Announced in August 2007, the Canon PowerShot A720 IS is the third model in Canon’s economic A-series to offer optical image stabilization. The A720 IS, the successor to last year’s A710 IS, has some of the same specifications, including a 6x optical zoom lens. Upgrades include 8-megapixel resolution, increased sensitivity, and a new processor for face detection. The Canon PowerShot A720 IS retails for $249.99.
We evaluate a camera’s image quality using a series of scientific tests. The PowerShot A720 IS is one in a series of Canon cameras this year that take great-looking images. Our tests show the Canon A720 IS has extremely accurate color reproduction, and the effective 8-megapixel resolution allows users to make large prints with significant detail. White balance is also accurate and adapts well to a range of indoor and outdoor lighting conditions.
There are a few sore spots for the point-and-shoot, however. At ISO 1600, the A720’s highest sensitivity setting, noise is unreasonably high and dynamic range is low, which results in speckled images with limited tonal range. This setting is better left unused.
Optical image stabilization is a feature typically reserved for expensive cameras. The technology works within the lens to counteract camera shake. This is an especially useful feature because the A720 has a long lens, which, when fully extended, is more prone to camera shake.
The camera also features Canon’s third-generation face recognition technology, Genuine Face Detection. Canon claims the camera can focus on and properly expose up to 35 faces, offering an apparent advantage over pricier competitors that max out at about 15 faces per scene. Our experience with the camera shows it doesn’t actually detect 35 faces, however. It won’t operate if faces are too small in the frame, too close to the edge, or not facing forward. Though Canon’s claims are lofty, the camera earns points because most other 6x optical zoom cameras - including the Panasonic DMC-Lumix LZ7 and HP Photosmart Mz67 - don’t have face detection.
The A720 IS houses a number of exposure modes that allow the user to select the amount of control they want during capture. There are basic automatic Scene modes that automatically choose the correct settings for given situations, such as landscapes or portraits. In addition, Manual and Priority modes (Shutter Priority and Aperture Priority) give the user room to grow into the camera.
The camera’s 2.5-inch, 115,000-pixel resolution LCD is the same as last year’s model. It also retains a chunky right hand grip for greater handling control during extended shooting, unlike uncomfortable, flat designs like the Casio Exilim EX-V8.
An optically stabilized lens, face detection, and strong performance, combined with good handling and a logical layout, make it easy to take nice-looking images with the A720 IS. Priced at less than $250, this PowerShot model offers proof that a quality camera can be had at an affordable price. With a nice 6x optically stabilized zoom lens, the A720 IS is both capable and easy-to-use for beginners, while also including manual controls for more engaged photographers. These features, matched with solid image quality, make the A720 IS a leading point-and-shoot for under $250.
For a more in-depth review, visit the Canon PowerShot A720 IS Review at our partner DigitalCameraInfo.com
