amazon Canon PowerShot A2300 HD reviews
Despite the lack of optical anti-shake, but with good image in good light conditions and pleasant price, Canon PowerShot A2300 HD still can be a good choice for ordinary users.
Design and features
One of six new additions to the popular PowerShot A-Series, the Canon PowerShot A2300 HD is also equipped with a 5x optical zoom lens and a 16-megapixel sensor.
Canon PowerShot A2300 HD with Canon PowerShot A2400 and Canon PowerShot A3400 has a slimmer and thinner design. The other two, the Canon PowerShot A810 and the Canon PowerShot A1300, have the same focal length, but they are more “dense” due to the use of AA batteries.
As with all new cameras, the Canon PowerShot A2300 HD comes in a variety of colors for the user to choose from (blue, silver, magenta and black).
Compared to other PowerShot models with the same resolution and focal lengths, the Canon PowerShot A2300 HD is also equipped with a 5x optical zoom lens cluster, 5-25mm focal length (equivalent to focal range 28-140mm on 35mm film cameras. ). However, the Canon PowerShot A2300 HD lens is not equipped with optical anti-shake. Inside the camera is a 16-megapixel CCD image sensor that supports up to 4608×3456 pixel resolution and 720p HD video recording.
Due to the NB-11L lithium-ion battery, the machine is very compact and portable when you need to carry it (size 94.4×54.2×20.1mm, weight 125g). With a matte coating on the outside, the Canon PowerShot A2300 HD feels solid when held in your hand.
The control system on the PowerShot A2300 HD generally does not change much except the option buttons for shooting modes. The camera is also equipped with independent recording buttons that are convenient for users to quickly activate the movie recording function.
Test Lab works with the controls on the PowerShot A2300 HD quite easily. These buttons are relatively small in size but have good sensitivity and are reasonably arranged for quick operation.
The display quality of the 2.7″ LCD (230,000 pixel resolution) on the back of the camera is average – the angle of view is quite narrow and still dazzles light. However, in terms of a cheap camera, this is not a complaint.
Included accessories include a battery charger, a strap, a CD, and a guide document.
where can you get a Canon PowerShot A2300 HD online
Canon PowerShot A2300 IS 16.0 MP Digital Camera with 5x Optical Zoom (Black): Buy it now
Canon PowerShot A2300 16.0 MP Digital Camera with 5x Digital Image Stabilized Zoom 28mm Wide-Angle Lens with 720p HD Video Recording (Red): Buy it now
Canon PowerShot A2300 16.0 MP Digital Camera with 5x Optical Zoom (Silver): Buy it now
Canon PowerShot A2300 16.0 MP Digital Camera with 5x Optical Zoom (Blue) (OLD MODEL): Buy it now
Image and video quality
Test Lab conducted a real-life test of the Canon PowerShot A2300 HD with maximum image resolution, Smart Auto mode. In general, the Canon PowerShot A2300 HD has a pretty fast startup speed. Test Lab only takes about 2 seconds to take the first picture as soon as it’s turned on.
Under good lighting conditions, the PowerShot A2300 HD delivers decent image quality, natural-looking color and high detail. The PowerShot A2300 HD focal length range is generally sufficient for normal shooting conditions, a maximum shutter speed of 1/2000 second.
The zoom system of the machine works quite smoothly. The ability to analyze the shooting context in Smart Auto mode of the machine is very stable and high precision. Also in this mode, the digital anti-shake function works fine when the Test Lab zoom reaches 140mm focal length.
However, in Program Auto mode, images are blurring quite noticeably at low ISO. The Test Lab also recognizes that when digital IS is activated, the flicker is only partially improved at high ISO settings (ISO 200 or higher).
Canon PowerShot A2300 HD is still not impressed with the ability to handle image noise in low light conditions. The image appears very clear noise from the ISO 400 onwards and the detail is reduced slightly. With high ISO levels such as ISO 800/1600, images with severe particle interference and reduced detail due to the high ISO noise suppression of CCD technology are still not comparable to CMOS sensor technology. The advice for the user when buying this camera is to set the ISO only at 400 and use the built-in flash when taking pictures in low light conditions.
With the ability to record at 25 frames per second, a maximum resolution of 1280×720 pixels, the video quality of the Canon PowerShot A2300 HD is generally average. Although the recording speed is just slightly faster than the standard speed (24 frames per second), the fast-moving scenes are reproduced quite smoothly. The test lab also found that video quality dropped sharply when digital zoom enabled during recording. The mono sound quality is just as moderate with slight background noise. Built-in speakers also have relatively small volume when watching video on the machine.
In general, if you choose the Canon PowerShot A2300 HD you get not only beautiful images with high image detail, it also saves a small amount from “cutting down” the optical image stabilization of the machine.
Performance
Image Quality
The Canon PowerShot A2300 HD produces images with good color reproduction and satisfactory detail, particularly in well-lit conditions. The 16-megapixel resolution allows for large prints and significant cropping without a substantial loss in quality. However, as expected from a CCD sensor, noise becomes more apparent at higher ISO settings, limiting its effectiveness in low-light scenarios.
The 5x optical zoom lens performs well across its range, maintaining sharpness and clarity. The Digital IS technology provides some assistance in reducing blur caused by camera shake, though it is less effective than the optical stabilization found in more advanced models.
Video Quality
The camera’s 720p HD video recording capability is a useful addition, allowing users to capture moments in motion. Video quality is decent, with good color and detail, but it falls short of the Full HD (1080p) resolution available in higher-end cameras. The built-in microphone captures clear audio, though it may struggle in noisy environments.
Autofocus and Speed
The A2300’s autofocus system is reliable for general use, quickly locking onto subjects in most conditions. However, it can struggle in low-light situations or with fast-moving subjects. The camera’s overall speed is adequate for casual photography, with a start-up time of around one second and minimal shutter lag in good lighting.
User Experience
LCD Screen
The 2.7-inch LCD screen, while not the highest resolution, is bright enough for composing shots and reviewing images. Its size is typical for entry-level cameras, and it performs well in most lighting conditions, though it can be challenging to see in direct sunlight.
Battery Life
The PowerShot A2300 HD is powered by a rechargeable lithium-ion battery (NB-11L), which provides approximately 210 shots per charge according to CIPA standards. This battery life is average for a camera in this class, making it suitable for a day of casual shooting. However, carrying a spare battery is advisable for extended use.
Ease of Use
One of the main selling points of the A2300 is its simplicity. The camera’s interface is designed to be user-friendly, with clearly labeled buttons and an intuitive menu system. The inclusion of Smart AUTO mode means that even complete beginners can achieve good results without needing to understand the intricacies of camera settings.
Connectivity and Additional Features
The Canon PowerShot A2300 HD includes basic connectivity options. A USB 2.0 port allows for direct connection to a computer for transferring images and videos, while an AV out port enables playback on a TV. The lack of HDMI output and wireless connectivity is a drawback, but it is not unexpected at this price point.
Built-in Flash
The camera features a built-in flash with several modes, including Auto, On, Slow Sync, and Off. The flash performs adequately for close-up shots in low light, though it has limited range and can sometimes produce harsh lighting.
Comparison with Competitors
When compared to other cameras in the same price range, the Canon PowerShot A2300 HD holds its own, but also faces stiff competition. Models such as the Nikon Coolpix L26 and Sony Cyber-shot DSC-W710 offer similar features and performance, making the choice largely a matter of brand preference and specific feature requirements.
The Nikon Coolpix L26, for instance, offers a 16.1-megapixel sensor and a 5x optical zoom lens, along with similar scene modes and video capabilities. The Sony Cyber-shot DSC-W710 features a 16.1-megapixel sensor, 5x optical zoom, and 720p HD video recording, but it also includes image stabilization, which is more effective than Canon’s Digital IS.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Affordable Price: The PowerShot A2300 HD is budget-friendly, making it accessible to a wide audience.
- Compact and Portable: Its small size and lightweight build make it easy to carry around for everyday use.
- User-Friendly Interface: The straightforward controls and Smart AUTO mode cater to beginners.
- HD Video Recording: The ability to record 720p HD videos adds versatility.
- Creative Filters and Scene Modes: These features allow for creative expression and improved results in various conditions.
Cons:
- Limited Low-Light Performance: The CCD sensor struggles with noise at higher ISO settings.
- No Optical Image Stabilization: The Digital IS is less effective than optical stabilization.
- Average Battery Life: Approximately 210 shots per charge may require carrying a spare battery for extended use.
- Basic Connectivity: Lacks HDMI output and wireless connectivity options.
- Low-Resolution LCD Screen: The 230,000-dot resolution is lower than that of some competitors.
Conclusion
The Canon PowerShot A2300 HD is a capable entry-level camera that offers good value for money. Its compact design, user-friendly interface, and decent image quality make it an attractive option for casual photographers and beginners. While it does have some limitations, particularly in low-light performance and connectivity, it delivers satisfactory results for everyday photography and HD video recording.
For those seeking an affordable, easy-to-use camera for capturing memories without the complexity of more advanced models, the Canon PowerShot A2300 HD is a solid choice. Its range of features, combined with Canon’s reputation for reliability, ensures that it remains a competitive option in the budget compact camera market.