Canon PowerShot A2300 (2012)
At 16 megapixels, it promised snapshot clarity in a body barely wider than a credit card.
Overview
The Canon PowerShot A2300 is a budget point-and-shoot compact, built for quiet, unremarkable everyday work. Canon released it in January 2012 for people who wanted more than a smartphone of the era could do, without the complexity or cost of the higher-end models. Marketing materials call it "simple and stylish," a "chic compact camera" that's "packed with advancements." That's vague, but it tells you the job: a no-frills tool for casual photography. Owners report it is very small and lightweight and slips easily into a coat pocket or purse. They say image quality is not exceptional, but solid for its class. The 16-megapixel resolution leaves decent room for cropping, and battery life is reportedly strong, rated at approximately 500 shots per charge.
Specifications
| Manufacturer | Canon |
| Model | PowerShot A2300 |
| Product Type | Compact Digital Camera |
| Resolution | 16MP |
| Sensor Type | 1/2.3" CCD Image Sensor |
| Optical Zoom | 5x |
| Focal Length (35mm equivalent) | 28 - 140mm |
| Screen Size | 2.7in |
| Screen Resolution | 230k pixels |
| ISO Range | 100–1600 |
| Battery Life | Approximately 500 shots |
| Color | Black |
Key Features
16MP Sensor with 1/2.3" CCD
The sensor is a 16-megapixel CCD measuring 1/2.3 inches, a size common in budget compacts of the early 2010s. CCDs lag behind modern CMOS designs in low-light performance and power efficiency, but they were reliable workhorses for daylight photography. Owners note that images hold up well under normal lighting, with accurate color rendition and enough detail for prints up to 8x10 inches.
28–140mm Equivalent 5x Optical Zoom
In front is a Canon zoom lens with a 5x optical range, equivalent to 28-140mm in 35mm terms. That gives a modest wide-angle for group shots or tight spaces, and a mid-range telephoto for portraits or distant subjects. The model name has no "IS" in it, though an Amazon listing calls it "A2300 IS." That creates some ambiguity, and the available documentation does not confirm optical or digital stabilization as a standard feature. Performance at full zoom relies heavily on steady hands or good lighting.
2.7-Inch 230k-Pixel LCD
On the rear, a 2.7-inch LCD with 230,000 dots handles framing and playback. By modern standards the resolution is coarse, and individual pixels are visible on close inspection. It was typical for entry-level models in 2012.
Compact Form Factor and Battery Efficiency
Owners consistently point to the small size and light weight. With a battery life of approximately 500 shots, it was engineered for extended use without recharging. That was a practical advantage over smartphones of the period, which often needed daily charging even with moderate camera use.
Historical Context
The PowerShot A2300 arrived in early 2012, when smartphones were beginning to challenge dedicated cameras in the ultra-compact segment. Canon positioned it as a capable entry-level point-and-shoot, with better optics and a larger sensor than most phones had at the time. Within its own family it competed with models like the A2400 IS and A3200 IS. Rivals included the Sony CyberShot DSC-W830 and Canon's more advanced PowerShot S110. It was not a flagship, but it represented Canon's effort to stay relevant in the shrinking budget camera market.
Collectibility & Value
Renewed units appear on Amazon, and used or refurbished models are listed on secondary markets, with one example priced at $165.00. Canon's official store lists it as "Not In Stock." Maintenance records and common failure points are not documented, but
eBay Listings
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