Every photographer needs a backup camera that’s small enough to carry along in a shirt pocket when a bulky DSLR just isn’t practical. In our opinion, the Canon PowerShot A2300 IS is a great choice, especially with it’s street price of only $100 or so. Compact, stylish and simple to use, the A2300 IS also makes a perfect “extra” for that empty compartment in your camera bag.
Don’t let the low price fool you. This is a very capable digital camera that is loaded with a number of advancements that make it easy to capture a great image every time you release the shutter. For example, the Smart AUTO function can recognize 32 predefined shooting situations, then instantly determine the proper camera settings for getting the best shot possible under prevailing conditions.
This little gem features Canon’s powerful DIGIC 4 Image Processor, a 16 megapixel sensor and a 28mm wide angle 5X zoom lens. There is no mechanical image stabilization feature, but its digital IS feature works extremely well. 720p HD video is also available at the touch of a button.
In short, while it is in no way a replacement for your DSLR or high end point and shoot digicam, at just $100 the Canon PowerShot A2300 IS just might be the best backup camera deal out there right now.
About the author: Carmella Quinones is a professional portrait photographer who loves to dabble in landscapes and macros as well. She lives in Tulsa, Oklahoma with her husband Raul and two very spoiled kitties.
Thanks for the info guys. I’ve been looking for a good, inexpensive camera to use on yucky days and in situations where the camera could easily be lost or damaged, and it looks like I might have just found it. And your estimated street price is right on the money. A quick check on Amazon shows a price of $99! At that price it’s worth buying just for a test drive considering Canon doesn’t sell “junk” at ANY price.
What a cool looking camera!
You’re absolutely right William in that Canon doesn’t sell junk. But while this camera would be a great choice for the shooting scenarios you describe, don’t count on getting the highest quality images possible from it. Good, yes. Even very good under optimal conditions. But not exceptional. But at $100 it’s a great bargain nonetheless as long as one understands and accepts its limitations. Great article Carmella!
Looks like a great little camera to have along for those times when you pass something you just have to shoot, or when you’re doing some “reconnaissance” work to scout locations for future visits. As Gerhard mentioned, you won’t get the best image quality from a pocket shooter like this – the tiny sensor is a pretty serious limitation, and for $100 the optics won’t be the best – but as a “glove box camera” to have with you wherever you go, it looks like a pretty good choice.