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Canon Announces Four New Powershot A-Series Cameras
By Matt J. Weiss, January 5, 2010 @ 04:20 PM (EST)
Canon announced today that they will release four new Powershot A-Series entry-level compact cameras, the A3100 IS, A3000 IS, A495 and A490. These cameras are on the low end of Canon's point and shoot offerings, but still offers some nice features and I like the design. The main new features are mainly special effect scene modes which won't appeal to most underwater photographers.
One thing I found interesting is that point and shoots are taking advantage of wider ISO ranges, the A-Series cameras now can reach ISO 3200, offering a Low Light mode that increases the ISO. The increasing ISO ranges of digital cameras is trickling down into low end point and shoots, as they should be.
One thing I found interesting is that point and shoots are taking advantage of wider ISO ranges, the A-Series cameras now can reach ISO 3200, offering a Low Light mode that increases the ISO. The increasing ISO ranges of digital cameras is trickling down into low end point and shoots, as they should be.
Canon Powershot A3000
The A3100 IS and A3000 IS are at the higher end of the series offering 12.1 and 10.1 megapixel resolution, 4x optical zoom, a 2.7-inch LCD screen and something thats being called "Smart AUTO mode" which Canon says takes the guess work out of shooting. Also, the 3000 model cameras will run on rechargeable lithium-ion batteries, a first for the A series. The A3100 will sell for $179.99 and the the A3000 will sell for $149.00. It's not entirely clear, but I think the only difference in them is the 2.0 megapixel and color choices.
Canon Powershot A3100
The A495 and A490 are on the lower end, but still offer 10.0- Megapixel resolution, a 3.3x optical zoom and 2.5 inch LCD screen all for $129.99 and $109.99 respectively. That's a nice price even for lower end models. If you flood your camera it's not hurting the wallet too much. For the extra $20 you get a few more Effect Modes and some a choice of colors in the A495.
Canon Powershot A490
Will there be Underwater Housings A3100 IS, A3000 IS, A495 and A490?
You can never be sure, but it seems likely. Canon, Ikelite and Fantasea all have made housings for the previous models in the A series line, and I imagine at the very least Canon will make their own housings for the cameras. I would not be surprised if we saw Ikelite housings as well.RELATED ARTICLES
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