Like Olympus digital cameras, the camera is turned on via a sliding lens protector at the front that forces the camera into life. Two AA batteries and the CompactFlash compartment are housed behind a sturdy door that will easy take a beating over the lifespan of the camera without snapping or falling apart. The other side the camera offers a DC and USB port, but unfortunately no video-out to watch your pictures on the TV.

On the rear of the camera, the user is offered a 1.5" TFT screen that is sharp and responsive to changing lights and focuses, as well as, a host of buttons - most of which are self explanatory and you can easily access flash modes, picture review and other options like this without having to plough through plenty of menus.

The camera offers a 33mm f3.6 fixed focal length lens with a 5.1 digital zoom option that offers the equivalent of a 33mm - 168mm lens in a 35mm camera. This combined with shutter speed range of 1-1/2000 sec and ISO ratings of 50 - 400 and a range of pre-programmed settings to cope with landscapes and portrait shooting makes for a nice little camera for beginners. For the more adventurous there is a macro mode up to 5cm, as well as, the option to record up to 3 minutes of movie clips with sound.

For an auto focus fixed lens camera with a digital zoom the quality is quite good. Detail is captured well and greens are differential when it comes to photographing landscapes. The digital zoom is useful for getting into the action, but should not be replied upon for crisp images. Overall as a starter's camera this is an okay place to start. If you are starting out and need a camera that will get you going, this is as good a place as any to start, just don't expect the world. --Jason Denwood, Amazon.co.uk

Amazon.com Product Description
The PowerShot A300--replacing Canon's A200--is ideal for beginners in digital photography. Bumping up the megapixels from the previous model, the PowerShot A300 features a 3.2-megapixel sensor that can capture images up to 2,048 x 1,536 pixels, producing print enlargements up to 11 by 14 inches. Stylishly designed with a silver body finish, the PowerShot A300 has a sliding lens cover and sleek, rounded corners.

The PowerShot A300 is equipped with a 33mm f/3.6 (35mm equivalent) moderate wide-angle lens, suitable for scenic views and group portraits, as well as general photography. A 5.1x digital zoom facility enhances reach, creating an effective maximum zoom length of 168mm (35mm equivalent).

The PowerShot A300 also features Canon's intelligent five-point focusing system--AiAF (Artificial intelligence Auto Focus). With AiAF, the subject is always in focus wherever they are in the frame. Simply point and shoot for great digital images.

A 60-second voice memo can accompany each image captured, while the movie mode records clips of up to 3 minutes with sound. A special high-resolution movie mode is capable of recording 30 seconds of moving images in VGA resolution (640 x 480 pixels). Images and video are stored on CompactFlash memory cards (Type I only) and the included 16 MB card holds approximately 16 images at the Large/Fine setting.

The PowerShot A300 is also directly connectable to optional Canon printers, such as bubble jet direct printers S830D and S530D and card photo printer CP-100. You can print a photo in just over 80 seconds by simply connecting the digital camera to the direct printer by means of a dedicated cable and selecting an image.

The camera is powered by two AA batteries (alkalines included; rechargeable NiMH batteries recommended). It measures 4.4 by 2.3 by 1.4 inches and weighs 6.2 ounces (without batteries). This package includes the PowerShot A300 digital camera, 16 MB CompactFlash card, two AA batteries, USB cable, wrist strap, and ArcSoft Camera Suite CD-ROM and USB drivers for Windows and Mac.