Canon Powershot A570 IS

The second camera in Canon's Powershot A-series to feature optical image stabilization, the A570 IS follows on the heels of last year's very successful A710 IS. Autocorrecting for hand movement, this image stabilization system greatly reduces jitter and blur in long zoom photos. In addition, the A570 IS brings a couple of Canon's innovations to the A-series for the first time. First, face detection technology, which allows the camera's autofocus system to latch onto a subject's face and keep it in focus no matter where the subject moves. Second is ISO 1600 shooting, greatly helped by the new DIGIC III processor. Though these are significant advances in technology, overall the A570 isn't much of a leap over the A710. For instance, while it features the same great 7.1 megapixel sensor, its lens manages only an average-for-its-class 4x optical zoom compared to the A710's above average 6x optical. It does add some interesting new movie modes and a scene mode or two, but this isn't really enough to push it into truly new territory. While it turns out impressive photos, the A570 IS is ultimately a minor upgrade to a great camera.

Specifications

* 7.1 megapixels
* 4x optical zoom / 4x digital zoom
* Optical Image Stabilization
* Auto focus, auto and manual exposure
* ISO 80-1600
* Movie mode, with sound