Canon PowerShot A710 IS First Impressions Review

by Richard Baguley
Published on October 09, 2006

Navigation
Intro	Physical Tour
Components	Design / Layout
Modes	Control Options
Image Parameters	Connectivity / Extras
Overall Impressions	Conclusion

Model Design / Appearance

The A710 IS is a lightweight camera, mostly made of plastic. But this means that the case feels very plasticky and doesn’t feel like it would stand up to much rough treatment. The Canon A-series digital cameras aren't designed to be exceptionally pretty or skinny; instead, the design is all about function.

 

Size / Portability

At just 8.4 ounces, the A710 IS is a lightweight camera. With dimensions of 3.8 x 2.6 x 1.6 inches, the camera is very portable, although it may be a touch thick to fit into some smaller pockets. But it would fit fine into a small bag, coat pocket or handbag.

 

Handling Ability

The A710 IS fits into the hand well, with the wide grip providing plenty for the fingers to wrap around. Combined with the lanyard, this camera isn’t likely to slip from your grasp.

 

The shutter button and zoom control fall naturally under the index finger, with the thumb sitting next to the mode dial. This means that it’s possible to take photos and change modes with one hand, although you do need to tilt the camera to see what mode you are switching to. The exposure compensation button is also within range of the thumb, but the flash and focus mode controls are a little far away to reach comfortably. Oddly, the print button also falls under the thumb, so you do have to be careful not to press this by accident while shooting.

 

Like most PowerShot cameras, the menu system of the A710 IS is straightforward and easy to use: the Func./Set button in the center of the directional control accesses a number of commonly used options, while the Menu button opens up the on-screen menu for other features. The functions on offer are as follows…

 

 

The Canon PowerShot A710 IS is a very easy to use camera, with most functions where you need them and common settings only a couple of button presses away. The Func./Set  menu means that commonly changed settings like the ISO, drive mode, etc. can be set within a few seconds, so you shouldn’t miss any shots.