Canon Powershot A75 Review

Click to take a QTVR tour of the A75

The 3.2 megapixel PowerShot A75 can capture images at resolutions of 2048x1536, 1600x1200, 1024x768, 640x480, and Postcard(1600x1200) which is a special 3:2 ratio mode for making 4x6 in. prints. Both the PowerShot A75 and the PowerShot A70 incorporate numerous high-end features including a 3x optical zoom lens, the A75 has a 9-point AiAF autofocus system instead of the 5-point AiAF found on the A70, close focus to 2-inches, and a full range of exposure modes including Program, Shutter Priority, Aperture Priority, Manual and several pre-programmed Scene modes.

New for the A75 is an additional Special Scene mode that optimizes image quality for six common shooting conditions: Indoors, Foliage, Snow, Beach, Fireworks, and Underwater. The camera is also equipped with an orientation sensor that automatically detects vertical or horizontal shooting and correctly positions the image when playing back on the camera's monitor or using Canon software. The A75 is compatible with the optional WP-DC30 Waterproof Housing good to depths of 130 feet, as well as supplementary wide- angle, telephoto and macro converters for added flexibility (all of the conversion Lens require the Adapter LA-DC52C for mounting to the camera).

Canon's proprietary DIGIC (Digital Imaging Integrated Circuit) chip processor, introduced in 2003, combines the roles of image processing and camera function control into one chip resulting in faster display, write times for each image, and lower power consumption. It handles nearly every digital camera function including JPEG compression/expansion; memory card control; LCD/Video control and processing; gain control (control of CCD signal amplification); Auto Exposure; Auto Focus; Auto White Balance control and most other functions of the camera. This allows the A75 to record movies with sound for up to 30 seconds at 640x480 or up to 3 minutes at 320x240.

Canon has also upgraded a number of features over their predecessor models, including the new Print/Share button that speeds and simplifies printing to Direct Print and PictBridge compatible printers and one-touch image transfer to Windows XP, Me, 2000, and 98 computers. When the camera is connected to a printer or computer, the Print/Share button illuminates to let the user know to press the Print/Share button to begin the printing/transferring process. Canon's new Direct Transfer function offers users five options to download images to Windows computers covering everything from all images, all new images, user-selected images, images selected for batch printing, and even a create Windows Wallpaper setting.

Over the past 68 years, Canon has accumulated a vast amount of photographic data and know-how and used it to create some of the most innovative camera products in the marketplace. Now, using that same data and know-how, Canon has developed an exclusive technology called iSAPS (Intelligent Scene Analysis based on Photographic Space) that can predict certain camera settings such as focusing distance, exposure and optimum white balance based on zoom focal length, overall light level and tonal distribution data. Canon refers to this collective data as "Photographic Space." By incorporating iSAPS technology into its PowerShot line, the cameras can analyze a scene just before the image is made and in doing so, increase the speed and precision of the camera's autofocus, auto exposure and auto white balance.

PowerShot A75 Features:

• 3.2 Megapixel CCD imager for up to 2048x1536 pixel images
• New Postcard(1600x1200) mode with 3:2 ratio for making 4x6" prints
• 3x optical 35-105mm f/2.8-4.8 zoom, 3.2x digital zoom
• 1.8" color LCD with up to 10x playback zoom
• Compact and durable body with an aluminum clad front
• Advanced TTL AiAF 9-point autofocus system
• Program AE, Shutter-speed priority, Aperture priority and Manual modes
• Movie mode w/sound, 640x480 for up to 30secs, 320x240 up to 3 minutes
• 2.2fps Continuous exposure mode
• Evaluative metering on focus point, Center-weighted or Spot
• Stitch Assist mode for perfect panoramas
• Exposure compensation: +/-2EV in 1/3-step increments
• White Balance: Auto, 5 presets or Custom
• Photo Effects: Low Sharpening, Vivid Color, Neutral, Sepia and B&W
• New Special Scene mode for shooting six common shooting conditions
• Orientation sensor that automatically detects vertical or horizontal shooting
• Low-light focus assist illuminator
• Shutter speeds of 15 seconds to 1/2000 second
• Selectable ISO settings from 50 to 400
• Voice memo (up to 60 secs) can be attached to images
• Built-in microphone and speaker
• Powered by standard AA type batteries
• Direct print and PictBridge Compatible
• USB connectivity for PC and Mac
• Optional WP-DC30 Waterproof Case

Physical Views

The A75 compared to an average CD disc.

The PowerShot A75 and SD110 Digital ELPH for size comparison.