Model Design / Appearance (7.0)
The Canon PowerShot A95 features a silver, square frame, with a large right-side grip and flip-out LCD screen. The user can either use the camera with the LCD recessed into the body or opened at a desirable angle. The screen will rotate and return to the camera body, facing outward or inward, freeing the user to engage the real image zoom viewfinder located above the LCD. There is a large, oversized mode dial located on the top of the camera body for easy selection of settings. The camera lens sits above the surface of the camera even when recessed because of the removable conversion lens ring that encircles it.
Size / Portability (6.5)
The overall camera size is not too overwhelming with dimensions of 4.0 x 2.5 x 1.4 inches, but the concern with portability arises when the weight of the Canon PowerShot A95 is factored into the equation. With a camera body weighing 8.29 ounces prior to the addition of four AA batteries, the user of the Canon PowerShot A95 will remain conscious of the camera at all times. Slipping this camera into a back pocket is just not a feasible option; therefore, a carrying case or bag will become a necessary accessory if transporting it for substantial periods of time.
Handling Ability (7.0)
With a large right side grip on the Canon PowerShot A95, the frame provides a secure handhold to steady the user’s right hand. However, I found that my left hand was constantly adjusting and attempting to find a comfortable position, which was a problem with the A80 and A85 as well. Additionally, my index and middle finger kept covering the flash located on the front of the camera body and it became necessary to make a conscious attempt to avoid it with every shot. As far as feel goes, the weight of the camera provides stability and substance within the user’s hands, allowing for a certain level of comfort; however, during prolonged shoots, the weight may become a hindrance and make shooting with one hand slightly uncomfortable.
Control Button / Dial Positioning / Size (7.0)
For the most part, the controls on the Canon PowerShot A95 are logically placed in standard positions and are easily accessible to the user. The Mode Dial, as mentioned above, is somewhat oversized and contains an abundance of settings. One of the more intelligently positioned features is the camera’s microphone, which is placed on the right top side of the lens barrel, making it impossible to rub or mask during shooting. Also, the placement of the Set and Menu buttons beneath the LCD allow the thumb of the user’s left hand to easily engage them, while continuing to navigate menus and controls with the four-way controller and the right hand. This setup expedites the shooting process and allows for faster adjustments and shooting times.
Menu (7.5)
Users enter the onscreen menu by depressing the Menu button on the back of the camera body. Upon entering the menu screen, a sequence of subsections will then ensue: Rec./Play, Setup, and My Camera. The Setup and My Camera subsections remain the same whether in playback or recording modes. The settings for Setup are Mute, Volume, Power Saving, Date/Time, Format, File no., Reset, Auto Rotate, Distance Units, Language, and Video System. The My Camera settings are Theme, Start-Up Image, Start-Up Sound, Operation Sound, Self-Timer Sound, and Shutter Sound. When in the Rec. Mode, the camera can choose between AF Frame, Red-Eye, MF Point Zoom, AF Assist Beam, Digital Zoom, Review, Reverse Display, and Save Settings. When in Playback mode, the Play menu is slightly different than the Rec. sub-menu: Protect, Rotate, Sound Memo, Erase All, Auto Play, Print Order, and Transfer Order. The second menu resides under the Function button on the Canon PowerShot A95, and allows the user to control aspects of the image. The following settings are available: Flash Output, White Balance, Drive Mode, ISO, Effect, Image Size, and Image Quality.
Ease of Use (7.0)
While the Canon PowerShot A95 is a point-and-shoot camera, it’s not as compact as other digital cameras on the market. If you’re carrying it around, you will want a bag. As for the overall ease of use, this model rates well. Its buttons and menus are easily understandable and clearly labeled. The controls are intuitive and simplistic while also providing room for the beginning user to expand their grasp of the medium. All in all, this is a fairly simplistic camera, perhaps not the most basic camera on the market, yet using the added features and additional controls is more than worth the minimal learning curve.
