Canon updates A series with four new PowerShots

BY: Allison Johnson, DigitalCameraReview.com Editor

Canon announces today an update to their entry-level, low-cost PowerShot A series with the launch of four new cameras. The new PowerShots offer features that include a dedicated low light shooting mode and two new creative shooting modes (Super Vivid and Poster Effect). Also new is the Canon Smart FE flash exposure which makes automatic adjustments to flash level output, shutter speed, ISO sensitivity, and aperture setting.

Canon PowerShot A3100 IS and PowerShot A3000 IS
The PowerShot A3100 IS will feature a 12 megapixel sensor, and the A3000 will carry a 10 megapixel sensor. Both employ a 2.7 inch LCD and a 4x optically stabilized zoom lens. They both feature Canon's Smart Auto shooting mode. The PowerShot A3100 will debut at $179; the A3000 IS will cost $149. They're scheduled for availability in February.

Canon PowerShot A3100 IS

Canon PowerShot A495 and A490
Both of these PowerShot models feature a 10 megapixel sensor and a slightly smaller 2.5 inch LCD. They offer a 3.3x optical zoom range. Both models are equipped with low light shooting modes and Smart FE. The A495 will feature the new creative shooting modes for $20 more than the A490, which does not. Also slated for availability in February, the A495 will cost $129.99 and the A490 a bargain-basement $109.99.

Canon PowerShot A495

PowerShot A series
Canon's A series have garnered a reputation for quality picture-taking at low prices. Though Canon moved away from including the manual exposure modes that popularized the series with photo enthusiasts, we've still found their A series efforts to be a good value.