Overview
The Canon Powershot A3100 IS is a step up on an entry level digital camera. This is mainly due to the design and build of the camera. It can take a good picture in most situations. The features on offer are solid rather than spectacular, but I thought the Powershot A3100 IS felt good in the hand and I like the simple design.
For me the main attraction is the quality of the pictures it takes. There are very few negative points about this camera and I would be happy to own it if I was looking for a point and shoot digital camera.
Main Features
Megapixels:
Zoom:
LCD Screen:
Dimensions:
Weight:
12
4x
2.7 inches
97.2 x 58.2 x 28.1mm
155g
Macro:
HD Movies:
Manual Controls:
Batteries:
Memory Cards:
3cm
No
No
Lithium-ion Rechargeable
SD / SDHC / SDXC
Image Quality - See Sample Images Below
Outdoor Scenic Shots in Good Light
I am very happy with the outdoor scenic shots. Focusing is consistently sharp and the photos have plenty of deep colour to them. Here and there I can detect some purple fringing and the shots can be slightly hazy around white objects that are caught by the sun. These are relatively minor issues and they are unlikely to cause much of a problem especially if you keep print sizes reasonable.
The sharpness displayed in my outdoor scene where the lens is zoomed out is much better than I am used to seeing.
Portraits
The portrait shots all work well. Perhaps the Powershot A3100 IS could have conjured up a little more warmth in the outdoor portrait, but aside from that the camera performs very well indeed. When it comes to the use of flash it is difficult to beat Canon digital cameras. In this example the amount of light emitted by the flash unit is strong enough to light the whole photo, but is subtle enough to ensure the maximum amount of colour is retained in the shot.
I am also happy with the indoor portrait taken without flash. Again the Powershot A3100 IS is able to light the shot well, keep noise levels down and produce a shot with high levels of definition.
Macro, Colours and Noise
Macro shots are another area where I am used to seeing strong results from Canon cameras. My macro test shot with this camera is crisp. The artificial lighting is handled well and the colours are correct.
The Powershot A3100 IS is capable of producing strong colours. They are vivid without overpowering the scenes. Foliage in particular seems to stand out well and I like the deeper greens on display in my scenic shots.
Noise is controlled as well as you can expect to be by a compact digital camera. There is very little noise showing in my indoor portrait shot.
Summary
The Powershot A3100 IS is comfortably above average when it comes to picture quality. It can handle most scenes and produces bright, colourful shots.
Style
I like the design and finish of the Powershot A3100 IS. The ends are rounded and one end is silver to give the camera a more distinctive look. It is available in blue, red and silver.
Shutter Lag Times
Single Shot
Five Shots
Single Shot With Flash
Five Shots With Flash
Turn on Time
0.39 seconds
14.7 seconds
1.1 seconds
21.91 seconds
2.42 seconds
Ease of Use
Although the Powershot A3100 IS can be used as a point and shoot camera there are more simple models available.
Points I Like
Picture quality
Where it Could Improve
Shutter delay with flash
Product Shots
Front View
Back View
Top View
Sample Menus
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Related Pages
Canon Powershot A3100 IS Review Canon Powershot A3100 IS Specification Canon Powershot A3100 IS Sample Images Canon Powershot A3100 IS Features Canon Digital Cameras
Review Date
March 2010
