Canon PowerShot A3000 IS review

Is the A3000 more than just another budget compact?

This latest offering represents a significant advancement in Canon’s A-series of value compacts. Positioned below the slightly higher specced A3100 IS; these two new models are the first in the PowerShot line to be powered by a rechargeable Li-Ion cell. This enables 230 shots per charge, which is almost half that of its predecessor – the A1000 IS, and considerably less than its Nikon Coolpix competition. However, it is a welcome bit of modernisation, which lends a little more ease to this already extremely easy-to-use compact.

Pandering to the entry-level consumer, functions such as Smart Auto and Easy mode mean that even someone with no prior photographic knowledge could achieve results. Smart Auto uses Scene Detection Technology to recognise up to 18 different scenes and alters the settings accordingly, which performed well in the field. Also available via the ridged mode dial is the Easy setting. This basically reduces the compact to a plain point-and-shoot by deactivating the majority of the controls, and removing icons from the screen. We’re not sure that this is entirely necessary, as it seems gratuitous to have two automatic modes.

In terms of creative control, the most the user is granted to do is alter the ISO and white balance by rotating the ridged mode dial to ‘P’, for Program AE. ISO performs effectively on automatic mode, but struggles with low light as noise creeps in at 200 and above. The colours generated with auto white balance are accurate in rendition, but it does cast a slight blue temperature over sunny days and produces some over-blown highlights. However, opting for the daylight setting can help to inject some warmth.

Also on offer is the ever-useful image stabilisation (the IS in the title), which effectively reduces camera shake and hence improves quality at the telephoto end of the zoom range, as well as low light shots. The 4x optical zoom is great to capture those faraway subjects with clarity and the 35mm – 140mm lens is rather standard in current compacts. Whilst not possessing the widest of angles, it is satisfactory for recording days out and loved ones.

There are limited in-camera features and editing options available. Those on offer include Red-Eye Correction, Super Vivid mode, and the ability to change the colour of images to monotone, sepia, and neutral. We were impressed by the Smart Face Self-Timer, which only takes the image once an additional face has entered the scene, allowing the photographer to be included in a group picture.

The 2.7-inch LCD lends sharp viewing in bright conditions, which is beneficial, as this model has omitted the optical viewfinder found on its predecessor. The A3000’s new design has also lost the curved grip and opted instead for a slim, chic design with a subtler two-tone appearance. This closes the gap looks-wise between the budget A-series and more expensive IXUS range, but without the higher price tag. The new positioning of the mode dial on the top right hand corner makes it easier to move with your thumb. However, the buttons on the back of the camera are rather recessed, albeit well labelled.

The zoom has also changed - from a sliding collar around the shutter release, to a rocker switch on the back of the camera. In practise this is rather jerky and can take a few seconds to catch up with the command. Similarly, the time it takes to write the images to the memory card is lengthy and slows down snaps.

Despite the relatively low price tag, the Argos-exclusive A3000 doesn’t offer the best value for money with an average 10-megapixels and VGA movie recording, instead of HD ability. Its build and automatic settings will satisfy the point-and-shooter who wants an expensive looking compact however, but it’s worth a look at other models available – even within Canon’s own range.