If you’ve been using a point-and-shoot, you’ve probably experienced the lack of usable results a 3x or 4x camera can get you. While those features are appreciated, they seldom help a great deal in real-world images you want to photograph.
As such, trading in your zoom-stingy camera for a 6X compact like the Canon Powershot A2100 IS will create a noticeable difference in your photographs. Coupled with excellent photo quality, high resolution and a powerful image processor, it’s an upgrade that’s difficult to resist – apart from being relatively affordable.
On the specs end, the Powershot A2100 sports 12 megapixel optics, a 3-inch LCD, 36-216mm focal length, image stabilization (mechanical and electronic) and a bevy of automated settings. Of particular note is the use of two AA batteries over a lithium-ion panel, which should make it easier to carry around spares.
Design for this model is pretty much a dead-ringer for its A2000 predecessor from last year, although it touts a decidedly more elegant frame. It is a bit on the heavy end for point-and-shoots, however, which should be forgiveable given the considerably generous 6X zoom.
While the camera looks a bit too busy for its own good, it actually offers simple controls. Don’t let all those buttons fool you – this a largely automated model. You do get some amount of room to create, with a range of options for ISO, white balance, autofocus type, light metering, and color effects. However, more advanced users longing for plenty of manual controls will probably be best served looking elsewhere.
Speed is the decided weakness for the A2100 IS, taking as long as six or seven seconds between shots when you use the flash. Shutter lag is a little over half-a-second in bright mode as well. If you can live with the speed, you’ll be rewarded with some of the best image quality available for its price range, however. In my opinion, it’s a worthy trade-off, especially for a 6X zoom.
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