The Canon PowerShot A85 is another 2004 update to Canon's wildly popular PowerShot A70 model from 2003. The major change between the A75 (the previous update) and Canon A85 is a higher resolution sensor, moving from 3.3 to 4.0. As with the PowerShot A75, there's a larger LCD (1.8 inches, up from 1.5 on the A70), more Special modes, and a faster, more efficient DIGIC processor. The PowerShot A85 also debuts at the same introductory price as its predecessor, the A75. Featuring a full 13 shooting modes, the Canon A85 offers not only manual and full-auto exposure control, but five preset capture modes, and six Scene modes to boot. The A85 has a maximum shutter speed of 1/2,000 second, and includes a Custom white balance setting. Best of all, the camera accommodates a wide range of users with its variable level of exposure control. Experienced shooters will appreciate the Manual, Aperture Priority, and Shutter Priority modes, while novices will find the Auto, Program AE, and Scene modes useful. Plus, the PowerShot A85 has a 9-point AF system and the benefit of Canon optics with its 3x zoom lens. Advanced features continue with an orientation sensor, date imprint mode, manual focus, and the new Print/Share button that is appearing on all new Canon PowerShots. The A85 seems poised to enjoy the same popularity as the A70 did last year, though it will probably split its fame with the A75, A80, and A95.



Link: Imaging Resource