Canon PowerShot A2300 Digital Camera, Silver {16MP}

Canon PowerShot A2300: a pocketable 5x zoom point-and-shoot

The PowerShot A2300 pairs a 16MP 1/2.3" CCD sensor with a 28-140mm equivalent 5x zoom lens opening to f/2.8 at the wide end. At 125 g and just 20mm thick, it disappears into a coat pocket or bag side pouch without a second thought, making it an easy grab-and-go option for everyday shooting.

The fixed 2.7" LCD with 230,000 dots handles framing and playback since there's no viewfinder, and live view keeps composition straightforward in scene and auto modes. A 9-point AF system covers the basics, and macro focusing down to 3 cm lets you get in close on small subjects. Shutter speeds run from 15 sec up to 1/2000 sec, giving some room for both low-light scenes and bright daylight snapshots, and exposure compensation is adjustable up to ±2 EV in 1/3-stop steps for quick brightness tweaks.

Video tops out at 1280 x 720 at 25 fps in H.264, recorded with mono audio, and there's a Miniature Effect mode for stylized time-lapse-style footage. Stills save to SD/SDHC/SDXC cards, and the NB-11L battery is rated for 210 shots per charge by CIPA standards. It's a straightforward compact built around simplicity than manual control, and that focus keeps the shooting experience uncomplicated from power-on to shutter release.

Who It's For

Casual shooters who want a compact that fits in a pocket will appreciate the 125 g body and 5x optical zoom covering 28-140mm equivalent, useful for everything from group shots to distant details without swapping lenses. Travelers benefit from the same zoom range plus the f/2.8 maximum aperture at the wide end for brighter indoor and dusk shots. Parents and family documentarians get quick access to scene modes and a 3 cm macro range for close-ups of kids, pets, or small objects. Anyone new to photography who wants an uncomplicated interface, without aperture or shutter priority modes to navigate, will find the point-and-shoot operation easy to pick up immediately.

Key Features

• 16MP 1/2.3" CCD sensor paired with 28-140mm equivalent 5x zoom
• f/2.8 wide aperture for low-light performance
• 9-point autofocus with 3 cm macro focusing capability
• 1280 x 720 video at 25 fps plus Miniature Effect mode
• Shutter speeds from 15 sec to 1/2000 sec with ±2 EV exposure compensation
• Fixed 2.7" LCD display, no viewfinder or manual controls
• 125 g body fits easily in pockets or camera bags
• NB-11L battery rated for 210 shots per CIPA standard

FAQ

What's the actual zoom range on this camera?

28-140mm equivalent with a fixed 5x optical zoom. At f/2.8 wide open, you get decent low-light performance for a compact, and the telephoto end pulls in distant subjects without switching lenses.

Does it have image stabilization?

No. The fixed lens design and compact body keep weight and complexity down, but in dim light or at the long end of the zoom, you'll need steady hands or a tripod.

Can you shoot manual exposure?

No manual mode, aperture priority, or shutter priority. It's scene and auto modes only, with exposure compensation up to ±2 EV in 1/3-stop increments for quick brightness adjustments.

How close can you focus?

Macro mode focuses down to 3 cm, which gets you tight on small subjects like flowers or insects without a dedicated macro lens.

What video options does it have?

1280 x 720 at 25 fps in H.264 with mono audio is the main option. There's also a Miniature Effect mode that shoots at variable frame rates (5, 2.5, 1.25 fps for HD or 6, 3, 1.5 fps for L) to create stylized time-lapse-style clips.

How long does the battery last?

The NB-11L is rated for 210 shots per charge by CIPA standards. Real-world mileage depends on how much you use the flash, zoom, and LCD, but that's a full day of casual shooting for most people.

Is there a viewfinder?

No. You frame and review on the fixed 2.7" LCD with 230,000 dots. Live view keeps composition straightforward, and the screen is readable in most daylight conditions.