Canon PowerShot A490 Review

  10.0 MP Digital Camera with 3.3x Optical Zoom and 2.5-Inch LCD

  

The award winning Canon PowerShot A490 is just the thing for the beginner photographer or for anyone who wants a light, affordable camera to keep on hand. Still have that family member who is stuck in the disposable camera mode? If so, this would be the perfect gift to ease them gently into the digital age without the frustration of learn to make multiple manual adjustments.

The Canon PowerShot A490 is also a great gift for kids. Young people catch on quickly to technology and this would be the perfect way to combine technology with a reason to get outdoors. They can have fun taking pictures with friends and family and learn how to download and store images on their computer.

This sleek little compact digital camera is made from lightweight silver plastic with black trim. It is small enough to fit into a shirt pocket, purse or car console. The camera operates with inexpensive AA batteries and can hold up to a 4GB memory card. For an entry level camera, the Canon PowerShot A490 has amazing features including 10 megapixels, built in flash, and a full line of auto features. No more waiting to get home and download pictures, you can playback your shots immediately on the 2.5 inch LED screen. When you are ready to download to your computer, it only takes a couple of minutes to download 1GB using a high speed 2.0 USB connection.

No Fuss Auto Focus

One of the greatest features on the Canon PowerShot A490 is the auto focus option. In addition, it has 13 shooting settings which adjust automatically to the best choice for the shot. If you are taking a portrait the cameral focuses in on the face and opens the aperture to its widest setting. As a result you get a sharp, clear face shot highlighted by a gently blurred background; just like a professional. This is also the perfect camera to take to the kids sports games. The Canon PowerShot A490 has a freeze shot mode which allows you to take great action shots, and the built-in 4x zoom makes even long-distance pictures a possibility. Whatever the situation, just point the camera, wait for the beep that tells signals the focus is ready, and shoot.

The automatic flash is another plus for beginners. The flash simply engages when the camera senses that not enough natural light is present, so you don’t have to worry about guessing whether or not the light is sufficient. Unlike most beginner digital models, this Canon includes a low light mode for those difficult indoor shots as well as smart flash technology that prevents over or under light exposure.

Accessorize

Some great add-on gifts for the Canon PowerShot A490 would be an attractive Cannon carrying case, a 4GB memory card, and USB interconnect and AV cables for downloading pictures. If you don’t want to run out of AA batteries, you might also invest in an inexpensive charger and rechargeable batteries.

Lowepro Ridge 10 Camera Case

Transcend 4 GB Class 6 SDHC Flash Memory Card

Pros

• Perfect starter digital camera
• Easy point and shoot programming
• Built in flash
• 10 Megapixels for great picture resolution
• Easy focus with multiple scene adjustments
• Large LED display
• Playback mode
• Freeze shot mode

Cons

• Memory card must be purchased separately
• Slower flash cycle than more advanced models
• Not the best choice for an accomplished photographer
• No image stabilization

What People are Saying about the Canon PowerShot A490

The Canon PowerShot A490 seems to be a favorite choice for introducing kids and adults alike to digital photography. The AA batteries do not last as long as lithium, but are inexpensive and available anywhere you go. The camera is also equipped with an auto power off so you won’t run the batteries down if you forget to shut it off.

Several people seemed to prefer this battery choice for beginners and simply invested in an AA charger and rechargeable batteries. Reviewers comment that the Canon PowerShot A490 is a good choice for kids or adults who need to carry a camera on job sites and don’t want to risk an expensive model. Most customers felt the picture quality was superb for an A-Series model.

Recommendation

Overall, if you are new to photography then this camera is great for starting out. The simple fact is that this camera takes good pictures, is easy to use, and good value for what you pay for. This camera comes highly recommended especially for kids and young adults who need to practice will a less expensive camera. So if you are looking for a great beginner digital the Canon PowerShot A490 and accessories can be found online at various shopping sites, including Amazon.com.

If, on the other hand, you are looking for something more professional in a compact digital camera I have no hesitation in recommending either the Canon PowerShot ELPH 300 HS or the Canon PowerShot S95; 2 of the best cameras in their price range.