Canon updates A series with four new PowerShots

[Allison Johnson]

Canon announces today an update to their entry-level, low-cost PowerShot A series with the launch of four new cameras. The new PowerShots offer features that include a dedicated low light shooting mode and two new creative shooting modes (Super Vivid and Poster Effect). Also new is the Canon Smart FE flash exposure which makes automatic adjustments to flash level output, shutter speed, ISO sensitivity, and aperture setting.

Canon PowerShot A3100 IS and PowerShot A3000 IS
The PowerShot A3100 IS will feature a 12 megapixel sensor, and the A3000 will carry a 10 megapixel sensor. Both employ a 2.7 inch LCD and a 4x optically stabilized zoom lens. They both feature Canon's Smart Auto shooting mode. The PowerShot A3100 will debut at $179; the A3000 IS will cost $149. They're scheduled for availability in February.

Canon PowerShot A3100 IS

Canon PowerShot A495 and A490
Both of these PowerShot models feature a 10 megapixel sensor and a slightly smaller 2.5 inch LCD. They offer a 3.3x optical zoom range. Both models are equipped with low light shooting modes and Smart FE. The A495 will feature the new creative shooting modes for $20 more than the A490, which does not. Also slated for availability in February, the A495 will cost $129.99 and the A490 a bargain-basement $109.99.

Canon PowerShot A495

PowerShot A series
Canon's A series have garnered a reputation for quality picture-taking at low prices. Though Canon moved away from including the manual exposure modes that popularized the series with photo enthusiasts, we've still found their A series efforts to be a good value.

Related Articles:

• Canon PowerShot A2100 IS Review
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• Canon PowerShot A2100 IS First Thoughts
• Canon PowerShot A480 Review

[Andy Stanton]

It's amazing how cheap these new cameras are. A few years ago Canon's A series cameras were priced as high as $300-$400. Given the high quality of Canon's other point and shoots, these seem like a great buy.

[KCook]

No more viewfinder? Without the viewfinder feature, I wonder how much appeal a chunky AA camera will have ...

Kelly

[ifse]

I noticed that the A3000 and A3100 have rechargeable Li-ion batteries (a new type, NB-8L), so I guess the days of AA-based cameras are slowly disappearing, even in the A series. Maybe I should stock up now and eBay them later

[ifse]

No more viewfinder? Without the viewfinder feature, I wonder how much appeal a chunky AA camera will have ...

Kelly

Can't blame chunkiness and lack of a viewfinder on AA batteries anymore

[KCook]

... A3000 and A3100 have rechargeable Li-ion batteries (a new type, NB-8L) ...

Oops! I missed that. Soooo why the A3100 versus the SD1200? Or are the lower priced SD-series going to get the axe?

Kelly

[ifse]

The A3100 still has a larger, thicker body typical of the A series. I guess they are using "chunkiness" as a differentiator between A and SD. It seems that this is more a product positioning decision than a technical one.

[Andy Stanton]

The A3000 and A3100 are a bit chunky but they are still only 1.1 inches thick and weigh only 165 grams. They are smaller and lighter weight than the S90.

Assuming their image quality is typical Canon - very good - I think the low price and chunky body are going to attract a lot of older buyers who don't want a camera the size of an Ipod.

[leaftye]

Lack of AA batteries means they're unsuitable for the long hike I'm planning this year. I might accept a lithium battery if it had the ruggedness of some Olympus cameras, but unfortunately this camera offers virtually nothing useful to me now.

[Andy Stanton]

You could buy an extra battery or two.