Canon PowerShot A3100 IS

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Canon PowerShot A3100 IS

Prasad Naik, Jul 13, 2010 1254 hrs IST

A low-cost 12.1 MP point-and-shoot camera that's low on features but gets the job done

Good design, large display, simple operation, good image quality, optical image stabilization

Poor image adjustment option, no optical zoom while recording videos, slow performance

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The Canon A3100 IS is a low price, point-and-shoot camera. It has a 12.1 megapixel sensor, 4x optical zoom, optical image stabilization, and a 2.7" display.

The A3100 IS has a simple but attractive design. It is available in three colors; silver, red and blue, all of which look good. However, it does have a slight plasticky feel to it, which is suggestive of the low price of the camera. The overall fit and finish is good though.

On the top are the power button, the shutter button and the mode dial, along with the microphone. Due to the position of the mode select dial, it is not easy to rotate it while holding it in shooting position. You have to bring it down and use your thumb and index finger to rotate it properly. The shutter button also does not render a proper tactile response when you press it completely.

At the back, you can see the zoom keys on top, right where your thumb rests and hence within easy reach. Below is the playback key and the Face Select key that let you switch between multiple faces in a frame, so you can choose one to focus on. Right below is the 5-way D-pad with functions such as exposure, focusing mode, self timer and flash mode assigned to each of the four sides and the function key in the middle. Below is the display key that toggles the information on the screen and the main menu key. All the keys on the back are large and easy to press and offer a good tactile feedback.

On the left is the 2.7" LCD. The display is fairly large and of decent quality, and is easy to see even outdoors. Images generally tend to look a lot better on the A3100's display than on the computer's monitor.

On the right side of the camera underneath a plastic flap is the miniUSB port for connecting the provided USB cable or TV out cable. On the bottom is another flap covering the internal rechargeable Li-Ion battery and the SD card slot. Our test sample came with a laughable 32MB of SD card with it. Yes, that's right, 32MB! Although retail units will definitely ship with something bit more spacious.