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Editors' note: Several design elements, features, and shooting options are identical between Canon's PowerShot A800 and the PowerShot A495 we reviewed earlier, so parts of this review are taken from that one.
Canon's 2010 A-series entry-level point-and-shoots didn't show a lot of diversity. That changed for 2011, though, as each model has noticeable feature differences beyond megapixels and scene modes. The lowest-end model, the A800, has the honor of being Canon's first camera to have a starting price under $100.
While the A800 has few shooting features, slow shooting performance, and an all-plastic body, it probably produces the best photos you're likely to get at its price. If you can't afford to step up to the A1200 or just don't need anything beyond a good automatic camera for the occasional snapshot, the A800 is a sound purchase.
| Key specs | Canon PowerShot A800 |
|---|---|
| Price (MSRP) | $89.99 |
| Dimensions (WHD) | 3.7x2.4x1.2 inches |
| Weight (with battery and media) | 6.6 ounces |
| Megapixels, image sensor size, type | 10 megapixels, 1/2.3-inch CCD |
| LCD size, resolution/viewfinder | 2.5-inch LCD, 115K dots/None |
| Lens (zoom, aperture, focal length) | 3.3x, f3-5.8, 37-122mm (35mm equivalent) |
| File format (still/video) | JPEG/Motion JPEG (AVI) |
| Highest resolution size (still/video) | 3,648x2,736 pixels/ 640x480 pixels at 30fps |
| Image stabilization type | Digital |
| Battery type, CIPA rated life | AA size (2; alkaline included), 300 shots |
| Battery charged in camera | No |
| Storage media | SD/SDHC/SDXC |
| Bundled software | ZoomBrowser EX 6.7 (Windows; ImageBrowser 6.7 (Mac) |
Given that the A800 has the same lens, sensor, and image processor as last year's A495, I expected the photo quality to be the same--and it is. The camera produces excellent automatic snapshots for the money and actually does better than some more expensive models. As with many inexpensive cameras, it produces the best results below ISO 200, sharp with plenty of fine detail. But even at ISO 800, noise and noise suppression are well-balanced, making 4x6 prints possible. When photos are viewed at 100 percent, you will see noise, particularly in darker areas of photos. However, it's nothing that would keep me from recommending this model. Basically, the more light you have, the better off you'll be, but as long as your subjects aren't moving, you'll get nice photos indoors and out.
The lens has minor barrel distortion at its widest position and no discernible pincushion distortion when zoomed out. Center sharpness is very good, though there was some softness in the very corners. The amount of purple fringing in high-contrast areas is average for its class: visible when photos are viewed at full size, but not likely to destroy a photo.
Colors are great from the A800: vivid, bright, and pleasing. Exposure is generally very good, though clipped highlights aren't out of the question. The auto white balance indoors is warm, so if you don't like what you're seeing, I suggest using a preset or taking a manual reading. The Movie mode is VGA-only with no use of the optical zoom while recording; digital zoom is available, but I'd use it sparingly. The video quality is good enough for a quick clip to post online, but not much else.
| General shooting options | Canon PowerShot A800 |
|---|---|
| ISO sensitivity (full resolution) | Auto, 100, 200, 400, 800, 1600 |
| White balance | Auto, Daylight, Cloudy, Tungsten, Fluorescent, Fluorescent H, Custom |
| Recording modes | Auto, Program, Scene, Movie |
| Focus modes | Normal, Macro, Infinity, Face AiAF, Center AF |
| Macro | 0.4 inch (Wide); 9.8 inches (Tele) |
| Metering modes | Evaluative, Center-weighted average, Spot |
| Color effects | Normal, Vivid, Neutral, Sepia, Black & White, Custom |
| Burst mode shot limit (full resolution) | Unlimited continuous |
