Canon PowerShot A2100 IS
A compact point-and-shoot digital camera with 12.1MP resolution, 6x optical zoom, and optical image stabilization.
Overview
The Canon PowerShot A2100 IS is a compact point-and-shoot made for plain, everyday photography. It has a 12.1-megapixel sensor and a 6x optical zoom lens with a 35mm equivalent range of 36-216mm. Optical image stabilization cuts blur in low light or at full zoom. It was the first model in Canon's A-series to get a 3.0-inch LCD screen, which helps with framing shots and reviewing images. Automated shooting modes and face detection keep it easy for casual photographers.
Specifications
| Resolution | 12.1 megapixels |
| Zoom | 6x optical zoom |
| Lens | 6.3–37.8mm (35mm equivalent: 36–216mm) |
| Aperture | f/3.2–f/5.9 |
| LCD screen | 3.0-inch LCD screen |
| ISO range | ISO 80, 100, 200, 400, 800, 1600 |
| Shutter speed | 15–1/1600 sec |
| Shooting modes | Auto, Manual, Easy, Special Scene (Portrait, Landscape, Night Snapshot, Kids & Pets, Indoor, Smart Shutter (Smile, Wink Self-Timer, FaceSelf-Timer), Low Light (3.0MP), Beach, Foliage, Snow, Fireworks, Long Shutter) |
| Movie mode | 640 x 480 (30 fps), 320 x 240 (30 fps) |
| Movie format | AVI (MJPEG) |
| Image stabilization | Yes (Optical) |
| Face Detection | Yes |
| Red-eye correction | Yes (in playback) |
| Storage | SD / SDHC / MMC / MMCplus / HC MMCplus |
| Battery | 2x AA-size batteries |
| Dimensions | 101.9 x 63.5 x 31.9 mm |
| Weight | 185g (without battery and card) |
Design
The PowerShot A2100 IS is a point-and-shoot with a 6x optical zoom lens and optical image stabilization. The 3.0-inch LCD is the first display of that size in the A-series. The body is slim and portable, and it holds the zoom lens and a large, bright screen for framing and playback.
Context
Canon positioned the A2100 IS as a user-friendly, entry-level camera in the A-series. It was the first in that series with a 3.0-inch LCD screen, which was a step up in usability and display quality for Canon's budget-friendly point-and-shoot line. It relies on automated shooting with a range of scene modes rather than manual exposure controls.
Market
Reviewers praise the Canon PowerShot A2100 IS for its ease of use, sharp image quality at low ISOs, and strong battery life - over 400 shots on two AA batteries. Image quality is described as very good, with vibrant colors and accurate exposures. Noise gets intrusive at ISO 800 and above. The 6x zoom lens performs well with minimal fringing, and the camera is quick to focus and shoot. The big limitation is the lack of manual exposure controls. It uses 13 scene modes instead. Video is limited to VGA resolution, which was already dated at the time of release.
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