Canon PowerShot A3100IS 12.1 MP Digital Camera with 4x Optical Image Stabilized Zoom and 2.7-Inch LCD (Red)

Canon PowerShot A3100IS 12.1 MP Digital Camera with 4x Optical Image Stabilized Zoom and 2.7-Inch LCD (Red)

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• 12.1 megapixels, 4x optical zoom with Optical Image Stabilizer, and DIGIC III Image Processor
• Lithium-ion battery makes the camera lighter and offers an easy alternative to recharge
• New scene modes, including Super Vivid and Poster Effect; Smart Auto selects from 18 predefined shooting situations
• Large, bright 2.7-inch LCD
• Capture images to SD/SDHC memory cards (not included)

Buy Now : Canon PowerShot A3100IS 12.1 MP Digital Camera with 4x Optical Image Stabilized Zoom and 2.7-Inch LCD (Red)

Brand : Canon
Category : Electronics,Camera & Photo,Digital Cameras,Point & Shoot Digital Cameras
Rating : 3.9
Review Count : 201

Canon PowerShot A3100IS 12.1 MP Digital Camera with 4x Optical Image Stabilized Zoom and 2.7-Inch LCD (Red)

• My first impressions of Canon\'s A3100IS are favorable. The successor, the A3300IS, seems to have significant problems so I opted for the A3100IS based on personal and professional reviews. This camera is a good value if a prospective purchaser pays less than $120 as of the date of this review.Let me quote Canon\'s manual:\"The LCD monitor is produced with extremely high-precision manufacturing techniques. More than 99.99% of the pixels operate to specification, but occasionally non-performing pixels may appear as bright or dark dots. This is not a malfunction and has no effect on the recorded image.\" Unfortunately, I have one of the .01% LCDs which have dead pixels. Words don\'t compensate for flaws in production, Canon. Regardless, I do agree that the dead pixels on the LCD don\'t impact the photographic image.Personally, I wanted adequate low-light performance in this camera. * Captured images with ISO 1600 aren\'t really usable in my opinion and should be avoided. ISO 800 produces a noticeable color shift and loss of detail so it\'s probably only adequate for low-light, action shots where ISO 400 isn\'t suitable. ** I have taken a few images of static scenes at night without the flash and constrained to ISO 400 with street lighting and leaning against a support with respectable results. The Canon A3100IS is capable of taking decent low-light shots of static scenes at F3.5 with ISO 400, but a tripod is necessary. For nighttime shots of static scenes without a flash, try F2.7-3.5, ISO 400, and a tripod. For nighttime shots with considerable action ***, naturally use a tripod in a sufficiently bright area due to perimeter lighting or a strong flash, e.g. Canon\'s HF-DC1, and try F2.7 with ISO 800 only as a last resort. Furthermore, expect noticeable noise, color shift, and loss of detail if you do use ISO 800. The use of a small tripod balanced on one\'s knee will probably work sufficiently for capturing low-light, action shots (ISO 800) while seated, but I haven\'t tested the possibility yet. For daytime shots, try F3.5-5.6 and ISO Auto. Physically move closer or further from the scene if necessary. If one doesn\'t plan to post-process images, try increasing the sharpness in the \"Custom Color\" setting since the images are a little soft using default settings. For beginning photographers, hold the camera properly, i.e. with the palm of the hand facing toward you with the thumb vertical and 90 degrees to the remaining 4 fingers pointing horizontally. Cup the 4 horizontal fingers at their tips if desired and hold the elbows of both arms next to your body. Place the camera in the area created by the vertical thumb and horizontal fingers. Lastly, to capture colors as accurately as possible, use the option to evaluate white balance judiciously. This camera is capable of producing very good quality images in the \"Program\" mode and good quality images in the \"Auto\" mode. If one post-processes the images using non-commercial or commercial software, the A3100IS can produce pictures rivaling those using the hardware processors of cameras twice as expensive. Learn to use post-processing software!If the reader wants very good low-light performance, he will likely have to spend 3x the money and buy a S95. With a bit more experience, I\'ll likely be satisfied with the A3100IS as I also have Canon\'s HF-DC1 to use when needed.UPDATE: I\'ve posted a few images in the gallery taken with Canon\'s A3100IS* All low-light shots use the 2M pixel resolution** Actually, the A3100IS has better performance at ISO 800 than Panasonic\'s Lumix FH20. However, both cameras are basically unusable at ISO 800 without post-processing of the images. With post-processing software, e.g. the free Wavelet DeNoise plug-in for GIMP, one can produce good quality images even at ISO 800.*** Until P&S cameras can accurately reproduce images with minimal color shift and noise at ISO 3200, users will need to use a flash when filming dynamic scenes with considerable action at night.
• This is the third Canon \"A\" series that I have purchased. For those of you unfamiliar with the Canon line, they are targeted at users who value simplicity and ease of use. Clearly, they are also focused on a price point that is quite low. If you are looking for greater sophistication and higher quality (both photographic and build), there are many other choices. However, given its mission, the A3100 succeeds.First, ease of use is well thought out. The user is presented with icons intended to be intuitive. However, there is a safety net for those perplexed by that approach: the software provides a running, written commentary on the purpose of the available options. The designers have attempted to make this device as palatable and non threatening as possible.Second, even for users accustomed to more sophisticated cameras, the image quality is more than satisfactory. When purchasing a digital camera, one should not concentrate on \"pixels\". Digital imaging is dependent upon lens quality and the processor, in this case Canon\'s Digic III. I have felt that Canon\'s processors were among the best, for years. However, it is fair to say that the technology has improved to such an extent that many of the major brands are competitive with one another.My primary concern and criticism is build quality; the battery and memory card door is flimsy (another review mentioned this), as is the USB port cover. Only time will tell if this is a problem.Another review has mentioned dark images and less than satisfactory results with the zoom. While I have not utilized the digital zoom, yet, I find the optical zoom and image stabilization to operate quite well.This is not an advanced SLR or a Leica; nor is it intended to be. However, within the scope of its designers\' intent, it performs admirably, rewarding the user with photos above \"snapshot\" quality. For approximately $150.00, it is difficult to imagine a better performer.

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