Canon PowerShot A510

-Manual control of shutter speed and aperture for engaged users
-Much improved performance at the ISO 400 setting
-Intelligent microphone placement
-small compact size without excessive controls
-straightforward menu structure
-simple and well labeled memory card slot

-an overly complicated battery cover makes a simple action aggravating
-Small viewfinder (virtually unusable)
-Incredibly slow shot to shot speed in all photo modes

Conclusion
The Canon PowerShot A510's small compact frame will greatly please the point-and-shoot user looking for an introductory camera with solid performance. The simple physical design comes equipped with a wide variety of manual control options - a surprising trait for a point-and-shoot camera which is currently available online for $179.95. Equipped with a 1/2.5 inch 3.2 MP CCD, the camera performs in line with the conventional Canon reputation. Unlike many PowerShot models before it, the A510 effectively suppresses noise in higher ISO ratings and works well in auto mode. The A510 is also quite flexible for an introductory digital camera, allowing for the application of external 'slave' flash and conversion lens units. Still capture capabilities on the A510 greatly exceeded expectations, but unfortunately the video recording mode did not. Interested consumers will have to make the sacrifice. The A510 records full resolution video at 10 fps, which is a third of the rate needed for full, fluid motion, so you can imagine how choppy the final clip appears. With a slow shooting rate, users will also have to pick between quality and speed. The dismal shot to shot lag time is significant enough to be problematic for many shooting situations. All around there are some major drawbacks to the camera - it certainly will not compete with some of the $500 and up models that have been released this year, but for well under $200 and dropping, the A510 will provide reliable image quality, shooting flexibility, and an opportunity for beginners to expand their photographic knowledge and grow into the camera.