Canon PowerShot A95 Review
Simon Joinson, September 2004
Review based on a production Canon PowerShot A95
Announced in August 2004, the PowerShot A95 replaces the hugely popular A80 at the top of Canon's entry-level range. Although it shares many features with the A80, the new model sports several significant improvements (including some also found on the A85), and in fact offers a feature set that compares well with considerably more expensive models, such as last year's PowerShot G5. The main changes are the sensor resolution (5MP) and a larger (1.8 inch) and considerably higher resolution (118,000 pixel) swing out LCD screen. Other improvements include an enhanced movie mode and a wider assortment of subject-based shooting modes. Let's have a quick look at the main selling points:
5.0 million effective pixels
3x (38-114mm equiv.) F2.8-4.9 zoom lens
1.8 inch 'vari angle' (swing and tilt) LCD
DIGIC processor
9 point AiAF plus flexizone focus
14 exposure modes
Print/Share button & direct print
Autofocus illuminator
Part metal body
Canon PowerShot A95 vs A80 (differences)
Canon PowerShot A95
Canon PowerShot A80
Effective Resolution 5.0 million pixels 3.9 million pixels
Maximum Image Size 2592 x 1944
2272 x 1704
Digital Zoom 4.1x 3.6x
Custom modes 1 2
Scene modes • Portrait
• Landscape
• Night Scene
• Fast Shutter
• Slow Shutter
• Stitch Assist
• Foliage
• Snow
• Beach
• Fireworks
• Underwater
• Indoor
• Kids and Pets
• Night Snapshot • Portrait
• Landscape
• Night Scene
• Fast Shutter
• Slow Shutter
• Stitch Assist
Continuous Shooting 2.0 fps, max 8 - 27 images (dependent on quality setting) 2.2fps, max 14 images
Maximum Movie Size/Frame Rate • 640 x 480 @ 10fps
• Max 30 secs
• 320 x 240 @ 15fps
• Max 3 mins
Focus • 9 point AiAF
• FlexiZone AF/AE • 9 point AiAF
LCD screen • 1.8-inch TFT (flip out and twist)
• 118,000 pixels • 1.5-inch TFT (flip out and twist)
• 67,000 pixels
Other new features • Direct Print/Share button
Canon PowerShot A95 Key specifications
Street price • US: $368
• UK: £250
Body Material Metal and plastic
Sensor • 1/1.8" CCD, 5.3 million total pixels
• 5.0 million effective pixels
Image sizes • 2,592 x 1944
• 2,048 x 1536
• 1,600 x 1,200
• 640 x 480
Movie clips • 640 x 480 pixels @ 10fps (max clip 30 secs)
• 320 x 240 pixels @ 15fps (max clip 3 mins)
• 160 x 120 pixels @ 15fps (max clip 3 mins)
• Motion JPEG (.avi)
• With sound
Lens • 38 - 114mm equiv. (3x optical zoom)
• F2.8-F4.9
• 4.1x digital zoom
Focus • TTL autofocus
• 9 point AiAF (auto or manual focus point select)
• Manual focus
• 5cm macro mode (Wide), 25cm (Tele)
Shooting mode • Auto
• Program
• Aperture Priority
• Shutter Priority
• Manual
• Custom
• Portrait
• Landscape
• Night Scene
• Fast Shutter
• Slow Shutter
• Stitch Assist
• Foliage
• Snow
• Beach
• Fireworks
• Underwater
• Indoor
• Kids and Pets
• Night Snapshot
• AE compensation -2.0EV to +2.0 EV in 1/3EV steps
Sensitivity • Auto
• ISO50,100,200,400
White Balance • Auto
• 5 presets
• Custom WB (manual)
Image parameters • Picture Adjust (Vivid, Neutral)
• Sharpness (2 levels)
• Color effects (Sepia, Black and White)
Continuous • 2 fps (High)
• 1.5 fps (standard)
Flash • Built-in flash
• Auto, Manual on/off, Red-eye reduction: on/off
• Range (normal, ISO auto): W: 0.45m - 4.4m (1.5 - 14 ft)
T:0.45m - 2.5m (1.5 - 8.2 ft).
• Range (macro, ISO auto): 25 - 45cm (9.8 in - 1.5 ft)
Storage • CompactFlash Type I
• 32MB CF supplied*
Viewfinder • Real Image Optical
LCD monitor • 1.8" TFT, 118,000 pixels
Connectivity • USB 1.1
• A/V out
• DC-IN
Power • 4 x AA batteries
• NiMH recommended (alkaline supplied)
• (Optional AC adapter)
In the box*
• Canon PowerShot A95
• Wrist strap
• 4x AA Alkaline batteries
• AV cable
• USB cable
• 32MB CF card
• Software CD ROM (Canon Digital Camera Solutions & ArcSoft Camera Suite)
Other features • Spot (center or AF point), Center-weighted & Evaluative metering
• PictBridge, Exif Print and DPOF compatible
• Playback Histogram
• Built-in speaker and microphone
• Remote capture via USB
• Autofocus Illuminator
• Optional Wide, Tele & close up converters
• Optional 52mm filter adapter
• Optional waterproof case (WP-DC50)
Weight (inc batt) 335 g (11.8 oz)
Dimensions 101.1 x 64.6 x 34.7mm (4.0 x 2.5 x 1.4in) Excluding protrusions
* Supplied accessories may differ in each country or area
If you're new to digital photography you may wish to read the Digital Photography Glossary before diving into this article (it may help you understand some of the terms used).
Conclusion / Recommendation / Ratings are based on the opinion of the reviewer, you should read the ENTIRE review before coming to your own conclusions.
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