Canon Powershot A3100 IS Review

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Review posted 3/17/2010


Quick Take
Pros
Excellent image quality; Video mode captures nice VGA sized movies; Smart Auto shooting mode is accurate and makes the camera incredibly easy to use; Li-ion power source; More compact body than previous "A" series models
Cons
640x480 max video resolution (No HD);
High ISO (1600) noise
Bottom Line
Canon's PowerShot A3100 IS is an easy-to-use entry-level digicam that anyone can use. Packed full of features like a 12.1-Megapixel imaging sensor and a 4x optical zoom with optical image stabilization (IS), you will be very happy with the feature set and image quality from this camera. Read more in our Full Conclusion.
Canon's new PowerShot A3100 IS is one of the first in the "A" series line to feature a Li-Ion battery pack, instead of using standard AA-type cells. This allows the 12.1-Megapixel camera to be very thin and more compact than the other cameras in this series. The A3100 also features a 4x optical zoom lens with optical image stabilization, DIGIC III image processor, Smart Auto shooting mode, a Low-Light shooting mode and a 2.7-inch LCD screen. You can pick up this camera in one of three available colors: Silver, Blue or Red.

Canon PowerShot A3100 IS Features:
  • 12.1 Megapixel, 1/2.3-inch CCD imaging sensor
  • DIGIC III image processor
  • 4x optical zoom lens with a 35mm film equivalent: 35-140mm; f/2.7 (W) - f/5.6 (T)
  • Optical Image Stabilization
  • 2.7-inch, 230,000 dot LCD screen
  • 15 - 1/1600 sec. total shutter range
  • ISO 80-1600
  • Smart Auto shooting mode
  • Face Detection AF/AE/FE/WB
  • Face Detection Self-Timer
  • Intelligent Contrast Correction
  • Low-Light shooting mode
  • PictBridge/Exif Print
  • USB 2.0 Hi-Speed
  • Li-Ion Rechargeable Battery pack
  • 240 shot battery life

In the Box:
  • PowerShot A3100 IS Body
  • Lithium-ion NB-8L
  • Battery Charger CB-2LA
  • Wrist Strap WS-800
  • Digital Camera Solution CD-ROM
  • USB Interface Cable IFC-400PCU
  • AV Cable AVC-DC400

The Canon PowerShot A3100 IS is available now with a MSRP of US $179.99.

Additional Views:

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