Canon Powershot A490 Review

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Review posted 2/22/2010

Quick Take
Pros
Excellent image quality; powerful Built-in flash; video capture; smart Auto shooting mode; incredibly easy to use
Cons
Low-Resolution 2.5-Inch LCD;
640x480 max video resolution (No HD);
Slow shooting performance
Bottom Line
The Canon PowerShot A490 is a compact, entry-level model featuring excellent image quality and a decent set of features for anyone on a budget. Read more in our Full Conclusion.
canon_a490_450.jpg
The new Powershot A490 is Canon's newest entry-level compact digicam. This stylish camera features a 10-Megapixel imaging sensor, Digic III image processor, a 2.5-inch LCD screen and Canon's Smart Auto mode which automatically picks all the camera's settings based on the current shooting conditions. Powering the camera are two standard AA-type batteries, meaning additional power is always close, if your batteries should happen to run out of juice.

As far as entry-level cameras go, the A490 from Canon is one of the easiest for beginners not only to operate, but to capture quality images with. Smart Auto chooses from 13 predefined Scene modes, which will satisfy just about any situation that you might find yourself in. The camera's 2.5-inch LCD allows you to easily frame your subject when shooting and is great for viewing your images afterwards.


Canon Powershot A490 Features:
  • 10-Megapixel, 1/2.3-inch CCD imaging sensor
  • Digic III image processor
  • 3.3x optical zoom lens: 35mm equivalent of 37-122mm
  • TTL Autofocus
  • 2.5-inch, 115,000 dot LCD
  • Face Detection AF/AE/FE/WB
  • Intelligent Contrast Correction
  • Red-eye Correction
  • Low-Light shooting
  • Smart Flash Exposure
  • 15 - 1/2000 sec. Total shutter speed range
  • ISO - Auto, 80, 100, 200, 400, 800, 1600
  • Smart Auto with 13 predefined shooting modes
  • Shooting Modes: Auto, P, Special Scene (Portrait, Night Snapshot, Kids & Pets, Indoor, Low Light, Beach, Foliage, Snow, Sunset, Fireworks, Long Shutter), Movie
  • Self-Timer
  • Movie Recording at 640x480 and 320x240
  • SD/SDHC compatible
  • Powered by 2 AA-Type batteries
  • PictBridge
  • Exif Print

In the Box:
  • PowerShot A490 Body
  • AA-size Alkaline Battery (x2)
  • Wrist Strap WS-800
  • Digital Camera Solution CD-ROM
  • USB Interface Cable IFC-400PCU
  • AV Cable AVC-DC300

The Canon Powershot A490 will be available some time in February with a MSRP of US $109.99.

Visitors of Steves can visit the stores below for real-time pricing and availability. You can also find hot, soon to expire online offers on a variety of cameras and accessories at our very own Camera Deals page.

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