Is the A80 junk??

[Outta focus]

I have been looking into and learning about my needs and wants for a digital camera. I had pretty much found astoundingly good reviews about the A80 on many forums. A few complaints seem to be about red eye (I am told this is common with any integrated flash camera), occasional problems with purple haze or something. Also the LCD screen is a concern since it is movable.. It may be seen as a week point. There was also mention of issues with the flash not lasting. There was also mention of red hot pixels. However out of the many reviews I have read, almost all of them have been in extreme favor of the A80. Especially for a beginner camera. I was pretty much in favour of getting this camera til I talked to a local camera shop who told me to stay away from this camera. Basically told me it was a lemon. Said they had tons in for warranty work. He was suggesting the Olympus Stylus 410 as a more viable option.

Has anybody here had any real problems with the A80? Is it a lemon or is this guy full of it? Is the screen a weak point? Would it be more advisable to get a model with an inanimate screen?


Any other suggestions for a mid sized, mid optioned, 4MP camera??
Thanks in advance,

An Outtafocus newbie!!

[Jon]

Aside from Canon's rolling out the 5 MP A95 as the successor to the A80 (part of a series-wide refresh), the A80's about as good as any p/s digital. Purple fringing happens with many digital cameras with small sensors. The movable screen may be a weak point, but it's much more useful than a fixed one. It's got lots of capabilities for the learner to work with to better understand technical aspects of photography.

[ds77]

Have taken about 2thousand pictures with mine and I love it. Wish I could afford a 300D, but what can ya do. :)

I would reccomend this camera to most people. Actaully I bought one for my dad on his Bday back in June. I would probably buy the A95 if I was to buy one now, just because its a bit upgraded than the 80.

[Moppie]

I love mine!

Like the A40 before it, its never given me any trouble.
The moveable screen is actualy a good point, it means you can keep it protected when not in use, my A40 picked up several bad scratchs, while my A80 screen is as clean as the day I got it.



Have a read of this: http://www.geocities.com/albertyang/

Its basicly an I love the A80 site, but gives a lot and I mean a lot of very useful information about it.

I would certianly recomend one of any comparable p&s, there really is nothing better with out getting a full DSLR.

[Outta focus]

Thanks for the replies... I think I am likely going to get the A80..if not the A95. It seems like the most bang for the buck. I just get a little edgy when I hear such a horrible opinion on it from a shop.

[Moppie]

. I just get a little edgy when I hear such a horrible opinion on it from a shop.


I can't blame you, I had the same problem when I first started looking at buying a digi cam.
Distrubtors will do almost anything to get retailers to sell thier products, its possible the rep from Olympus has given the shop a special discount, or promised them a nice free gift if they sell "x" number of cameras.
Its even possible the retailer dosn't like the canon rep, I know Iv sold someone brand x instead of brand y because I liked band x's rep better.

And of cousre just because someone works in a shop, dosn't mean they know what thier selling.

[scrumpy]

Iv'e had my A80 for about six months. Have taken over 1400 pictures - most very good - those that were rubbish were my fault. I have dropped it twice! It still works! It takes super pictures especially macro when you understand it. I wouldn't hesitate to recommend the A80. Good Luck.

[Giant]

Its an awomse camera for the price, dont wory, you can buy it with confidence.

I owned a G2 before this one, and there are many benifits even over the G2.

[SYS]

No problem with mine yet, and I've taken over 2,000 photos with it so far. The moveable LCD screen is great. I don't see how that feature can be construed as anything negative. First, it protects the screen from getting scratched. Second, you can flip it so you can compose self-portraits or group pictures with the timer. If that salesman is correct about so many returning, I'm rather surprised that I haven't heard much of a complaint about the product either on this site or those customer reviews on Amazon.com or Circuitcity.com. Hmmmm.....

[Alnath]

I took these with my A80

http://members.aol.com/itsabelter/owl.jpg

http://members.aol.com/itsabelter/gold.jpg

Still wondering if its junk?

[Outta focus]

I went back and talked to him some more.. I am sure he is either unintentionally biased or full of it. I bought a Canon S1 IS today. Got a few pics I really like. I don't think I will be disappointed with this choice.



Thanks all

[kiev4a]

Any dealer who tells you the A80 is junk is getting a kickback from another manufacturer or trying to sell you something that gives them a better margin. . I purchased an A80 because my daughter had had one for a year with no problems and great results. Mine has been just as reliable. And the compact flash cards are a lot cheaper than some other types of memory. Go for 256 megs.

[CyberDyneSystems]

The A80 is the camera I recomend to people more than any other.

[lucasdigital]

The A80 is the camera I recomend to people more than any other.

Yeah,

I bought mine on the strength of a work colleagues recommendation. Since then between the both of us we've made twelve successful (leading to a purchase) recommendations.

Canon take note! PM me and I've provide my shipping address for one of your DSLR's :lol: