Canon's flurry of announcements for digital cameras today include a couple of entry-level point-and-shoot models, the PowerShot A560 (pictured above left) and PowerShot A570 IS. The two shooters add a feature usually found in higher-end models: face detection and the ability to crank their Digic III image processor up to ISO 1600.
Both 7.1 megapixel cameras have 4x zooms and can use those latest high-capacity SDHC memory cards, but the difference between the two is that the A570 IS ($280) has a 3 inch LCD viewscreen, compared to the A560's ($230) 2.5-inch viewscreen. Go ahead, spend the extra 50 bucks on the bigger screen.
Even though these PowerShot cameras are a bit larger than the company's Digital Elph line, they do have longer lenses, 4x zooms compared to the 3x of the Digital Elph, but a disadvantage is their disposable batteries rather than the Elph's tiny rechargeable battery packs. Look for these two additions to the PowerShot line to be available next month.
Press Release [Canon USA]
DISCUSSION
Using standard AA batteries is not a disadvantage, I will never again buy a digicam that doesn't use AA batteries. It makes no sense to buy a $50 Lithium ION battery every 2-3 years that takes 500 pictures when a $2 AA battery can take 450 pictures.