Canon PowerShot A460 Digital Camera Review

Picture Quality / Size Options (7.5)
The Canon PowerShot A460 allows for control over both picture quality and size. Listed within the function menu, the size options for this point-and-shoot camera are L (Large, 2592 x 1944), M1 (Medium 1, 2048 x 1536), M2 (Medium 2, 1600 x 1200), S (Small, 640 x 480), Postcard (1600 x 1200), and wide (2592 x 1456). It should be noted that the wide setting is not a true 16:9 image since the CCD is not a 16:9 chip. Also, the width in the highest resolution is identical to the width in the “wide” mode while the height is reduced. This application of black bars to the top and bottom of images is called “letter-boxing” and is often applied to 4:3, 3:2 or other aspect images in an attempt to appear 16:9.

This camera also has control over compression levels and getting to them is admittedly confusing and odd, but once complete the user is unlikely to forget. Accessing some settings, such as compression, in the function menu is possible by pressing the menu button once the sub-menu setting is highlighted. In the case of compression the user must first highlight the image size sub-menu and then press the menu button. Once this is complete the user will be able to select between compression levels of superfine, fine and normal.

Picture Effects Mode (7.75)
The Canon PowerShot A460 comes with a version of Canon’s My Color mode. While not as replete as more expensive models, the features found here will definitely provide users with some interesting possibilities. The My Colors mode is in the function menu of the shooting mode. Once selected, a number of interesting options come to light. The My Colors mode allows users to preset their camera’s color palette. Settings are: vivid, neutral, sienna, black & white and custom colors. The custom colors option enables adjustments to be made to contrast, sharpness and saturation. When it comes to point-and-shoots, the amount of in-camera digital effects increases as the price goes up. To have even the basics for under $150 is a pleasant surprise.