Canon A570IS Digital Camera

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Reported by Kim Fox

In this digital age, taking pictures is something that can often be taken for granted. Digital cameras can do it all; they can certainly do more than your mother's Polaroid. That is the case for my camera, the Canon A570Is Digital Camera. Just one in a huge line of Canon products.

Here are some of the specs:

• 7.1 mega pixels
• 4x opitical zoom
• optical image stablizer
• pictbridge

I don't have an allegiance to any particular line of cameras. I've been eyeing the Nikon D40, which my step-dad recently purchased and I can't wait to play around with it. I previously owned a HP digital camera and for $60 I got a lot of mileage out of it. But I've definitely come to like my Canon A570IS. Notice I said like and not love. I've owned this camera for just about a year now and there are probably a thousand features that I don't use and another thousand that I don't even know about. It's an exaggeration, but you get the point - it's a busy camera.

The Canon A570IS is easy enough to use though. All of the basics are there: easy to just point and shot; just as easy to transfer the pics from the camera to your computer and simple steps to erase pics directly from the camera. I do encourage you to flip through both of the camera's manuals - one for basic features and one for advanced functions.
The main point on first using the camera is to set the picture size. That way, if you don't have a large memory disk, you won't inadvertently fill it up. Another point as it relates to the memory, is to get a nice sized memory disk. I think at least 1G is enough. I have a 2G. That's plenty, but would you believe that I recently filled it up. I was shooting a lot of video. The other problem with a 2G memory disk is that I tend to use the camera for storage instead of removing the pics from the camera. Right now, I have 872 pics on my camera waiting to be transferred to their permanent home.

Back to the task at hand ... one feature that's advisable to learn early on is the self-timer feature. It always happens that I take lots of pics, but rarely am I in them. The self-timer can solve that issue along with preventing you from just taking the camera and pointing it at yourself. It's a very easy feature to use, you just need to have a tripod or somewhere to put the camera while it is unattended.

So that's the simple stuff ... it's the advanced settings that give me pause. There are 13 shooting modes to chose from. This is a good thing because it gives you a chance take a picture using a basic mode or to do something more advanced. Four of the shooting modes are labeled as the creative zone - manual (M), program (P), shutter speed (Tv), and aperture (Av). because that is where you can adjust the lighting, the ISO and so much more. I must admit, I have not spent much time in the creative zone. I like having the options, but there are just too many symbols to identify. There are symbols for white balancing, macro, red-eye and so much more. It can be a bit overwhelming especially when you don't have time to fiddle with the camera.

It's in the creative mode where I think the magic happens because of the variety of options that you have. For me though, it has just turned into a missed photo opportunity - while I'm trying to figure out the appropriate camera settings, I've missed the shot that I am preparing for. The shooting modes that I use most frequently are indoor, landscape and night snapshot along with the auto mode.

I'll briefly discuss the video mode. I have used it countless times. I like it. The video is clear, shaky at times, but that's user error and not camera function. Additionally, the audio was good quality. There is software that you will need to download to transfer the video from the camera to the computer. Another easy process. There are some editing features that accompany the software as well.

So although I don't offer a great deal of insight about this camera, I do know that I like it. I take it nearly everywhere I go and I use it almost daily.

It's currently available on Amazon.com for as much as $249, but there was one for $139.99 (I paid $172 for mine from Amazon) and it should include the following:

• the camera
• wrist strap
• 2 AA-type alkaline batteries
• AV cable
• interface cable
• memory card (16MB)
• software

Other places to purchase this camera are at Sears and Staples. Remember to seek out any online coupons before you make your purchase so that you can get the best possible deal.

There's good news for me (and you if you have or decide to purchase this camera), there are lots and lots of places to get info on using this particular camera.

Pros:

• good quality video and audio
• a variety of shooting modes for point and shoot or for more creativity
• 2.5 inch LCD monitor; it also has a viewfinder
• there are a variety of accessories to compliment this camera including several lens, a waterproof case and more

Cons:

• not a slim camera; has a bit of bulk and many not fit in your pocket
• setting the settings could take some time to adjust (and you could miss the shot you were setting up)
• new cameras are released so often and they offer many improvements over previous versions; I don't know if it's worth the money to splurge on this version when you could get something newer and snazzier for about the same price

Tips:

• read the manual; lots of good, basic info
• use lithium batteries; they will cost more, but they will last so much longer
• if all else fails, just point and shoot
• get a memory disk of 1G or higher
• invest in the AC adapter kit or rechargeable batteries especially if you'll be connected to the computer for long periods of time

Rating: 10 out of 10; very good camera for the price and I'm sure I will love it when I become a better photographer and begin to take advantage of the numerous features.

Here's the full review that I visited before I purchased the camera.


NOTE: I use a PC, so I am uncertain of how it operates with a Mac, however, on the Canon website there was a
pull down menu that included downloads for Macs. Also, I did not use any photo editing on the photos except I used Google's Picasa 3 to add text.