The Canon Powershot A590 IS is an 8 megapixel camera with a 4x optical zoom lens. The lens has image stabilisation built into it. If you would like a little extra good quality zoom then up to 2x more zoom becomes available if you are shooting at low resolutions. 4x digital zoom is available as well. The focal length of the lens is equivalent to 35 - 140mm in 35mm format.

• Special resolution for widescreen television playback
• Self timer
• Colour options - My Colors Off, Vivid, Neutral, Sepia, Black & White, Custom Color (limited)
• Up to 60 second voice memos per image

Focusing options include face detection and also manual focusing. In macro mode the Powershot A590 IS can focus from 5cm away from the subject.

As well as the 2.5" LCD screen there is a small viewfinder. The LCD screen is made up of around 115,000 dots.

Flash is another area where you have more options than with a more basic point and shoot model. The flash modes are Auto, On and Off. You can adjust the strength of the flash. There is also access to flash exposure compensation. The maximum range of the built in unit is 3.5m. This falls progressively to 2.2m when the zoom lens is in use.

You can boost the flash significantly by buying Canon's High Power Flash HF-DC1.

For controlling red eye, red eye reduction can also be turned on. In addition there is a red eye correction feature to hand as well.

The scene modes are: Portrait, Landscape, Night Snapshot, Kids & Pets, Indoor, Night Scene, Sunset, Foliage, Snow, Beach, Fireworks and Aquarium.

Movies up to a maximum length of 4GB or 1 hour can be recorded. The maximum resolution is 640 x 480 pixels and the top speed is 20 frames per second. Digital zoom is available while the movie is being captured and sound can be recorded too.

More advanced features include a fully manual exposure mode, plus aperture priority and shutter priority. Shutter speeds work in the range 15 seconds to 1/2000 seconds. The lens aperture can be set between f2.8 - 8 wide and f5.5 - 8 tele.

Other features for the more experienced photographer include metering (Evaluative (linked to Face Detection AF frame), Centre-weighted average, Spot (centre)), Exposure Compensation (+/- 2 EV in 1/3 stop increments), ISO (AUTO, High ISO Auto (incorporating Motion Detection Technology), 80, 100, 200, 400, 800, 1600) and white balance (Auto (including Face Detection WB), Daylight, Cloudy, Tungsten, Fluorescent, Fluorescent H, Custom).

Continuous shooting at a maximum speed of 1.4 shots per second is available.

All the necessary cables and software are supplied to attach the Canon Powershot A590 IS to a computer, television set and compatible printer.

To increase the capabilities of the lens three lens converters are available from Canon. These are Tele-converter 1.75x TC-DC52A, Wide-converter 0.7x WC-DC52 and Close-up Lens 250D (52mm) In order to attach these to the Powershot A590 IS you will also need to pick up a Conversion Lens Adapter (LA-DC52G).

Canon Powershot A590 IS

Description:	8 megapixels and a 4x optical zoom lens
Ease of Use:	7
Features:	9
Colour:	9
Macro:	9
Indoors:	9
Value for Money:	9
Style:	7
Movie Mode:	8
Image Quality:	9
Build Quality:	8
Total:	84
Verdict:	This is a step up from a typical point and shoot camera in terms of features. The Powershot A590 IS is a good starter camera for someone who is considering taking up photography as a hobby. It includes manual exposure controls. There are few problems with picture quality and it is very reasonably priced.
Review Date:	April 2008
Related Pages:	Canon Powershot A590 IS Specification Canon Powershot A590 IS Sample Images Canon Powershot A590 IS Features

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Although every effort is made to ensure the accuracy of the information on this site, please make sure you double check the feature set and specification at the point of purchase.

Canon Powershot A590 IS