Canon Powershot A1000 IS Digital Camera Review
June 5th, 2009 | Published in Canon, Digital Camcorders
Canon Powershot A1000 IS is sleek and easy to use. It has some good features for a low-price camera and 4x optical zoom. The camera uses Canon’s DIGIC III Image Processor. This camera is like any other low cost cameras, with both pros and cons.
Features
- 10 MP
- 4x Optical Zoom
- Face detection
- Optical Image stabilization
- Intelligent scene selector
- 2.5 inches LCD screen
- Motion Detection
Powershot A1000 comes with 4x optical Image Stabilized zoom that is little bit better than the most common 3x zoom in this price range cameras. The image stabilization helps in avoiding fuzzy and blurred images when zoomed in to the max. The DIGIC III technology enable’s Face Detection and Motion Detection Technologies.
The major cons are inadequate flash power and major lag time between pictures. Flash is not powerful enough to illuminate a distant subject (best results are at about 5ft distance). There is a major lag between pictures, mainly when using flash for charging of the flash. During this time, you cannot take any pictures and miss the moment. By using NiMH batteries or Duracell batteries, you might be able to decrease the lag time. But, still it is a concern.
The Face Detection gives excellent portraits with real flesh tones. The camera selects optimum exposure and ISO settings along with proper focus for every face to look bright and natural. Face Detection AF/AE sets the exposure and focus point for the subjects’ faces. Face Detection FE makes appropriate flash adjustments for proper illumination. Face Detection WB calculates white balance accurately for best skin tones. Face Select and Track does exactly what it means, tracks the face of a subject once selected and focused on, even if the subject moves.
Motion Detection Technology automatically selects the ISO setting and optimal exposure for a moving subject by evaluating the speed of movement. It selects high ISO (upto 1600) for fast moving subjects and lower ISO’s for still subjects. This also helps in reducing the camera shake effects in low light conditions, where more exposure time would have been required.
Canon’s iSAPS Technology, this camera comes with, is a great scene-recognition technology that improves focus speed and accuracy.
Overall I give this camera a 3 star rating. Canon could have done better.
