Rating: 
Summary: An excellent Camera
Review: I've owned this camera for 2 days, and already I've had a blast with it. I previously co-owned an Olympus D-550, but decided to buy a second one just for me. It has great battery life (well, for a digital camera at least). The pictures come out very good, and it has very nice optics (interchangeable lenses [not included] which is a nice feature). It also uses compact flash, which is way better than smart media. It's very cheap and you can get up to 256MB of storage space for this camera. The only real con is that it doesnt support uncompressed images (like TIFF files). That is really something I would've liked to have, although the jpeg superfine compression it uses is practically lossless. Another small quirk is that there is no battery meter. It only tells you when you are about to run out (maybe 5 minutes of life left?). But it lasts so long, you really don't have to worry about it. There was one other thing that bothered me, but was not actually a problem, was how the picture on the LCD got lines through it when zooming. The lines disappear when you stop. At first I thought this was an issue with the LCD, as it looked suspicious. But not to worry, according to a Canon technician this is normal.
It is neither annoying nor do the lines interfering with viewing your subject. However new owners might think there is something wrong with their camera. Good quality batteries helps alleviate this problem. As with all non professional digital camera's, the autofocus/auto shooting mode doesn't always work correctly... This model works extremely well, but of course is not perfect. But one should keep in mind that for 300$ this is by far superior to almost others out there under 500$. Autofocusing by most digital camera's are distracted by anything that emits glare or is very shiny/light reflective. The canon can be fooled, but it generally works even under tricky conditions. But of course Canon gives you a very complete set of manual features to adjust for these conditions. Most of the time this is not needed... I find it hard to match the "auto" mode quality with my own settings, a very big positive.
The ergonomics are also wonderful, it's very comfortable to hold and unlike other cameras you don't feel like you are going to drop it. Although I have mostly listed some negative things about this camera, this is no where near a bad review. The camera is wonderful, and the best 3-4 MP camera you can buy IMO. The clarity of the pictures and their color is wonderful. I really don't see how anyone could be disappointed with this camera. In all likelihood every non professional user should be thrilled with it. This is the best camera I've tested yet.
Rating: 
Summary: This Camera ROCKS!!!!!!
Review: While [the price] still isn't "chump change" to me, it is a bargain for this camera.
When you open the box and take the camera out, you're surprised at how small it is but then, you're surprised by how solid and natural it feels in your hand. Even though the body is plastic, it has a sturdy feel to it unlike some other cameras in this price range. Once it's in your hands, you pop in the 4 AA batteries, the compact flash card and, away you go. Put it in AUTO mode and you have a nice 3MP point and shoot camera that responds very well to varying light conditions and circumstances. In other modes you have control over; white balance, exposure compensation, Drive (Single shot, continuous shooting, self-timer), ISO speed, Light Metering, Image Quality and Photo Effect (Off, vivid color, neutral color, low sharpening, sepia, black & white) The other modes are: P-this mode is the same as AUTO but you have control over the above mentioned options. Av-Aperture Priority, you set the f-stop, the camera sets the shutter speed. Tv-Shutter Priority, you set the shutter speed, the camera sets the f-stop M-full manual, you have control over shutter speed, aperture, flash output, and focus. In addition to that, there's six other modes; Slow Shutter, Fast Shutter, Landscape, Night Scene and, Portrait. In these modes, the camera sets shutter and aperture to the appropriate settings for each situation. Also included is a Stitch mode which lets you take a series of photos and then combine with the software for a panoramic effect.
The last mode on the camera is Movie Mode. In Movie Mode, you can record at 3 resolutions; 640 X 480, 320 x 240, and 160 x 120. In the largest format you can record for 30 seconds and, in the other two formats, you can record approx. 3 minutes. Movies are recorded with sound in the AVI format but unfortunately, you can not use the zoom while filming in this mode. Performance When you power the camera up, it takes about 3 seconds to warm up before it's ready to shoot. Once it's ready, you push the shutter down halfway to lock the autofocus and then depress the shutter fully. Now you have a pic! You can review it on the LCD if you want any where from 2 to 10 seconds. The LCD screen measures 1.5 inches and fairly clear and easy to see but it would have been nice to control the brightness.
Next move inside to take some flash pictures. Here you'll use the autofocus illuminator to help the camera focus in low light. There's a small orange light on the front of the camera under the flash, when you focus, it comes on to make it easier for the camera to focus. This eliminates the long focus times that some other camera have in these situations if they can even focus at all. Also inside, you'll appreciate the fact that Canon put a decent flash on this little guy. It has a working distance of about 13 feet at the wide angle setting.
Picture Quality is very good. Pictures come out sharp with accurate color tones. I do get red-eye sometimes in indoor shots but, not always and, not to the point that I would consider unacceptable. I have yet to have any incidences of "purple fringing" Software, etc. Canon supplies you with two software applications. One their own and the other is ArcSoft's. Both applications are good for basic image editing but, if you want something more you'll likely pick up Photoshop.
Downloading photo's is pretty straight forward once the software is installed. Hook up the computer with the supplied cable to a USB port, turn it on and your computer (PC) will either open the appropriate program or, you'll have to. Once the program is open, pick the images you want and, hit File, Transfer. That's about it. You can also view images, and movies on a TV with the supplied cable.
The only other things in the box (aside from the manual) are a 16MB Compact Flash card and, 4 AA batteries. In the highest resolution, you'll get 8 pictures on this card so, you'll probably want to purchase another one soon. The 4AA batteries will last about 100 pics so, consider purchasing some high capacity rechargeables also. The batteries and the CF card will set you back [some $$] but, you'll thank yourself later. I would recommend these for anyone purchasing a digital camera.
Rating:
Summary: This Camera ROCKS!!!!!!
Review: While $... still isn't "chump change" to me, it is a bargain for this camera.
When you open the box and take the camera out, you're surprised at how small it is but then, you're surprised by how solid and natural it feels in your hand. Even though the body is plastic, it has a sturdy feel to it unlike some other cameras in this price range. Once it's in your hands, you pop in the 4 AA batteries, the compact flash card and, away you go. Put it in AUTO mode and you have a nice 3MP point and shoot camera that responds very well to varying light conditions and circumstances. In other modes you have control over; white balance, exposure compensation, Drive (Single shot, continuous shooting, self-timer), ISO speed, Light Metering, Image Quality and Photo Effect (Off, vivid color, neutral color, low sharpening, sepia, black & white) The other modes are: P-this mode is the same as AUTO but you have control over the above mentioned options. Av-Aperture Priority, you set the f-stop, the camera sets the shutter speed. Tv-Shutter Priority, you set the shutter speed, the camera sets the f-stop M-full manual, you have control over shutter speed, aperture, flash output, and focus. In addition to that, there's six other modes; Slow Shutter, Fast Shutter, Landscape, Night Scene and, Portrait. In these modes, the camera sets shutter and aperture to the appropriate settings for each situation. Also included is a Stitch mode which lets you take a series of photos and then combine with the software for a panoramic effect.
The last mode on the camera is Movie Mode. In Movie Mode, you can record at 3 resolutions; 640 X 480, 320 x 240, and 160 x 120. In the largest format you can record for 30 seconds and, in the other two formats, you can record approx. 3 minutes. Movies are recorded with sound in the AVI format but unfortunately, you can not use the zoom while filming in this mode. Performance When you power the camera up, it takes about 3 seconds to warm up before it's ready to shoot. Once it's ready, you push the shutter down halfway to lock the autofocus and then depress the shutter fully. Now you have a pic! You can review it on the LCD if you want any where from 2 to 10 seconds. The LCD screen measures 1.5 inches and fairly clear and easy to see but it would have been nice to control the brightness.
Next move inside to take some flash pictures. Here you'll use the autofocus illuminator to help the camera focus in low light. There's a small orange light on the front of the camera under the flash, when you focus, it comes on to make it easier for the camera to focus. This eliminates the long focus times that some other camera have in these situations if they can even focus at all. Also inside, you'll appreciate the fact that Canon put a decent flash on this little guy. It has a working distance of about 13 feet at the wide angle setting.
Picture Quality is very good. Pictures come out sharp with accurate color tones. I do get red-eye sometimes in indoor shots but, not always and, not to the point that I would consider unacceptable. I have yet to have any incidences of "purple fringing" Software, etc. Canon supplies you with two software applications. One their own and the other is ArcSoft's. Both applications are good for basic image editing but, if you want something more you'll likely pick up Photoshop.
Downloading photo's is pretty straight forward once the software is installed. Hook up the computer with the supplied cable to a USB port, turn it on and your computer (PC) will either open the appropriate program or, you'll have to. Once the program is open, pick the images you want and, hit File, Transfer. That's about it. You can also view images, and movies on a TV with the supplied cable.
The only other things in the box (aside from the manual) are a 16MB Compact Flash card and, 4 AA batteries. In the highest resolution, you'll get 8 pictures on this card so, you'll probably want to purchase another one soon. The 4AA batteries will last about 100 pics so, consider purchasing some high capacity rechargeables also. The batteries and the CF card will set you back about another $... but, you'll thank yourself later. I would recommend these for anyone purchasing a digital camera.
Rating:
Summary: A delightful little camera!!!
Review: I ordered my Canon A70 from Amazon less than a month ago and I'm truly happy with my choice! It arrived on time and in perfect condition!
I did a lot of research prior to buying this, my first digital camera! My original first choice was the new P8 from Sony, a nice camera indeed, but the more I learned about the Canon A70 the more I liked it.
There were a couple of things that really influenced my decission. The first one was the fact that Compact Flash cards are far cheaper and more popular than Sony's Memory Stick. I bought a 128mp card for $24.99, a fraction of the price I would have paid for a similar card for any Sony camera! The second thing was the fact that this Canon uses simple and easy to find AA batteries, which means that if my camera ever runs out of power (and I'm caught without a spare set of rechargeables) I can easily find batteries for it at any place!
I love the many features of this little camera, and believe me, it has lots of them! One other thing that I really like about it is that you can use it both as a completely automatic point and shoot camera or as a completely manual one! I've already taken several photographs, and I'm amazed with their quality!
It is not as small as other cameras, but it is small enough to be quite comfortable and easy to carry around! And it's quite stylish too!!!
I truly believe that nowadays this camera is the best deal in its class! The only problem with this camera is finding one...It's selling like hot-cakes!!!
Rating:
Summary: A good camera, a great price
Review: I bought this camera because I'm a "tweaker," and I like to have as many controls as possible. This camera has full manual control, which is unequaled in the price range. I also have to take pictures under stage lighting conditions, which can be difficult. This camera gets it done, most of the time on the automatic setting. That said, here are my problems:
1. The optical viewfinder is pretty much useless. In the manual, it says that it only represents about 85% of what the picture will actually be. I'm not sure why they did this, or why they haven't fixed it, as I'm led to believe it's common to all of the powershot series. Luckily, the battery life (even with standard alkalines) is good enough to use the LCD screen as the viewfinder, and you can turn the LCD off between shots if you want.
2. There is no battery meter. Right before the camera is about to shut off, a little icon flashes on the screen. This is very annoying, and you have to carry extra batteries in case it shuts off with the lenscap open.
Rating: 
Summary: caNOn
Review: The nice things about this camera are that it is pretty and it has a lot of nice features. Unfortunately, if the camera never works correctly its features are pointless. Inside its pretty case this camera is a piece of junk, and Canon's customer support doesn't back it up effectively. I received my camera June 2nd, 2003, and was very eager to get it out and take some pictures. After 17 pictures the lens became stuck out. The camera made a grinding noise and the lens would not go in or out at all. So, I called Canon and they told me that I would have to pay to ship it in to the factory so it could be fixed. Since it was brand new, I didn't really want to send it in right away, but since it is always out of stock everywhere I didn't really have a choice.
Anyway, it took Canon about FOUR WEEKS to get my camera back to me. I received it on July 3rd, 2003, and only because I called and yelled at the supervisor over the phone (so I got FREE express shipping! HOW KIND OF THEM!). When you call Canon on the phone, just keep pressing 0 until you get a voice, because their menus go in circles. "Press two for tech support. Press 6 for tech support. Press two for tech support." 2 ... 6 ... 2 ... 6 ... 2 ... 6 ... 2 ... *click* Anyway, so the camera was shipped next day FedEx, and I was happy... until it broke again. Now the top half of all of the pictures I take is bright pink. I called Canon again, and I have to pay to ship it back to the factory again. To be fair, I have to mention that I was on hold for 7 minutes to talk to a supervisor, and after a brief argument I got them to send me an air-bill so I wouldn't have to pay for the shipping again. Unfortunately, with speedy Canon, processing an air-bill for me would mean two weeks until just the shipping label actually would get to me, then another four weeks for the camera to get back to me. I am so glad that I can use my camera by Christmas, since I purchased it in early June... assuming I don't have a third problem. So now it is August 3rd and I am sending it out again. As a comparison of tech support with other companies, when I had problems with my HP camera they sent me a new one and it got here in two days. All I had to do to avoid being charged was send my old camera back - with the same box and new shipping label HP sent to me. No cost at all - FedEx even picked the package up at my house. Before buying this camera, ask yourself, "Do I feel lucky?" If you don't anticipate ever having problems with the camera (unlikely) then waste your .... But I'm not buying another Canon.
Rating:
Summary: What a great camera
Review: This camera is amazing. After using a sipix 2.1 and a very expensive Nikon 995 I'm glad to say this is probably the best camera you can get for the price. The picture quality is great. It is a very easy camera to use even if you've never used digital before. CompactFlash memory is great and cheap. I do wish they gave at least a 32 meg card though instead of the 16 meg card. The software included is easy to use and has a lot of cool features to add to your pictures. The ability to shoot short video is also great. Although you will probably need a bigger memory card if you plan on doing this. The LCD display is very clear and the red eye feature is very cool a lot of other digital cameras don't have. If you are looking for a great digital camera at a reasonable price go with this one. I looked into many other cameras before deciding on this one and can say this is probably the best thing you can get for just casual picture taking.
Rating:
Summary: Great choice for the point and shoot photographer
Review: Just spent 3 weeks on vacation and after 237 pictures, I am still on my 2nd set of AA batteries. I used the new Ultra Duracell batteries designed for this type of application. I have been using disposable cameras prior to this purchase, and wanted a digital that was just as easy to use...and this camera is a great choice. Software is also user friendly, I have not had to refer to the manual yet on sending the images to my computer and setting up slide shows and e-mailing photos. Very satisfied all around...and there is so much more this camera does...if I ever decide to take advantage of all its features.
Rating:
Summary: rocks
Review: had this camera for a month fo shizzle my nizzle 12032093 buy it buy it
Rating:
Summary: The Best Beginners Camera
Review: I have to admit that this is not my first digital camera, but the one that I had previously was very difficult to work with and broke after 6 months, which is why I ended up buying this camera. I had to go searching through many cameras and finally decided upon this one after reading the reviews here on Amazon and then checking it out at the store where I purchased it.
It is amazingly simple to use the first time around. By just turning it on and playing with it, you can figure out just about all the basics right away, which is why I say it is an awesome camera to have for a beginner (which is how I classify myself). It comes with so many features that at first I didn't think were really necessary, but now I feel I could not live without them. Every picture that I have taken has come out perfectly, which is saying a lot because I go off roading all the time and you get to see some of the most beautiful animals in their natural habitat, but you have to be quick to take the pictures of some of them which is why the "moving" feature is awesome and other times the animals are far away which is why the zoom is great! It does well even in poor lighting and at night. This camera is very easy to hook up to my Mac but unfortunately is not that compatible with the iPhoto program, but that is okay because the program that it comes with is very easy to use!! Overall I would have to say that this camera has not let me down yet and I don't forsee it doing so. Just remember these two magic words: rechargable batteries!!!
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