Canon PowerShot A460

Connectivity
Software (6.5)
Software programs included with the Canon PowerShot A460 will vary based on the photographer’s operating system. Macintosh users are provided with ImageBrowser 5.8, PhotoStitch 3.1 and EOS Utility 1.1. Windows users can expect to receive ZoomBrowser EX 5.8, PhotoStitch 3.1, Camera TWAIN Driver 6.6, EOS Utility 1.1. Installation of software was simple and only took a couple of minutes to complete.

The EOS Utility component enables users to download images from the camera either as full or selected download. If using the selected download, users will be provided with an extensive list of pertinent file information and a histogram of the selected photograph. Users will also be able to alter and confirm camera settings along with uploading images to the camera.

Once image transfer from EOS Utility is complete, the ImageBrowser software will automatically open. ImageBrowser is a standard viewing, organizing and editing image software programs with a simple and intuitive design. Users can organize their photos by capture date or personal category. Images can be viewed in preview format, as a thumbnail list, or as a "TimeTunnel". Don’t get too excited, the time tunnel feature, while an interesting foray into new a interface, is still rather rudimentary. Editing options are minimal with trim image, color/brightness adjustment, red-eye correction, text insert, level adjustment, tone curve adjustment, sharpness and auto adjustment. The program certainly isn’t exhaustive or overwhelming, but it will suffice for basic editing. Users can also view photographs in a slideshow format and edit video clips using the movie edit feature that is lackluster in controls and features but does possess an interesting and useful still extraction feature.

The final feature of note in the software package is a PhotoStitch program that allows photographers to easily import, arrange, rotate, switch, and merge images for panoramic photography.

Jacks, ports, plugs (6.25)
The Canon PowerShot A460’s jacks, ports and plugs are located on the left and right sides of the camera body. On the left side there is a small rubber port cover located in the lower rear corner. This small port cover is easy to overlook, but once located and flipped open it will reveal the AV analog out port for viewing of images on either television or other RCA-input viewing device. On the right side of the camera body beneath a larger and more prominent port cover that flips open from its back edge are the DC IN and USB connection ports. This port cover is attached to the camera body via a thick beefy hinge and, although difficult to move out of the way when trying to connect cables, the cover snaps snugly into place when ports were not in use. On the bottom two-thirds of the camera’s right side is a third and final cover that is opened by sliding a mechanism forward while pulling downwards on the port cover. This combination of actions will flip the cover up and open and reveal both the battery and memory card slots for the camera. This cover is built out of hard plastic similar in composition to the camera body.

Direct Print Options (7.0)
The Canon PowerShot A460’s printing system is easier to use than prior models. The one-push button on the back of the camera body allows users to transfer images to both their personal computer and PictBridge-compliant printers. Once the camera is tethered to the printer with a USB cable, the user just needs to switch the camera into playback mode and select the image for printing via the left and right arrows on the four-way control. Once the image is selected, a press of the print/share button will send the image to the printer. This is perhaps the simplest system found on the A460 and it will come as a welcome relief. 

Battery (6.5)
The Canon PowerShot A460 comes with two AA batteries. Users will need to purchase additional batteries for shooting beyond the first couple of hours. The battery slot is located on the right side of the camera body beneath a cover that also protects the camera’s memory card. Sliding the locking mechanism forward while sliding the whole cover down opens the cover. Once this is complete users will be able to insert and replace batteries. This position is actually a bit tricky if shooting on a tripod since the batteries will remain in the body of the camera once open. If attached to a tripod the user would need to tip the entire setup to the right in order to slide the batteries loose. It should also be noted that the only thing keeping the batteries in the camera is the battery/memory card cover. Once this is open the batteries can easily fall out.
Memory (3.25)
The Canon PowerShot A460 comes with a 16 MB SD memory card. In addition to the SD card format, the A460 also accepts SDHC and MMC memory cards. Although small, the included 16 MB memory card will provide users with space for up to five of the highest quality still images before erasure or transfer is necessary. While limiting on its own, this memory card will definitely come in handy as a back up card when those last couple of shots just won’t fit on a larger additional memory card. The memory card is inserted vertically into a slot located on the right side of the camera body beneath a cover that also protects and holds the camera’s batteries in place. This cover has a locking mechanism that must be engaged to open. This design prevents the cover from accidentally opening and will protect the camera during travel.

Other Features (2.0)
Sound Memo - Users can select individual still images and record an accompanying audio clip via the sound memo function found in the playback menu. The sound memo option will record up to one minute of audio using the in-camera microphone located on the front of the camera body.

Accessory High Power Flash Unit – This accessory flash can be purchased through a number of online retailers and will allow users to enhance the Canon PowerShot A460’s in-camera flash. It attaches to the bottom of the camera body via a connecting bracket.