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Canon PowerShot A95 5MP Digital Camera with 3x Optical Zoom
By: Canon Average Rating: 4.5 Total Reviews: 172
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 On: 2008-03-21
The Camera is an excellent choice for a novice , its auto mode takes photos splendidly with lot of details and crisp.
The color contrast of every snap are very appealing. If you have used any of the canon cameras the navigations is very much the same.
Its doesnt take much time before you start utilizing most of the features.
The body of the camera is sturdy and reliable. Had a couple of mishaps but it continued to work fine.
Taking photos in the dark is really a trouble some ... The response of the camera is too too slow after you have clicked ... sometimes u might want to know if the camera is actually working or not.
Unfortunately this camera stopped working today after 3 years.. I dont know whether to revive it by paying 97 dollar for repair or buy a new one.. Not sure how all of a suddenly it stopped working ..this is strange and unexpected from a great camera.
But the greatness of this camera overcomes all this risk. and i would recommend this camera.
 On: 2008-02-05
This camera has a SIGNIFICANT DELAY between pushing the button and snapping the pic. Its extrememly hard to capture any kind of movement; forget taking kid pics; and the delay also can cause the shooter to move the camera before the shutter moves.
 On: 2008-01-01
I bought this thing for a vacation trip a couple of years ago. Its still going strong. Turned out some great pictures from Christmas. Ive used Sony rechargeable batteries with good success. My favorite feature other than the overall ease of use is the movable Display which allows you to take pictures from many angles. Canon seem to be the ones to beat. I guess there are more features and megapixels to be had with the newer cameras, but until this one dies, I cant see myself wanting to change. Well worth what I spent for it.
On: 2007-12-26
This was a pretty good camera while it worked, for about 2.5 years. It did go through batteries pretty fast and some of the shooting modes didnt work well (the pictures ended up corrupted and wouldnt transfer to desktop), but overall the Auto mode was good and it did a decent job. The biggest problem I see is a very short life.
On: 2007-12-02
Im sure there are newer versions that are even better that the A95 but I just had to sing its praises. Ive had this camera fall on rocks and land in a river and it still works to this day. Now that is quality!
On: 2007-06-10
I started with the classic Nikon FTN in 1969, and I swear this is absolutely the easiest and best to use camera that Ive ever owned. Ive abused the stuffings out of it, and it just keeps on ticking! There is an after market flash deflector you can find on ebay that is really handly in using the flash on close up shots without getting flash burn. You can spend $100s more and never be able to tell the difference if you arent a professional. Love it!
On: 2007-06-10
Ive had this cam for several months now and Id buy a Canon power anything again. This cam is great and now its a lot less to buy one. Actually, you can find a better model for less than I paid cause the prices have really come down. Am glad I bought this one and have not even come close to using it to its potential. Go Canon...
On: 2007-05-07
Buena camara, funciones muy buenas, lo único malo es el peso por las 4 pilas que utiliza
On: 2007-01-11
I bought this almost exactly 2 years ago, and I turned it on the other day and went to take a picture indoors that required a flash, and the flash would not work. It was set to automatic flash. Using the auto setting, I thought there used to be 3 flash settings (auto, forced flash and no flash), but now there were only 2. I took it outside on a sunny day and used the auto flash, and the flash went off outside! Something is messed up and it has the light and dark confused.
Thinking I hit something and changed a setting, I reset it to the factory defaults and it still doesnt work. It will probably be too expensive to get it fixed, and its weird but I just upgraded to a Nikon D50. I must have known this camera was about to die.
Even when it worked, half the time pictures came out blurry. I either got fantastic crystal clear shots or blurry ones as if the auto focus missed. Maybe the camera was defective the entire time I had it. No more Canons for me.
On: 2007-01-10
I have been using this camera for well over a year and have found no problems with it. I get great pictures either at work or play. I have taken over 1500 pictures. The fold out viewer a great plus.
 On: 2007-01-04
Add another E18 error code complaint to the list! I purchased the camera about a year ago, and have had the E18 error for about the last 2 months. The camera will intermitently freeze up and not work at all, just beep at you and give you an error code E18. Ive tried all the recommended fixes from the compressed air to the alignment twist. Nothing seems to keep it functioning for more than a few shots. Canon wants nothing to do with the fix, and estimates repairs between $150 and $200. Save the headaches, and buy another camera from a different manufacturer!
On: 2006-12-22
Heres one more A95 to add to the ever increasing list of E18 failures.
Thanks to the horror stories from the other posters Im not even going to waste my time trying to get this repaired. The camera is only about 2 years old... guess Ill put it back in the box and wait to see the outcome from the class action suits!
The camera really performed nicely when it was working... thus the 2 stars. Hope you have better luck than me if you get one.
On: 2006-11-28
I got the dreaded "E18" error after owning this (naturally) for just over a year. Repairs will be at least $100, and REPAIRS ARE ONLY GUARANTEED FOR 90 DAYS...even if the exact same problem occurs again! This is clearly a design flaw (just read how many users had the same problem). My first PhotoShot broke after about a year and a half, and since I liked the ease of use and basic design, I chalked it up to bad luck and bought another. Big mistake.
On: 2006-11-22
I love my camera. Heres why:
1. The pop-out screen. Perfect when you are in a crowd. You can just tilt the screen, rais your arms and you KNOW what youll be shooting. (Rather than just shooting blindly.)Also, to get the kids/pet shots. You tilt the screen up and you can shoot from your waist or knees without having to bend uncomfortably. The con: It probably makes the camera a bit chunkier, but to me its worth it.
2. The pixel size. Its around 5MP and it is just right for all-around shooting. It isnt too small where I lose details but it isnt too big where Im having to always free up space on my computer. The con: I would prefer more MPs but, for this camera, it will do fine.
3. The controls. I found that it is simple enough for all-around point & shoot shots but it also has features that you can control. I choose to use my manual shutter and aperture settings to control my pictures. But if I hand my camera to somebody who has no idea how to use one, they could just hit the button and shoot. The con: The settings can seem to overwhelm the beginner...at first, but after reading the manual for a bit, it should help with that.
4. The size. I am comfortable with its size. But I know many would prefer a smaller one. (I guess that would be the con of it.) It feels solid and well made. The screen is not too small and the lense does a decent job in getting the shots you want. I use a cushioned carrying case for it and it can be a bit bulky BUT Id rather protect it with something like that. This can be a bit chunky for your pocket but it can still fit. (Dont forget to grab yourself a camera strap for added protection against drops!)
5. Canon. Ive owned Canons for a while and that is the brand I will stick to. I found that they are well made and the cameras are awesome. This one is a favorite. I can take it anywhere. Hopefully you will too.
Enjoy!
On: 2006-11-06
I bought this camera from amazon in May 2005. It was GREAT until I got the E18 error on Halloween. (Thats why I gave it 2 stars instead of 1.) Then I started googling and found it seems to be some sort of design problem with these cameras. That wouldnt bother me much if Canon was willing to work with people but I was quoted the same roughly $100 repair price as an earlier reviewer with the short 3 mo. warranty on the repair. If I trusted that the camera would actually stay fixed, Id do it because otherwise I really like the camera. But I dont trust it and Im not impressed with Canons customer service. I previously had problems with a Kodak digital camera and Kodak was good about repairing it free of charge even when the warranty had expired.
So Im staying away from Canons now.
On: 2006-09-22
I bought my Canon A95 in November 2004. A little after 1 year just after the manufacturers warranty expired, the infamous E18 error struck. I called the factory repair center to get a repair estimate, and they quoted $89 plus $8 shipping & handling. I bought the camera for $300 online, now its going to cost me roughly 1/3 of its purchase cost to repair it. For all I know, it might break down again after the repair! The repair comes with 90-Day warranty period, but it COULD break again after 90 days.
And then...
There is an upgrade option. Canon offers a program where you can upgrade A95 for A610 for $125 plus $10 shipping and handling. This comes with only 6-month warranty. Again, it COULD be flawed with the same e18 error that could struck after warranty expires.
I would really do extensive research before buying another CANON.
On: 2006-09-06
Ive had this camera just over a year (figures) and it has gone completely bonkers on me. Sometimes it works and other times it puts black lines across the screen making it useless. You never know when you turn it on whether it will work or not -- making it completely unreliable. Keep in mind that this camera was used almost entirely inside for my business, so it wasnt abused, dropped, thrown in the bottom of a purse, etc. It was treated very carefully and probably only shot about 2,000 pictures total.
Frankly, Im kind of glad it broke so that I have an excuse to replace it. Heres why:
1. Takes beautiful still shots, but forget about any kind of action. It takes too long between shots to get good action. It also blurs nearly all the action shots Ive ever taken, regardless of what mode its in.
2. The red-eye is aweful. It should do better.
I doubt that Ill ever buy another Canon.
 On: 2006-08-28
After reading the literally hundreds of positive reviews for Canon cameras generally, and this one in particular, I bought one after our older Kodak DC3400 finally died.
When the pictures are good, they are very good with this camera. It seems though that I can take more bad pictures in one weekend than I did through 5000 pictures with the old Kodak - blurry images, and in dim light or dusk settings, lots of red eye.
Love the fact that it uses AA batteries though, makes it easy to replace if the batteries die and we cant recharge them.
On: 2006-06-03
I bought this Camera in December 2004, based on top-notch ratings. And I have few complaints. I dont take a lot of pictures. I hadnt taken more than 150 in 18 months time.
Ive been very happy with it though. The pictures come out great.
I decided on Canon because they are known to have the best Linux compatibility. However, it didnt dawn on me at the time that the computer I had just bought has a media card reader. Therefore Linux compatibility is not an issue.
Any OS can handle media card readers and its much simpler to pop the card into the reader than hook up a USB cable.
I do wish Id done more research on media types. If I were buying today, Id pay more attention to the Canons that take the much smaller (in size) SD Media cards. For some reason that media is often half the price of the CF media that the A95 takes.
The cameras that take the SD media often come with rechargeable batteries that are smaller too. The Canon A95 does not come with batteries. It just uses plain old AA batteries (Ive since bought rechargeable AA batteries to use with it).
The point to all this is that the bigger batteries and flash memory make it heaver and bulkier. I must say though, that I actually do like the the idea of AA batteries. I find that more convenient then the built-in rechargeable types. The trade-off of course, is the size they add to the camera and the expense. But since I take few pictures, thats not a problem.
The image quality is excellent. 5 Megapixels gives you a lot of image to play with if you with to crop/edit and then produce a 4x6" or 8x10" image for printing.
If you want to tweak settings for your particular environment, the A95 gives you quite a few options. Most of these Ill probably never bother with. "Auto" has worked out quite well so far.
One of my favorite things is the 1.8" LCD on the back. Its good sized AND it folds out so you can turn it around facing forward. That comes in handy for "self portraits". Theres no guesswork involved like with most cameras.
Thats probably the single biggest feature for me. Its how I finally decided on this model (I suppose thats another trade-off for the bigger size of the camera now that I think about it).
And even better (for you anyway). Its dropped in price. I bought it in December 2004 on Amazon.com. As of this writing (June 2005), its almost half the the price I paid for it.
Im sure thats due to the newer models Canon has since come out with. I suppose the A95 is near the end of its life cycle. Frankly I think this is even more reason to get this camera. Its a great value.
The Canon A95 is a great all-around camera for those who like "point-and-shoot" cameras that offer more than just standard features, options and settings.
On: 2006-05-16
I loved this camera. Other than small LCD, I liked everything on it.
It would have been better if that battries were Li-Ion. Its pain to carry a separate battery pack or charger..
On: 2006-05-07
It is an easy to use great 5 MP camera, with the advantage of its full auto and full manual mode.
It uses 4 AA batteries wich last for almost 300 pics (at least my cam).
Building on the success of the highly popular "A" series from Canon, the PowerShot A95 combines a 5.0-megapixel imager and a high-quality 3x optical zoom lens with other features like Canons DIGIC image processor, a 9-point AiAF auto focus system with a low-light focus assist illuminator, and a "vari-angle" 1.8 inch TFT color LCD that can rotate 360?, offering versatility in composing your shots. With its Aperture and Shutter speed priority modes, beginners will be able to explore the different realms of photography. While the more advanced photo enthusiast will appreciate its Manual mode.
The Powershot A95 holds the "top of the line" position of Canons "A" series. It will make an excellent choice for anyone who wants an easy-to-use camera that captures beautiful pictures and has the advanced features to satisfy the needs of the more experienced user.
On: 2006-05-01
Ive had this camera for over a year now and use it as my back-up for my digital SLR, a work camera for times I need to record a set-up and as a travel camera for when Im on the road.
I love having it run off of AA batteries because if Im out on the road and run out of power, I can always stop and buy some replacements. The optics are excellent and the flip-out LCD screen is a blessing for shooting in odd situations. I have used it for thousands of pictures with no problems and consider it absolutely reliable. The controls are fairly simple and intuitive and give enough options to keep things interesting if you want to go beyond the usual "Auto" or "P" mode. Its size is a bit clunky compared to the new generation of credit card cameras, but they dont have the swing-out LCD or muti-control options. My only serious complaint is I wished it had a RAW format available and a better video option.
Other than that, I was so impressed with this camera I sprung for the optional underwater husing so I could take it diving or into camera hostile environments. It is extemely cost effective and will yield outstanding images.
On: 2006-04-11
I bought this camera in Dec. 2004. After about 2000 shots, it went dead in March 2006. When I power on and off this camera, it behaves like it loses its mind. The lens retracts back and forth by itself, and it goes dead right away when I push the shutter button.
Although the picture quality it took were nice, I am very disappointed by this A95s short life.
On: 2006-03-20
I received this camera as a gift in December of 2004. My sister had 1 step down and really loved it. She takes a lot of scenery pitures and the images were very sharp. It was fine for taking vacation photos. The pictures were very bright and clear.
The problem is I now have a 9 month old little boy and I have very few good pictures of him. It takes so long to actually take the picture after you push the button you miss whatever it was you were trying to capture. I took 14 pictures of my son and his eyes were closed in every one of them. he focuses on the little orange light and closes his eyes right at the moment I take the photo. I called Canons help line and they had me try several different settings - but still not great photos.
My inlaws have a Kodak (that costs way less than the Canon) and it takes great picures. I hesitate to buy a new one because this camera was so expensive, but I would like to have some good pictures of my son.
On: 2006-03-16
This camera is great! It has a lots of features. The flip out screen is really nice and has a great zoom in capability. The Canon engineers really packed a lot of stuff into this camera, and on the design and capability side, this camera almost has no flaws. You can read other reviews for more technical details.
On the downside, this camera initially came with 32mb compact flash card, which is way to small. No carrying case either. And I had to buy separate rechargeable batteries since they werent included. Also, when you zoom in or zoom out, the camera makes noise loud enough to be noticeable, and by no means can you carry this camera in your pocket (it takes 4 AA batteries).
Like someone else said, this is great if this is your first time owning a digital camera. If you are looking for something small (which I am the next time I buy another camera), I would go with one of the Elph models, which is made by Canon as well (you really cannt go wrong with Canon when it comes to cameras). Despite my complaints, I still give this camera 5 stars.
by: pattipeg On: 2006-03-15
My son was posting incredible photos to his blog, so I asked him what camera he was using. When he told me the PowerShot A95, I purchased one immediately. The picture quality is superb! Clear and crisp; excellent flash that lights up the night and makes the subject stand out. I havent been this happy with a camera since I got my brand new Brownie box camera in the 50s.
I highly recommend this camera.
On: 2006-03-04
I bought this camera a few months before i had to go to school in a new city, with the hope of seeing famous people.
The camera never really stopped working, but photos that were made with the Manual mode of the camera all had a blacklight-colored noise around light/dark contrasts.
So I returned my camera to the shop which send it back to Canon.
After four weeks I had it back and it seemed that everything was fine.
After some photos the noise got even worse and was also visible in photos made on the Auto mode.
Its back to the shop for the second time and I hope that the problem will be fixed, because it makes photos (excuse me for my language) but-ugly.
As you can see my experiences are not the better ones around here.
Im not sure if this is "just" my camera or if anyone else has this problem, but I know that im frustrated about it.
On: 2006-03-03
Ive had this camera for one year exactly. Its survived weddings, bar mitzvahs, and vacations in countless countries. It is dependable. Let me tell you why else this camera should be considered-
(1) A flipable LCD screen. This means that if youre at a bar or another crowded place with the misses you dont have to ask someone to take a picture. You just flip the screen and shot it yourself. For a traveler like myself, this is great. You can bet during New Years in Trafalga Square that I wasnt about to ask the drunk next to me to take a picture of me and my friend. I know of no other camera that has this. In addition, the screen is protected when you flip it in. Sure, the newer 4 inch screens seem great, but they look kinda fragile.
(2) The price is decent, especially now that newer models have come out.
(3) 5 megapixels?!?! That means you can print out a 16"x22" with no problem in photo-quality. Everyone wants to know the megapixels of your camera, like thats what makes it good. 5 is more than fine, most people only need 3.
(4)The panoramic feature IS AMAZING!!! I will upload them to the pictures tonight when I get home from work. I took a 7 photo-long panoramic shoot of London and it is simiply amazing. You can zoom in and see the time on Big Ben!!!! Wow. I am still learning new stuff about my camera all the time.
Cons-
The size of the camera is a bit chunky, but I dont like having to depend on rechargable NiHm that are $50-70 each. Instead I have a few pairs of recharable AAs that have lasted me over a year and were $10.
I am about balancing price with quality: period. I dont care that the newest Canon can take 10 minutes of movie and can act as a webcam. I use my camera for taking pictures and short video clips, thats it. If you want a great camera, buy this one.
On: 2006-03-02
I bought this camera a few months before my daughter was born so I could get good pictures of her birth. This camera has become my best friend. I take pictures of everything I can.
This camera has tons of options and even takes video clips. It has a lot of options that I have never even used. Definately read the manual before using!
Great digital camera with great quality photos.
This camera has been dropped several times and never once gave me trouble.
My daughter, husband, and I went on a hike and stopped to take a break. My camera fell out of my coat pocket without me knowing it. I did not know until the next day that the camera was not in my pocket. I went back to the spot we rested and there it was with the screen down on the ground and the lens facing up toward the sky. I had my screen flipped around and unprotected and when I picked the camera up it was covered in dew drops and leaves. I wiped it clean and the camera was fine. After being left out in the weather for 24 hours it never once stopped working.
An option I thought was really cool is when you first turn on the camera, you can use any picture you take to be your welcome screen. It also has different sounds to choose from when you are scrolling through pictures and when you take a picture. I never knew you could do these sorts of things with a camera.
I would highly recommend this camera for anyone.
On: 2006-03-02
I love this camera. One great asset is that the LCD screen flips out. One big drawback is that it weighs a lot due to haveing 4 AA batteries powering it. It is also a little bulky to fit in a purse. I never have a problem with the batteries dying. Image quality is great. You can even photo-stitch 2 pictures together or shoot in black and white. I love it, but have had to send it into Canon twice because it wouldnt turn on, even though the batteries were charged and nothing was wrong with the compact flash card. They replaced the dc jack and it was fine, but it was an inconvenience. If you are just a point and shoot photographer, this camera probably has more options than you need. I bought it because I was interested in using those options like scene selection. For my purposes, I am probably going to go with a smaller camera for my next purchase, such as the canon elph.
On: 2006-01-11
This is a great general camera... small and compact yet with the bells and whistles!
On: 2005-12-31
Bought this camera last year before our trip to St. John. This was our first digital camera, and I was a bit intimidated about having one... after seeing all of the buttons and menu items on them in the stores. BUT, when Id received this beauty, and played with it along with the manual (which is great because there are 2 separate ones - one in English, one in Spanish... so you dont need to hold onto both!), it was a piece of cake! I must admit that I have not taken the time to learn many of the funcitons, as Automatic and Scene settings give me all my family needs!!
Although it is perhaps heavier than some cameras due to the fact it takes 4 AA batteries, those batteries last an eternity!! Id bought 2 sets of extra batteries and the AC Adapter for our trip and only used 1 set for 6 days of shooting and viewing in the Caribbean!! That is phenomenal, in my opinion!! Well worth the little extra weight!!
The feel of this camera is also very substantial! It is the best camera weve ever owned!! Digital is so wonderful because you can just keep shooting and shooting... no worries about film ending - and in this case, batteries dying!
I know that this model is not available any longer, but the newer versions of this one, I am sure will measure up!
by: to_anurag On: 2005-12-19
Yup, with two dropped cameras already to my credit, my wife, for very good reasons, get nervous when I buy a yet another camera. But this one has not let me down yet...I have dropped this camera twice already (both times on hard groud) and this baby like the energizer bunny keeps going and going. And what others have said so far about good pictures... that is absolutely true.
Anurag Agarwal
On: 2005-12-13
I have had three other digital cameras, two Sonys and a Minolta but this Canon 5MP is really great. I bought two sets of rechargeable batteries so I have some in the charger and the other set in the camera. I love the big LED screen, which can be opened, turned around and even closed with the screen facing inside to protect it. It is easy to use and with a 512 memory card, I always have lots of room for my pics. I just bought my daughter one for Christmas, she had a Sony and the battery doesnt hold a charge. Also, its just the right size, fits great in my purse and its large enough so I can hold it comfortably. I love mine and use it a lot more than I used my other cameras.
On: 2005-11-29
I have owned this camera for 6 months now. First I narrowed down my choice to Canon based on reviews on digital camera sites (I spent 2 weeks reading reviews until my eyes felt burned out!). I didnt like the image quality of Kodak, and the Fuji cameras had excellent images but not all the features I wanted - like unlimited continuous shooting.
After reading tons of reviews I heard the Canon SD models sometimes have an LCD problem and you are also paying a lot more for their slightly more compact size. If you dont care if it is super small, the A series is actually a much better buy!
It is 5 MP and since I do graphic design I do use that resolution, although you wont need it unless you do a lot of zooming in and cropping or enlarging photos. The 3x optical zoom is excellent too. It works well in low light conditions or bright outdoors. The colours are very accurate (important to me for graphic design) and the pictures are clear and very "real" looking.
It really captures motion well, I have taken lots of horse movement shots and the camera has a setting for fast moving objects that can freeze the action without blurring. The camera feels quality and not fragile or cheap.
I love this camera it takes gorgeous photos and has options such as continuous shooting (great for action sequences like a horse going over a jump!) It has an optical plus LCD viewvinder, and you can flip the LCD out or rotate it around in case of glare. It has a "macro" function which means you can take extreme close-ups. It takes unlimited movies too - which are good quality (not as good as camcorder but one of the best in a camera I have seen). I have not even explored all the options yet, it has a lot of advanced features so I can grow with it.
Also it takes regular AA batteries - not a proprietary battery - so if you run out its easy to get replacements at the store. I use rechargeable NiMH AAs. Some cameras use special batteries that are expensive to replace when they dont hold a charge (like cordless phone and laaptop batteries).
I am extremely happy with this camera!!
On: 2005-11-18
Ive owned Canon film cameras for a long, long time, and loved them. And the A95 is a good entry-level digital. But even though I read all the Amazon (and other) reviews before purchasing, including the many red-eye warnings, I must say that the problem is bad enough that in spite of only having used it for a few months, Im already looking forward to my next camera.
On: 2005-10-24
If you are looking for a point and shoot, this is the one. I started photography with Sony but was not impressed with some of the features. So I bought this Canon A95 and am very happy with the quality of the pics. I have tried taking some macro shots also which has come out well, but the limit of 5cm focus for macros is kinda not good. Good battery life also.
On: 2005-10-12
This camera has been a great transition to the digital world. I am very happy with this product and would recommend it to anyone.
On: 2005-10-03
The camera is quite heavy. I dont like the fact that it comes with regular batteries, it should include the rechargeable ones rigth away. But the features are endless
On: 2005-09-29
This is the second digital camera I buy and I am really happy about my purchase.
Some may find it a little heavy. Relatively easy to use but requires to read the manual to understand what all the functions are.
On: 2005-09-28
If you were interested in this camera, the A95, the new A610, which replaces this model, is out now. It is an incredible camera. I received it yesterday and have not been able to put it down. The price is right and you get a lot for the money. I dont know why it is not available here, I came here first, but it is available from numerous authorized dealers on line now. Check it out, it will not dissapoint.
On: 2005-09-26
Great!! We are having so much fun using the PowerShot A95.
On: 2005-09-21
I got this camera for 2 months and I like it. Pictures are excellent and the screen can turn. The only thing is this camera is not light and slim. Overall, I like it
On: 2005-09-18
I needed a digital camera for a recent 5,500 mile motorcycle trip through the mid-western U.S. states. On 7/6/05, I purchased the Canon PowerShot A95, and a 1 GB SanDisk compact flash (CF) memory card for this purpose. The trip went well and I took lots of photos with the intent of sorting them, and deleting any duplicates once I arrived home and downloaded them to my home PC. However, that is where the problem occurred. I can view all the pictures on the camera LCD screen, but the camera and/or the software will not allow me to download/view the pictures on a computer via the USB port. The camera gets to the point where the download/transfer should start, and then powers off. Then, I then get an error message that "there are no images in the camera or camera folder". I have tried using the canon supplied software and connecting the camera to two Windows 98 computers and one Windows XP computer - same results. I talked to the Canon technicians twice while trying this connection on the Windows 98 computers. One technical guess was that since the camera uses a FAT32 indexing system and Windows 98 uses a FAT16 system, this could be the problem. Wrong! Window 98 uses the same FAT32 system that the camera uses. I tried putting an 128MB SanDisk card in the camera that I had at home, taking 5 test pictures, and they transferred to the PC without a problem.
The final results of my hours of trying to get the pictures from the camera to the computer:
the Canon technician finally came to the conclusion that there must be an upper limit on the number of pictures that the camera/software can transfer to the computer (undocumented in the owners manual, of course). Maybe this is why Canon only supplies a 32 MB card with the camera? According to the technician, I would need to buy an external CF card reader to use in transferring the pictures to the PC from the CF card in the camera. I just ordered the "SanDisk ImageMate 12-in-1 USB 2.0 Hi-speed Reader ( SDDR-89-A15 )", and will try this to retrieve my pictures from the CF card when it arrives. There was no offer from the Canon technicians that I could return the camera and get it "fixed".
From what I can currently see on the LCD screen, the camera appears to take good pictures. However, if you are planning to use the PowerShot A95 (or other Canon camera models?) for pictures during a long vacation, you might consider buying an external card reader along with the camera. Because of this problem, I gave the camera a 3 star rating.
UPDATE:
I have now had the camera for over a year. The picture quality has, overall, been very good. One bug that I have noted is that when the camera is set to put a date and time at the bottom right corner of the picture, it works fine in the horizontal mode. However, the camera does not recognize (for a number of seconds) when it has been turned for a vertical picture. This results in many of my vertical shots having a date/time stamp along the upper right vertical edge of the photo. The camera has a sensor (similar to a weighted pendulum) that moves when the camera is tilted 90 degrees for a vertical photo. Mine apparently sticks and stays in the horizontal position, so the camera does not realize a vertical photo is being taken. My work-around has been to turn the camera for the vertical shot, then tap it a couple of times with my fingers to get the "pendulum" to drop to the correct position for recognizing that a vertical photo is being taken. The problem with the work-around is that many times, one forgets to do this; and if a passing stranger is taking a picture of you and a group of friends, you always have to tell them to "tap the camera" when they tilt it for a vertical photo. I have not contacted Canon about this, but it should not have been a problem if they had used adequate quality controls/inspections during the production of this camera.
On: 2005-09-18
I purchased the Powershot A95 for the same reason many people do; I needed something compact so Im not lugging my digital SLR everywhere. The A95 has some extensive capabilities you dont normally find in a small digital camera. Although the sensor is a CCD(Charge-Coupled Device) and not the more capable CMOS (Complimentary Metal Oxide Semiconductor) found on most digital SLRs, the image quality is excellent. It uses the Canon Digic processor also found in their higher quality SLRs. The display screen hinges outward and rotates which protects the surface when stored and allows you to view it from in front or behind the camera. Ive read complaints about shutter lag time on the A95 but most all small digital cameras suffer from some degree of shutter lag. If you despise shutter lag you should sacrifice portability and invest in a quality digital SLR. The boot time is reasonable, about 2-3 seconds. The A95 feels solid and is ergonomically well designed. The A95 offers extensive functions, quality image, compact size, and excellent price.
On: 2005-09-14
i guess i just like kodaks and sonys colors better -- my friends shots just seem richer and more vibrant. the kodak is also simpler to use. also, some of the comments on the canon camera locking up worry me...i may buy canon again, but i will test it first.
On: 2005-09-12
We needed a camera for our first cruise. did some comparison shopping and browsed the Consumer Reports review of digital cameras, prior to purchase and this seemed the best buy. Amazon had the best price. The set up instructions were easy. The 32MB compact flash we knew would be too small for all the pictures we would want to take so I used a 1GB card from my Pocket PC. After that it was just point and shoot for our entire vacation. (We only used the "auto" function,but there are many adjustments possible for more experienced photographers.) I cant give this a full 5/5 because it allowed me to delete the first 70 photos without warning that i was about to do something really stupid. Looking back there was a warning but it wasnt sufficiently clear. we still managed to get over 300 good pictures after that.
by: veggiechiliqueen On: 2005-09-11
After spending around six months scouring various digital camera reviews online and through magazines, I finally decided on the Canon Powershot A95 5 Megapixel camera as offering the perfect marriage of power and portability. My first digital camera, I bought it as a going-away present for myself, since I was spending the summer living and working in Spain and knew that I needed a camera that could keep up with my travels.
It was a snap to take out and set up, and intuitive enough that a couple of cursory glances at the Quick Start guide had me well on my way to pointing and shooting. The camera comes with a USB cable, several software programs, a 16 MB Compact Flash card (of course, youll want to invest in more memory as soon as possible - with the highest-resolution photos, consider a 512 MB or larger card), batteries, and a wrist strap.
I would rate the camera as mid-sized. It is not wafer-thin, but neither is it absurdly bulky or heavy. For most of my traveling around Spain, I simply slipped it into its bubble wrap and into a soft fabric bag, where it fit comfortably in my purse. The design is comfortable to shoot with over long periods, and I found the layout of the buttons to be intuitive. Less is more: there are few external buttons (shutter, on/off, menu and related buttons), and most controls are carried out through the on-screen menus. The flip-out LCD screen is one reason I decided on this Canon over others in the PowerShot line; it makes previewing photos a snap, and can be swiveled 180 degrees.
The photo quality (I kept it on large superfine) is astonishing: clear, sharp, vibrant photos (check out some of my uploaded photos using the Canon A95) in true-to-life tones with minute detailing. There are various shooting modes, including manual, macro, panoramic (with Stitch Assist software), nighttime, slow shutter, and more, and a movie mode that captures brief (jerky) videos with tinny sound. This isnt a camcorder, so I wasnt surprised that video quality wasnt better, since I bought this primarily for photos.
You will also want to invest in a few basic accessories: rechargeable NiCad batteries and a rapid charger, a sturdy case, and a bigger memory card, for starters. Although the included software is capable enough to get the job done, consider upgrading to Adobe Photoshop Elements (around $90), or if youre a pro, Adobe PhotoShop CS 2 (several hundred dollars). An excellent first camera with plenty of power and a reliable name.
On: 2005-09-10
I love this camera. I had a Canon a70 for the last 2 1/2 years. I never liked the camera. The pictures were lousy, the shutter was slow and it ate batteries. With a young baby, I wanted high quality pictures and finally sold the a70 on Craigslist. Based on reviews I bought the a95 and couldnt be happier. The prints are beautiful, the clarity is incredible, you just point and shoot. The portrait setting is great. This camera is being phased out and is already becoming hard to find. Get it while you can, you wont regret it.
On: 2005-09-08
Im just a point and shoot photographer but you wouldnt know it based on the pics Ive been taking with my new Canon PowerShot A95. Of course I bought a bigger memory card right away and went to a wholesale club to buy a reachargable AA battery pack (no need to spend 2x for the fancy Canon batteries) - but other than that I love my Canon. It even takes mini movies! I recently went to Vegas and I was able to take postcard perfect pics of the Strip at night thanks to the special nighttime setting and beautiful underwater pics at the aquariums because of the special undewater setting. This is all I ever wanted in a digital camera and more for the total bargain price of under $300 (incl. all accessories I mentioned above plus a case!)
On: 2005-09-07
An excellent camera for almost everything you want it for, but the weight of the camera, will make some customers return it. I had to return it because I want a pocket size camera to take anywhere.
On: 2005-09-05
The Canon Powershot A95 camera is a great camera for first time users who want to become a bit more advanced in the future.
I am at the beginning stage, a newbie if you will, and leave the dial set on "auto". The picture quality is superb. I read up on buying digital cameras and 5mp is a good setting to have if you want to enlarge pictures and have them retain their quality.
Anything lower than 3mp wont be good quality pictures.
I plan on taking a digital photography class in the future to learn about using other features, but if you look at the instruction booklet you can probably figure them out yourself. I just tend to skim throught the instructions to get the basics down because I am too impatient to use it.
I only gave this 4 stars because the storage card that comes with it is too small. I could only fit 20 pictures on the camera. They should have given a larger card for it, but it is easy enought to buy one to expand the storage size, or you could just download the pics more frequently on your computer. There are also lenses and other attachments you can get when you progress from beginner.
On: 2005-09-03
I bought this camera just in time for my trip to Ireland and read the manual on the plane. This camera has many features, for instance, I especially like the LCD because it is adjustable and I also like the BW and sepia options. All the features are pretty easy to use but, I mostly just put it on auto function without any worries. I turned off my flash in some darker lit areas where I didnt want to wash out the image and keep the warmth of the setting and the camera automatically adjusted and the images turned out nicely. I was also amazed at the pictures when I got them printed--So very sharp and clear and the color was fantastic! I am absolutely pleased with the A95 Powershot!
On: 2005-08-30
I wont get into the specs of the Canon A95 as you can find that directly on the product page. I frequent photo forums as digital photography is my hobby and I wanted to be sure that anyone who is looking to buy the Canon A95 in the near future knew that the NEW MODELS (Canon A610/A620)are debuting in October 10, 2005. Btw, you can see the specs for those on their product page as Amazon is taking preorders for both the CANON A610 and A620. The Biggest Improvement in my mind will be the incorporation of the Much Faster DIGIC II Processor to reduce the shutter lag between shots. It will also have VGA(640x480) Video Capability. It will still use 4 "AA" Batteries as well! SO, if you are in the market for the Canon A95, you just might want to wait a month or so!
On: 2005-08-29
this camera gives great pictures, nice videos and is easy to use- with adaptors available this became my clinical camera and saved me $1100 over current prices for clinical cameras
On: 2005-08-29
I had a very good professional camera before. But it was so bulky and heavy that I rarely took it along with me. The little point-and-shoot camera that I had was fully automatic, thus not capable of taking optimal pictures.
The A95 camera is the perfect compromise. It has lots of nice controls/features, and still is of a very reasonable size. So I end up carrying it with me wherever I go.
The camera is very easy to use. For beginner, you can stick with the auto setting and the special scenes setting. You could take very good photos with these settings. But if you want to be more advanterous, then I suggest you read the little menual (it would just take one afternoon). One reviewer mentioned something about not knowing how to deal with red-eye reduction and strong flash light. For this camera, you could actually control the amount/intensity of the flash output (in the M Mode) as well turn red-eye reduction on and off by making changes in the menu setting. I am very sensitive to flash. My eyes would automatically close when the camera flashes in my face. Now I often use very low output of flash, or dont use flash at all (The great thing about this camera is that you can change the aperture value so that you dont even have to use flash at all when you are in a dark room. This is great for me to capture photos of dogs and cats).
I was able to take beautiful night scenes of the city and university campus (without flash, of course) by adjusting the aperture value. This is something that it is not possible with automatic cameras. It is fun to capture the waterfall as you would see in professional photos.
I absolutely love the LCD monitor that could be turned over -- it is so great for self-portrait or group photos on a tripod. Once you have used a monitor that could be turned over, you will never want to go back to one that couldnt.
Overall, this is a camera that is excellent for most purposes.
On: 2005-08-28
For those who are not aware, Canon announced a few days ago a replacement for the A95 , the Canon powershot A610 (and A620 that is more expensive) . The new model has 5MP and 4x optical zoom for the same price. It looks like you can pre-order it at Amazon.com...
On: 2005-08-26
I searched for 3 months for a new camera. Read CNET reviews, read forums, checked reviews. Needless to say, it confused me. I love photography, and I own a web development company, so I wanted something that would produce nice images.
Well this nice little camera did so much more than I expected! As of yet, several months later, I still dont understand all of the settings - however, just using the basic auto features, Ive taken great images of sunsets, cloudy days and more. Shortly after I bought the camera, I went on a trip to a place Id never been, so I took waaay too many photos. One of the best things was the video setting. I just turned it to the video camera picture and hit the start button. When I got home, I had hours of video which I was able to add effects to and music, thus making my own video! All without reading the book and using the included software!! Wow!
The other great thing that I love about the camera is the disc space. I had a 512M card and I could not fill it each day of vacation, including tons of video!
What sold me on this camera and made me buy it, was some of the photos I saw people take with it - nighttime skylines of San Francisco with no enhancements, just the offered settings - that was fabulous.
So, if youre looking for a fantastic camera with a nice little price, this is the one! The other models that are popular only seem to be offering a higher price and a much tinier case. If youre used to regular cameras, this is plenty small enough - easy to handle, easy to see screen (that flips upside down so you can take pics of yourself) - and no accidentally hitting the wrong button! Great!
On: 2005-08-21
This is a good value for a family camera. We really like being able to take short videos and high res stills with one camera. The batteries last for weeks at the rate we use them. We recommend buying NiMH batteries and a good charger to save money on batteries.
On: 2005-08-20
This is my first digital camera and I think it is the greatest.
On: 2005-08-19
This camera is awesome! Its 5 megapixels which makes every shot crisp and clear! And the swivel display makes taking portaits for yourself, or pictures with friends a lot easier! You dont get any more of those off-center pictures with someones head cut out! The only downfall to this camera is that its a little bit big and clunking, but its awesome features, and specs make up for it!
On: 2005-08-16
I absolutely love this camera. I am a novice and it is so simple to use. It makes crystal clear pictures and you can do fun things with it. The price was just right. I would recommend this camera to anyone.
On: 2005-08-15
This was a birthday gift for my mother. She couldnt be happier! It takes awesome pictures!! The quality is impeccable.
On: 2005-08-15
I am totally pleased with the camera. Im still learning all the features since this is my first digital camera I didnt realize how much you can do with them. Also,I ordered from Amazon.com and saved $30 by using Super Saver Shipping and of course their already low price. Highly recommend this camera.
On: 2005-08-14
Bought this camera to replace a malfunctioning Canon A70. I am pleased how Canon has designed this camera to be a point and shoot or a creative instrument of photography. I got this camera to compliment my Digital Rebel. I use it for the times when I just want a camera in my back pocket to grab a quick shot of something. I hope it last longer than the camera its replacing.
On: 2005-08-14
Very easy to master basic functions. Excellent image quality. Many more features than can be quickly utilized.
On: 2005-08-12
I really like this camera... its easy to use and takes great pictures... a bit bulky, but its worth the price... the tiny ones of equal quality cost a lot more...
by: Anonymous On: 2005-08-10
I love this cam very much. My dad gifted me on my birthday and we as a family using it at all occasions.
On: 2005-08-09
To those folks whove complained that the Canon A95 has a long time lag between pushing the button and capturing the image: push the button half-way down while aiming at your subject and the camera will set the exposure and the focus; keep on holding the button in that position until the perfect moment arrives to snap the picture; then push it down the rest of the way and the picture will be taken nearly instantaneously.
By the way, the dial on top of the camera that lets you choose among various modes tends to rotate pretty easily if a finger happens to rub against it. So Ive made a habit of checking the dial frequently to be sure its in the mode I intended (which for me is usually "AUTO" mode).
Ive had the camera for 7 or 8 months now, have taken thousands of pictures, and have been delighted with it.
Another aside: I dont use the Canon software (although I used Canon software with an earlier Canon camera). To transfer the pictures to my computer, I use a "card reader" (available for $10 to $20) that plugs into a USB port; when I insert the CF card into the reader, the card looks like a disk drive to the computer, so I just copy and paste the files to where I want them. (For editing photos, I use Adobe Photoshop Elements on one computer, and Irfanview (which is free) on all of my computers.)
On: 2005-08-09
I used Amazon for the first time and am very pleased with my purchase. I was amazed by the fact it was at my door within a couple of days even though I chose the basic shipping (3 to 5 business days.) As far as the camera, I am extremely pleased. It takes GREAT pictures. I used Amazons personal reviews to make my choice. I was looking at another choice, but upon reading the reviews, I changed my selection. While the other camera was rated extremely high on quality of pictures, I found one user who had a problem because he had accidentally dropped his camera from not too far a highth and it broke a door off and the camera stopped working. The manufacturer wanted the price of a new camera to fix it. A user of the Canon A95 wrote that he had dropped his and it continued to work (although he didnt recommend trying this yourself.) Well, I guess I had to find out myself. I took it on my first trip ever to Hawaii. On the FIRST day, I accidentally dropped it from a hight of probably 4 feet right onto the black, sharp, hard Lava rock. I freaked. I just knew it was toast. When I examined it, I found a little ding on the memory card door and the card had popped out a little. I pushed the card back in, closed the door (it still opened and closed properly), and lo and behold, the camera still worked perfectly! I highly recommend this camera for GREAT quality pictures and it is most definately a must for the klutzes of the world like me.
On: 2005-08-07
This is a great camera. The batteries seem to last forever compared to my rechargable Nikon 4300. The controls and settings are very intuitive, and the results are fantastic. Id recommend this camera to anyone looking for a sturdy, reliable digital camera.
On: 2005-08-07
Pros:
1)The zoom feature AFTER you take the picture: The pic maintain its quality even after zooming super close up
2) The flippy LCD monitor that lets you see what youre doing when you take a picture of yourself and a friend in front of the Eifle Tower or whatever.
3) Takes really good pictures of flowers close up. My Dad is a landscaper and he uses this camera exclusively for flowers.
4) The software works well for my purposes. Lets you edit, adjust color, redeye etc, and make slide shows! Wow!
CONS:
1) I have not had a good experience with the red eye preventer thing. When I take pics inside they often have redeyes, but the software takes care of this.
2) The flash is so bright I cant take a proper picture of my cat. His eyes are always half closed. Not good for people who like to take pictures of their cats indoors.
3) Its kind of bulky.
On: 2005-08-06
To be honest, I have not used THIS camera yet.. but I did use a similar model, the A60. As another reviewer warned, there is a weakness in the design causing many Canon A## users to experience an issue with the zoom control. (The error code is E18. a.k.a the E18 Issue.) Here is a link to describe the issue and several possible resolutions, including repair via Canon.
http://blogs.yucs.org/~dwallach/archives/000812.html
(or google "E18" and "Canon")
That said, I enjoyed my now-dead Canon very much and am still considering getting the A95.. of course, with extended warranty.
On: 2005-08-05
For those familiar with the PowerShot series, this is one of the best in the line that Ive ever used.
The cleverly designed ergonomic grip (where the batteries are actually located) fits much better than previous models. Canon simplified their menus and buttons, which is great for both veterans of this line and complete beginners. The LCD screen moves and rotates rather slowly, but once its locked its secure.
Problems you sometimes hear about the photo quality (flash washes out picture, blurry images, etc.) may come from the AUTO setting. Users really need to utilize the other settings to get that shot to look just right.
My only gripe is that they provide only 32MB for their Compact Flash card. Fortunately, larger sized ones are available at more reasonable prices than a few years ago.
A great camera overall for your average point and shoot photographer. Professional photographers should know by now to move on to other Canon lines.
On: 2005-08-03
This Camera is very awesome. It takes pictures impeccably and is just like State-of-the-art stuff. The only regret I have of buying it is that it didnt ship ontime for me to take it to England (although Amazon promised to ship it earlier). Now Im back, I cant get my hands off it. I love the zoom feature, and also the Video Camera feature.Its pretty neat and Ill recommend it for any Amazon buyer needing a Digital Camera.
On: 2005-08-03
I had been contemplating on buying a digital camera for a few days, wanting to get a good idea of which camera was for me. I am not a digital camera/photography expert, but I still know quite alot about cameras. Even if this camera is not for you, I would still only go with a Canon camera - nothing less except maybe a Konica Minolta. It cost me $299.99 at Frys Electronics and everywhere Ive looked, its that same price.
This is a very comfortable camera to be held in the hand, even if it is a bit thick. Having immediate family members that didnt like flat-faced cameras such as the Canon Elphs, I considered getting a Canon A series. I previously owned an A70 and now I have upgraded to an A90. I am simply ecstatic about this camera - definitely worth it! The picture quality is amazing for the price! With 3x Optical and 4x Digital zoom, you can be sure to get the photos you need. Sporting a nice 5 megapixels, this is a great camera for simple family vacations to really shooting breathtaking scenes like waterfalls or canyons, etc., that demand quality when you cant afford to have bad pictures! Canon A series has always had a good number of shooting modes, this model having 14! It pays to read the manual so that you can maximize the most of this little wonder. Practically everything is customizable and easy to change - you can stitch photos together with ease to form panoramic shots, choose from 8 different scene modes like foliage, snow, beach, and so forth, and much more.
One thing I like about this camera alot is that it is not hard on your budget. This is not like those other money-saving cameras that may give you a few good features at the cost of other critical features. You get everything you pay for plus some with the Canon A95. Also, it uses CF (Compact Flash) memory cards - cheap, high speed, and lots of space for all the photos you need to take. Included is a 32 MB memory card with the camera, but you should probably upgrade to at least 128 MB ($14.99), or even better, 256 MB ($29.99). This may seem alot for extra space, but compared to Sony Memory Sticks (only memory format that Sony uses) which take a heaping bite out of your wallet, you wont regret buying a bigger memory card.
The LCD screen is revolutionary on the A95. Measuring in at a comparitively small 1.5 inches, it nevertheless delivers crystal clear photo viewing. If you prefer bigger LCDs, sorry, but in this cameras price range, generally alot of small LCD cameras are the most popular either way as they tend to have the best quality (Konica Minolta G500 and G600!) This LCD flips out of the case like a video camera recorder and then you can flip it around and set it back in so that the screen faces you! That way, when the screen is in its original position, it cant be scratched! A very valuable feature in the camera field. The software included is relatively easy to use - install the CD and plug the camera into your USB. You can even manage photo transfer on the camera itself instead of using your computers keyboard. The USB is fast and the cord is long, so if you have USB ports on the back of your computer, dont worry - the cord is long enough for you to safely extend the camera onto your desk.
The only possible "con" I could find in this doesnt have to do with picture quality or lack of features; Its the fact that this camera (as well as all of the A series) takes 4 AA batteries. The camera battery life is fine and all, but be prepared to take a charger and maybe 2 sets of 4 Rechargable NiMH (Nickel Metal Hydroxide) batteries when you take this camera with you on vacations. The batteries are about $10.99-12.99 for a 4 pack (I use Energizer, my camera gets alot of power out of them). Included with the camera is 4 cheap Panasonic alkaline batteries, which generally run out fast.
Overall, however, I would highly recommend this versatile, virtually perfect camera. From total beginners to cameras to photography veterans, this camera will suit anyone.
On: 2005-08-02
I owned a Canon Powershot A40 for a few years and was always happy with the resulting pictures. The A95 is almost the same camera, but has 5 mega pixels instead of 2.1. There are some differences in the features, i.e., the A95 has more features, and an improved movie function. My use of the camera is basically regular pictures of the family, holidays, etc. The panorama feature is one that Ive used as well. There is software with the A95 that allows a user to edit their pictures. One thing that the A95 does allow is for better enlargements. The 5 mega pixels will give decent resolution for 8 x 10 prints. The A95, like the A40 allows you to use regular AA batteries and also the compact flash card (which I already had). The A95 is the same size as the A40. The price of the A95 is also attractive.
On: 2005-07-28
Here are my thoughts, point-by-point:
- 5.0 megapixels of Canon quality. Canons reputation for high-quality images is well-deserved. You may find less expensive 5.0 megapixel cameras out there, but if you get a Canon, youll know where the extra money went. And you wont regret spending a penny of it.
- Ease of use. If youre a complete newbie, you can just set the camera in Auto and snap away. But if youre looking for a little more control, its at your fingertips, and it wont take long for you to learn the menu system. If youve used other Canon digital cameras, youll feel right at home. (But of course, if you want to know the A95s functions inside and out, theres no substitute for reading the well-written manual.)
- Lots of shooting options. There are some 14 different shooting modes available to cover just about every conceivable situation. Personally I use only two or three, but its nice knowing theyre there.
- A great lens. Canon has long been known for quality lenses, and the one in the A95 is no exception. It features 3x optical zoom and a maximum aperture of f/2.8--shoot near and far, and in a wide range of lighting conditions. (Quick tip: to shoot indoors or in low light without using the flash or a tripod, change the ISO setting.)
- Flexible (but somewhat slow) autofocus. The autofocus system automatically selects between nine points, making it easy to capture off-center subjects with ease. Unfortunately, it can be tricky getting subjects in motion, especially in low-light situations. This takes practice and a bit of trial-and-error to overcome. Hopefully Canon will address this shortcoming in the future.
- "Vari-Angle" LCD. This is the feature that won me over. It can be manipulated very much like many camcorder LCDs, flipped out from the camera body and turned to face a wide range of angles. With the screen turned to face the same direction as the lens, you can even use the A95 as a mirror! And when the camera is not in use, the screen can be folded into the camera body, protecting it from damage. The screen measures 1.8" diagonally and is clear and crisp, even in harsh sunlight.
- Size and weight. The A95 is a lot of camera in a little package--at least compared to a full-featured digital SLR. Its compact, but not pocket-sized (unless you have rather large pockets). If you dont already have a gear bag or a purse, I recommend getting a case with a shoulder strap if you plan on carrying it around a lot. Also, the A95s got a decent amount of heft to it. Personally I dont mind the weight; coming from the professional world, I like the feeling of something solid in my hand.
- Batteries and battery life. One reason the camera weighs a bit is because it uses four AA batteries. Opinions vary on this, but I consider this a positive. If my batteries die, its easy to drop in a new set and get going again. The A95 will use either conventional alkaline batteries or NiMH rechargeables; I recommend picking up a set or two of the latter. Theyre available cheap from a wide variety of places (something I cant say about the proprietary rechargeables found in most other digital cameras, other Canon models included).
My only complaint in this department is that theres no visible battery life indicator on the LCD; youre only told when a battery set is on its last legs. I wouldnt worry too much about this. You can get hundreds of shots out of a single set of alkaline AAs and can get even more out of a set of rechargeables, and you can extend battery life further by limiting your use of the flash and LCD. But keep a spare set handy, just in case.
- Uses CompactFlash memory. The A95 uses CompactFlash Type I, which is compatible with Canon and Nikons digital SLRs. If you already have a digital SLR, youll be able to share memory cards (as long as theyre Type I, not the thicker Type II). If youre a pro looking for a camera for casual use, this is something to think about.
Youll definitely want to pick up a high-capacity card; youll only get about 10 pictures, if that, out of the included 32 MB card. I recommend at least a 512 MB card--the bigger the better. I also recommend getting a USB CompactFlash card reader for your computer. Connecting the camera to your computer directly drains battery life (unless you have an AC adapter, not included with the camera). Use that battery life to shoot more pictures!
- Attention to detail. Canons A series may be their "value" line, but theres nothing cheap about the feel of this camera. Every button gives solid tactile feedback. The shutter has a well-defined distinction between half-down (to focus) and full-down (to shoot). And thanks to the built-in orientation sensor, photos shot vertically are oriented properly in playback mode. Little touches like these make all the difference.
Conclusion
There are cameras that are smaller, lighter, better-looking, less expensive, and with more features. If you want smaller, lighter, or better-looking, try the Canon S or SD series. If you want something less expensive, try the other A series models like the A510. If you want more features, move on up to an SLR like the Digital Rebel. But its hard to find a camera that can balance all of these considerations as well as the A95. Its a rare gem of a camera that has something for everyone--ease of use for a beginner, more features and control for an amateur or professional. And given the rich feature set and Canons renowned picture quality, its an incredible value.
On: 2005-07-27
Im a "push here dummy" camera person, although its a running joke in my family just how many pictures I take. This camera takes lovely pictures even for me. I particularly appreciate the LCD display. When not in use, it is folded against the back of the camera with the display facing in and thus protected. When the camera is on, you can twist it to be visible from the front of the camera, pull it out to the side, push it flat against the back of the camera, or leave it in place and save some battery.
I bought this without having actually handled it; it is somewhat bigger than most digital cameras although not cumbersome. My biggest complaint, and something that would have made me reconsider buying it, is just how long the lag actually is between pushing the button and taking the picture. I read about it, but it just didnt seem like such a big deal. And it probably isnt, if you are shooting landscapes and posed pictures, or if you are really good at predicting what is going to happen in 3 seconds. However, if you generally photograph younger kids or pets, try this one out in person before you buy, and decide if you can work around that delay. The pictures are wonderful, but they may not be the ones you were wanting to get.
On: 2005-07-27
Here are my thoughts, point-by-point:
- 5.0 megapixels of Canon quality. Canons reputation for high-quality images is well-deserved. You may find less expensive 5.0 megapixel cameras out there, but if you get a Canon, youll know where the extra money went. And you wont regret spending a penny of it.
- Ease of use. If youre a complete newbie, you can just set the camera in Auto and snap away. But if youre looking for a little more control, its at your fingertips, and it wont take long for you to learn the menu system. If youve used other Canon digital cameras, youll feel right at home. (But of course, if you want to know the A95s functions inside and out, theres no substitute for reading the well-written manual.)
- Lots of shooting options. There are some 14 different shooting modes available to cover just about every conceivable situation. Personally I use only two or three, but its nice knowing theyre there.
- A great lens. Canon has long been known for quality lenses, and the one in the A95 is no exception. It features 3x optical zoom and a maximum aperture of f/2.8--shoot near and far, and in a wide range of lighting conditions. (Quick tip: to shoot indoors or in low light without using the flash or a tripod, change the ISO setting.)
- Flexible (but somewhat slow) autofocus. The autofocus system automatically selects between nine points, making it easy to capture off-center subjects with ease. Unfortunately, it can be tricky getting subjects in motion, especially in low-light situations. This takes practice and a bit of trial-and-error to overcome. Hopefully Canon will address this shortcoming in the future.
- "Vari-Angle" LCD. This is the feature that won me over. It can be manipulated very much like many camcorder LCDs, flipped out from the camera body and turned to face a wide range of angles. With the screen turned to face the same direction as the lens, you can even use the A95 as a mirror! And when the camera is not in use, the screen can be folded into the camera body, protecting it from damage. The screen measures 1.8" diagonally and is clear and crisp, even in harsh sunlight.
- Size and weight. The A95 is a lot of camera in a little package--at least compared to a full-featured digital SLR. Its compact, but not pocket-sized (unless you have rather large pockets). If you dont already have a gear bag or a purse, I recommend getting a case with a shoulder strap if you plan on carrying it around a lot. Also, the A95s got a decent amount of heft to it. Personally I dont mind the weight; coming from the professional world, I like the feeling of something solid in my hand.
- Batteries and battery life. One reason the camera weighs a bit is because it uses four AA batteries. Opinions vary on this, but I consider this a positive. If my batteries die, its easy to drop in a new set and get going again. The A95 will use either conventional alkaline batteries or NiMH rechargeables; I recommend picking up a set or two of the latter. Theyre available cheap from a wide variety of places (something I cant say about the proprietary rechargeables found in most other digital cameras, other Canon models included).
My only complaint in this department is that theres no visible battery life indicator on the LCD; youre only told when a battery set is on its last legs. I wouldnt worry too much about this. You can get hundreds of shots out of a single set of alkaline AAs and can get even more out of a set of rechargeables, and you can extend battery life further by limiting your use of the flash and LCD. But keep a spare set handy, just in case.
- Uses CompactFlash memory. The A95 uses CompactFlash Type I, which is compatible with Canon and Nikons digital SLRs. If you already have a digital SLR, youll be able to share memory cards (as long as theyre Type I, not the thicker Type II). If youre a pro looking for a camera for casual use, this is something to think about.
Youll definitely want to pick up a high-capacity card; youll only get about 10 pictures, if that, out of the included 32 MB card. I recommend at least a 512 MB card--the bigger the better. I also recommend getting a USB CompactFlash card reader for your computer. Connecting the camera to your computer directly drains battery life (unless you have an AC adapter, not included with the camera). Use that battery life to shoot more pictures!
- Attention to detail. Canons A series may be their "value" line, but theres nothing cheap about the feel of this camera. Every button gives solid tactile feedback. The shutter has a well-defined distinction between half-down (to focus) and full-down (to shoot). And thanks to the built-in orientation sensor, photos shot vertically are oriented properly in playback mode. Little touches like these make all the difference.
Conclusion
There are cameras that are smaller, lighter, better-looking, less expensive, and with more features. If you want smaller, lighter, or better-looking, try the Canon S or SD series. If you want something less expensive, try the other A series models like the A510. If you want more features, move on up to an SLR like the Digital Rebel. But its hard to find a camera that can balance all of these considerations as well as the A95. Its a rare gem of a camera that has something for everyone--ease of use for a beginner, more features and control for an amateur or professional. And given the rich feature set and Canons renowned picture quality, its an incredible value.
On: 2005-07-27
We love this camera, and we havent even begun to explore the manual settings yet. Got it 2 days before our holiday, and with very little experimenting were taking absolutely beautiful pictures. The sunset pictures really amazed me, point & click and end up with beautiful colors & great definition. Loads of fun!
On: 2005-07-26
This is really a cool product. It has lot of good features that makes this product handy to use and preferred over others.
To state a few features:
1) Optical zoom of 3x sufficient for a good photgraphy
2) Supports big sized snaps with its 5MP resolution
3) Easy to handle the various modes of the cam
4) Good battery backup
5) You can add a memory chip to get more snaps
On: 2005-07-26
At mid-$200s this is an excellent value. Ive had the camera for about a week. Im a professional photographer and own several professional digital Fuji bodies. I needed a good point and shoot to carry with me for casual family shooting. I am surprised and pleased with the quality of the images, especially at 50 ISO and fine settings. I only need about a 1 to 1.5 mb file size to get an excellent 5x7, which is really the largest size I would ever need for this application. Plenty of features, including a full Manual setting if you need it.
The only negative so far is that it does not focus very well in moderate to low light, especially at the higher focal lengths (and accompanying higher F stop)but I guess thats understandable for a slower lense. To compensate, in lower light I tend to shoot at the widest zoom settings.
Overall I am extremely pleased with the results for a point and shoot.
On: 2005-07-24
For months prior to purchasing my Canon Powershot A95, I researched digital cameras and found that, across the board, the A95 was highly-rated. Finally, on my birthday, I ordered it -- and anxiously awaited its arrival.
When it arrived, I was elated -- the camera itself is gorgeous, packed with features and easy to use right out of the box. However, within minutes I noticed a small blue square visible on the LCD screen. It was a "hot pixel," which -- as I understand it -- is a pixel thats receiving too much information (as opposed to a "dead pixel" which is a pixel thats not receiving any). Disappointed, and wanting to start off with a camera in mint condition, I called Canon and was told that they would only repair or replace a camera if there were between four and six hot pixels visible. So, as a second resort, I signed onto Amazon and requested a replacement; UPS picked my camera up the next day and two days after that, my second A95 was delivered.
Thrilled, I opened the package and tried out the replacement. All was well until, a few hours later, I noticed a one white pixel and one red pixel on the LCD screen. Hoping that perhaps the pixels were only visible on the screen and not on the actual photos, I transferred the test images to my computer (via a card-reader) and found, to my chagrin, that the red pixel was present on the images themselves. Frustrated, I contacted Amazon again and was this time told that they couldnt send out a second replacement but would instead issue a full refund, along with a ten dollar credit to use towards a future Amazon purchase.
Needless to say, Im quite discouraged and am now wondering if there is something wrong with the latest batch of A95s which was not present until now. Though Im s till convinced, thanks to so much positive feedback, that this is quality item, Im wary of purchasing another -- at least without field testing it at the store of purchase first.
On: 2005-07-24
When my husband told me he wanted to buy me a new digital camera to replace my three year old camera, I told him heck no! I knew how to use my faithful Canon A70 inside and out, and I was not looking forward to the learning process for using a new camera.
I knew Id love the clarity that additional megapixels would give, as well as the numerous enhancements Canon adds to their products as you go up the product line. Yet my answer was no to a new camera.
Fortunately for me (unfortunately for my spouse), I had a few moments recently, and I was able to download a PDF file of the manual for the Canon PowerShot A95. I discovered I could easily transfer the skills I learned by using my Canon A70 to this new camera as well as benefit from the many added perks. I went to a brick and mortar store to see the camera and hold it and discovered, with my long fingers, the camera fit as confortably as my A70. By the way, the camera feels extremely light and off balance out of the box (and in the store), but add the four AA batteries and the camera is weighted perfectly.
So I said yes to the Canon PowerShot A95, and I LOVE IT!
I had to get another lens converter for my new digital camera, and the A70 telephoto lense does not fit on the A95, but the wide angle lens does. The A95 also fits in my old camera case, and I carry it with me everywhere. The A95 turns on faster, and recovers from a shot quicker than my old camera. The LCD screen view is crisper and can be used in daylight easier (its not perfect, but its better than the A70).
Canon has made a computer software upgrade with added features, yet navigating through it wasnt difficult (since it was very similar to my old cameras computer software). The mini-movie feature works great indoors and the subject doesnt have to yell to be picked up by the cameras built in mike. Its good outdoors but not for speeches. With playback, the camera speaker is sufficient. The camera is even capable of playing a mini movie or showing the pictures on its card via a television once you connect the camera to your TV (cord included).
Canon has done it for me again, and I highly recommend this camera to anymore who wants a 5MP camera-size device that is easy to use, easy to program, fits comfortably in an adults hand and provides stunning results.
If youre looking for one of those slim cameras, pass this one by. But if you want semi-professional-like camera to take majestic sunrises/sunsets, the first bloom of spring, and your grandmother celebrating her 100th birthday with bright, accurate and clear coloring, this is the camera for you!
On: 2005-07-24
Google "Canon" and "e18". The lens mechanism is very sensitive to any dust that might be in your camera bag. Once you get the error , youd better hope a year hasnt passed because it costs $150 to fix. Canon is currently about to be hit with a class action lawsuit because of this. See the Girard Gibbs & De Bartolomeo law office web site.
On: 2005-07-24
I have tried several digital cameras, but this one really impresses me. The quality of the pictures is the best one comparing with similar cameras; besides, it offers several functions that make the beginner to get professional style pictures. It comes with everything needed to start taking pictures, so no additional items are immediately required.
On: 2005-07-22
This camera is almost perfect!!!
Lots of features are built right into the camera. In addition, you can buy lens and filters or even an underwater case. This camera can eventually do just about anything you can think of.
The 5 megapixels are great for 8 x 10 prints or even 13x19!!!!
Would like a battery gauge that gave more warning of dead batteries and longer battery life.
On: 2005-07-22
Good product. It takes good pictures. Lots of settings, like sepia and black&white.
Processes pictures fairly fast. Although ive seen faster.
Prepare to spend the money on rechargeable batteries, and a charger, or youll spend it all in batteries, and still not have a charger.
Overall, i really like the camera.
On: 2005-07-21
This camera is great. This camera has a lot of manual options to help you develop your photography skills. Definatley get a case and some rechargeable batteries for it. The camera is a little thick, but that works out well for me since I have big hands. As with all Digital cameras of this price range, the A95 isnt the best in low light conditions without a tripod. I highly recommend that you buy this camera.
On: 2005-07-21
Would be nice if the screeen was bigger and the camera was smaller
On: 2005-07-18
I purchased the camera thru "Amazon affiliate" and recieved the camera about a week after I ordered it. Was in perfect condition and I have used the camera for about 2 weeks now.
Its a great digital camera for the price and picture quality. It came with its uploading software and I use the camera along with my Mac G4 and Photoshop 7- its compatiable and I havent had any problems so far. Bought it along with (2) 512 MB Sundisk flash cards and on the highest quality setting the cards can store about 200 pictures on each. People say the 32 MB card is worthless but for me its a decent back up card. On a lower setting it can produce about 30 pictures but atleast I have some peace of mind I wouldnt go home empty handed.
I even dropped the camera two days ago on asphalt (!) and it still working fine. Not on pupose of course!- my camera bag was open and after trying to run across a street, it flew out and my heart sank when I heard the plactic hit the street. Other than some chipped paint and some nasty stratches on the out lens ring and a gash on the focus button/wheel it works fine as of this writing. It seems OK and Im grateful for my luck. Hopefully all of the Canon Powershot Digital camera are made as tough as this one. Satisfied.
My only complaint is plastic doors that enclose both the batteries and CF cards is made of plastic and feels rather cheap. Im worried more about them becoming weak and brittle as the camera ages. But hopefully its built to last.
Very pleased so far- just wish I hadnt dropped it! Arrgh!
On: 2005-07-16
I was looking for a camera with enough MPs that can provide me the quality photographs with high resolution. I went through various stores and finally, I purchased this.
There were several reason behind my decision but the best of all features are:
- 5.0 Megapixel CCD sensor enables the A95 to provide superb image quality, suitable for high quality photo prints up to A3 size.
- 32 MB CompactFlash memory card and you can plug more to it.
- Easy to download photgraphs
- Easy to configure
- High quality lens
All in all, this is really useful and worth.
On: 2005-07-15
This is my first digital camera. In the early 70s I started with a fully manual Pentax K1000 35mm camera. Upon deciding to move up to a digital camera, I researched many brands, styles and models looking for just the camera to fit my wants, needs and pocketbook.
I wanted something I could have total creative control over, and yet my husband would be able to pick it up and take great pics automatically. I spoke to many friends and colleagues and got the skinny on most every well known brand of camera. Over and over, the Canon A series got thumbs up.
I put the Canon A95 on my Amazon.com wish list and got it as a Christmas 2004 gift. I have used it almost daily since.
One of the many settings is for snow and here in New England we had several heavy snowfalls last winter. I have some beautiful snowstorm pictures taken at night. The detail is fabulous right down to the capture of single snowflakes. The clarity in the depth of these photos is such that you feel like you could walk right into the storm... you can feel the snow.
The one thing I am disappointed with is the nice sized, variable position view screen does not have a backlight. That can be a major drawback to someone who takes a lot of pictures in the pitch black. I dont, but there have been occasions where I tried to aim and shoot, praying Id get the shot. Sometimes I did, others I didnt. What I mean is I could not see WHAT I was capturing, but whatever I did get was fine.
I have not purchased any other lenses for this camera (it has the versatility to change lenses just like a 35mm) nor have I seen any advertising for these lenses and other peripherals... I would like to.
Battery life is pretty good, you get ample warning when the batteries are low. I forgot extra batteries for my nieces wedding and despite low battery warnings I was able to get all the pics I wanted. I set mine to turn off according to my needs and this saves battery life. Ive used regular AA batteries until today when I bought the rechargeables.
Bottom line... Positives: great camera - loaded with features and settings, excellent pictures and total creative control.
Negatives: No backlight, hard to find add ons.
On: 2005-07-15
The Canon Powershot A95 is the best camera out there for the average consumer. It prints the most beautiful and clear photos. I have found it to be the fastest shot with the clearest pictures. It has almost all the settings of a professional camera and has a really nice screen to view your pictures on. I would highly recommend this camera.
On: 2005-07-14
Ive had this camera for almost a year now. Ive taken over 3000 pics with it and am very very happy with the results. I got it when it was $100 more than it streets for now, and still think its a great deal.
LOWDOWN: If youre like me and would rather concentrate on enjoying the moment, yet be able to take pretty darn good shots when you want to without lugging all that equipment around for an SLR/DSLR, then this is the cam for you. The A95 has that important balance between pocketability, fit-to-hand, weight, and great optics and sensor.
Plainly put, i find that I have the cam with me when the opportunity presents itself, whether its a great moment or planned shot. So I take the picture, instead of wishing i had lugged all the equip around. I just do some exposure bracketing just in case, and Im good to go. The controls are easy, and for anyone going from 35mm SLR to this, the controls are there for you to make sure that you take a good shot. Aperture priority, shutter priority, ASA film settings, etc..
For the lazy snapshooters inside of all of us, there are enough quick settings to use that you can pretty much be guaranteed a good photo as long as you use a little intelligence.
But what about the pictures? Folks compliment me all the time on my shots, and ask about my SLR. There are about 30 photos posted on my office wall (use a real silver halide service and skip the crappy home printers). These are anything from 5 x 7 to framed 22" x 30" posters. They all look pretty damn good because of 5MP plsu smart ASICs that Canon has (plus the ability to edit them easily when needed with Photoshop Elements.)
I dont bother with the share functions, just pop the compact flash in my card reader and Elements just sucks it right in - simple.
Great sensor that can simulate up to 800ASA film (maybe faster), i think, so under most circumstances, with subjects that are not moving much, it works great. And the Scene settings work well. You should see the great Fireworks shots i got this weekend. BTW - maybe Im not discriminating enough, but i havent conticed a big purple fringing problem.
This is my third DSC - had a Fuji 900 - great cam, takes better pics than my Olympus, but too big to slip into pocket; Olympus c70(?) camedia - nice lens, but needs image stabilization to take advantage of the ling lens. Not great images - lots of noise at low light settings.
This review would be five stars if not for the programming of the flash (need a slower, softer flash, or a hot shoe that i can control). The flash, when used in less than 8 from the subject, has a tendancy to blow out the details. So I shoot with natural light whenever I can. And of course, i would love if the A95 had the responsiveness and no shutter lag like a DSLR - but for hundreds less, its quick enough.
The A95 will probably remain my main camera for some time. I may even skip plans for getting a DSLR, instead Im ordering the A95 accessory lenses, so i may never need a DSLR....
p.s. Make sure to get a couple or three of 512MB cards - theyre cheap enough now, and if you use the top resolution setting, youll find that a card fills up on a weekend trip.
On: 2005-07-10
This camera is the perfect combination of features, price, and size. It is suitable for a person who just wants to "point-and-click" to take pictures but at the same times also allows a photo enthusiast to customize the shooting process to his or hers hearts content. There are so many options in this camera to experiment with that youll definitely be able to take better pictures.
At around $250, this camera beats the pants off of all other cameras at this price point. Believe me, you are not going to find something equivalent at this price.
If you want a small, high quality camera at a great price, buy this camera. You wont regret it.
On: 2005-07-09
One word: perfect for this price. nobody can beat canon digital cameras. Sony sucks!
On: 2005-07-08
I purchased this camera a few weeks ago and I love it. This is my first digital and it is very easy to use and the pictures come out beautifully. Definitely a nice camera for the inexperienced photographer.
by: Anonymous On: 2005-07-06
I take this camera almost everywhere I go to take home memories. It comes out very good. Like real people are inside the picture. I also love putting it on the computer.
On: 2005-07-06
Ive had this camera for about eight months now and I have not faced many problems with it. It has very good features that are also easy to learn and understand. The only thing I was not quite satisfied was the night mode shooting. The pictures appear bluury and shaky and it is always better if you reduce your ISO speed and if possible keep the camera on a tripod or on any fixed surface as the shutter speed is slow in this mode.
Apart from that, I have never had any problems with the camera. All my pictures have come out well: clear and crisp. If you read the manual well; understand its varied functions and know how to operate it, this is a really nice camera and a good investment.
Have fun with your camera.
On: 2005-06-23
Bottom line....this is the camera for you! I sold my old cannon and upgraded to this camera. Its battery life was overwhelmingly better than the previous camera I owned, which was a major perk. The picture quality is outstanding, clean and clear. Thecamera for all its many functions is actually very easy to use. I cannot begin to tell you how great of a value this digital is. You will be very happy that you will have a strong and reliable camera for a long time!
On: 2005-06-22
I did tons of research looking for the best digital camera, and as it was to be my first camera of this type, I wanted the most "bang for my buck" and something I could grow into as well as use right away. This was the best choice I could have made! I received the camera on Friday evening, by Saturday evening I was taking great, clear pictures. And by Monday was taking pictures like a professional.
I love how I have so much control over the settings, or can just let the camera do it. My favrite favorite use of the camera has been the macro setting, and the flowers shots I have been able to take are incredible!!
I had been sceptical about the folding view screen, but as was predicted in other reviews, it is a great feature.
One last note, a number of reviews mention a "flimsy battery door, and Flash Card door". I have found neither one to be as bad as was said, and feel it should hold up to much wear.
I would without hesitation recommend this camera to everyone, it seems to do everything that was said about it and more!
On: 2005-06-20
Ive had three Canon digital Elph cameras in four years. Each has failed with a E18 error, likely because of the fragile telescoping lens. Canon did replace the first one as it was less than a year old. But the 2nd and 3rd each failed shortly after the year-long warranty ran out. Ill never buy another Canon product.
On: 2005-06-18
If you want to have everyone ooh and ahh over how "cute" and tiny your little silver camera is -- then this is not the camera for you. Stick to the Elph. But you will pay more for that cuteness and size. This camera strikes a balance between convenience, picture quality, size and features that is unmatched in this price range.
Like all digital cameras it wont make gorgeous pictures with bad lighting. Take that as a fact of life. Unless you carry 10 1k lights around with you - youre going to get some flat, fuzzy and perhaps slightly unfocused pictures in low light settings. If you want great night shots go for the Prosumer type Canons and buy a tripod so you can use a wide aperture and long shutter speed.
In the point and shoot realm you will have to just take a bunch of pictures and know that you will need a good program to really make them shine. I recommend Photoshop Elements. You wont find a better consumer level program.
This camera takes normal AA batteries so it is a bit heavier than those that recharge the tiny battery in the camera. With my Energizer rechargeables I never once ran out of charge in a day. That is with taking hundreds of pictures and turning the camera on and off. That is very good power management!
This camera has a flip out screen for a viewfinder. It is not the biggest screen you will find on a camera and that is one of the negatives -- but you couldnt have a flip out with a 2 or 2.5 inch screen. Dont underestimate the usefullness of that flipout! I cant tell you how many times I was able to get a shot because I was able to orient that every which way. It is more than just flipping it out -- you can rotate it back and forth too. And when you flip it around you can put it back in the camera just like all the others with the screen on the back -- plus the image flips to compensate!
Image Quality - this is where this camera truly shines. Colors are vibrant. Details are crisp. As long as you have enough light. Under cloudy conditions or night time then you wont get as good of shots but most can be corrected after the fact if you know how.
I have a Sony camera which cost me over $1000 and this camera beats it for quality of photos. I was also watching a guy in front of me at a concert taking pics with his brand new sleek flat Sony and every picture was blurry. Mine werent exactly pro quality but they were better. Again -- low light is tough for a little point and shoot.
You can fit this camera in your pocket if you have big pockets that are loose. Tight jeans -- forget it. But you wont scratch this screen like Ive heard Elph owners complain about. I suggest going to a store and trying to put it in your pocket.
Bottom line - If you want a great quality camera and dont mind it not being the latest and thinnest camera out there you cant go wrong with this. To get the same image quality you would have to buy other cameras for several hundred more. Amazon has a really great price for it too.
On: 2005-06-15
This camera was good for 3 months. I had taken it to LA last week and took a few snaps at the beach. I did NOT drop it in the water or anywhere else. After some time I started hearing clicking noises and after that there was a louder noise along with a burning smell.
Maybe the other review about moisture affecting the camera is true. It would be pathetic if you cant take pictures on the beach or near the pool etc.
On: 2005-06-15
After weeks of research on the web (here at amazon and at other places) reading reviews, comparisons, etc. I came to the conclusion that this is the best camera on the market for the price.
I bought mine here through amazon about 10 days before I was to leave for a long road trip from Oregon to Hollywood through many great stops such as the Redwood Forest, Yosemite National Park, Disneyland, and other great sites. Thus I was very anxious for my camera to arrive.
One week after ordering, I checked to see how far along the way it had come - I was hoping (and expecting) to get it any day. To my disappointment, it had only been shipped the day before (5 days after I placed the order) and I was certain it wouldnt arrive on time for my trip.
To my great surprise and relief, the camera was delivered by UPS only a few minutes before I was to leave. (I was packing up the car and seriously on my way out the door when he came.)
The point of my long story is that I had no time to read the instructions before leaving, so I had to rely 100% on the camera being self-explanitory and very easy-to-follow for people like me who had frankly never used a digital camera before.
Suffice it to say that it was VERY easy to learn, and I was able to get by on my 3,000 mile trip using only the auto functions.
Take a look at my pictures (uploaded to the images section for this camera) to see the results.
The only features I couldnt find (without looking it up in the manual) were: 1) the self-timer. 2) speed-shooting multiple pics pushing the button once (a series of pictures only miliseconds apart from each-other).
As you can clearly see, I am not very experienced with cameras and I dont even know what half the features are called. But I was able to take magnificent pictures without even opening the manual! :)
The things I learned that I wish I knew earlier on are:
1) when taking night shots, use a tripod or lower the ISO. It was very hard to keep might shots from becomming very blurry. (The shutter is generally opened for longer to allow in more light.) If you are taking pictures of moving objects (such as people) in the dark, and dont want to use a flash (to keep more of the background in or for whatever other reason) you can lower the shutter speed beforehand. Look it up in the manual because its not easy to explain or very intuitive.
2) Most of the time pictures will look better without the flash, but (as mentioned above) you need a steady hand or a good tripod. Sports mode helps a bit as it lowers the shutter speed some.
3) When you take a landscape picture where the mountains (or whatever) are dark and the sky very bright, you will notice that the exposure tends to be lighter, taking out much of the detail from the mountains. To fix this, you lower the frame a bit (focus on the mountains with the sky barely visible in the shot) and then lightly press the shoot button and hold it down while the camera focuses. Then (still holding the button half-way down to keep camera focused) slightly raise the camera so your frame is now half landscape and half sky. Then finish pressing the shoot button completing the picture. The exposure stays locked to the darker mountains allowing for more detail in the shot.
4) For landscapes or anything more than 10 meters from your camera, everything will automatically be in focus so there is no need to worry about it. (In Yosemite I was often worried that if I focused on a waterfall, rather than the rocks around it the shot might turn out strange, but it all was crisp and beautiful regardless of which I chose to use as the focus point.)
Last minute advice: Make sure you...
1) get one (or more) 256 or 512 flash card as the measly one that comes with the camera only allows for about 20-30 pictures. I recommend SanDisk 512 which Amazon currently sells for under $40. 512 Mb will give you well over 350 pictures on the default settings. (I believe I got 385 or so on mine.)
2) get 2 sets of rechargable batteries and a car-charger.
3) get a case with a silky lining that snugly fits your camera so as not to scratch anything. And make sure it has an outside pocket for extra batteries and an extra flash card. I recommend one that closes completely (with a zipper) so it will get protected from rain or if you drop it in a puddle or something.
Thats all. Happy photo-shooting! :)
On: 2005-06-14
Well, just got my A95 in the mail. I was VERY reluctant to buy it, since I bought the Powershot A70 only a year and a half ago and already it is broken. The only reason I went for the A95, after feeling burned by the A70 (same at A95, except with 3.2 MP and no flip LCD) was because I had already spent lots of money on Compact Flash cards and this was one of the few that still uses CF.
Frankly, Im really pissed off at Canon for making a camera that didnt even last 2 years under normal usage. Now all my shots have these horizontal lines across it that ruin every photo. The guy at the camera shop says it must be some problem with the chip and I can send it back to Canon for $160+!! I had heard such good things about these cameras, but I guess durability is not one of them. Im hoping I was just unlucky with the A70 and my A95 lasts longer.
On: 2005-06-07
I can blindly purchase Canons Digicam, they are so reliable. I was looking for a camera that can provide me the a resolution together with a proper zoom.
This camera comes my way as it provides 3x optical zoom solving my purpose and a good resolution with 5MP at a pretty reasonable cost.
On: 2005-05-10
Like all these guys who wrote reviews for this item, I too did my homework and did a lot of research. I wanted nothing but the best value for my money and I never regret buying this camera. Pictures are excellent, esp. if you know how to maximize the capability of this camera.
The swiveling screen is very convenient not only to protect the LCD screen but for viewing odd-angled shots.
It uses standard size AA battery which is very handy if you run out of battery along the road and find yourself with no charger at hand.
One more thing, you can even add attachments to its lens if you want to inscrease its zoom power.
On: 2005-05-09
I just got my A95 after a lot of research. If you are still researching, look no further, it doesnt get any better than this all in one camera. I will post some photos later that I took on "auto" as an amateur right out of the box...my wife and kids think Im a great photographer now! There are no real downfalls to this camera that Ive found. I read about ppl complaining about shutter lag and focusing problems, rest assured, unless you are a tecno/digital camera geek you wont notice anything. I tried out the Nikon 5200 and others and they take longer and have a hard time in dark rooms.
I was slightly surprised that the included CF card filled up after a couple photos. I was sure glad I bought a 512 mb cf on ebay for $27 to go with the camera. I also bought ni/mh 2500 aa rechargable batteries and was slightly dissapointed that the charge only lasted me a day and a half of leisurely shooting. but thats why its recommended to get an extra set.
I am mostly interested in close-ups. I own a nursery and sell plants online and I needed something good for macro. If you have been wondering about this, stop here. This takes superb close-ups once you learn the easy macro-mode button and practice a little.
Overall, all I can say is "wow". Also the best place to buy right now is beach camera. buy the accessories through ebay though. I am now 100% outfitted now for $330!
Nice work Canon!
On: 2005-05-09
I loved using this camera! Its so easy to figure out and all the explanations are right on the flip out screen so theres no guessing which setting you are on. I used it to shoot fast moving waterfalls, and acrobats. It worked well at night and even caught fireworks and pyrotechnics perfectly. The 14 different shooting modes allow for any type of picture taking. All my wedding pictures look like they were done professionally and that makes my husband and I very happy with this camera (the first item we bought together).
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