Canon Powershot A540, 6.0 Megapixel, 4x Optical/4x Digital Zoom, Digital Camera

Thanks B&H for a marvelous camera at a great price. It's so compact, about the size of a box of kitchen matches, that it's great for vacations and family outings. (I keep mine in a padded case designed for iPods. You can even use it with a fast SD card to make short, TV-set quality movies. A SD card reader is also handy if you take lots of pictures. It'll download them about three times faster than a camera-to-computer link.It's quite easy to use, even if this is your first digital camera. My only gripe is that the manuals are dreadful, written by someone who already understands Canon cameras. But since test photos cost nothing, you can play around and discover how everything works on your own.

Items I Recommend: At least two fast 1-gig SD cards. The included 16 meg card is inadequate.

The A540 is a great camera packed full of useful features. Idon't know of any other compact camera that has as manyuseful features. The A540 can be used Full Manual, AperturePriority, Shutter Priority, and a variety of other Automaticmodes. From people who want to take snapshots at familyevents or vacation photos, to more advanced photographerswho are tired of lugging the SLR equipment around...this isa great choice. Keep in mind though, it is NOT an SLR. Hereare some of its useful features: ISO up to 800, auto focusassist beam, three metering patterns including SpotMetering, a 2.5LCD screen, Macro focusing down to 2 inches,good selection of white balances including custom(set byuser) and a Histogram function to review exposure (aftershooting). To summarize...I think this is the best 6MP camera on themarket for the incredibly low price. They say you get what you pay for, butthis is a positive exception to the rule. Here you get muchmore.

Problems Encountered: None

Previous Equivalent Items Owned: Fuji A400

Items I Recommend: Sandisk 1GB SD memory card

this is an excellent camera for occasional shooters and home use...buy it easy to use, lots of features and a very affordable price..

Problems Encountered: none

Previous Equivalent Items Owned: dsc-s500 SONY

Items I Recommend: rechargables batteries

Bought the Powershot A540 for two specific reasons:1. Digital camera to tote along when I don't want to bother with my digital SLR.2. Camera for my wife when I do want to bother with my DSLR.It serves both functions extremely well. However, you get what you pay for. Its no G6.Although the new credit card cameras have stabilization and lots of mega pixels, I wanted something a bit more substantial. The A540 fits your hand comfortably but not your pocket. Dangling from its wrist strap is a good way to carry it, as is a coat or jacket pocket. Might draw stares in a pants pocket. A small padded case with belt loop is available. The 35-140mm equivalent zoom has plenty of reach for snapshots. It is perfect for grabshots when a fully auto generic photo will do. Focus is acceptable so long as you and the camera agree on the point of focus. Select the right functions and you can prefocus, then compose as with most any autofocus.Exposure is excellent within the capabilities of the camera. Ask for too much and it will try to comply, sometimes setting a noise inducing high ISO or hard to hold slow shutter speed. You will be warned, if you can see the LCD.The LCD is huge by today's standards but will probably be considered average tomorrow, menus are large and easy to read. Great if you use it as a viewfinder, I prefer the optical viewfinder which is a bit squinty. However, although better than the LCD on my DSLR, it is difficult to read in high ambient light and nearly impossible in direct sunlight. Point and shooters won't mind but those who adjust for every shot will be put off.The menu button eventually displays all functions which can be adjusted. While not exactly intuitive, it quickly becomes familier and most options are self explanatory. Keep the manual (basic or advanced, depending on how deeply you intend to get involved in the intricacies of photography) handy the first couple of outings. Shortly it will be second nature.A display button places icons for all the functions associated with a manual camera around the perimeter of the LCD which can be quickly adjusted. It will also explain the definitions of the icons on the shooting mode dial.The shooting mode dial familier to Canon users allows the selection of the set and forget green AUTO. From there the equally familier image zone icons are available. In the creative zone, Program, Shutter and Aperture Priority, etc. are the same as any Canon.If you take the time to punch it in, you have all the control available in a more advanced camera. I select Program, ISO, white balance, and use the histogram. My wife sets it on AUTO. Who gets the best photos is up for debate.A flash is built in, however - . Would recommend using it for fill outdoors or primary source inside only when you are really, really close. If you aren't into available light, Canon has a hundred dollar flash you can attach or hold in your hand. Really a tiny slave.Supplemental lenses are available but that defeats the handiness of the camera. Video capability is included, will have to figure that out someday. Direct printing is available for a return to the polaroid days. In summary, I bought it for a dinky second camera and have been astonished at its capability. You won't get Grand Central Station sized prints but will be pleased with what you do.

Problems Encountered: None except trying to see the LCD in bright light. Would prefer a black model.

Previous Equivalent Items Owned: Canon EOS 7, 7E, 7n, Rebel XT, Olympus Stylus

Items I Recommend: Battery pack w charger, Canon PSC60 Soft Case, 512 or 1GB card w reader