Canon PowerShot A560 Compact Camera - Silver

I'm very happy.

Strengths: This camera has everything that was good about the earlier models, but is now even better.

Weakness: It's a bit bulky in size, but I knew that one I bought it. It's just like the older models in that respect.

Now that the PowerShot takes only two batteries instead of four, it's a LOT LIGHTER. I like the fact that it takes AA batteries because rechargable AA batteries are easy to come by and last a long, long time.

By radiantred - Oct 20, 2007

Canon 7.1 Megapixel Camera For a Great Price!

Strengths: The price is incredible for everything this camera will do. I like the fact that you can still find a good camera with a viewfinder also. Canon always goes the extra mile to make a good product.

Weakness: Not a small camera and it's made of plastic....but it does keep the camera lightweight. A bit large for a pocket. 3-1/4" length. 1-2/3" at the widest point. 1-1/2" height.

I love that this camera runs off 2 AA batteries, and if you need them, they're easy to find anyplace. I did buy a battery charger at the same time I bought this camera, and never need to buy batteries anymore. I love the big 2.5 LCD screen and wanted a camera that was quick and easy to operate and this is the camera that fits that bill. I love the wheel on top of the camera which makes it quick...
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I love that this camera runs off 2 AA batteries, and if you need them, they're easy to find anyplace. I did buy a battery charger at the same time I bought this camera, and never need to buy batteries anymore. I love the big 2.5 LCD screen and wanted a camera that was quick and easy to operate and this is the camera that fits that bill. I love the wheel on top of the camera which makes it quick to change modes in an instant. Everything is set up well on the A560. You get a lot of features for the money. Picures are very clear and being able to video with sound is an added bonus for the price of this wonderful camera.
I also like the additional features it has:
AE lock, AF lock, safety zoom, DPOF support, direct print, face detection, audio recording, auto power save, histogram display, PictBridge support, 16:9 widescreen mode, digital image rotation, digital tele-converter, digital noise reduction, RGB primary color filter, In-camera red-eye removal and camera orientation detection.
I ordered my camera from 'Abes of Maine' and the service was fast. I was able to find a coupon code to save another $10 off the price, plus received free shipping, as well. I am very happy I ordered this great camera!

By cdcolson - Sep 26, 2007

A great little camera at a great price

Strengths: Uses AA batteries, great picture quality, good flash, face recognition really does the trick, unrestricted video recording, big lcd, easy to use, red-eye reduction tool that works, Digic III rocks!

Weakness: Flash recharge, noise at higher ISOs

This is a great little camera. I've owed A-series Canons since the A40 days. I now also own an A640. This camera was for the mother-in-law. I needed something easy to use that had great picture quality. I'm always tempted by the low-light capabilities of the Fuji. But the Fuji using non-standard memory, slowness, proprietary battery, and poor normal light performance made it pretty easy to...
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This is a great little camera. I've owed A-series Canons since the A40 days. I now also own an A640. This camera was for the mother-in-law. I needed something easy to use that had great picture quality. I'm always tempted by the low-light capabilities of the Fuji. But the Fuji using non-standard memory, slowness, proprietary battery, and poor normal light performance made it pretty easy to dismiss. Bottom line is picture quality and this camera has it in spades. 7MP means images can be cropped if need be to improve images for printing. The factory default setting grabs great quality images.

But the real surprises were the really decent battery life on two AA alkaline batteries. This is the magic of Digic III. The old A40 barely lasted 10 shots. This camera took over 200 with flash on those two supplied AA batteries. We'll go rechargeable thereafter, but it was great to see. And the newer generation face recognition is really notable. It keeps the faces in focus, great, but also makes sure they have the right lighting -- a great feature. Then you have a red-eye removal tool in camera that really works and is pretty dog-gone easy.

There are only two issues, well really one: noise. Nearly every point and shoot has noise at the higher ISOs needed to shoot in low light. Fuji is the exception but with so many caveats its easy to dismiss. Canon has improved from previous generations but anything about ISO 400 is not really usable -- so much noise. So the flash has to be employed and the flash does a decent job but to use it properly you have to break into the custom modes. Some other Canons offer image stabilization to get a few extra stops. But Fuji figured how to make a better sensor: smart! If Canon could improve their sensor this camera would be a world beater.

And oh! the price: under $140! It's just an amazing camera for the money: great pictures, runs on AA batteries, fast shot-to-shot, pretty quick recharge for two AA (an older Sony H5 didn't recharge as fast as this camera when using the flash), a great big respectable LCD, face recognition that really does the trick, no worry video (no time limitations -- limited only by card), red-eye removal. But it also passes the mother-in-law test: she's using it quickly and easily and really taking nice pictures; she's impressing friends and family.

By Anonymous - Sep 1, 2007

Great price and features - Canon A560

Strengths: Big 2.5” LCD to view, High ISO,Digic 3 processor to identify .,Great AF feature and light weigh with both AA batteries and SD memory card.

Weakness: Awkward design of Wrist Strap. Slow flash recharge and low battery life. Hard to press button with average finger - FUNC SET and Play button.

I purchased this camera to replace my previous Nikon L10. This camera was easy to use even without manual. A560 uses new tecnology-Digic 3 processes which detect faces with high ISO. Also, it uses normal AA battery size so, easy to change the battery when it is low. That replaces the weakness of A560. The standard 7.1 Mega Pixels and easy view 2.5” LCD screen get you convenience using this...
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I purchased this camera to replace my previous Nikon L10. This camera was easy to use even without manual. A560 uses new tecnology-Digic 3 processes which detect faces with high ISO. Also, it uses normal AA battery size so, easy to change the battery when it is low. That replaces the weakness of A560. The standard 7.1 Mega Pixels and easy view 2.5” LCD screen get you convenience using this camera plus unique 4X Optical Zoom get you further images compared to average 3X Optical Zoom. Overall, this camera works perfect for me and can be my back up camera for DSLR.

By sagangi9 - Jul 24, 2007

Nice budget camera

Strengths: Digic 3 processor can identify faces and includes built-in red-eye removal tool

Weakness: A little slow to autofocus - sometimes frustrating attempts to get the immediate moment with restless toddlers

This is a great budget camera - clear photos that are good enough to make poster prints. The digic 3 processor includes features only available on some of the highest end Canon cameras (see Strengths). Runs off 2 AA batteries so you can get cheap NiMH reusable batteries or grab some at a convenience store if needed. It is pretty small, but a little cumbersome to place in a pants pocket. It has a...
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This is a great budget camera - clear photos that are good enough to make poster prints. The digic 3 processor includes features only available on some of the highest end Canon cameras (see Strengths). Runs off 2 AA batteries so you can get cheap NiMH reusable batteries or grab some at a convenience store if needed.

It is pretty small, but a little cumbersome to place in a pants pocket. It has a large 2.5 inch high-resolution screen on the back which shows pictures and menus clearly. 4x optical zoom is nice, but at that zoom level, it has some trouble getting clear shots of distant subjects.

If you just need a basic camera, this one is perfect. If you need action shots or high-performance hardware, you should look a DSLR.

By jhaftel - Jun 6, 2007