Canon PowerShot A510 3.2MP Digital Camera with 4x Optical Zoom by Canon
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Digital camera reviews of Canon PowerShot A510 3.2MP Digital Camera with 4x Optical Zoom
Digital camera Review: An excellent Camera at an Amazing Price!
Summary: 5 Stars
This camera is an incredible value for the price.
Let me begin by saying that Canon makes exceptional digital cameras; the best in the market right now. This is because they have always used high quality components since they began manufacturing digital cameras. This one is no exception.
The Axxx series is the successor to the excellent Axx series, with a few very useful upgrades, such as the switch from 4AA to 2AA batteries (with no decrease in camera life!), and the 4x optical zoom.
A510 vs A520 vs SDxxx
First off, the A510 and A520 are identical except for the 3.2 megapixel sensor in the A510 and 4mp on the A520. Today, megapixel ratings are similar to Ghz ratings in the computer world: They used to mean a lot, but with today's cameras, it doesn't mean that much anymore. More megapixels do NOT mean a better image. They mean a larger printable image. In this case, the A510 has a maximum resolution of 2048x1536 pixels, or an 8.5x11 picture. The A520 has a max resolution of 2272x1704 pixels, or a picture slightly larger than 8.5x11.
Unless you need a slightly bigger picture, the A510 is a better buy.
When it comes to the Axxx or an SDxxx, it depends on what you need. The Axxx series will give you a better picture quality, manual controls, and standard AA batteries which actually last twice as long as the SDxxx series' proprietary batteries. The SDxxx series will give you better movies, the new Dig!c 2 processor, and a compact, cool looking camera, at a higher cost and with a very fragile exposed LCD screen.
Features:
Pros:
-Beautiful image quality, better than any other camera at this price range (no purple fringing like on the SDxxx)
-4x optical zoom! It's very hard to find another camera in this class. This alone makes the camera superior to most of the competition
-Excellent, intuitive manual controls
-Easy to hold naturally - no fingers in the way of the lens
-Beautiful 1.8 inch lcd that looks great under various lighting conditions
-The lcd is protected by a plastic layer, unlike the exposed and easily broken SDxxx lcds.
-Uses AA batteries, which are cheap and easy to find instead of expensive proprietary batteries
-Uses widely available and cheap SD or MMC cards (SD are faster)
Cons (most of these are minor quirks):
-Movie mode isn't as good as the SDxxx series
-Only USB 1.1 transfer speed (SDxxx have usb 2.0)
-Uses the still good, but outdated Dig!c processor, instead of the Dig!c 2 in the SDxxx series and some newer Canons
-A historical problem for Canons still shows in this camera in the flimsy battery/Memory card covers
If you do choose this product, the first thing you should buy is a larger SD memory card. The camera comes with a 16mb MMC card, which is pretty much useless. MMC cards are slower than SD, and 16mb will fill up very quickly.
You should also consider a case, such as the very affordable and custom fit PC-65.
Also, as with any camera, rechargeable NIMH batteries are a must. You don't need to pay for the expensive Canon set however, similar offerings from Energizer, Rayovac, etc. will work fine.
Digital camera Review: Are you kidding me, only $170 for all this?
Summary: 5 Stars
I did countless hours of research on Digital camera's before settling on the A510. I can't stress enough how impressed I am with all of the A510's features for only $170. Picture quality is great, lcd viewer is easily viewable, multiple settings, and manual control of focus, exposure and shutter speed, plus movie mode!. Takes awesome pictures in near complete darkness (with flash on)...in focus and vibrant colors.
Cons: None really, considering the price but if I had a choice:; I would like the movie length to be only limited by the size of the sd card, instead of 3 minutes, also to be able to adjust zoom level in movie mode. However, I consider this a camera with the added bonus of 3 minute movies, if I had wanted something for movies more than pictures I would have purchased something else.
If you want an awesome digital camera at a lower -end price...look no further, you can find cheaper, but not with these features and quality.
Digital camera Review: BUYER BEWARE...
Summary: 5 Stars
I have been a film photographer for about 30 years and dabbled with digital for about the past 5 years. Recently, I decided to dive in completely. The challenge was to satisfy both high and low end requirements and to enable printing WITHOUT having to connect to a computer.
Here's what I bought for my wife and kids:
-A510
-Epson PictureMate Deluxe
Here's what I bought for me:
-350D (Rebel XT) with all the gismos (battery grip, filter, extra batteries, chargers, etc).
We purchased the A510 for low end usage. And while the A510 has nearly as many options as the 350D, it can be 'automated' for everyday use. Because it comes with only a 16MB card, you will need to visit every menu option to select the appropriate defaults for your usage (most of ours is just for 4x6 prints). Once you've done that, I suggest simply keeping it on the AUTO or P modes for everything. The 2 main differences between AUTO and P is that AUTO selects the ISO (with P, you set it) and always uses a flash if needed (with P, you can turn off the flash). In any case, the A510 is compact (fits in a purse), light (only uses 2 AA batteries) and does not burn through batteries like I've seen some other digitals do (but you will still need a battery charger - I suggest using NiMH instead of NiCd). The autofocus is smart and the images are noise free (even at ISO 400). Bottom Line: if this is your low end, every day family camera, it's perfect; there is no need to wait for the 'next' version. In fact, I would recommend jumping on this model as you will probably find good prices while they phase it out.
As for the Epson printer and the 350D, they are working out as well (but not the subject of this review).
Here is the BUYER BEWARE part (and the part Amazon will probably remove from this review). I still have not received the camera from Amazon. Because it was taking them so long to ship it (as of this writing it has been 13 days and delivery is not expected for 4 more), I ordered it elsewhere (and even saved another $25).
Digital camera Review: Best Value for the money!
Summary: 5 Stars
This is a great little camera for all around use. It has all the options of the big SLRs, except for the mega zoom potential. I just recently logged onto digicamhelp.com, where they give you tons of information. This little camera is a great one to learn the finer points of picture taking, or just use the auto focus. It has pre-set "scene" modes for taking pictures of foliage, fireworks, kids and pets,(constantly moving), "indoors" regulates exposure to avoid the use of too much flash power,(this has always been one of my pet peeves). And a few others like "beach", "snow" and "underwater". I have used a few of the scene modes, and they are pretty much right on - it's amazing. But, unless I'm in an "ARTFUL" mood and want to experiment with some of the settings, I'm usually lazy and just put it on auto focus for family get togethers. The pictures are amazing and I'm so glad I bought this little camera. I say little because, while it's not as small as the Cannon SD series, it will fit nicely in my purse, and the case that is offered in accessories is purfect, and looks very nice. There are still many things I haven't tried, but I'm experimenting with it every day, in order to feel comfortable enough with it to use some of the more complicated settings and special effects in those situations where I have to act fast to get those great shots. Life is short, it's so nice to have pictures to remind us of the good times. The first thing my grown kids do when they come for a visit is get out the photo albums. This is a great camera for the money - you can't go wrong!Digital camera Review: Best digital camera ever
Summary: 5 Stars
This is 3rd digital camera I have had, it is the best, easy to use and understand, great zoom and clear pictures. Only draw back is batteries dont last long if using it alot, or doing a video, but thats no problem.