Value (7.5)
Available for under $200 online, the A510 provides full manual exposure controls, including both aperture and shutter priority settings. With a 1/2.5 inch 3.2 MP CCD and enlarged 4x optical zoom lens, the camera has competitive components for its price bracket. With a strong improvement shooting in higher ISO ratings, along with the accessory options available, the A510 is quite a value.
Comparisons
Canon PowerShot A75 — The A510 is a direct descendant of the PowerShot A75; both cameras have 3.3 total megapixels, 3.2 effective megapixels, and a 1.8-inch LCD screen. The A75 was released at almost the same time last year, but sold for a pricier $249. The Canon A75 has a shorter 35-105mm 3x optical zoom lens in a slightly heavier 7-ounce body. The cameras have similar modes and even have optical viewfinders, which are a disappearing feature.
Olympus Camedia 545 -The Olympus Camedia 545 retails online for a near identical price to the A510, but comes with a larger 1/2.5 inch 4.0 MP CCD and a smaller 3x optical zoom lens. The Camedia 545 is capable of recording still images at three resolution levels and video at two. The Camedia 545 does not allow for audio recording. A great number of scene modes (nineteen to be exact) are included on the Camedia 545, providing far more shooting flexibility to point-and-shoot users, but like the Photosmart 635, the Camedia 545 falls short of the A510 in available manual control options. 14 MB of internal storage is built into the 545. Like the A510, the Camedia 545 is direct print capable and equipped with a USB 2.0 port. There is also an optical zoom viewfinder but the 545's 1.8 inch LCD screen only has 85,000 pixels.
Who It’s For
Point-and-Shooters - For the point-and-shoot user, this camera is ideal. With strong performance in auto mode, along with a hefty set of manual options, users of the A510 can shoot right out of the box and will have room to grow into manual controls.
Budget Consumers -Retailing for under $200 online, the A510 gives the budget consumer a viable option. The camera is compact, stocked with manual control, and incredibly affordable.
Gadget Freaks - This camera doesn't come with a lot of additions; it is a simple, straightforward, small camera. Although there are manual controls and accessory lens and flash options, for the true gadget freak, these basics will quickly grow old.
Manual Control Freaks - For an affordable point-and-shoot camera, the A510 contains as many manual controls as anything in its price range, though true freaks will be expecting more.
Pros/Serious Hobbyists -Other than as an expendable vacation substitute, there is no reason for the pro or serious hobbyist to buy this camera.
