Expert Recommendation
.Overview
For digital point and shoot cameras, taking pictures of young children and pets presents many challenges. When sports action or any other type of fast moving subject is added to the mix, the results can be disastrous. Precious moments can turn into blurred moments, or even worse, missed moments if the camera does not have the necessary technology or features to handle these specifics. To further complicate things, the lower the price range of the camera, the less likely you are to find one with these types of features and technology. The Canon Powershot A570IS overcomes all of these hurdles without letting price stand in the way of performance.
The A570IS is a compact digital point and shoot camera with a 7.1 megapixel sensor. As is usually the case with Canon digital cameras, the optics are exceptional and provide excellent light transfer, color balance, detail overall picture quality. The high quality optics, fast shutter response, and high sensitivity ISO settings make the A570IS one of the best digital camera options for freezing fast moving sports action and candid or staged moments with young children or pets
My Best In Class Pick
Canon PowerShot A570 IS
For shooting fast action, children and pets we have 3 digital camera models in front of us that offer quality and features that go well above the standard of what consumers might expect for under $200.
Unfortunately for the Fujifilm Finepix Z10fd, once the novelty of the camera’s array of colors and built-in cyber café wears off, the specs just fall a little bit short in almost every category when compared to the other 2 models. While the picture quality is very good and the camera’s interface is very user friendly, the Z10fd is the least viable of the 3 options. The real battle here is between the Olympus FE-280 and the Canon A570IS. The FE-280 does offer a slightly higher picture resolution, but beyond that, the A570IS has the advantage in almost every other category. More zoom, better lens optics, quicker response time from shot to shot, and better battery life all lead to a decisive victory for the Canon Powershot A570IS
Where to buy
Canon PowerShot A570 IS
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Best Price:
$288
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- $288 - $399 Compare Prices »
Specifications
- Zoom: 4.0x
- Resolution: 7.1MP
- AF Shutter Lag: 0.5 - 0.7s
- Burst Speed: 1.3 fps
- Easy to Use: Yes
Comparing My Best In Class Pick with Other Good Choices
| Product | Canon PowerShot A570 IS | Fujifilm FinePix Z10fd | Olympus FE-280 |
| Customer Rating |
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(from 564 reviews)
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(from 84 reviews)
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(from 27 reviews)
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| Price | $288 - $399 | $276.55 | |
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Effective Sensor Resolution
The Effective Sensor Resolution tells you the total number of pixels that are recorded when you take a picture. The units are MP, which stands for megapixels or millions of pixels. For outstanding fine compression prints, 3MP is required for 5x7's, 7.1MP for 8x10's, and 10.9MP for 11x14's. The effective sensor resolution is only one of many important factors that will determine the quality of the photograph when displayed or printed at different sizes.
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7.1 megapixels | 7.2 million pixels | 8.0 million pixels |
| Optical Zoom | 4.0x | 3.0x | 3.0x |
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Image Stabilization Available
Image stabilization features are designed to reduce the blur that results from normal, minute shaking of a lens due to hand-held shooting. However, image stabilization does not prevent motion blur caused by the movement of the subject or by extreme movements of the camera.
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Yes | Yes | Yes |
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Max Aperture (wide-angle)
The aperture refers to the size of the opening in the lens that determines the amount of light falling onto the sensor. The maximum aperture (wide-angle) is the largest possible size at the wide-angle limit of the zoom lens. The lens aperture is usually specified as an f-number, the ratio of focal length to effective aperture diameter. A lower f-number denotes a greater aperture opening, which allows more light to reach the image sensor.
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f/2.6 | f/3.7 | f/3.1 |
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Max Aperture (tele-photo)
The aperture refers to the size of the opening in the lens that determines the amount of light falling onto the sensor. The maximum aperture (tele-photo) is the largest possible size at the tele-photo limit of the zoom lens. The lens aperture is usually specified as an f-number, the ratio of focal length to effective aperture diameter. A lower f-number denotes a greater aperture opening, which allows more light to reach the image sensor.
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f/5.5 | f/4.2 | f/5.9 |
| Max Shutter Speed | 1/2000 sec | 1/1000 | 1/2000 |
| Max ISO Setting | 1600 | 64 | - |
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Face Detection Available
Face detection technology will try to set the focus, exposure, and color balance so that faces appear sharp, well-exposed, and with the proper color.
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Yes | Yes | Yes |
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LCD Screen Size
The LCD Screen Size is the length of the miniature LCD monitor measured diagonally.
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2.5 in. | 2.5 in | 2.5 in |
| Storage Media | SD Memory Card, SDHC Memory Card | XD. SD | XD |
| Battery Type | AA-size (x2) | Lithium-Ion Rechargeable | Lithium-Ion Rechargeable |
| Battery Life | 400 shots | 200 | 180 |
| Max Shooting Speed (burst) | 1.7 fps | 1.4 fps | 1.4 fps |
Olympus FE-280
The Olympus FE-280 redefines the expectation of what a point and shoot camera can do in terms of sports photography. Most pocket sized digital cameras cannot handle freezing fast moving action with acceptable results. The FE-280 allows this style of shooting by offering shutter speeds up to 1/2000 sec, ISOs up to 1600 and minimal shutter lag. For taking pictures of the shooting young children and pets, the camera has built in face detection technology as well as bright capture technology for low light situations. Lithium-ion battery power helps keep the size and weight down and is a feature not normally found within this price range. An 8 megapixel sensor with 3X optical provides optimum picture results. The 2.5” LCD allows for critical framing and reviewing of shots. Additional optional accessories include an underwater housing.
Fujifilm FinePix Z10fd
The Fujifilm Finepix Z10fd is pure gadgetry heaven. With scrapbook, blog and auction modes as well as built in wireless communication, the Z10fd truly sees your images from start to finish.
The camera has a 7.2 megapixels, a 3X optical zoom and has a bright 2.5” LCD. The Z10fd is perfect for taking photos of young children or pets. To start with, the camera starts up and is ready for picture taking at the blink of an eye. Face Detection, lets the camera find the subject and adjust the focus as well as other settings appropriately, no matter where it is in the frame. The Intelligent Flash mode provides a never before seen harmony between the subject and background by combining high sensitivity and proper flash power as needed to create this perfect balance. The camera even allows the photographer to take this one step further with the Dual Shot mode. In this mode, the camera takes 2 photos back to back, one without flash, then one with flash and then allows the user to select which one to keep later. For sports photography, the camera offers excellent frame to frame response time and shutter speeds go up to 1/1000 sec with high sensitivity ISO settings. A Lithium-ion battery provides power to the camera and gets about 200 shots per charge.
How It Works
You tell us your budget, intended uses, and desired features. We show you personalized recommendations from unbiased experts to quickly identify the best digital camera for you.
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How to Pick Digital Cameras
- For Travel Photos
- For Photos of Children or Pets
- For Action or Sports Photos
- For Photos in Low Light








