Review on 📸 Canon PowerShot A490 10.0 Megapixel Digital Camera with 3.3x Optical Zoom and 2.5-Inch LCD Display by Brian Vasquez

Arrived very well packaged complete with carrying strap and batteries. It didn't come with a memory card, although that's a given these days. Also included are USB cables to connect to a computer and an A/V cable to connect the camera to the TV's RCA inputs. Finally, as expected, there were several documentation books and a CD of Canon applications. Overall, the presentation was on the verge of overkill for a budget camera. Images are very clear, as expected from Canon. This is my fourth Canon digital camera (A60, S600, S1000 and now A490). Haven't taken night shots yet so can't comment on the flash, but it survived the twilight. I usually turn the digital zoom off, although I took a few shots with the zoom on just for testing purposes. Obviously there was a slight loss of clarity with digital zoom compared to optical zoom, but it was definitely acceptable. Overall I am very happy with the picture quality. The overall design of the camera is definitely not what I expected from Canon. It feels very plasticky and thin, reminding me of a disposable camera you can buy at a pharmacy. Although the LCD screen is large enough for previewing images (2.5 inches), it lacks resolution and some detail. I must add that the image itself is uncolored and will certainly look very nice on your computer or printout. The camera is larger than I expected based on the product images on the Canon website - and that may have been their intention. Even the camera image on the box looks thin and smooth. Looking at it, you would expect the camera to be the size of an S series or a digital ELPH. Something between these and the old A-series cameras, unfortunately. I'm inclined to think it might have been a packaging issue since the camera uses AA batteries. While I'm not thrilled that there's no rechargeable battery, I definitely see its benefits if you're sightseeing or working out and your battery is dead. I would be much more receptive to the idea of an AA battery if they could find a way to pack the camera more tightly so it wouldn't be so bulky. The MSRP for this camera is around $100. Honestly, I wouldn't pay $100 for it. There are many good cameras on the market at this price point. However, I bought mine on a bargain and only paid $50 + free shipping + free camera carrying case. In summary, this is a fantastic camera if you can get it at a discount. I would probably be willing to pay up to $65 for a camera, but not much more. Keep in mind that at this price point you VERY need to find another camera that takes pictures as sharp as this one. Don't be fooled by 10 megapixels. Your 12-megapixel Samsung camera will not record as well as this camera. Can you tell it's like a Toyota Corolla? In fact, this is a really good machine in a cheap package.