Canon Powershot A520

[mtamble]

Howdy guys. I'm new to digital photography, but I quickly discovered PSE4 after receiving a camera for christmas. It was a totally unexpected gift, but I got a Canon Powershot A520. I'm one of those guys who gets obsessed with new hobbies, including this one. The more I read into it, the more I wonder if this is a good camera or not? I'm just a hobbiest right now and I was wondering what you think of the camera and if I should exchange it for a different one? Thanks,

~Mat

[Carbone]

Mat,

I have a Powershot A510 (the A520 little brother) and I totally love it! It offers great flexibility in Manual mode (and other creative modes as well). Picture quality is excellent. I also have a 10D, but the A510 is my favourite one for parties and various less important event. I took it so far almost everywhere (museum, parties, flowers shooting, etc.) and I have not had one bad picture.

Ray

[Grant]

I have the A610 which is just a little step up and I feel it is an excellent camera. In my case it is a second camera, a family camera, but it takes outstanding images and has all the manual camera controls that you should look for in a camera.

I am sure Ray will step forward as he has an A 520 or one very similar and he is happy with it.

Best thing is to just to get shooting and enjoy the camera and Elements.

Edited Note (Woops he already has)

[Pugdaddy]

Mat,
I just went and checked out your camera at DPReview.com. Under "conclusion" the first sentence states something along the lines of: " It would be hard to find a more suitable camera for a first time novice photographer".
I think you did good.:)
Now, go take some pictures.

[GaryK]

Mat

A new camera and Elements??? Say goodbye to the family for a while:D :D

And say hello to your new PET family:)

[Carbone]

Wanted, Mat, a former husband and father of 7 children. He disappeared shortly after Christmas 2005. Was spotted on a few occasions at a camera store, drooling over a 20D. If you see him, call PSE Addict Association. Someone will take your deposition anonymously and you'll have helped save a good man.

:D

Ray

[CarolLHB]

A friend of mine just bought that camera-loves it! I saw some of his stuff, very nice...:)

[mtamble]

Wow. Thanks guys! You're all great. It's just kind of intimidating after looking at how advanced some people are with their really nice cameras and a wealth of photography knowledge. It just seems like I won't be able to keep up; camera wise or photography smarts. But if you guys say this camera is good for me, then that makes me feel a lot better. Hopefully I'll be able to learn the basics and move on to more advanced things like most of the users here are doing.

On a side note, anything you guys recommend for a novice? For example, I see these "challenges" but I'm not sure what they are all about. Anyway, thanks for the quick replies! You guys made my day. Have a great new year.

~Mat

[Wendy]

Hi Mat ...

Grant's Challenge is a fun thing ... it doesn't matter what level of experience you have the idea is that you challenge yourself to produce something ...

Each week an images is posted and you use it in any way you like ... the sky is the limit. Its open to everyone and its a great way to learn ... :)


Wendy

[Carbone]

Mat,

We've all been beginners, each and everyone of us. Luckily, you've ended up in the most friendly place on the web. Here, no one is treated differently, we're all here to have fun, beginners, advanced, intermediate, Mac, PC, Canon, Nikon, hobbyist, professionals, etc.

So hang around, ask all your questions, don't be shy! It's just as fun answering someone's call for help as it is rewarding to get answers to your problems!

Ray
P.S. And, by the way, Happy New Year! You're in for a good, I'd say with this new toy :D

[Ward Grant]

mtamble
Welcome to the four-rums--oh, wait, that's for later tonight.

I'd say jump into the Challenges as soon as you can. You may be hesitant the first week or so, but having a different image each week gives you a great chance to try new things. Everyone is very glad to share tips and techniques. I started with Elements about five months ago with no previous imaging software experience and doing the Challenges has been a great learning tool.

"I'm going to try that one day" becomes "I need to submit an image. Now's a good time to try out that technique."

Ward