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Canon Powershot A95 Digital Camera Review

Review:

Canon A95 was announced in August 2004 and is an advance on the popular A80 model. The look and feel of A95 is similar to A80 model and many of the features of the camera match those of its predecessor. The two toned plastic body is lightweight and compact and fits into a purse or coat pocket with ease. Major changes have been made to the sensor resolution (5 MP) and the camera has a larger (1.8 inch) swing out 118,000 pixel LCD screen. The enhanced movie mode and assortment of subject based shooting modes add to the value of this camera.

The 7.8-23.4 mm lens and the 3 x Optical zoom have much in common with the 380114 mm lens on a 35 mm camera. The Aperture ranges from f/2.8 to f/8.0 depending on the zoom setting that can be manually or automatically adjusted. The overall focus is determined by the object nearest to the camera. As an alternate the user can use the Flexizone AF to choose the focus base for the subject and keep the spot in the center of the frame. The manual focus mode displays the numeric distance scale on the LCD display and provides for an optional magnified portion in the center of the frame. The Bright orange AF Assist Beam on the front of the panel helps the user focus in dark shooting conditions. A digital zoom of 3.6x pixels has been packaged along with the optical 3x zoom to enhance the quality of the image.

The Canon A95 camera is provided with a real image optical view finder and a 1.8 inch LCD screen that lifts out of a compartment at the rear of the camera that is intended to protect the screen. This can be flipped out to face the front of the camera and can swivel 270 degrees. This enables the selection of viewing angles. The information display includes exposure information, shutter speed information and aperture settings for manual modes and so on to assist the user.

Like its predecessor Canon A95 has a number of exposure controls that range from Auto to manual and a variety of preset scene modes. The mode dial located at the top of the camera gives access to the exposure modes. These exposure modes are Auto, creative zone and Image zone modes. In the Auto mode the user has very little control options, whereas in the manual mode he has complete control options. The creative zone provides the user with a number of creative modes. The image zone includes options for Portrait, Landscape, Night Scene, Fast shutter, Slow shutter, Stitch Assist and movie. While the first three modes are automatic, the others can be fully or partially controlled by the user.

White Balance settings for adjustment of color are available as Auto, Daylight, Cloudy, Incandescent, Fluorescent and Fluorescent H. A custom setting to manually set color balance is also inbuilt into the camera. The exposure compensation setting increases or decreases overall exposure from -2 to +2 and the ISO adjustments can be made in 50,100, 200 and 400 ISO equivalents. The evaluative metering mode links the metering area to the focus area and the spot metering option helps base the exposure to the center of the subject.

The creative and fun effects menu unleashes the user creativity and offers options to set colors to vivid or neutral as well as Sepia, Black or white! The low sharpening feature gives scope for softening the image for future manipulation. The continuous burst mode enables shooting of pictures in a manner similar to that of a 35 mm camera. The 10 second self-timer gives the user ample time to get into the shot. The ‘My camera’ menu gives the user the flexibility to select his options right at the beginning of the exercise.

Images shot with Canon A95 are stored in a CompactFlash memory card which fits into the card slot located at the right of the camera. It comes with a 32 MB starter card. However, considering the high resolution of the camera it will be useful to purchase a higher capacity CompactFlash card with the camera. The camera is powered by AA type Alkaline batteries with excellent life. It comes with a Maha C-204 W battery charger and so it is a good idea to pick up some rechargeable batteries. The USB jack, the AC adapter, the packaged software are all useful accessories that come with is camera. The PictBridge compatibility makes printing of the images child’s play. All these connectors fit into the other side of the camera under a flexible rubber flap that snaps in and out of place.

Recommendation:

For those who are familiar with Canon A80, A 95 is a pleasure to have. For others the camera recommends itself by the range of auto and manual exposure controls available for the novice and the experienced. The 5.0 mega pixel CCD captures quality images that are suitable for large sized prints. The compact design fits it into a coat pocket or a purse. The menu controls and the creative effects that stimulate creative photography is enough to tempt the professional shutterbug into possessing this camera.

Basic Features:

5.0-megapixel CCD delivering image resolutions as large as 2,592 x 1,944 pixels.

1.8-inch color LCD monitor.

Real-image optical viewfinder.

Glass, 3x 7.8-23.4mm lens (equivalent to 38-114mm zoom on a 35mm camera).

3x digital zoom. <

AiAF autofocus, FlexiZone AF, and a manual focus mode.

AF Assist light for low-light focusing.

Full Automatic, Program AE, Shutter Priority, Aperture Priority, and Manual exposure modes, as well as five preset exposure modes.

Manually adjustable aperture setting ranging from f/2.8 to f/8.0, depending on lens zoom position and shutter speed.

Shutter speed range from 1/2,000 to 15 seconds, depending on aperture.

Built-in flash with five operating modes.