I beginning in photography and zeroed-in on A540 as it had the most features I required. (Full manual controls, at least 6MP, good quality, support for lens', 2xAA batteries, Macro mode, at least 3x zoom). But there is a problem, the camera is like a piece of molded plastic. So if there any other camera's with identical features and around the same price range, please let me know.
Owners of A540, also please give me your review on the camera and if it is good enough for learning.
2007-01-30 21:10:45 · 10 answers · asked by ~ask~answer 2 in Consumer Electronics ➔ Cameras
I wouldn't be comfortable with li-ion batteries as they are expensive and not readily available.
2007-01-30 21:24:10 · update #1
I think the A540 would be a good choice for a beginner.
It has very good photo quality & features...and also shoots good quality 'movies'.
It's only real downsides are it's low resolution LCD and it's plasticky build (but that's what makes it so affordable)...but photo quality is what's most important and it's more than capable of that. If you want a better model expect to pay more (my pick is the A640).
Don't be misled by the soon to be released, A550 (it doesn't have full manual controls). You will probably have to wait for the A560, which mostly likely will be released in the second half of the year.
You will need to get a fast SD card to go with it (Sandisk Ultra II is good)...for best camera performance.
The A540 (and A640) have full manual control (aperture & shutter priority) which is exactly what you need, for when you want more control or want to experiment with various settings.
Good luck...
2007-01-30 22:26:54 · answer #1 · answered by Petra_au 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Canon Powershot A540
2016-03-28 22:00:41 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
I don't own this particular camera, but I do sell it, so I'm very familiar with it.
This camera is something that's sold very often. It's not too small, but not too big. It uses AA batteries, which are easy to replace. It uses the dial on the top, which is easier than fiddling with internal menus.
You're right when you say that it isn't as durable, but you probably won't find something that's as high-quality as the Canon and made with a metal body unless you go into something more expensive, which you don't need as a beginner. If durability is really a concern of yours, look at the SD600, or the SD800 IS. These cameras are a bit more complex, but are made with metal bodies. They're also smaller and include rechargeable lithium-ion batteries.
2007-01-30 21:18:08 · answer #3 · answered by echo852 2 · 2⤊ 0⤋
I have the 530 which is the same camera with 5 megapixels. I've had no problems with it, very sturdy and the quality of pictures is great. By the way both the 530 and 540 have a 4x zoom, as opposed to most cameras in this class which only have a 3 megapixel zoom.
2007-01-31 01:55:24 · answer #4 · answered by Richard257 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I can't help you with the Canon A540, however I own a Canon Powershot A620 and so far I have completely happy with my purchase. It takes great photos and I have yet to completely explore all of the camera's features. I would continue to research what ever you consider and especially read other owner reviews. A good place to do that is Amazon.com.
http://www.amazon.com/
Good luck
2007-01-30 21:17:35 · answer #5 · answered by ? 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I recently bought a powershot A710 and I love it! i'm still learning how to manuveur it because there's so much to do with it, but even tho it's bulkier than those compact ones, I find the color to be richer and the pictures more crisp. Canons have a very good reputation, and I don't think you can really go wrong with it. Why dont' you try out a few cameras at a local Best Buy and see which one feels most comfortable to you?
2007-01-31 05:58:02 · answer #6 · answered by keonli 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I've had a Canon A series and always liked it (I use a Canon 20D and a Canon SD550 now). The reviews on it are OK but it looks like the A620 and A700 have much better reviews. I'd recommend moving up to the A620 as it would last you quite awhile before you felt like getting another camera.
Reviews:
A540 - http://www.productcritic.com/product/show/23
A620 - http://www.productcritic.com/product/show/8
A700 - http://www.productcritic.com/product/show/26
2007-01-31 09:39:07 · answer #7 · answered by tlam 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
first you can't go wrong with a canon
2nd this camera will work for you as a beginner
pretty easy to use.
yes good learning cameraif you stay away from the "auto" settings and really "learn"
2007-01-31 00:02:25 · answer #8 · answered by timestamps 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
THE a-540 is an excellent camera. You will not be unhappy with it. It is a camera that even pros carry in their shirt pockets as a point ahd shoot camera.
2007-02-01 05:24:21 · answer #9 · answered by Dick G 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
no
they have had trouble with that model
wait for a month
and they are coming out with 2 new models
go to canonusa.com
I have the sd600 and love it
2007-01-31 02:51:32 · answer #10 · answered by Elvis 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋