Canon PowerShot A95

Auto Mode (7.5)
When the Canon PowerShot A95 is placed into Auto Mode, the user can choose the image size and quality setting and has the option to engage the drive mode within the Function menu. Additionally, macro mode can be used and the flash settings can be turned off. Automatic settings are registered fairly quickly and accurately on the PowerShot A95, which are also present within the scene and creative modes found on the Mode Dial.

Movie Mode (4.5)
When the camera is placed within Movie Mode, the user of the Canon PowerShot A95 is able to shoot video in three different formats: 640 x 480 at 10 fps, 320 x 240 and 160 x 120 at 15 fps. To capture video, the user must press the shutter down fully, and once engaged, a red dot will appear on the LCD screen. When completed, the user can finish the segment either by using up the maximum 3 minutes or repressing the shutter. While there are three shooting options available, none of these settings record images that exceed 15 frames per second. This unfortunately limits the user to a slow frame rate that will not capture full fluid motion. Most cameras now within this size, styling, and price range can record video at 30 frames per second.

Drive / Burst Mode (7.5)
There are two continuous shooting settings on the PowerShot A95, offering a burst of approximately 1.5 shots per second or 2.0 shots per second when in Large/ Fine mode. This is relatively quick for point-and-shoot standards and will enable the user to record somewhat rapid shots when desired. The mode is accessible though the function menu, and the user scrolls down until the Drive Mode menu is highlighted. Then the user can scan between single image capture, burst, 10-second timer delay, and 2-second timer delay.

Playback Mode (7.5)
The Canon PowerShot A95’s Playback mode allows the user to review previously captured video and still images in a couple of different formats. The user can either view images individually, using the right and left arrows to scan through the pictures, or the user can turn the zoom ring to the left, displaying screens of nine thumbnail images. Once individual images are displayed on the LCD screen, the user can then continue to use the telephoto feature for playback zoom, allowing for specific portions of the image to become digitally larger, which simultaneously lowers image quality. Photos can also be rotated within the playback mode. A histogram option is available to display lighting contrasts and tonal descriptions of the images. Sound memos of up to 60 seconds can be added to pre-recorded images within the playback mode. Photos can additionally be viewed in a slide show format too. When deleting photos, the user can choose to delete a single image or all of them. When watching movies in playback, the user must first press the SET button, at which time a control bar will appear at the bottom of the LCD screen, allowing the user to choose between the following controls: Exit, Play, First Frame, Previous Frame, Next Frame, Last Frame, and Edit. Movies can be magnified 2-10x when played back. Users can delete an entire movie or just part of it. Playback mode is entered by turning the mode switch on the back of the camera body to the blue play arrow.

Custom Image Presets (7.5)
There are thirteen preset shooting options offered on the Canon PowerShot A95, accessible by turning the mode dial to the desired scene setting. They are: Indoor, Kids & Pets, Night Snapshot, Foliage, Snow, Beach, Fireworks, and Underwater. There is also Portrait, Night Scene, Fast Shutter, Slow Shutter, and Stitch Assist modes. These preset shooting scenes are designed to help the user gain a more accurate representation within a specified shooting situation. For instance, if you are outside trying to record a close shot of a person’s face, the portrait mode will help record a better image by minimizing the depth of field within the frame as well as blur the background to help the subject stand out and become the center of the image. The increased distinction between foreground and background will help draw the viewer’s attention to the subject and create a more powerful portrait.