Canon PowerShot A710 IS Digital Camera Review

Canon PowerShot A710 IS

Digital Camera Review

Oct 09, 2006 - By Richard Baguley
Canon’s new PowerShot A710 IS bumps the resolution up from the previous model (the A700) and adds a big new feature: image stabilization. Built around a 1/2.5 inch CCD sensor that captures 7 megapixel images, this new camera also includes a 6x zoom lens. So is this new $370 camera a big step forward? Read on to find out…
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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.
 
Control Button / Dial Positioning / Size
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.
 
 
Menu
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…
 
 
Function Set Menu
 
ISO
Sets the ISO rating (Auto, High Auto, 80, 100, 200, 400, 800)
WB
Sets the white balance (Auto, Daylight, Clouds, Tungsten, Fluorescent, Fluorescent 2, Underwater, Custom)
Drive Mode
Sets the drive mode (Single, Continuous, Self Timer [10 secs, 2 secs])
My Colors
Sets the color mode (Off, Vivid, Neutral, Sepia, Black & White, Positive, Lighter skin tone, Darker skin tone, Vivid blue, Vivid red, Vivid green, Custom Color)
+/- Flash
Sets Flash strength (plus or minus two stops in 1/3 stop steps)
Metering
Evaluative, Center weighted, Spot
Quality
Image Quality (Superfine, Fine, Normal)
Size
Image Size [L (3072 x 2304), M1 (2592 x 1944), M2 (2048 x 1536), M3 (1600 x 1200), S (640 x 480), Postcard (1600 x 1200), Widescreen (3072 x 1728)]
Main Menu
 
Digital Zoom
Sets Digital Zoom (Off, 1.5x, 1.9x, standard)
Red-eye
Red-eye mitigation mode (on, off)
Review
Time to review images after capture (off, 2 to 20 seconds)
Display Overlay
Sets the display overlay grid (3:2 Guide, Off)
IS Mode
Sets image stabilization mode (Shooting only, Panning, Off)
Setup
Accesses setup menu for functions such as power saving, date/time, auto rotate, etc
 
Ease of Use
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.
 
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