Canon Powershot A60 Review

Click to take a QTVR tour of the A60

The 2-megapixel PowerShot A60 (and the physically identical 3-megapixel Powershot A70) incorporates numerous high-end features including a 3x optical zoom lens, 5-point AiAF autofocus system, enhanced Movie Mode with Sound for clips up to 3-minutes, close focus to 2-inches and a full range of exposure modes including Program, Shutter Priority, Aperture Priority, Manual and several pre-programmed Scene modes. The A70 (and A60) is compatible with the optional WP-DC700 Waterproof Housing good to depths of 130 feet, as well as supplementary wide-angle, telephoto and macro converters for added flexibility. Connect the Powershot A70 (or A60) directly to a Canon Card Photo Printer CP-100, CP-200, CP-300 or letter-size S820D, S830D, and S530D photo printers and make prints without the need of a computer.

Canon's proprietary image processor, called DIGIC, was developed specifically for use with its line of digital cameras and combines the jobs of image processing and camera function control into one chip. It handles nearly every digital camera function including JPEG compression/expansion; memory card control; LCD/Video control and processing; gain control (control of CCD signal amplification); Auto Exposure; Auto Focus; Auto White Balance control and most other functions of the camera. The result is a camera that offers faster and more powerful AF, faster image processing, longer battery life, and the ability to record up to 30 seconds of VGA resolution or up to 3 minutes of 320x240 resolution full motion video with sound.

Over the past 68 years, Canon has accumulated a vast amount of photographic data and know-how and used it to create some of the most innovative camera products in the marketplace. Now, using that same data and know-how, Canon has developed an exclusive technology called iSAPS (Intelligent Scene Analysis based on Photographic Space) that can predict certain camera settings such as focusing distance, exposure and optimum white balance based on zoom focal length, overall light level and tonal distribution data. Canon refers to this collective data as "Photographic Space." By incorporating iSAPS technology into its PowerShot line, the cameras can analyze a scene just before the image is made and in doing so, increase the speed and precision of the camera's autofocus, auto exposure and auto white balance.

Powershot A60 Features

• 2 Megapixel CCD imager for up to 1600x1200 pixel images
• 3x optical 35-105mm f/2.8-4.8 zoom, 2.5x digital zoom
• 1.5" color LCD with up to 10x playback zoom
• Compact and durable body with an aluminum clad front
• Advanced TTL AiAF five-point autofocus system
• Program AE, Shutter-speed priority, Aperture priority and Manual modes
• Movie mode w/sound, 320x240 to 3 minutes
• 2.2fps Continuous exposure mode
• Evaluative metering on focus point, Center-weighted or Spot
• Stitch Assist mode for perfect panoramas
• Exposure compensation: +/-2EV in 1/3-step increments
• White Balance: Auto, 5 presets or Custom
• Photo Effects: Low Sharpening, Vivid Color, Neutral, Sepia and B&W
• Low-light focus assist illuminator
• Shutter speeds of 15 seconds to 1/2000 second
• Selectable ISO settings from 50 to 400
• Voice memo (up to 60 secs) can be attached to images
• Builtin microphone and speaker
• Powered by standard AA type batteries
• Direct print to Canon CP-100, S820D, S830D, and S530D photo printers
• USB connectivity for PC and Mac
• Optional WP-DC700 Waterproof Case

Physical Views

The A60 compared in size to an average CD disc.

The Powershot A70 and the super-compact S400 Digital ELPH

Powershot A60 Specifications