Value (7.0)
The Canon PowerShot A95 has a moderate suggested retail price of $399.95. This is reasonably priced, considering most 5 megapixel cameras sell for about $50-100 more. Canon made some big improvements on its earlier $300 version, the A80, and expects the A95 to be worth the extra hundred bucks. With the price tag, the user also has to consider that the camera contains a fold-out, rotating LCD monitor, Canon lens, and fairly large CCD sensor.
Comparisons
Canon PowerShot A80 – Introduced in August 2003, the Canon PowerShot A80 is the successor to the A95. At $300, the 3.9-megapixel camera comes with the same 38-114mm lens and 1/1.8-inch type CCD as the Canon PowerShot A95. However, the A80 is bulkier at 8.8 ounces versus the A95’s 8.29 ounces. The A95 also made an improvement on the LCD screen; it was 1.5 inches on the A80 and is now 1.8 inches on the A95 and also now comes with an advanced 9 point automatic focusing system.
Fuji FinePix E510 - This is Fuji’s version of the semi-compact digital camera. It has similar dimensions to the Canon PowerShot A95, but is a lighter 6.2 ounces. Compared to the A95, the Fuji FinePix E510 has more megapixels at 5.2 and a larger 2-inch LCD with more resolution at 154,000 pixels. The two cameras have different lenses: the E510 comes with a 28-91mm lens, which is wider than the A95, but approximately the same 3x optical zoom. The Fuji FinePix E510 has a suggested retail price of $349.99.
Nikon Coolpix 4200 – This camera has an identical $399.95 price tag, but only comes with 4.0 megapixels and a smaller 1.5-inch LCD monitor. Nikon released the Coolpix 4200 for the entry level masses in July 2004. This Nikon model does have the same 38-114mm lens and same 1/1.8-inch type CCD as the Canon PowerShot A95. But for the price, the Canon PowerShot A95 will give you more for your money than this Nikon can offer.
Sony Cyber-Shot DSC-P93 – This digital camera also has comparable features to the Canon A95: the 38-114mm lens, the same-sized CCD and 5 megapixels. For $329.95, the Sony Cyber-Shot DSC-P93 weighs in at a compact 6.4 ounces. The P93 is not a skinny credit card-sized camera, but it can easily fit into a pocket or purse. The Sony Cyber-Shot DSC-P93 has an excellent movie mode that shoots 30 frames per second at 640 x 480 resolution, clearly beating the A95’s 10 frames per second at the same resolution. The Sony Cyber-Shot DSC-P93 also has a static 1.5-inch LCD monitor and six scene modes, as opposed to the Canon PowerShot A95’s rotating 1.8-inch LCD and 13 preset set modes. Therefore, the choice comes down to features of preference; if its advanced movie mode and portability you want, go with the Sony.
Who It’s For
Point-and-Shooters - The Canon PowerShot A95 is definitely designed with the point-and-shoot consumer in mind. If it’s automatic controls you’re looking for, the A95 is a strong candidate for your cash. It has a fully automatic mode and 13 preset scene modes. With a Kids & Pets mode, how much more automated can you get?
Budget Consumers - For a 5 megapixel digital camera with a fold-out rotating LCD, the Canon PowerShot A95 is a good deal at $399. Less expensive entry level models are available, but as always, it depends on what the consumer is looking for. If you’re looking into good deals for hybrid movie cameras, look elsewhere; one of the Canon PowerShot A95’s weakest features is its movie mode.
Gadget Freaks - By the time you’ve reached this section, you probably already know this: the Canon PowerShot A95 was not made for the multitude of tech-savvy users. The most advanced function on this camera is the ability to shoot movie clips and email them. The rotating LCD and manual control options might keep you interested initially, but attention spans may wane, particularly for the true gadget freak.
Manual Control Freaks - There is probably enough manual control for an enthusiast, but definitely not a freak. On the A95, the user can control the aperture, exposure, focus, white balance, ISO, shutter speed, flash, resolution, and image size.
