Canon PowerShot A580 Digital Camera -Silver (8.0MP, 4xOptical Zoom) 2.5" LCD

The PowerShot A580 makes it simple to take great photos with a host of automatic features, including Easy mode for the ultimate in hassle-free shooting. Enhanced Face Detection Technology lets you capture bright, sharp faces every time.

New for 2008, Motion Detection Technology is included in PowerShot models for the first time. This clever technology helps to combat blur caused by movement such as the kids running around, or by camera-shake as you take a quick snapshot. Motion Detection Technology corrects just the right amount for blur-free images at maximum quality.

Face Select & Track also comes to the PowerShot A-series for the first time. Perfect for taking photos in crowded situations – like sports days, birthdays and crowded tourist attractions – Face Select & Track locks onto a face of your choice and continually updates the settings for the best results. Whenever you choose to take your shot, you get an in-focus, natural-looking face. The auto focus system has been enhanced on all three cameras, for improved performance in low light situations.

PowerShot A580 Highlights

8.0 Megapixels

The number of megapixels determines the amount of sharp detail a digital camera can record. With more megapixels, you can print at larger sizes, plus crop and enlarge without sacrificing quality. PowerShot cameras provide all the resolution you need for finely detailed, photo-quality prints with plenty of scope for post-shoot cropping.

A full 8.0 megapixels of resolution ensure rich depth and detail, and lets you enlarge and crop images freely.

4X Optical Zoom

Get the shot you want with a powerful 4x Optical Zoom and genuine Canon optics. Not only does the zoom get you up close quickly, but Canon optical technology ensures that your shots are bright, clear, and alive with true, vivid color.

Motion Detection Technology / High ISO/IS

Canon’s Motion Detection Technology uses several methods to detect camera and subject movement and set exposure accordingly. The brightness of subject and background, movement of the subject (based on comparison of frames over time) Face Detection information and camera shake information from the optical Image Stabilizer (IS) gyros are all taken into account. Where motion is detected the camera automatically selects the appropriate ISO level to achieve a shot with minimal noise and zero blur.

Face Detection Technology

Utilising the power of DIGIC III, Canon’s Face Detection Technology ensures superb people shots by automatically detecting subjects in the frame and setting the correct focus, flash level and exposure.

Red Eye Correction

The popular feature can now remove red-eye automatically during shooting, as well as in playback mode.

DIGIC III

The massive processing capacity of DIGIC III paves the way for advanced features such as Face Detection Technology and Red-Eye Correction, while exceptional processing speed delivers outstanding responsiveness, fast and accurate auto focus and extended continuous shooting. Linking all key camera functions for maximum efficiency, all DIGIC processors achieve brilliant image detail, clarity and colour reproduction,while delivering long, high quality movies and more shots from a single charge.

2.5" LCD Screen

The camera's 2.5-inch LCD screen gives you the big picture, whether you're shooting, reviewing or showing off your images. This extra-durable, high-resolution screen with tough scratch-resistant coating on the anti-reflective, PureColor LCD II screen offers a crisp, clear picture to make shooting, playback and using the camera's menu functions especially convenient.

16 Shooting Modes

Canon digital cameras feature a huge range of preset shooting modes to help you get the most from every shot. The numbers define how many modes are available.

Easy Mode

The PowerShot A580 adds new Easy shooting mode. Suitable for complete beginners, Easy mode uses Motion Detection Technology to combat blur and automatically switches between normal and Macro AF when necessary. For extra simplicity the displayed shooting information is reduced and all buttons except flash are disabled. In Easy mode the PowerShot A580 exemplifies the term ‘Point and Shoot'.

20 FPS VGA Movies

Shoot super-smooth, VGA -quality movies with sound. In-camera editing gives you creative control
and slow-motion playback highlights every precious moment. Choose Long Play mode for stronger compression that allows twice as much video to be stored on your memory card.

One-touch Printing

With PictBridge support and the Print/Share button found on all current Canon Digital Still Cameras, getting quality photo prints of your favourite shots is as simple as 1. Connect, 2. Select, and 3. Print. Connect to any Canon SELPHY Compact Photo Printer or PIXMA printer, select the desired image, push ‘Print/Share’ and within seconds you’ll be passing around a lab-quality photo print.

Additional Features

Optical Viewfinder
The viewfinder can be used to conserve power by turning the LCD monitor off while shooting. Use the LCD monitor to compose close-ups in macro mode since images composed with the viewfinder may be off-center.

iSAPS
Like a built-in photographer’s assistant, iSAPS is determining the optimal settings for each image even before you take a shot. It analyses the scene using PhotoSpace – an in-camera library of photographic data about the way people take pictures. It then controls the exposure, focus and white balance to ensure you get the best from every shot.

• Digital camera for around £100: A list by J. P. Schlackman

• 'Professional' Compact Camera Kit For The Traveller: A list by K. Lim

• My Technogear: A list by Prometheus-X-