Canon Powershot A495

All articles on this site are by Harry Skevington unless otherwise noted with another byline

Canon PowerShot A495 Digital camera
Power but not pricey
weba495silver When I heard I was getting my first Canon camera to test I had dreams of a high end model with all the bells and whistles. The test agreement I signed brought me down to earth with an AA battery(2) powered PowerShot A495. After using the A495 for about a month I have to say it is one of the best cameras that I have tested at the $129.00 price point. It is easy to learn, easy to use, and will allow a first time digital camera buyer to grow when he or she wants to do more than basic point and shoot.

In the Box
A495 Camera
2 AA Batteries
Wrist Strap
Software CD (includes a detailed 132 page users guide in PDF)
USB Cable
AV Cable
Quick Start Guide 36 Printed pages

webcolorsa495 The Canon PowerShot A495 weighs in at 6.7 oz. (with Batteries and Memory card) and measures 3.68 x 2.43 x 1.20 inches. The camera is wedge shaped with the thickest area on the right side where all the control buttons are. It is small in my hand but thicker than many I have tested. It is not a pocket camera unless you have big pockets. The bottom opening storage area holds the 2 AA batteries and an SD memory card (not included). I used a Lexar 2 GB microSD card in an SD adaptor. I suggest you purchase several sets of rechargeable batteries if you plan on taking many pictures. The guide states you can get about 150 shots from 2 AA batteries but around 400 using rechargeable NiMH AA batteries. I did notice the camera flashed a warning in the LCD that the batteries need a little time to recover between flash shots. Note: I ran through the included AA batteries during these tests. I completed my work using a set of rechargeable NiMH batteries I had in my camera bag. Of course I had to charge them first. Keeping some standard AA batteries on hand makes sense as they are available almost anywhere and chargers are not.

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The side opening area gives access to a DC in/out connector as well as video cable and USB cable connections. On/off and Shutter buttons are on the top right if you are facing the LCD. On the right back an array of function buttons and a rocker unit complete the access capabilities. The A495 is a 10 MP camera with a 3.3x Optical Zoom. Combine that with the 4.4 Digital zoom and you get 13X capability. As with most cameras it is best to stay in the optical zone unless you have a tripod or something else to steady the camera. The LCD monitor, at 2.5 inches, is fine as far as size goes but grainy as a viewfinder in normal light. Indoors it was fine for review of photos/videos or any menu/setting changes that may be required. In direct sunlight situations I found it impossible at times to see what I was pointing at to adjust composition. It is also difficult to change menu settings or proof a photo under those circumstances. I would like to see a better than 115,000 dot LCD but we are talking about a basic camera here. For more details on specifications CLICK HERE.

I use Auto for most test photos/video with the addition of flash for photos when needed. The Canon PowerShot A495 has a Smart Auto feature that helps with 18 difficult situations that need settings beyond standard Auto point and shoot. This feature, when on, can help the user get decent results without much thought. Just compose and shoot! To see details on this and other interesting features CLICK HERE.

Taking video was just as easy as taking photos. Below are a few more photos.

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To see many more photos and some videos go to my Flickr site. Seeing the actual result is often better than reading an article.

I found the A495 to be a fine camera to use in the house with or in good outside lighting situations. The Auto flash produced good results when it is needed. Distance low light shots were grainy with or without flash. I recommend the A495 as an option for those who are first time buyers of a digital camera. I know it costs more than some of the more basic cameras but you will be happier with the A495 over a longer period of ownership. It is also a good bet as a second camera for those times when your first one goes south for some reason. There is much more to the A495 than I can cover in this space. To see more on the Canon PowerShot A495 CLICK HERE
For many more Canon products CLICK HERE.