Canon A-Series compact cameras hands-on
By Tim Stevens 
posted January 7th 2010 1:35AM
posted January 7th 2010 1:35AM
Compact cameras are produced in such great numbers and their models refreshed with such great frequency that it's hard to get too excited with each new iteration. It's particularly hard when that refresh is as evolutionary as it is here. But, if it ain't broke you truly shouldn't fix it, and it's hard to find much fault with Canon's compact line. So, the new A-series cameras announced earlier this week, ranging from the A490 all the way up to the A3100 IS, feature changes that are definitely of the evolutionary side. The primary difference is in the packaging, taking more styling queues from the Elph line and generally looking slimmer and sleeker than before. SDXC compatibility is in the cards if you're the wealthy type, but otherwise these won't break the bank, ranging from a thoroughly affordable $110 up to a still quite reasonable $180 for the A3100 IS.
Look a bit plasticy toy-like to me, especially those buttons on the rear.
@Wwhat Didn't you read the leaked press release? The biggest story at CES is that products are made of plastic.
A pitty they don't bit the bullet and stop the silly megapixel race. They've stopped doing it with some of their cameras targeted more towards professionals and serious amateurs (such as the S90 and G11), since those customers tend to be more informed. But it looks like they're still doing it for their low-end range.
Otherwise, looks like a good camera, as you'd expect from a Canon compact.
not feeling the round nobs other then that...very cool
RIP A650is - the last of the great A series
*sniff*