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
The PowerShot A2300 HD is one of six new models in Canon’s A-Series. It shares a slim body with the A2400 and A3400. The A810 and A1300 have the same zoom range, but they run on AA batteries and are bulkier as a result.
The A2300 HD comes in blue, silver, magenta and black.
The zoom is 5x, covering 5–25mm, or 28–140mm in 35mm terms. There’s no optical image stabilization, though, so at the long end you’ll want steady hands or decent light.
Inside is a 16-megapixel CCD sensor. Stills go up to 4608 x 3456 pixels, and video tops out at 720p.
The camera is small and light, at 94.4 x 54.2 x 20.1mm and 125g, and runs on a compact NB-11L lithium-ion battery. The body has a matte finish and feels solid in the 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.
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
We tested the A2300 HD in Smart Auto mode at full resolution. Start-up is quick: it took about two seconds from switching the camera on to taking the first shot.
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.
The A2300 HD records video at up to 1280 x 720 pixels and 25 frames per second, and the overall quality is average. That frame rate is only a touch above the 24 fps used for film, but fast-moving scenes still play back fairly smoothly. In our tests, though, quality dropped sharply once we used the digital zoom while filming. 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
In good light, the A2300 HD gets color right and holds on to a fair amount of detail, and with 16 megapixels you can crop hard or print large. Indoors or after dark it’s a different story. This is a CCD sensor, and noise builds up fast as the ISO rises.
The 5x zoom is sharp from one end to the other. Stabilization is digital only, which takes the edge off a little camera shake, though nowhere near as much as the optical systems on more expensive models.
Video
Video maxes out at 720p, and for casual clips the color and detail are fine. In a quiet room the microphone sounds clear. On a busy street it records most of the street.
Speed and autofocus
It’s ready to shoot about a second after you switch it on, and in good light there’s almost no shutter lag. Autofocus is quick with everyday subjects. It slows down in dim light, and fast-moving subjects will get away from it.
Handling
The 2.7-inch, 230,000-dot screen is what you’d expect at this level. It’s fine indoors and in shade but hard to read in direct sun.
Canon rates the NB-11L battery at about 210 shots (CIPA), enough for a casual day out. On a longer trip you’ll want a spare.
Simplicity is the main appeal. Everything is clearly labeled and easy to find, and Smart Auto chooses the settings for you, so even a complete beginner should get good results from the start.
Connectivity and flash
There’s USB 2.0 for transfers and an AV output for connecting to a TV, but no HDMI and no wireless of any kind. At this price, that’s no surprise.
The flash offers Auto, On, Slow Sync and Off. It works for close-up shots in the dark, but its range is short and the light can look harsh.
Against the competition
In this price range, the A2300 HD is up against the Nikon Coolpix L26 and the Sony Cyber-shot DSC-W710. All three have roughly 16-megapixel sensors, 5x zooms and 720p video, and the Sony, like the Canon, relies on electronic rather than optical stabilization. The specs are close enough that the choice comes down to price and feel. If you can, try each one in your hand before you buy.
What’s good
Low price
Small and light
Simple controls and a reliable Smart Auto mode
720p video
Creative filters and scene modes
What’s not
Noisy images at high ISO
No optical stabilization
Around 210 shots per charge
No HDMI or wireless
Low-resolution screen
Verdict
The A2300 HD is a simple, inexpensive camera that takes good pictures in daylight. It struggles in low light, and its connectivity is basic even for its price. If you want something easy to hand to a beginner, or a cheap camera for holidays and family photos, it does the job. If you shoot indoors a lot, look for a model with optical stabilization.
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Tech Reviewer & Product Analyst
Định Bia has spent over 10 years testing consumer electronics with a focus on smart technology. He work as a product advisor at Biareview where he helped customers find the right devices for their needs. He personally tests every product featured on this site using a consistent evaluation framework covering quality, durability, and value. All reviews are based on experience, not influenced by the manufacturer.