Canon PowerShot A420 Point & Shoot Camera
The Canon PowerShot A420 is a 4MP 1/3 inch compact camera — with 640x480 video. Check GearFocus for current availability, with buyer protection on every purchase.
Canon PowerShot A420 Point & Shoot Camera
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Camera Overview — Canon PowerShot A420
Key Features — Canon PowerShot A420
4MP 1/3-Inch Sensor: Captures images at up to 2272x1704 pixels, suitable for everyday snapshots and standard prints.
DIGIC II Image Processor: Canon's dedicated image processor handles color rendering and noise reduction for the era's compact shooting demands.
AA Alkaline Battery Power: Runs on two standard AA batteries rated for approximately 200 shots, so replacements are available virtually anywhere without a proprietary charger.
Optical Viewfinder: Provides an alternative to the LCD for framing shots, useful in bright outdoor conditions where screens are harder to read.
1.8-Inch Fixed LCD: 77,000-dot rear screen for reviewing images and navigating menus in a compact form factor.
Color Accent & Color Swap: Built-in creative modes let users isolate a single color or swap one color for another directly in-camera.
Camera Specifications — Canon PowerShot A420
| Spec | Detail |
|---|---|
| Use Cases | Travel, Beginner-Friendly |
| Type | Point and Shoot |
| Sensor | 1/3 inch |
| Resolution | 4MP |
| Processor | DIGIC II |
| ISO Range | 64 – 400 |
| AF System | Contrast Detection |
| AF Points | 5 points |
| Max Photo Resolution | 2272x1704 |
| Burst Rate | 2.3 fps |
| Max Video Resolution | 640x480 |
| Max Frame Rate | 30fps |
Description — Canon PowerShot A420
The Canon PowerShot A420 is a point-and-shoot compact camera featuring a 4MP sensor housed in a 1/3-inch format, driven by Canon's DIGIC II image processor. Still images are captured at up to 2272x1704 pixels, and the camera's ISO sensitivity spans 64 to 400. Framing is handled via a 1.8-inch fixed LCD at 77,000 dots or through the optical viewfinder.
The autofocus system uses contrast detection across 5 focus points for everyday shooting. Video recording reaches 640x480 at up to 30fps in 8-bit color. The built-in flash has an effective range of up to 3.0 meters, and burst mode is supported at 2.3 fps.
Color creative options include Color Accent and Color Swap alongside Standard. The plastic body measures 103 x 52 x 40mm and weighs 200g, making it genuinely pocketable. Storage uses SD and SDHC cards, and PC connection is via USB.
Power is supplied by 2x AA alkaline batteries, good for around 200 shots before needing replacement.
Pros — Canon PowerShot A420
- ✓AA alkaline battery power eliminates the need for proprietary chargers, rated for approximately 200 shots per charge
- ✓Dual SD and SDHC card compatibility provides flexible storage options
- ✓5-point contrast detection autofocus system for reliable everyday focusing
Cons — Canon PowerShot A420
- ✗No image stabilization of any kind — neither in-body nor digital
- ✗ISO tops out at 400, limiting performance in darker environments
- ✗1.8-inch LCD with only 77,000 dots resolution is small and low-detail by modern standards
Videos — Canon PowerShot A420
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