Lake Success, N.Y. — Canon bolstered its A-series lineup yesterday with the announcement of the 4-megapixel A520, to replace the A85.
The 4-megapixel A520 joins the just-introduced A510 as Canon’s entry-level line. The A520 features a 4x optical zoom, 1.8-inch LCD screen and runs on two AA batteries. Like its compatriot A510, the 520 offers improved power efficiency, snapping as many shots on two batteries — 300 photos with the LCD on — as its predecessor did on four.
The A520 will ship in March for an estimated street price of $299.99.
The camera is 13 percent smaller and 10 percent lighter than previous models and uses SD/MMC memory (16MB MMC card included). It employs a nine-point AiAF autofocus system; 13 shooting modes including manual, aperture and shutter priority; and two new modes: night snapshot and kids & pets.
It can also capture three-minute movie clips with sound
Aside from a reduced size and less power-drain, Canon said it improved the performance of the A520’s built-in flash when compared to its A85 predecessor. The A520 offers a maximum distance range of approximately 11 feet at ISO 100. An optional high-power flash HF-DC1 ups the effective flash range up to approximately 30 feet. It can be mounted to the camera, a tripod or hand-held.
The A520 is also compatible with accessory lens, including Canon’s wide-angle (WC-DC52), telephoto (TC-DC52A) and close-up lenses (52mm Close-up Lens 250D). For undersea explorers, Canon will offer the WP-DC60 for depths up to 130 feet.
