Canon has just released four new PowerShot compact cams, refreshing the line of A-series with the A3100 IS and A3000 IS at the top of the line, and the 10-megapixel A495 and A490 along the budget-end. Aside from the usual imaging tech upgrades (which we’ll get to in a bit), what’s the new thing? Support for SDXC memory cards; a format that offers a storage ceiling of up to 2TB on a single card.

The higher-end A3100 and A3000 essentially look the same, with bodies that measure only 28mm thick, a 2.7-inch LCD screen, and 35-140mm equivalent IS lens that extends out for a 4x optical zoom. The A3100 IS offers a better 12.1MP CCD sensor though, while the A3000 is a step down with 10MP. They’re also the first PowerShot A Series models to run on rechargeable Lithium Ion battery packs (instead of the usual AA batteries) that are lighter and slimmer. Although we must admit that for all with all of the Li-Ion’s upsides, running out to buy extra AA batteries when you run out of juice in the field still has its advantages.

Both feature Optical Image Stabilization for blur-free images (or at least snaps with less blur) and add similar in-cam tech via Canon’s DIGIC III processor. For quick and easy shooting, both models feature a Smart Auto mode with Scene Detection and i-Contrast tech that analyzes the scene, adds brightness and detail to darker sections, and automatically adjusts the settings for optimal shots. Smart Flash Exposure adjusts flash exposure to match the shooting conditions (for example, it would lessen the harsh shadows cast by, say, your aunt’s rather large nose), while Face Detection Technology tracks faces—or just one face in a crowd—and optimizes the settings for a quality image.

Both cams also feature a dedicated Low Light mode that allows flash-free shots in low light, although it limits the image to a 2MP resolution. A new Super Vivid mode adds—obviously—vivid colors into a shot for an enriched effect, while a Poster Effect more waters down the colors for images with a retro, poster-style feel.

As for videos, both cams are pretty much limited to VGA-quality clips (no 720p HD recording here), but both come with software that allows for quick YouTube uploads.

The more affordable A495 and A490 both come with 10MP sensors, smaller 2.5-inch screens, and 3.3x optical zoom lens. They’re obviously come with a more basic feature set, dropping Image Stabilization but not the necessary tech for quick and easy shooting. Both are also pretty identical, although the A495 comes with 9-point AiAF, while the A490 comes with 5-point AiAf and two less available scenes. Both cams feature Smart Auto with Scene Detection and i-Contrast tech, as well as Face Detection tech for instant, optimized stills.

Both are powered by the usual AA batteries, but feature support for the newer SDXC memory card format. They also come with VGA video recording and the software for instant YouTube uploads.

Tags: Canon, Canon PowerShot, Digital Cameras

Related Entries

• Canon PowerShot SX260: a 20x zoom stuffed into a compact cam’s body
• Canon updates rugged D Series cam line with PowerShot D20
• Canon’s SX30 IS packs 35X zoom, breaks some kind of record
• Canon officially outs PowerShot G12, adds 720p video
• Canon’s new SD4000 IS compact shoots quick, thrives in low-light

You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.