Canon PowerShot A85

Front (8.0)
The front face of the Canon PowerShot A85 features the 3x optical Canon zoom lens, which covers most of the center and left portions of the front of the camera. In the far left corner, above the retractable lens, is the camera’s internal flash. Beneath this flash is a small circle which houses the AF-assist Beam, the Red-eye Reduction Lamp, and the Self-Timer Lamp. Oddly, there are two small dots beneath the flash that I am led to believe are meant to be used as a grip for a finger of the left hand. However, this seems odd because, when used in such a manner, it seems it would lead the user’s fingers over a portion of the flash window.

To the right of the flash, centered directly on the top of the lens ring, the user will find the real image zoom viewfinder window. "Real image" in this context means that the image in the viewfinder will not differ from the image captured by the camera. It can be used as a means to extend the life of the battery, as the user can disengage the LCD screen during viewfinder use. Beside the viewfinder, running on the same line as the bottom of the viewfinder window, lies the clearly labeled microphone for the Canon PowerShot A85. It has been placed so as not to be covered by stray fingers and conscientiously labeled to inform the consumer of its presence. The microphone for the camera might suffer most from having its sound envelope blocked by the right hand, impairing audio capture to the right of the camera. However, quality audio is rarely found on digital cameras at any price. A large dark gray grip protrudes from the right edge of the camera body, allowing for added stability and comfortable gripping during image capture.

Back (7.5)
The back of the Canon PowerShot A85 features a 1.8-inch LCD screen that validates the larger size of the camera. It takes up most of the left half of the camera body and is surrounded by a light silver frame. Both the frame and the LCD screen sit flush with the camera’s body, making it even more important for the user to purchase a carrying case, as pressure and contact with the screen from transporting the camera will harm the accuracy and quality of the image depicted. Above the LCD screen, slightly to the left of center, is the circular real image zoom viewfinder. It’s a little small for comfort or use and will likely cause the user to come in contact with the LCD screen during application.

To the left of the viewfinder on the Canon PowerShot A85, the user will find two LED indicators. If the lights are glowing green, the camera is ready to record or communicate. If green and blinking, the camera is starting up, recording to a CompactFlash card, reading a memory card, erasing a card, or transmitting data. If the upper indicator is orange, the camera is ready to record with the flash. If it is blinking orange, either the camera is ready to record (with a camera-shake warning) or the flash is charging. If the lower indicator is a steady yellow, the camera is in Macro Mode, Manual Focus Mode, or AF Lock Mode. If it is blinking yellow, there are focusing problems.

Beneath the LCD screen and in the lower left corner of the camera body, the user will find a port cover that can be flipped up to reveal the DC in connection. This port cover wraps around to the left side for the USB and A/V out ports. To the right of the port cover, the user will find the Print/Share and Display buttons. The Display button controls the amount of information displayed on the LCD screen, as well as whether the LCD screen is engaged. To the right of the LCD screen are a series of buttons that run vertically alongside the screen. Starting at the top, the user will find the Mode Switch, which allows the user to shift between playback and standard shooting mode. The two settings are clearly labeled with a red camera and a blue play button, respectively. Beneath this switch is the MENU button, which controls the onscreen settings for Recording and Playback Modes, along with Setup and My Camera options. Beneath the MENU button is the Function/Delete button, which handles the manual control and image control of the camera when in shooting mode and serves as a delete option when in Playback mode.

To the right of these features is a four-way control with a set button in the center. The arrows dictate menu navigation and image selection during playback; however, when in shooting mode, these controls have other functions. The upper arrow controls the flash settings for the camera, while the down arrow controls whether the camera is in Macro or Manual Focus Mode, or neither. If the camera is in auto mode, the left and right arrows have little functionality beyond those mentioned above. However, if in manual mode, the user can quickly use them to alter the shutter speeds and aperture ratings, switching between these two settings by pressing the Set button. The setting is projected on the lower portion of the LCD display.

Left Side (8.0)
The left side of the Canon PowerShot A85 features a port cover at the base of the camera. When pulled from the front, the USB port and the A/V out ports for the camera are revealed.

Right Side (8.5)
The right side of the Canon PowerShot A85 houses the CompactFlash card slot, which is accessed by pressing down lightly and pulling the cover back. The door did not feel securely attached the first few times I used it. The strongest element on the right portion of the camera is by far the stabilizing grip. This makes the camera easy to hold, handle, and use.

Top (8.0)
The shutter button on the Canon PowerShot A85 protrudes from the rest of the camera body. It is easily depressible with the right index finger and can be accessed while engaging the zoom lever ring that encircles it. This allows the user to make rapid exposures while amid alterations to focal length. Behind the shutter button, the user will find the in-camera speaker, housed underneath a cover reminiscent of the shape of a snowflake. Directly behind, toward the right edge of the camera, is an eyelet for the optional wrist strap. To the left of the speaker is the mode dial, which is used in accordance with the mode switch on the back of the camera body. The mode dial allows the user to choose among the following modes during shooting: Auto, Portrait, Landscape, Night Scene, Fast Shutter, Slow Shutter, Scene Mode, Stitch Assist, Movie, Program AE, Shutter Speed Priority, Aperture Priority, and Manual Exposure. The selected setting will line up with the power light located to the left of the dial. Above the power light, and slightly above and to the left of the mode dial, is the on/off button for the Canon PowerShot A85.