CES 2010 : Powershot A490 and Powershot A495, Canon's entry level cameras

Offering a large array of consumer-friendly features and 10.0-Megapixel resolution, 3.3x Optical Zoom and a 2.5-inch LCD screen, the Canon PowerShot A495 and A490 Digital cameras are suitable for budget-conscious consumers. Available in two-tone colors, such as red, blue and silver, the PowerShot A495 Digital camera offers a few new modes such as Low-Light, Super Vivid and Poster Effect mode, as well as Smart FE and the ability to upload video to YouTube. Available in a metallic two-toned silver and black, the PowerShot A490 Digital camera comes equipped with scene modes such as Low-Light Mode, Smart FE and the ability to upload video to YouTube.

 

Achieving a clear shot in low-light situations, such as when a child blows out birthday candles, is no easy task. With Canon's Low-Light Mode, the A-Series line now provides a wider ISO range (up to 3200), allowing more light to be captured creating sharper, more vivid images. For situations that require a flash, but where one cannot be used, such as a night game or concert, Canon's Low-Light Mode will help improve the captured image. Even though this sounds promising, one should not expect too much from a $100 camera with a tiny little digital sensor. The A-Series also includes Canon's Smart FE (Flash Exposure) which improves image quality by automatically adding the optimum level of flash illumination, aperture, shutter speed and ISO.

 

The PowerShot A495 and A490 Digital Cameras are scheduled to be available in late February for an estimated retail price of $129.99 and $109.99, respectively. Even though they are the cheapest Canon cameras on the market, smart customer may find competitor's cameras for even cheaper but the question is "isn't cheap sometimes too expensive ?". Actually these cameras are aimed at consumers willing to pay the least but still getting a premium brand for that price.

 

Here are the only 3 differences between the Powershot A495 and its slightly cheaper twin brother, the A490 :
- Face timer : the A495, for group photos, will take the picture two seconds after it has detected an additional face in the framed scene which should correspond to the person operating the camera. Smart.

- Poster and Vivid new scene modes are available one the A495 only.

- The automatic scene mode may choose between 18 modes on the A495 vs 13 modes on the A490