This Canon Powershot A3100 IS review covers the features and benefits of the A3100, as well as opinions from reviewers on Amazon.com

12.1 Megapixels

With a 12.1 megapixel sensor, the Canon Powershot A3100 produces quality prints up to 16 x 24 inches (A2) without enlargement. Prints will be as sharp and clear as when they came out of the camera, not blurred or fuzzy from being blown up. The A3100’s resolution of 12.1 megapixels also means photographers can crop their images after taking them, yet keep the image quality required for larger prints. The A3100 takes the snapshot to new heights, or rather sizes.

“This is a compact, easy-to-use, bring the fun back to photography camera that provides Canon’s photo quality in a lower cost, compact build. A little bit bigger than the digital elphs, this camera still fits comfortably in a shirt or pant pocket.” -Surgery100 “ADJ”, Amazon reviewer

4X Optical Zoom Lens

This Canon zoom lens maintains the high quality standards set by other Canon products. The optical Image Stabilizer reduces blur from a shaky camera, and the 4X optical zoom brings subjects 400% closer. The clear, well-built lens, Image Stabilizer and zoom let photographers capture exactly what they see clearly, up close and in super-sharp focus.

“For anyone who is like me and just likes to take pictures and/or shoot videos, I’d highly recommend this camera to you.”-Lisa, Amazon reviewer (from Canon Powershot A3100 IS review)

2.7” (6.cm) LCD Screen

The Canon Powershot A3100’s 2.7” LCD screen makes framing and reviewing photographs easy. The bright, high-resolution screen lets photographers see exactly what they’re shooting, and review images after shooting to make sure the shot is perfect.

“The Canon A3100IS is a fantastic all around camera. I think anybody who buys one will not be disappointed.” -Jason Jiminez, Amazon reviewer

Effortless Shooting

The Powershot A3100’s Auto mode makes shooting great images a matter of clicking a button. The intelligent Scene Detection Technology allows the camera to evaluate the scene and automatically choose the best settings. The Canon Powershot A3100’s technology determines the correct settings for the scene’s brightness and contrast, the overall hue of the subject and the flash exposure, if any, required for the scene. For the photographer, all this adds up to simple push-button photography.

“I am pleasantly surprised how much fun it is taking photos with this camera. The camera is easy to learn, fun to use & takes great photos.” -S.E. Miller, Amazon reviewer (from Canon Powershot A3100 IS review)

Motion Detection Technology

The Canon A3100 detects when the camera or subject moves, and corrects the ISO settings to reduce blur and create the best image. This means more sharp images and fewer blurry blobs.

“The settings are very intuitive – it’s much easier now to change from “Kids and Pets” to “Outdoor”, for instance. I love that the settings are all on a dial!” - V. Crayton, Amazon reviewer (from Canon Powershot A3100 IS review)

Face Detection Technology

The Canon Powershot A3100’s face detection technology suite detects all of the faces in a given scene and adjusts the camera’s settings to create sharp images with natural skin tones and no red-eye. For group self-portraits, the FaceSelf-Timer activates the shutter button when an additional face enters the frame. Photographers who shoot images of people on a regular basis will find the face detection helpful in creating realistic looking photos.

“The Powershot A3100IS 12.1MP camera is a fantastic combination of small size and great optics, with good shooting modes and features.” -Daniel West, Amazon reviewer

Multiple Shooting Modes

The Canon Powershot A3100 IS offers 18 shooting modes, including Super Vivid for vibrant colors, Low Light, for inside shooting and outdoor shooting in the evening, and Poster Effect, which creates a retro look by decreasing the number of colors in the image. Some photographers will prefer to use the more realistic modes to take better low-light or sports images or nicer portraits. Creative types will enjoy the more artistic modes as well.

“My wife loves the size and weight, as well as the ease of use, but also the many available features, especially the Image Stabilization, 4X Optical Zoom, 12.1 MP, and the 2.7″ LCD.” -Tools 30, Amazon reviewer

DIGIC III Processor

The Canon A3100’s onboard brain, the DIGIC III processor, reduces noise in images, ensures accurate color reproduction, creates sharp images and produces fast response times. With the Digic III inside, the A3100 is powerful, fast and easy to use, while creating superb image quality.

“If you want a camera that is easy to use and takes great pictures… AND is priced very well… look no further! ” -Robert Speakman, Amazon reviewer (from Canon Powershot A3100 IS review)

Rechargeable Battery

The Canon Powershot A3100 IS comes with a rechargeable Canon Lithium-ion battery pack and charger. Lithium-ion batteries last longer and hold a charge better than AA batteries. The included battery also saves photographers money over buying replacement AA batteries.

“The Canon A3100IS digital camera provides great digital photographs at a very reasonable price. The fully automatic nature of the camera is perfect for my wife who is not a knowledgeable photographer and does not want to become a knowledgeable photographer.”  – JimG, Amazon reviewer

 

The Canon Powershot A3100 IS shoots sharp, clear images in any of 18 modes, prevents blur through the Image Stabilizer and Motion Detection Technology, and uses face recognition technology to produce excellent people shots with natural-looking skin tones and no red-eye. Simple and easy to use, the A3100 is also powerful yet compact. With 12.1 megapixels and 4X optical zoom, the A3100 lets photographers take close-up photos from a distance and print up to 16 x 24 inches with no enlargements.

VERDICT

The Canon Powershot A3100 is not for the serious photographer who wants a professional-level camera with interchangeable lenses. This is a compact point-and-shoot camera, not a DSLR. It is perfect for anyone who wants a camera to carry around. The casual photographer, rather than the enthusiast, will enjoy the A3100.

High-Definition Video Recording with HDMI Connectivity
The Canon PowerShot SX1 IS can record high-definition videos at 1080p and it has the capability to connect to an HD TV via an HDMI cable connection. This makes playback of the videos much easier and more high quality than a standard video camera/TV playback.
• Canon PowerShot SX1 IS uses a mini-HDMI cable to play back pictures and videos
• Full high-definition recording capabilities
• Plays back on an HDTV or monitor
• Can play up to 130 still photos at once
This feature is great for those who make a profession out of shooting still photographs or out of producing videos. The high definition capabilities in the Canon PowerShot SX1 IS digital camera make editing and playback much easier and produces a much more professional quality.

“The main advantages this camera offers are RAW mode, Full HD video and the 20x zoom (560mm). the downsides are the poor autofocus precision and high noise over ISO 200.”—Juanfr22, Amazon.com

CMOS Sensor Integration
CMOS sensor integration is one of the best things that could have happened to the PowerShot SX1 IS. Normally, a standard camera operates on CCD sensors for light filtering and capturing purposes, but the CMOS sensor in the Canon PowerShot SX1 IS digital camera is different. The light is already filtered and adjusted to fit the scene before it is even transferred to the camera memory. Now anyone who wants to shoot quality photos and videos with amazing clarity and zero to limited pixilation should consider the Canon PowerShot SX1 IS as an ideal camera.

Superzoom Camera
The Canon PowerShot SX1 IS digital camera is one style of DSLR that is considered a superzoom camera, meaning that its optical zoom extends past that of a standard digital camera. The Canon PowerShot SX1 IS digital camera offers a 20X optical zoom, making certain that quality, high-definition photos and videos are produced according to the greatest standard. It has a wider angle, which means that photographers can get significantly more elements into their shots. Even if the photographer is moving or has shaky hands, the camera has a stabilizer built into it that allows for quality photos every time without the blur associated with cameras that do not have this feature.

Pop-Out LCD Screen
Unlike many traditional styles of SLR cameras, the PowerShot SX1 IS offers a pop-out style LCD screen that measures approximately 2.8 inches wide for viewing the full length of one’s pictures and videos. It even has a special light display on it so that users can change the light settings of the camera depending on a variety of conditions.

Multiple Shooting Modes
There are two primary modes of shooting still images with the PowerShot SX1 IS. One mode is RAW, which makes it so that photos can be easily edited using a graphic design program. JPEG mode is also available for people who plan to use the camera for everyday photography, without necessarily needing it for professional purposes. Best of all, users can set the camera to record both a RAW version and a JPG version of all still photos at the same time.

DIGIC 4 Processor
The DIGIC 4 processor that is installed in the Canon PowerShot SX1 IS allows users to keep images in focus, even when the camera is moving. Some of the other features that come as a result of the processor include:
• iSaps implementation—allows users to control lighting, speed, and accuracy of the camera per shot.
• Contrast improvement—if the contrast of a scene or a shot is too dark, the camera will lighten it up so the focus returns to the subject. Users can also apply this setting to photos in playback mode, even if they were not shot using this setting.
• Red-eye correction—allows users to go back into playback mode and fix any pictures that have red eye in them. Another option automatically detects potential red eye and corrects it. Users can also do this manually.

“If you are looking for a very good hybrid cam that offers an impressive array of features but puts more emphasis on video quality then this is the perfect cam. Yes, the settings and modes can be a bit confusing but with a little usage they can be mastered.”—Flight Guy, Amazon.com

Numerous Methods of Shooting
People who use the PowerShot SX1 IS can now choose from over 25 different styles of shooting and image capture depending on subjects or time of day. This makes it easier to get the professional-grade photos that many are searching to obtain. Some of the most popular shooting modes are:
• Automatic
• P Program
• Av Aperture-Priority
• Manual
• Super Macro
• Portrait
• Fireworks
• Sunset
Of course, there are many more settings to choose from, these are just a few of the best.

Connect and share Button
One touch of a button allows users to connect their camera to the special printer (sold separately) so that they can share their photos with friends, family, and other people.

Overall, the Canon PowerShot SX1 IS offers a diversity of features for both amateurs and professionals alike. It has HD video recording capabilities, 25 shot settings, and many more features that may cause numerous people to appreciate it.

Since its launch, the Powershot series has become so popular that different models are now labeled as being part of a series. For example, there’s the Canon Powershot A series, which emphasizes budget-friendly models.

The S3 provides practical features with great benefits

The Powershot S3 IS is part of the S series, which makes it is a notch below the G series. These cameras have many of the same features as G series cameras, but typically lack a feature or two in order to come in at a lower price point.

In the case of the Powershot S3 IS, consumers found very little to complain about, the model was reviewed favourably by both tech websites and users.

Many users praised its zoom as well as the clarity of images. For anyone looking for a professional-grade camera while still wanting to spend a reasonable amount of money, the S3 IS appears to be a sound option.

Lets look a little deeper at the features of the Powershot S3 IS and see how it is.

“A mini-DSLR perfect for photo enthusiasts” By W. Wu (San Francisco, CA USA) “

The 12x optical zoom lens let you take almost any photo from anywhere

One of the biggest advantages of the S3 IS is its 12x optical zoom. Quite simply, this lets the user take almost any photo he or she can dream of. Even though the model is a few years old, 12x is still a very high level of zoom.

Anyone who’s ever taken a nature shot can attest to the fact that more zoom means more natural images, as the scene can be left undisturbed.

Similarly, when attempting to take an up-close photo of something, the zoom allows for every last detail to be captured.

Whether a person wants to take a shot of something from afar or just needs more detail, the 12x zoom allows almost any shot to be taken with as much quality as possible.

Fully adjustable flip-and-twist LCD screen for maximum viewing

Another feature of the Canon Powershot S3 that many users will cherish is the flip-and-twist LCD screen that is integrated into the camera. While virtually all cameras offer a built-in LCD screen, the Canon Powershot S3 lets the user adjust the LCD to his or her preference.

This means that if the camera isn’t right in front of the photographer’s face, they can still see the LCD screen with ease and make adjustments to the shot before snapping a photo.

While the screen isn’t what most would consider large, coming in at just two inches, it is still suitable for most people and is an upgrade over the camera’s predecessor.

Take pictures in widescreen for TV viewing

With nearly everyone owning an HDTV, it’s a shame when pictures can’t be displayed on them at their intended resolution. Either part of the image is lost, or the image has to be stretched out.

Either way, it makes for a less than perfect experience when trying to show off pictures on the big screen. Canon understands this, and that’s why the S3 includes the option to take pictures in widescreen.

Using this setting, photos can be taken at a native 16:9 ratio, so that if a user loads them onto his or her TV, they will display properly.

“This camera dominates this price range” By M. Chang

“Excellent compromise between point-and-shoots & DSLR” By P. Schmidt (Chicago, Illinois USA)

Take crisp and clear VGA-quality video

One final feature that the S3 includes that many consumer users will enjoy is the ability to take VGA-quality video.

The videos are crisp and clear, and they let the user take advantage of the excellent hardware in the S3 withou

t having to buy a separate camcorder.

The pristine video can use a lot of memory, though, so recordings are limited to just a few minutes. The S3 isn’t id

eal for shooting full-length films in one sitting, but for capturing small clips, it will work just fine.

Test Video – Take a look at this test video demonstrating the true quality and clarity that you can get from the Canon PowerShot S3

Printing and sharing is a breeze with the S3

Lastly, the Canon Powershot S3 IS was built with printing in mind. It has a dedicated button for printing and sharing, so that all the owner needs to do is connect the camera to a compatible printer.

This eliminates the hassle of needing to transfer files to a computer or flash drive and then convert them for home printing.

Using a Canon Direct Print compatible printer helps the user save time, and it’s hard to imagine a simpler way to print than to just press a button.

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		$586.99

Is this right for you?

The Canon Powershot S3 continues to be a popular camera for photography enthusiasts, and it’s not hard to see why.

From the twisting LCD to allow photos from all angles to the support for a widescreen ratio, Canon included a lot of features to make sure that users would enjoy using the camera and that the photos they take would work well with the other technology they own.

On top of that, specs such as the 12x zoom and ISO 800 have helped to ensure that the S3 can withstand the test of time.

Even though it’s been on the market for a few years, the Canon Powershot S3 IS is still a solid pick for anyone who wants a camera with professional results while still coming in at a comparatively affordable price point.

There’s also a D series, with cameras that are waterproof or feature other forms of heavy duty impact resistance. One other notable series is the G series, which is the most prominent of the Powershot cameras and features cameras with the latest technology.

“Awsome camera with excellent picture quality, zoom, and battery life” Anthony Pantliano “The Photo Guy”

“Makes me feel like a pro without the SLR hassles, and great Canon details” By BrownyBrownie (San Francisco, CA)

Bringing RAW capture back to the G series, as well as a new screen, the Canon Powershot G9 again guarantees high end results. Whether a professional or a hobbyist, expect that the Canon Powershot G9, with its vast number of improvements, will have a hard time being a disappointment to anyone.

Packed with great features and functionality

The Powershot G9 distances itself from the competition in image quality and functionality. Easy to use, the beginner and hobbyist will be taking brilliant 12.1 megapixel photos out the box. Yet the Powershot G9’s sophisticated enough for the experienced and professional photographer to bring home outstanding imagery.

With the Canon Powershot G9’s unique features and quality output, look forward to the Canon Powershot G9 Digital Camera putting total creative control in your hands.

• 12.1 megapixel CCD will capture detail that allows poster size print outs without loss of resolution
• 6x image stabilized optical zoom
• Enhanced Optical ViewFinder
• Face detection technology
• In camera red eye adjustment
• 25 shooting modes, including 9 special scene options
• Print/share capability

Powered by a NB-2LH lithium ion battery, the Canon Powershot G9 Digital Camera comes with a charger. It stores images on a SD or MMC memory card. To start you off, Canon supplies a 32 MB MMC card with the Powershot G9.

The Canon Powershot G9’s impressive technology is complemented by the product’s sophisticated design and superb construction. Durable and compact, the stabilizer technology ensures image steadiness that will be free of blurring. Even in the lowest lighting conditions, the zoom range detects motion, generating corrective signals to bring back a clear, precise picture. The optical system adjusts for movement without a pixel of degradation in quality.

Advanced shooting and movie modes for great pictures and video anywhere

The advanced shooting modes, ensuring the best possible photos in a range of conditions, puts the user in a position to be ready for every shot that could cross their path. The following modes are available with the Powershot G9.

• Portrait:    Set a large aperture and create images with sharp subjects and blurred background
• Sports:    Autofocus a subject on the move
• ISO 3200:    Shoot in low light situations without a flash and still get a well adjusted image
• Landscape:    Get a greater depth of field throughout a scene using a small aperture
• Night Scene:    Experience proper exposure with low lit scenes while utilizing a slow-sync flash.

There’s also Movie Mode.

• High resolution, VGA and QVGA for up to an hour of filming
• QQVGA for up to 3 minutes
• Time Lapse for up to 2 hours at 1 to 2 second intervals

The Menu system on the Canon Powershot G9 continues to be user friendly. Only now there are buttons and dials, like the EV button that handles rotating images in Playback mode.

RAW image recording  to capture precise imaging

With the advancements in this tech, expect the Canon Powershot G9 Digital Camera to capture precise imaging. The RAW Image Task software guarantees total control over parameters and settings. For post-editing, no other option for this kind of convenience and flexibility is available.

High speed performance with the DIGIC III for reduced noise reduction

With advanced noise reduction, the processor offers high speed performance like no other camera outside the Canon Powershot G9 can. Brilliant color, leaner images at an elevated ISO speed, with iSAPS technology optimizing camera settings before the shot gets taken.

Superior adaptability with 9 point AiAF and flexiZone AF/AE focusing options

These Powershot G9 focusing options present superior adaptability. Switch easily between manual, rapid 9 point AiAF or FlexiZone AFAE and back, or choose a specific auto focus point.

Great photo viewing with a big 3 inch LCD Screen

The Powershot G9’s biggest screen yet. Low reflective coating, scratch resistant, handles sunny conditions and premium color reproduction. Take advantage of high contrast, wide angles to improve any view.

Features such as the ISO 1600 and auto ISO shift to reduce photo blur

Combine this excellent feature with the optical stabilizer and counteract blurring. The dials allow easy selection of settings. The auto feature shifts automatically, reducing the risk of blur.

Take a look at some of the main features from this fantastic pocket camera:

Testimonials – What real customers say about the Canon Powershot G9

“What I like most from this camera are the several DSLR features available from menus and buttons. … Picture quality is awesome. There’s some problem with low light pictures. I suggest you attach an external flash” — keno, Amazon.com

“Incredible camera; very worthy upgrade” — R. Kaufmann, Amazon.com

“I love this camera. It’s really durable and I own more than one of these. The Powershots are work horses and you can take thousands of pictures without a hiccup.” — Yvonne Rome, Amazon.com

“A great replacement for my long time Powershot that stopped working. I love this new camera, feels great in my hands, the only complaint I have is that it does not shoot well in low light, and I despise flash. I highly recommend it. enjoy!” — LeeLaz, Amazon.com

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Best Prices on Canon’s Powershot G9
		$610.00
Canon PowerShot G9 12.1MP Digital Camera with 6x Optical Image Stabilized Zoom

Is the Canon Powershot G9 digital camera right camera for you

For the beginner, this perfect camera is an excellent place to start. It will guide you through the technical aspects of photography and allow you to learn the process without the mess and fuss over lenses and lighting and all that stuff you’re not ready to know yet. With an exciting new set of features, the hobbyist and photo enthusiast can continue to experience the finest quality photographs. And the professional can take their skills and photo management to the next level.

The Canon Powershot G9 Digital Camera is for everyone who wants to have a good time taking pictures.