What’s Hot.
Canon’s Optical Image Stabilization technology, 19 shooting modes and DGIC III image processing allows users to take high-quality pictures in almost any environment.
What’s Not.
Users who value appearance over performance will be disappointed with the A590 IS’s unimpressive looks. Long pauses between pictures can prove frustrating.
The bottom line.
Excellent image quality and Canon technology make the A590 IS one of the best entry-level digital cameras on the market. You also can’t beat the price.
Your mother always told you that true beauty is on the inside. Whatever your actual experience with that theory until now, the Canon PowerShot A590 IS proves that, once again, your mother was right. Although clunky in appearance, the 8 mega-pixel A590 IS produces better images than some of its pricier competitors.
A member of Canon’s entry-level series, the point-and-shoot A590 IS includes many features that will please more experienced photographers looking for an inexpensive secondary camera. The A590 IS features a 4x zoom, a 2.5” LCD screen and 19 shooting modes. Users can also manually adjust shutter speed and aperture settings. If you’re wondering why one would need manual functions and 19 different shooting modes, then you will be relieved to learn that the A590 IS includes a fully automatic “Easy” mode that is just that – easy.
Perhaps the best feature of the A590 IS is Canon’s Optical Image Stabilization (OIS) technology. With OIS, you’ll find it almost impossible to take a blurry picture. OIS will automatically account for any camera shake to stabilize images. Also helpful is Canon’s Genuine Face Detection technology, which will recognize and autofocus on up to 9 faces. I’m sure you 10th friend’s face will come out just fine too. The DIGIC III imaging processor also contributes to improved image quality and conserves power.
The only complaint concerning the A590 IS is its long pause between pictures, especially when you are using the flash. Don’t count on this camera to take five images of Billy’s one basket. Most likely, it will still be preparing for the next shot even after the points have been added to the board. Having mentioned that, the camera performs well in various lighting environments, and you’re sure to be impressed with the photo quality you get out of the A590 IS. In other words, you might only get one photo of Billy, but it will be a good one.
The A590 IS uses 2 AA batteries, which is helpful for those of us who constantly forget to charge battery packs, and is compatible with Mac OS X versions 10.2 – 10.4, Windows Vista and Windows XP. The camera is also light and users appreciate the hand grip on the side.
To sum up, the A590 IS seems bulky and relatively Plain-Jane in looks (enter plug for my own Canon SD1100 IS ELPH, which is beautiful and blue and small enough for even Tinkerbell to use). The bottom line, however, is this: it takes great pictures. And at under $150, it’s probably the cheapest route to high-quality images that you’ll find.
