CNET editors' review
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CNET editors' rating:
stars
Good
Detailed editors' rating
- Reviewed on: 04/23/2009
- Released on: 09/01/2008
Canon's PowerShot A-series lineup epitomizes inexpensive point-and-shoot simplicity without sacrificing photo quality. They're not the most feature filled, they aren't the most stylish (they're not unattractive either), and speedy performance isn't their forte. The PowerShot A2000 IS, for example, is compact if a little thick, heavy, and somewhat drab looking and its most distinguishing feature is a 6x zoom lens. However, you can turn it on and take a good photo with little effort and, at less than $200, little financial investment.
By the way, the step-up model is the A2100 IS, which is 12 megapixels, uses Canon's Digic 4 image processor, and has a couple more shooting options such as automatic scene recognition and long shutter, but no direct shutter or aperture controls.
| Key specs | Canon PowerShot A2000 IS |
| Price (MSRP) | $199.99 |
| Dimensions | 4 inches wide by 2.5 inches high by 1.3 inches deep |
| Weight (with battery and media) | 8.2 ounces |
| Megapixels, image sensor size, type | 10 megapixels, 1/2.3-inch CCD |
| LCD size, resolution | 3-inch LCD, 230K dots |
| Lens (zoom, aperture, focal length) | 6x, f3.2-5.9, 36-216mm (35mm equivalent) |
| File format (still/video) | JPEG/Motion JPEG |
| Highest resolution size (still/video) | 3,648x2,736 pixels (4:3)/ 640x480 at 30fps (4:3) |
| Image stabilization type | Mechanical and electronic |
| Battery type, rated life | Alkaline (AA, 2), 240 shots |
The A2000 IS isn't much to look at, but it is functional. Its gray-and-silver wedge-shaped body is comfortably thick for a steady grip, though still reasonably slim. Sticking it in a bigger pants pocket or jacket won't be a problem, though its weight won't let you forget it's there. And considering the A2000 IS has a 6x zoom lens and is powered by two AA batteries, the weight is forgivable.
At first glance, it seems as if there's a lot going on with the controls for the A2000 IS. On top are a power button, a shutter release with zoom ring, and a Mode dial with no fewer than 10 shooting options. Why so many for such a basic camera? Well, along with its P (for Program), Auto, Easy (auto without options), and Movie modes, Canon puts five popular scene selections (including Portrait, Landscape, Indoor) and a SCN choice for accessing lesser used scene settings like Sunset, Snow, and Aquarium. So while the Mode dial looks quite busy, it is actually simple. Likewise, the back of the camera is loaded with a directional pad and six buttons labeled in white (for shooting functions) and blue (for playback functions), but even novice users should have things down pat fairly quickly.
Regardless of the controls, there's little reason to spend much time hanging out in the menu system. But for those times when it's necessary--say to change the autofocus priority, adjust the LCD brightness, or switch when the image stabilization is engaged--navigation is straightforward.
| General shooting options | Canon PowerShot A2000 IS |
| ISO sensitivity (full resolution) | Auto, 80, 100, 200, 400, 800, 1,600 |
| White balance | Auto, Daylight, Cloudy, Tungsten, Fluorescent, Fluorescent H, Custom |
| Recording modes | Auto, Easy, P (program), Portrait, Landscape, Special Scene, Indoor, Kids & Pets, Night Snapshot, Movie |
| Focus | Face Detection AF, Center AF, Multi AF |
| Metering | Evaluative, Center-weighted, Spot |
| Color effects | Vivid, Neutral, Sepia, Black & White, Custom |
| Burst mode shot limit (full resolution) | Unlimited continuous |
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Where to buy
Canon PowerShot A2000 IS:
$157.95 - $179.95
| store | price | in stock? | rating |
|---|---|---|---|
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$179.95 | Yes |
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Amazon.com Marketplace
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$179.95 | Yes |
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$157.95 | Yes |
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