The Canon PowerShot A2300 is a rather slick, attractive and very able camera, grabbing sharp 16-megapixel photos, boasting a 5x zoom range and being quick off the mark. However, it isn't as perfect as it first appears. Whilst it's compact, its high ISO performance isn't quite up to scratch, as there is very little in the way of photo stabilisation and anything beyond taking a photo is limited. There are much better cameras available, and for not much more money either. For example, the A2400 IS is almost identical and yet offers a better selection of options - the stabilisation is top notch.

This model isn't a write off though. The camera features a solid metal body that feels better than the plastic enclosures found on similar budget cameras, and it's size benefits it greatly. It's only 2.1 by 3.7 by 0.8 inches in size and weighs a modest 4.4ozs. The 5x zoom lens covers a 28-140mm focal range and has an f/2.8 aperture at the wide end, capable of letting in plenty of light. However, if you're looking for a considerably longer range, look for an alternative model. Taking the price into consideration, the speed of the A2300 is impressive. Combine this with the sharpness of the camera's lens and you've got yourself a reasonable camera.

If you're looking for a decent camera on a budget, the A2300 is good investment. However, if you can afford to stretch the budget a little further, we'd recommend the A2400 instead for the reasons mentioned briefly above.