Small and powerful keeps Canon's excellent reputation alive (Canon Powershot S80)

Member Name: JetSpaceCadet

Product:	Canon Powershot S80
Date:	09/09/09 (10 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Wide-angle lens (28mm), small package, robust build

Disadvantages: Heavy, expensive

The PowerShot S range of small Canon cameras were extremely popular with photography enthusiasts who wanted a camera capable of being carried in a pocket or handbag.

What marked these models out was their robust metal chassis and their zoom lens with impressive wide-angle performance (28mm-100mm).

The introduction of the S80 brought a huge new 2.5 inch LCD display, 8MP resolution (3264 x 2448) and piano-black finish. Unfortunately it also saw the end of the S series being able to record in RAW mode. Out went the CF card compatibility and in came the less expensive SD card. The same NB-2LH batteries are used, popular in many Canon products. An excellent optical viewfinder is retained.

Image quality is extremely high, and more than good enough to reproduce prints at A4 size without any question at all. I do have the feeling that the resolution is now in excess of the lens' capability. Looking at images at 100% on the computer screen, some softness and fringing can be seen around the edges of objects. This is a rather petty complaint though, as it's equivalent to looking at an A4 print with a magnifying glass!

On the downside, all that technology and the outstanding lens come at the expense of weight - despite being only 104 x 57 x 39mm in size, the S80 weighs a not-inconsiderable 225g.

I am very happy with mine, and it has provided several years of outstanding quality in a package which can easily be carried to any trip out.

Summary: A great camera for enthusiasts looking for a small camera

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