Canon Powershot A20 Review

Click to take a QTVR tour of the A20

Canon U.S.A., Inc. is providing consumers with a fun and affordable way to experience digital photography with the introduction of the $599 PowerShot A20 digital camera. The PowerShot A20 has a 2.1 megapixel CCD with a newly developed 3x 35-105mm optical zoom lens and offers features and image quality normally found only in more expensive models. Features such as a primary color filter and adaptive signal processing for maximum image quality, high-precision auto white balance, exposure sensitivity automatically set according to brightness, three point AiAF autofocusing system for precise and simple focusing, shutter speeds from 1 second to 1/1500 second and a built-in flash with slow-sync functions for creative photography in low light.

A new digital signal processing IC in the PowerShot A20 camera enables high-speed image processing and rapid data transfer through the cameras' USB interface. The PowerShot A20 takes advantage of this feature by offering a Direct Print mode that enables users to print hard-copy images using Canon's new CP-10 printer. The CP-10 makes printing from digital files simple and fun by allowing users to control all print settings directly from the camera's LCD monitor. Printer data is then transferred to the CP-10 directly through a dedicated interface cable.

Bundled with a comprehensive suite of programs enabling image management, editing, compositing and printing, the PowerShot A10 and A20 come with Apple QuickTime 4.1, Canon RemoteCapture 1.3, and PhotoStitch 3.1 for both Macintosh and Windows, as well as Canon ZoomBrowser EX 2.6, PhotoRecord 1.2 and WIA and TWAIN drivers for Windows, plus ImageBrowser 1.6 and a Photoshop-compatible plug-in for the Mac. Features integrated in both ZoomBrowser EX 2.6 and ImageBrowser 1.6 include TimeTunnel and SlideShowMaker. When using ZoomBrowser EX 2.6 or ImageBrowser 1.6, users can take advantage of new and improved features for auto layout printing, self-running full-screen slide shows, and automated preparation of images for use as e-mail attachments.

Canon will be offering its own WP-DC200 underwater case for the A10 and A20 that's good for depths of up to 30 meters or to protect it for use in the rain or at the beach.

The CP-10 Card Printer makes printing from digital files simple and fun by allowing users to control all print settings directly from the camera's LCD monitor. Printer data is then transferred to the CP-10 directly through a dedicated interface cable. The new, ultra-compact printer produces beautiful, 300 x 300 dpi credit card-sized (4.3 x 2.1 inches) color prints in as little as 56 seconds.

Click here to see our Canon CP-10 Card Printer review for more details.

Physical Views

The very compact Canon PowerShot A20 and the pocket-sized Fujifilm 6800 Zoom for size comparison.

PowerShot A20 Specifications