Canon PowerShot A95 Digital Camera Review

by James Murray
Published on October 20, 2004

Navigation
Intro	Testing / Performance
Physical Tour	Components
Design / Layout	Modes
Control Options	Image Parameters
Connectivity / Extras	Overall Impressions
Conclusion	Specs

Color (7.07)
We test cameras’ color performance using the Imatest Imaging Software and the industry standard GretagMacbeth color chart. The software allows us to evaluate color accuracy, in this case, the color accuracy of the Canon PowerShot A95. In the image below, the outer squares are the color produced by the Canon A95, the inner squares are the error-corrected version by Imatest, and the small vertical rectangle in the centers is the ideal.

 

The graph below represents the color reproduction of the Canon PowerShot A95. The circles represent the tones produced by the camera and the squares represent the ideal. The greater the distance between the circle and the square, the greater the degree of error.

 

The mean saturation score on the Canon PowerShot A95 is 105 percent. This means the colors are slightly over-saturated, but not unreasonably so. The A95’s predecessor, the PowerShot A80, received a mean saturation score of 114.7 percent. This is typical of many point-and-shoot cameras, which often seek to embellish images slightly, which increases vibrancy in tones and favors a more vivid, dynamic portrayal of the scene over a naturalistic rendering of tones.

Overall, the Canon PowerShot A95 is in the top 30 percent of compact digital cameras in terms of color reproduction. This model tends to over-saturate reds and pinks, but this is common among point-and-shoot digital cameras as these colors are used to render skin tones. To avoid the unflattering depiction of white flesh, many digital cameras will correct for this to create a more favorable rendition of skin. So even though the Canon PowerShot A95 does not receive a perfect color score, some point-and-shooters may prefer the camera’s embellished look, which maintains a naturalistic base for its tones while asserting somewhat of a refined filter on top.

Still Life Scene
Below is a shot of our impeccable still life scene recorded with the Canon PowerShot A95.

Click on the above image to view a full resolution version (CAUTION: the linked file is VERY large!)

Resolution / Sharpness (3.55)
Manufacturers advertise pixels as a way to categorize a camera’s performance. When tested in Imatest, there tends to be a discrepancy between the manufacturer’s reported pixels and the actual pixel count. Given this discrepancy, a recorded score of 70-79% is considered “good,” while 80-89% is “very good” and above 90% is viewed as “excellent.” The Canon PowerShot A95 received a real resolution count of 3.55 actual megapixels, which is not quite 70 percent of the 5.2 megapixels that the manufacturer reported. This is a disappointing score and seems to be on par with many other Canon point-and-shoot cameras, falling short of the standards they set with higher-end models.

Noise - Auto ISO (5.61)
The Canon PowerShot A95 follows many other models of the PowerShot series in the relatively inadequate handling of noise reduction. Unlike their solid SLRs, Canon has not fully learned how to apply their imaging prowess to compact cameras. While the PowerShot A80 was enormously successful as far as sales go, it was not an exceptional performer. It is of course (like everything else) all relative and the PowerShot models, as well as other point-and-shoot cameras made by Canon, perform far better than a lot of cameras on the market today. However, Canon is not at the head of the pack like they are with SLRs and higher-end models. Sony seems to fill the lead role and set the performance bar for compact point-and-shoot imagers.

The noise levels of the PowerShot A95 were fairly disappointing. The A95 received a 5.61 overall noise score in automatic mode, which is not awful, but it shows a definite weakness in terms of performance and affects the user’s ability to shoot in less than optimal lighting. Particularly for a point-and-shoot camera which many users will rely on for automatic functioning of ISO and other control, the camera needs to have a competent metering and noise reduction system. The PowerShot A95 has one of the two, offering decent metering and the ability to read the situation fairly well; however, when it comes time to create the image, the camera will only produce sharp, clear images in exterior shots or extreme brightness. For the A95 user, the flash will become a necessary constant, so beware: when light levels dim, noise will ensue!

Noise - Manual ISO (3.55)
When manual ISO ratings are offered, we test each available setting using Imatest Imaging Software to get a numeric reading of the resulting noise levels at each setting. We then take a regression analysis of the results to get an overall manual noise score. The results are portrayed in the graph below with the X-axis representing the camera’s ISO settings and the vertical Y-axis representing the amount of noise.

The Canon PowerShot A95’s performance in manual ISO mode was the most disappointing facet of the camera’s performance. While it is nice that manual selection is an option on any point-and-shoot camera, when the manual settings perform worse than the automatic feature, their inclusion really only offers the user illusionary peace of mind. When set at the highest resolution and image quality, on ISO 50, and with over 1,000 watts of illumination, the camera did not perform as well as it did in auto mode.  Once light levels decreased, the camera’s performance plummeted. I would say images at ISO 50 and ISO 100 settings are usable, but ISO 200 and certainly ISO 400 are really a joke. Fraught with noise and distortion, this camera does not deliver the image quality one would expect from a Canon imager.

Speed Timing
Start-up to First shot (6.03)
The Canon PowerShot A95 takes a sluggish 3.97 seconds to wake up and take its first shot. Have the camera powered up and ready to go before the ball gets anywhere close to the goal.

Shot to Shot Time (7.07)
Trimming over a second off its boot-up time, the A95 takes 2.93 seconds between each shot. Some may say this camera is a little slow. I’d like to think that it just takes its time to think about things.

Shutter to Shot Time (5.18)
If it’s instant gratification you want, go elsewhere. The Canon PowerShot A95 takes 1.91 seconds from the time you push the shutter button to the time it takes the picture. By then, the ball is in the goal. Maybe you’ll catch the celebration shot.