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Canon PowerShot A3100 IS

Discontinued

Reviewed

November 2010

by ConsumerSearch

Pros

Very easy to use
Plenty of preset shooting modes
Cheap price

Cons

No viewfinder
Slow flash recovery speed
Noisy low-light shots

Where to Buy

for $180.99

Our Analysis
Specs
189 Amazon Reviews

Reviewers are enthusiastic about Canon's new PowerShot A3100 IS camera, the first in Canon's A-series to use a rechargeable Lithium-ion battery rather than AAs. The 12-megapixel PowerShot A3100 IS offers a number of new automatic shooting features, including 18 presets and Super Vivid and Poster Effect modes, as well as standard features such as face and motion detection technology, and red-eye correction. It does away with the PowerShot A2100's long (6x) zoom in favor of a 4x lens, though, and it's equipped with the Canon DIGIC III image processor (a generation behind the latest DIGIC 4). In general, owners and critics say the camera is easy to use and takes quality shots, though some say its construction is a bit flimsy.

We found solid reviews of the Canon PowerShot A3100 IS at CNET, PhotographyBlog.com and Steves-Digicams.com. The latter two are for photo enthusiasts and go into ample detail about specifications. DigitalCamera-HQ.com also recommends the PowerShot A3100 IS after briefer hands-on testing. Owners provide feedback at Amazon.com.

Where To Buy

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

(189 reviews)
Buy new: $159.00 9 Used & new from $99.52

In Stock.

Our Sources

1. CNET

The Canon PowerShot A3100 IS receives a positive review here, though editors find the features lacking and say the camera has a "cheap feel." Goldman is impressed that it offers image stabilization and a rechargeable Lithium ion battery.

Review: Canon PowerShot A3100 IS (Red), Joshua Goldman, April 6, 2010

2. PhotographyBlog.com

Mark Goldstein gives the Canon PowerShot A3100 IS a Recommended rating, calling it a "newbie-friendly" camera with a "compelling" combination of ease of use, advanced features and image quality. However, Goldstein frets that the "not-so-wide-angle" lens and VGA video mode are behind the times.

Review: Canon PowerShot A3100 IS Review, Mark Goldstein, March 22, 2010

3. StevesDigicams.com

This thorough look at the Canon PowerShot A3100 IS concludes that it's "a perfect starter camera." Editors like that it's easy to use, but offers solid features.

Review: Canon PowerShot A3100 IS Review, Editors of Steves-Digicams.com, March 17, 2010

4. DigitalCameraHQ.com

Liam McCabe at DigitalCamera-HQ.com gives the new Canon PowerShot A3100 IS a grade of an A after a hands-on test. The body and buttons feel cheap, but the image quality is good, and McCabe concludes that the camera is "a no-brainer if you're considering a $150 camera."

Review: Canon PowerShot A3100 IS, Liam McCabe, May 7, 2010

5. Amazon.com

Nearly all of the owners who post reviews here give the Canon PowerShot A3100 IS 4 or 5 stars (out of 5). Users say it's uncomplicated and easy -- exactly what they wanted.

Review: Canon PowerShot A3100IS 12.1 MP Digital Camera with 4x Optical Image Stabilized Zoom and 2.7-Inch LCD (Red), Contributors to Amazon.com

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