Digital cameras: Compare features & prices Canon PowerShot A3200 IS review Back to Results

The Canon PowerShot A3200 IS, a slim compact digital camera - available in a range of colours including some more adventurous hues - offers hand holding features for a novice photographer, as well as a few manual adjustments for when you gain in confidence. Our testing reveals if the functionality and picture-taking ability of this digital camera are up to our high standards.
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Specification criteria Specification
Specification
Test Date 1 June 2011
Resolution (Mp) The measured effective resolution, in megapixels. This sometimes differs very slightly from the manufacturer's claimed figure. 14.0
Maximum wide angle (mm) The smaller the wide angle number, the more you'll be able to fit into the shot - useful for landscapes and group photos. 28.0
Maximum tele zoom (mm) The larger the tele zoom number, the closer you'll be able to get to distant subjects when zooming the camera 140.0
Optical zoom magnification The maximum amount of magnification possible (eg 3x) 5.0
Size (wxhxd) (cm) 10 x 6 x 2.5
Weight (g) With lens cap, strap, battery and memory card. 149
Battery type Custom size rechargeable
Waterproof No
GPS Some cameras offer GPS-tagging, recording the exact global location of where you were when you took your shot. No
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Test programme We change and improve our testing and scoring procedure on an annual basis, so cameras tested in different years aren't directly comparable 2010 Test Programme
Recently tested No
LCD
Touchscreen Some cameras offer touchscreens which let you control functions and browse through pictures with your finger. No
LCD width (mm) 54
LCD height (mm) 40
Viewfinder
Viewfinder All cameras have an LCD screen at the back. Only some have a viewfinder though (the little eyepiece you look through). Electronic viewfinders are more accurate than optical viewfinders. No
Connections
Direct Link to TV Allows you to connect your camera directly to the TV in order to view your photos and videos on a big screen. (a separate cable may be required) Yes
Compatible memory cards Digital images are stored on memory cards. Most digital cameras take one type of memory card only, but higher end ones can take more. SD;SDHC;SDXC
Video and sound
Video recording Camcorders are much better than digital cameras for video, but a good video mode on a camera can be a bonus. Yes
Video resolution Whether the camera can record high definition (HD) or standard definition videos. 720p HD
Video zoom recording Not all cameras give you optical zoom (using the lens) during video recording. Optical zoom doesn't degrade video quality like digital zoom can. No
Picture settings
Scene Modes 16
Image stabilisation Image stabilisation sharpens images that might otherwise be blurry. A camera gets a Yes
Manual focus setting No
Shutter speed priority Whether you can adjust the shutter speed, with the camera simulataneously adjusting aperture so you get a good exposure. A camera shows No
Aperture priority Whether you can adjust the aperture, with the camera simulataneously adjusting shutter speed so you get a good exposure. A camera shows No
Face detection Yes
Max manually selectable ISO Setting a high ISO setting helps you to achieve good dim light pictures, without flash. On a few cameras however, the resolution of the picture is reduced (for example to 3.1Mp or below) so the picture may not be suitable for printing. A few cameras have variable ISO settings with no manual adjustment. 1600
Performance measurements
Start-up time (s) Switch on - time from camera off, until camera ready for taking pictures, monitor enabled, in seconds 2.66
Shot-to-shot time (s) The shortest possible time intervall between two sequential photos, highest quality setting, without flash; in seconds 3.21

Canon PowerShot A3200 IS

  • Launch date: Feb 2011
  • Which? score: Subscribe
Typical price
£90.00
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