Canon PowerShot A1000 IS, A2000 IS revamp popular "A" models

[David Rasnake]

Canon is reworking its popular PowerShot A series of affordable, feature-rich compact cameras to include two new 10 megapixel models. The Canon PowerShot A1000 IS and A2000 IS, which share a 10 megapixel, 1/2.3-inch CCD sensor and current-generation DIGIC III processing, represent a new design aesthetic that targets a slightly different market than we've seen with Canon's previous PowerShot A cameras.

Slated to replace the current mid-level A720 IS, the A2000 IS features a 6x optical zoom covering an equivalent range of 36-216mm.

Compared to the model it supersedes, the A2000 is slimmer and sleeker, with a less pronounced grip area and a dual-tone silver/grey color scheme. In spite of a thinner form factor, AA power is retained for maximum convenience – though perhaps still at the expense of flash recycle times.

Overall, the look is chicer, hipper, and more curvaceous, reflecting general design trends seen across the PowerShot line this year.

Out back, the A2000 retains a control layout that will be largely familiar to users of previous PowerShot A models. Unlike the new 50D, the Print/Share button has been retained in the latest A cameras, though we're assuming that as before its function can be custom configured to something slightly more useful for routine shooting.

Reflecting the importance of and improvements to Canon's DIGIC III face detection implementation, the A2000 also receives what appears to be a dedicated face detection button.

Of course, a 3.0-inch LCD with 230,000 dot resolution is the most prominent addition to the A2000's rear deck.

As the "IS" in the new camera's model name implies, the A2000 features optical image stabilization, using a floating lens element to correct for shake and reduce blur. Usual DIGIC III features, including face detection with tracking, Motion Detection, and AiAF intelligent auto focus are standard as well.

A glance at the new camera's mode dial suggests that somewhere along the way, the A720's manual exposure control modes have been excised. While aperture and shutter priority modes on previous PowerShot A models have always been a bit clunky in use, it's a shame that those interested in exploring photography in greater depth will no longer be able to control aperture and shutter speed directly with Canon's latest A model.

In another disappointment for advanced shutterbugs, especially, there's also no optical viewfinder on the A2000 IS – an unusual move for a series of cameras that have long held to traditional viewfinders.

As noted, the A1000 IS carries over several major specs from its sibling, including its 10 megapixel imager, DIGIC III processor, and image stabilization system.

The step-down version sports a shorter 4x zoom range, effectively covering 35-140mm. A smaller, lower-res screen (2.5 inches, 115,000 dots) is utilized on the A1000 IS as well.

Not surprisingly, what's true for the A2000 is also generally true for the A1000: there are no manual exposure modes on the more basic variant, with the scene preset heavy A1000 projecting a more fun and friendly image than some previous PowerShot A models. Interestingly, however, the folks at Canon opted to include an optical viewfinder – no doubt a welcome addition for shooters looking to make the most of the camera's 1.3 fps continuous shooting mode.

Save for a more pronounced grip "hump" and the addition of viewfinder ports, A1000 styling is similar to the A2000, but in a treatment that's traditionally been reserved for Canon's ultracompacts and pure entry-level models, the two-tone A1000 comes in four shades: grey, purple, blue, and brown.

Continuing Canon's usual policy of offering maximum bang for your buck in its PowerShot A cameras, suggested pricing for the new models comes in at $249 for the A2000 IS, and $199 for the A1000 IS. Both cameras will be available for purchase in September.

Canon PowerShot A1000 IS Specifications:

Sensor	10.0 megapixel (effective), 1/2.3" CCD
Zoom	4x (35-140mm) zoom, f/2.7-5.6
LCD/Viewfinder	2.5", 115K-pixel TFT LCD
Sensitivity	ISO 80-3200
Shutter Speed	15-1/1600 seconds
Shooting Modes	Easy, Program, Scene, Movie
Scene Presets	Portrait, Landscape, Night Scene, Foliage, Snow, Beach, Sunset, Fireworks, Aquarium, ISO 3200, Indoor, Kids & Pets, Night Snapshot
White Balance Settings	Auto, Daylight, Cloudy, Tungsten, Fluorescent, Fluorescent H, Custom
Metering Modes	Multi, Center, Spot, Face Detection
Focus Modes	9-Point AF, Face Detection AF
Drive Modes	Normal, Continuous, Self-Timer
Flash Modes	Auto, Forced On, Slow Synchro, FE Lock, Forced Off, Red-Eye Reduction
Self Timer Settings	10 seconds, 2 seconds, Off
Memory Formats	SD, SDHC
Internal Memory	None
File Formats	JPEG
Max. Image Size	3648 x 2736
Max. Video Size	640x480, 30 fps
Zoom During Video	Not Specified
Battery	2 AA batteries
Connections	USB, AV output
Additional Features	Face Detection, iSAPS, optical image stabilization, DIGIC III processor

Canon PowerShot A2000 IS Specifications:

Sensor	10.0 megapixel (effective), 1/2.3" CCD
Zoom	6x (36-216mm) zoom, f/3.2-5.9
LCD/Viewfinder	3.0", 230K-pixel TFT LCD
Sensitivity	ISO 80-3200
Shutter Speed	15-1/1600 seconds
Shooting Modes	Easy, Program, Scene, Movie
Scene Presets	Portrait, Landscape, Night Scene, Foliage, Snow, Beach, Sunset, Fireworks, Aquarium, ISO 3200, Indoor, Kids & Pets, Night Snapshot
White Balance Settings	Auto, Daylight, Cloudy, Tungsten, Fluorescent, Fluorescent H, Custom
Metering Modes	Multi, Center, Spot, Face Detection
Focus Modes	9-Point AF, Face Detection AF
Drive Modes	Normal, Continuous, Self-Timer
Flash Modes	Auto, Forced On, Slow Synchro, FE Lock, Forced Off, Red-Eye Reduction
Self Timer Settings	10 seconds, 2 seconds, Off
Memory Formats	SD, SDHC
Internal Memory	None
File Formats	JPEG
Max. Image Size	3648 x 2736
Max. Video Size	640x480, 30 fps
Zoom During Video	Not Specified
Battery	2 AA batteries
Connections	USB, AV output
Additional Features	Face Detection, iSAPS, optical image stabilization, DIGIC III processor

[Redleg83]

Hi --

Just bought the Canon A1000 model this afternoon and was pretty excited about the experience. Latest Canon point and shoot, face detection, IS, alot of tech in the camera. Was looking for a simple camera that my wife could take on a trip without having to read a complicated manual.

I took the camera out of the box, loaded a SanDisk 2G SD Card and proceeded to take some pics around the house. WHAT A DISAPPOINTMENT. Set on full auto mode, the shutter speed was absolutely horrible. I have twin two year olds in the house and I simply could not frame a picture and capture the shot before my kids moved on to something else. I switched to program mode, up'ed the ISO setting to 800, and cut off the flash -- only then was I able to quickly capture a shot (this is unacceptable for my wife's needs).

Boxed up the camera 30 minutes later and am taking the camera back to the retailer tonight.

Redleg83

[random]

Does not sound good, have kids also so you do want something fast to capture the moment.

[Andy Stanton]

I've had good success in taking pictures of moving people and animals indoors with my Canon A720IS, which is similar to the A1000. What may be slowing your camera is the Auto mode, which is not good for difficult shooting situations. All point and shoots have an action scene mode - Canon calls theirs "Kids and Pets" - that will increase the shutter speed and the ISO to get good pictures of moving objects. No matter what camera you end up with, you'll need to take it of Auto mode when taking pictures of your kids running around the house (or any other tricky shooting situation).

[random]

I All point and shoots have an action scene mode - Canon calls theirs "Kids and Pets" - that will increase the shutter speed and the ISO to get good pictures of moving objects.

I have a Panasonic, it does have a pets mode, should I use that for my children?

[Andy Stanton]

I have a Panasonic, it does have a pets mode, should I use that for my children?

If you want to take an action shot, yes. If they are standing still, no, as the increased ISO will give you a grainy picture.

[random]

Thanks Andy.

[Redleg83]

Thx Andy. We are previous owners of a A620 and didn't have a problem with the slow shutter. I tried just about every setting on the A1000 from Scene mode manual. No luck.

Took the camera back and exchanged it for a PowerShot SX110 IS. Took a few pics with the camera in the store -- wow -- much better shutter speed plus the bells and whistles that were in the A1000...and a 10x optical zoom as well.

The real test of the camera however is if it satisfies my spouse (who took the camera on the cruise). She was a dyed in the wool 35mm feel camera-holic who is very critical of digital format. I'll let you know how it turns out.

Redleg83

[Andy Stanton]

Now that the A720IS has been abandoned by Canon, those who want a compact Canon camera that's more sophisticated than a simple point and shoot have only the option of the A590IS (which I believe is on the way out) and the SX110IS. I'm sure the SX110IS will be a big seller for Canon.

[KCook]

I tried just about every setting on the A1000 from Scene mode manual. No luck.

Very puzzling that the camera lacks any setting that will work with moving subjects indoors. As Andy already said, I would have expected one of the Scene choices to cover this. At least we now know for sure that the A1000 lacks motion detection!

My little Fuji has this case covered with a "Stabilization" setting on the main mode knob. Right, this is simply an ISO boost, not true stabilization as found on a Canon or Panasonic. But it does cover this need for moving subjects indoors. And ... the point I'm trying to make ... it's right there on the main mode knob. No need for menu diving for some scene.

Now I'm wondering how many cameras bury their ISO boost setting and how many make it directly accessible.

Kelly Cook