Canon PowerShot A80 Review: Vintage Digicam With a Flip Screen

The quick verdict

The Canon A80 impressed me with its sharp 4MP photos, color, manual exposure options, and fully articulating screen. It is worth considering if you like an older compact that gives you more to adjust.

It is heavy for a compact, especially with four AA batteries fitted. I would choose a smaller camera if easy pocket carry mattered more than the flip screen and controls.

Compare used Canon PowerShot A80 listings on eBay. Check the condition, total cost, and return terms before buying.

Build and handling

The A80 feels substantial, with a body I found closer to a small enthusiast camera than a slim pocket compact. I liked having something solid to hold.

The size and weight are noticeable. The SD600 was easier for me to carry, while the A80 suited the times I wanted more controls and was willing to bring a larger camera.

Photo quality and color

The A80’s photos kept surprising me. Its 4MP files looked sharper than I expected, and I liked the color.

The resolution still limits heavy cropping and large output. I would judge it from the sample photos and your intended use, rather than assuming the low pixel count makes it either useless or automatically more interesting.

Flip screen and manual controls

The A80 was the only camera in my ten camera comparison with a fully articulating screen. It can face forward for a selfie or move to help with a low or high angle.

There is also a 3x optical zoom, an optical viewfinder, a built in flash, and manual exposure options. Those make it more flexible than a compact that leaves most of the shooting decisions to automatic modes.

Four AA batteries and CompactFlash

The A80 takes four AA batteries. It did not burn through them unusually quickly in my use, but the batteries add weight, and a complete spare set takes up more space.

It uses CompactFlash Type I cards rather than SD. Check that a used camera can save and read back photos on the included card, and plan how you will transfer those files.

See Canon’s A80 support page for the camera specifications and user guide.

Pros and cons

Pros

• Sharp photos and color I liked.
• A fully articulating rear screen.
• Manual exposure modes, optical viewfinder, and 3x zoom.

Cons

• Large and heavy for a compact.
• Four AA batteries add weight and spare battery bulk.
• CompactFlash needs a compatible card and transfer setup.

Buying a used A80

Inspect the battery contacts for corrosion, test the screen hinge and display, and check the zoom, flash, buttons, and card slot. A tested camera with a usable CompactFlash card may be better value than a cheaper incomplete listing.

Check used Canon PowerShot A80 listings on eBay.

My verdict

I would consider the A80 for its photos, flip screen, and exposure controls. Be comfortable with the size and older storage before buying. If you mainly want a camera that slips into a small pocket, I would choose something slimmer.