New Canon PowerShot A560 and A570IS

As an owner of the older Canon Powershot A75, I can easily recommend this line of digital point-and-shoot cameras. Canon has announced plans to introduce two new A-series models in April according to the Canon website. Other resources claim the camera will be released in March. The A560 and A570IS feature 7.1MP, 4x optical zoom lens with 35mm focal equivalent of 35-140mm, optical viewfinder, 2.5-inch LCD screen and Canon’s new DIGIC III image processor that enhances both performance and image quality. Both models include a shutter-speed range of 15 seconds to 1/2000, top ISO sensitivity of 1600, nine-point face-detection AF, spot and center-weighted metering, spot and center autofocus, custom white balance and in-camera red eye removal.

Canon has always packed the A-series with features and functionality. The main reason I purchased the A75 many moons ago, back when 3.2MP was standard for point-and-shoot models, was the ability for automatic and manual exposure settings. Not to mention the price. Canon seems to keep the PowerShot line quite reasonably priced.

The main difference between the A560 and A570IS is the ‘IS’ in the name. No surprise this indicates the camera features Canon’s Optical Image Stabilization Technology. This model also provides Program, Aperture and Shutter Priority modes over and above the standard automatic and manual shooting modes found in both models. It is also compatible with Canon’s new WPDC12 underwater housing and available lens converters. Both cameras capture VGA-resolution video with sound, and even auto-adjust exposure and white balance during video capture. They run on AA batteries and include a Print/Share button for direct printing and downloading. These models include USB 2.0 connection and support for CompactFlash (CF) media.

If you’re looking for a new point-and-shoot camera line with loads of features, ease of use, and excellent image quality, you’d be hard pressed to find cameras with more versatility and control at a more reasonable price; especially the A570IS, with the addition of P, A & S Priority Modes and Image Stabilization. The A560 will retail for $229, while the full-featured A570IS is expected to retail for around $279.
Image provided by Canon.