great when it works, but a nightmare when it doesn't. Again, don't always look to the selling price as the determining factor in selecting a model. If you stick with a major manufacturer you are less likely to get junk or poor service, regardless of the model you pick.
Many people stress out over the choice of an A70 or A80. I don't think you make a bad purchase with either product. I decided that, for an increase of $80, it was worth the upgrade to the A80. Your own budget may make this decision for you.

Price: I discussed this many times over. Don't let anyone convince you that a $100 dollar camera takes the same quality pictures as a $300 camera. Buy smart and buy for the long run. Buy quality and service. Do your research - read Amazon reviews and search the web for independent reviews. Pick up a Consumer Reports magazine.

My opinion of the A80 - Well...after about a week of playing with it and reading the manual(I'm not finished yet) I believe I purchased a quality product with features typically found on high-end cameras. A word of caution - don't fool yourself into believing that you can move from "point-and-shoot" to this camera without first educating yourself. I think many people foolishly believe that perfect pictures can be taken by simply pushing a shutter release button - not so in the real world. If you educate yourself about the functions of camera parts and read Canon's manual carefully, I believe you will find the A80 to be an excellent product.

I hope this helped.

74 of 78 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars First Digital Camera.......WOW!, October 24, 2003

By A Customer

This review is from: Canon PowerShot A80 4MP Digital Camera w/ 3x Optical Zoom (Electronics)

Well, I've been a purist 35mm SLR user for a while now and the expense of getting films developed was getting tiresome. After 2 months of research, online, in stores, borrowing various other types of camera I've finally plunged into the world of digital with the A80 and it's been worth the wait. I can't see how digital can improve anymore. I had narrowed the selection down to the A80 and the S50 (DSLR not necesarily being out of my price range, but more than I was willing to commit to for the first digital). The S50 and A80 are very comparable, but I chose the A80 for the following reasons:-

1) It felt better to hold, as a right hander, the grip is very comfortable, the S50 felt like holding a brick, no ergonomics.
2) Easier Controls. The menu controls are more intuitive and seem sturdier than those of the S50. The A80's 4way button is a lot larger and easier to use than the S50's 'nubbin' along with the other buttons.
3) The flip out screen. While at first I thought it was 'gimmicky' it has proved to be a very useful feature, enabling excellent framing at angles other than eye level.
4) AA batteries. Need I say more??? Much more practical.
5) I wasn't so sure about the sliding lens cover on the S50.

The only things that made me even consider anything else:
1) 4.0 Megapixels. I was worried that the 4.0 megapixels wouldn't cut it for enlargements, but I've just had a 10x8 printed on the 2nd highest resolution setting and it's perfect! I have no doubt I'll be able to go up to 11x14 if necessary.
2) RAW format. OK so now I know that I can enlarge as much as I can with the A80, I'm not worried about being able to record in RAW format.
3) The S50 has a slightly larger screen, but the A80's flip screen more than makes up for it's SLIGHTY smaller size..

P.S. The A80 can record video in NTSC and PAL, useful for me with relatives on both sides of the pond

I'm very happy with my A80 and would highly recomment it for first time and experienced digital users..... Good price too.