Canon PowerShot A490 Digital Camera
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A memory card is not included with the camera.
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The Canon PowerShot A490 Digital Camera is a sleek and compact camera that is simple to use and well suited to the amateur photographer. With a resolution of 10.0 megapixels and a 3.3x optical zoom, the A490 provides the performance and features that are perfect for photographing family events, keeping up with children at play, or recording scenes and events during a vacation or business trip.
The camera has everything you need to make shooting fast, easy and fun including a large 2.5" LCD. There is a full range of performance features including enhanced Face Detection technology, and a DIGIC III Image Processor to keep every image looking its best. Two AA batteries provide power for taking many photos and videos and are available everywhere. The camera is compatible with SDHC and SDXC storage cards, offering up to 2TB (SDXC only) of convenient and reliable memory that users can take anywhere.
Even when the light is low, with a high 1600 ISO, and Low Light Mode you can still get great photos without using the built-in flash. Other features include Smart Auto Mode with Scene Detection Technology that recognizes up to 13 different scenes and automatically applies the optimum setting. You can also choose from 14 different scene modes. The PowerShot A490 also features high quality construction and a stylish pocket-size design, making it a perfect travel companion.
- 10.0 Megapixel Resolution
- With 10.0 megapixels of resolution, you'll be able to capture superb detail and color resulting in beautiful prints with excellent sharpness and clarity at print sizes of over 20 x 30".
- 3.3x Optical Zoom Lens
- The 3.3x optical zoom lens is made to Canon's demanding specifications, and is capable of shooting close-ups, group shots or scenery.
- 2.5" LCD Display
- The 2.5" high-resolution LCD screen is crisp, clear, and bright so it is easy to frame your shots under even bright light conditions. It also features Night Display for easy viewing in low light.
- High Sensitivity
- The camera features high ISO sensitivity of up to ISO 1600 to reduce the effects of camera shake and sharpen subjects in low-light situations, providing you with greater shooting flexibility.
- Low Light mode
- With an ISO of 500 - 3200, the Low Light mode takes the Canon PowerShot A3000 IS where no A-Series has gone before. Now even scenes notorious for having insufficient light, such as those lit by candles, fire, or street lamp, come through in fantastic color and clarity, with less noise. You can keep the feel of the scene intact without adding additional light.
- Smart Auto Mode
- Smart Auto Mode has Scene Detection Technology that recognizes up to 13 different scenes and automatically applies the optimum settings required to capture the best picture.
- Face Detection Technology
- Face Detection Technology makes it easy to take pictures of friends, by tracking faces and providing correct exposure and focus for the best results. Face Select & Track allows one face to be given priority over others in a group if required, while Red-Eye Correction identifies and corrects red eyes, making sure everyone looks their best. The smart FaceSelf-Timer feature allows the photographer to be included in group photos, only taking the shot when an extra face has entered the frame.
- 14 Shooting Modes
- Choose from Auto, Program, Movie, or Special Scene where you can select from settings such as Night, Snow, Indoor, Beach and more to get the best possible image.
Go To
| Imaging | |
|---|---|
| Resolution | Effective: 10 Megapixel, Actual Pixels: 10.3 Megapixel |
| Sensor | 1/2.3" CCD |
| File Formats |
Still Images: JPEG Movies: AVI Audio: WAV |
| Max Resolution | 3648 x 2736 |
| Other Resolutions |
2816 x 2112 2272 x 1704 1600 x 1200 640 x 480 3648 x 2048 @ 16:9 |
| Aspect Ratio | 4:3, 16:9 |
| Image Stabilization | None |
| Color Spaces | sRGB |
| Optics | |
|---|---|
| Lens | EFL: 6.6-21.6 mm (35mm equivalent: 37-122 mm) |
| Zoom |
Optical: 3.3x Digital: 4x |
| Focus Range |
Auto: 2" (5.08 cm) - Infinity Macro: 0.4" (1.02 cm) - 1.6' (48.77 cm) |
| Exposure Control | |
|---|---|
| ISO Sensitivity | Auto, 80-1600 |
| Shutter | 15 - 1/2000 sec |
| Exposure Metering | Center-weighted, Evaluative, Spot |
| Exposure Modes |
Modes: AE Lock, Auto, Program Compensation: -2 EV to +2 EV (in 1/3 EV steps) |
| White Balance Modes | Auto, Daylight, Cloudy, Tungsten, Fluorescent, Manual, Fluorescent H |
| Burst Rate | Up to 0.9 fps |
| Self Timer | 10 Seconds, 2 Seconds |
| Flash | |
|---|---|
| Built-in Flash | Yes: Auto, Auto/Red-eye Reduction, FE Lock, Flash On, Off, Red-eye Reduction, Slow Sync |
| Effective Flash Range | Macro: 1 - 9.8' (0.30 - 2.99 m) |
| External Flash Connection | None |
| Memory | |
|---|---|
| Built-in Memory | None |
| Memory Card Type |
SD SDHC SDXC MMC MMCplus HC MMCplus |
| Still Images per GB | JPEG: 367 @ Highest Resolution |
| Recording | |
|---|---|
| Video Recording | Yes, NTSC/PAL |
| Video | |
|---|---|
| Video Clip Length | Limited by Memory Card Capacity |
| Audio Recording | With Video |
| Viewfinder/Display | |
|---|---|
| Viewfinder Type | None |
| Screen | 2.5" LCD (115000 pixels) |
| Connectivity/System Requirements | |
|---|---|
| Connectivity | USB 2.0 |
| Software Requirements |
Windows: XP, Vista, 7 Mac: OS X 10.1 or later |
| Environmental | |
|---|---|
| Operating/Storage Temperature | 32 to 104 °F (0 to 40 °C) |
| Power | |
|---|---|
| Battery | 2x AA Batteries |
| AC Power Adapter | CA-PS800 (Optional) |
| Physical | |
|---|---|
| Dimensions (WxHxD) | 3.68 x 2.43 x 1.20" / 93.47 x 61.72 x 30.48 mm |
| Weight | 6.17 oz / 175 g (Camera body only) |
REVIEW SNAPSHOT®
by PowerReviews(based on 30 reviews)
Ratings Distribution
100%
of respondents would recommend this to a friend.
Pros
- Easy to use (18)
- Good image quality (15)
- Nice body color (14)
- Compact (12)
- Good in low light (11)
Cons
- Lag / shutter delay (4)
- No viewfinder (4)
- Short battery life (4)
Best Uses
- Family photos (18)
- Landscape/scenery (11)
- Travel (10)
- Low light (8)
- Wildlife (5)
- Reviewer Profile:
- Casual photographer (16), Photo enthusiast (11)
- Was this a gift?:
- No (11), Yes (8)
Most Liked Positive Review
Great[...]Product
Bought 3 cameras for Christmas gifts. Needed something they wouldn't destroy right away. This camera is a great camera in this price range. I use the same one at work also and it takes...Read complete review
Bought 3 cameras for Christmas gifts. Needed something they wouldn't destroy right away. This camera is a great camera in this price range. I use the same one at work also and it takes excellent Macro shots up close of small parts etc.
VS
Most Liked Negative Review
PowerShot A490 Digital Camera
I used this on vacation for the first time, as a substitute for my normal, larger camera. While it was easy to use, I found not being able to adjust for night shots,...Read complete review
I used this on vacation for the first time, as a substitute for my normal, larger camera. While it was easy to use, I found not being able to adjust for night shots, portraits, etc., a bit frustrating. Also, wait time to be able to take next shot is unsatisfactory; I could set the interval on my other camera, could only set if I wanted to see the shot on this one.
Pictures taken on overcast day were not good; I tried with and without flash and all pretty bland.
Will be interested to see how the good pictures blow up. Also, it ate batteries.
That said, it was easy to use and light to carry.
Reviewed by 30 customers
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Displaying reviews 1-20
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Pros
- Easy To Use
- Good Image Quality
- Large Clear LCD
- Small / Compact
Cons
- Lag / Shutter Delay
- No Viewfinder
- Poor Image Stabilization
Best Uses
- Landscape/Scenery
- Weather Balloon Photos
Comments about Canon PowerShot A490 Digital Camera:
I purchased this camera for use in weather balloon high altitude photography, for which it will perform splendidly at a good price (as a refurbished item). Aside from purely automated use, a critique would be the sensitivity of the shutter button--it is difficult to tell when it is sufficiently deployed to focus the camera. It does not seem to have a half-stop point.
- Ease of Operation:
- 9
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Canon PowerShot A490 Digital Camera:
[...] low price, thanks!
- Was this a gift?:
- Yes
Pros
- Easy To Use
- Fast/accurate auto-focus
- Good Image Quality
- Good Image Stabilization
- Small / Compact
Cons
Best Uses
- Family Photos
- Landscape/Scenery
- Travel
- Video
Comments about Canon PowerShot A490 Digital Camera:
Small, simple point and shoot camera for daily use. Great for novice and more advanced photographers, including kids. Takes videos too which seems to be lots of fun for the kids. Independent of power source as AA batteries are universally available. Not great in low light.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Easy To Use
- Good Image Quality
- Good video quality
- Large Clear LCD
- Small / Compact
Cons
- Lag / Shutter Delay
Best Uses
- Family Photos
- Video
Comments about Canon PowerShot A490 Digital Camera:
Good snapshots, good video, easy to use, small camera but useable controls
- Was this a gift?:
- Yes
Pros
- Easy To Use
- Good Image Quality
- Good in Low Light
- Small / Compact
Cons
Best Uses
- Family Photos
- Indoors/Low Light
Comments about Canon PowerShot A490 Digital Camera:
I ordered 2 cameras [...]. I bought 4gb sdhc cards for both cameras and took few snaps which looks good. I recommend these cameras to give as gifts which are not expensive and you have canon brand name.
- Was this a gift?:
- Yes
Pros
- Easy To Use
- Large Clear LCD
Cons
- Lag / Shutter Delay
- No Viewfinder
- Short Battery Life
Best Uses
Comments about Canon PowerShot A490 Digital Camera:
I've purchased a number of point-and-shoot cameras to modify to full infrared (via replacement of the high-pass filter). I find that the A490 (and the A480) are very easy to modify to IR-only. Canon has designed these such that it's easy to access the CCD without too much disassembly and without having to unsolder/resolder anything. Just be careful that you don't put too much pressure on the lens when working on this camera-I find that setting it on a roll of duct tape, so that the camera is supported by its edges and not by its lens, is helpful. For the price, it's great- much easier to modify than Canon's image-stabilized cameras. Unfortunately, manual controls are limited, but perhaps a version of hacked firmware will be available from CHDK soon.
Bottom line: If you want to get into infrared photography, this is an excellent camera to work with.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Easy To Use
- Good Image Quality
- Large Clear LCD
- Nice Body Color
Cons
- Lag / Shutter Delay
Best Uses
- Family Photos
- Landscape/Scenery
- Travel
Comments about Canon PowerShot A490 Digital Camera:
This is a great little camera and takes impressive photos. It's also very easy to use. The only downside is the annoying shutter lag, but I suppose that's to be expected with such an inexpensive camera. Over all I love it!
- Ease of Operation:
- 9
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Easy To Use
- Good Image Stabilization
- Small / Compact
Cons
Best Uses
- Family Photos
Comments about Canon PowerShot A490 Digital Camera:
I bought to take snapshots. The camera is so easy to use and easy to operate. You don't have to be a professional to understand the features. So far, no complaints.
- Was this a gift?:
- Yes
Pros
- Easy To Use
- Good Image Quality
- Good in Low Light
- Nice Body Color
Cons
Best Uses
- Family Photos
- Indoors/Low Light
Comments about Canon PowerShot A490 Digital Camera:
I got this for a relative who is very creative and loves taking pictures. He keeps sending me emails of his creative artwork! I have not seen him so excited before!
- Ease of Operation:
- 10
- Was this a gift?:
- Yes
Pros
- Easy To Use
- Good Image Quality
- Small / Compact
Cons
- Short Battery Life
Best Uses
- Family Photos
- Indoors/Low Light
- Landscape/Scenery
- Sports/Action
- Travel
- Video
- Weddings/Events
- Wildlife photos
Comments about Canon PowerShot A490 Digital Camera:
decent point and shoot camera
- Ease of Operation:
- 6
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Easy To Use
- Fast/accurate auto-focus
- Good Image Quality
- Good in Low Light
- Large Clear LCD
- Nice Body Color
- Small / Compact
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Canon PowerShot A490 Digital Camera:
Bought 3 cameras for Christmas gifts. Needed something they wouldn't destroy right away. This camera is a great camera in this price range. I use the same one at work also and it takes excellent Macro shots up close of small parts etc.
- Ease of Operation:
- 10
- Was this a gift?:
- Yes
Pros
- Easy To Use
- Fast/accurate auto-focus
- Good Image Quality
- Good Image Stabilization
- Good in Low Light
- Great Zoom
- Large Clear LCD
- Nice Body Color
- Short Lag Time
- Small / Compact
Cons
Best Uses
- Indoors/Low Light
- Travel
Comments about Canon PowerShot A490 Digital Camera:
Simple to use, very good size, loved and recommend!
- Ease of Operation:
- 8
- Was this a gift?:
- Yes
Pros
- Easy To Use
- Fast/accurate auto-focus
- Good Image Quality
- Large Clear LCD
- Small / Compact
Cons
- None
Best Uses
- Vehicle imaging
Comments about Canon PowerShot A490 Digital Camera:
I PURCHASE THIS MODEL ALL THE TIME FOR WORK AND NO ONE COULD BEAT THE B&H PRICE.
- Ease of Operation:
- 9
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Comments about Canon PowerShot A490 Digital Camera:
What you would expect from Canon for the price, nothing more or less.
Pros
- Easy To Use
- Fast/accurate auto-focus
- Good Image Quality
- Nice Body Color
- Small / Compact
Cons
Best Uses
- Family Photos
- Landscape/Scenery
- Travel
Comments about Canon PowerShot A490 Digital Camera:
This camera takes great pix, for your typical PHD user
- Ease of Operation:
- 9
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Easy To Use
Cons
- No Viewfinder
Best Uses
- Family Photos
Comments about Canon PowerShot A490 Digital Camera:
I like the fact this camera uses standard AA battteries. It looks good and is easy to hold.
- Was this a gift?:
- Yes
Pros
- Easy To Use
- Fast/accurate auto-focus
- Good Image Quality
- Good Image Stabilization
- Good in Low Light
- Large Clear LCD
- Nice Body Color
Cons
Best Uses
- Family Photos
- Travel
- Weddings/Events
Comments about Canon PowerShot A490 Digital Camera:
It is an incredible photo machine. Again Cannon and B & H exceeded my expectations. Super recommended.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Easy To Use
- Good Image Quality
- Good Image Stabilization
- Good in Low Light
- Large Clear LCD
- Short Lag Time
- Small / Compact
Cons
Best Uses
- Family Photos
- Indoors/Low Light
- Landscape/Scenery
- Sports/Action
- Travel
- Wildlife photos
Comments about Canon PowerShot A490 Digital Camera:
Bought one of these on sale when my wife lost our Kodak Point and Shoot (M1033). This camera has great photo intelligence and takes great reliable pictures. I still think Canon's color is a little off, but I have yet to be disappointed by this camera.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Easy To Use
- Good Image Quality
- Good Image Stabilization
- Good in Low Light
- Great Zoom
- Large Clear LCD
- Nice Body Color
- Short Lag Time
- Small / Compact
Cons
Best Uses
- Landscape/Scenery
- Portraits
Comments about Canon PowerShot A490 Digital Camera:
This camera is a perfect size with a good size lcd screen. Very easy to use, and since we use them for police work it is great to have a camera that is not complicated. It seems to be very durable which is also a plus for us. I would recommend this to a friend.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Easy To Use
- Good Image Quality
- Large Clear LCD
- Nice Body Color
Cons
- No Viewfinder
Best Uses
- Indoors/Low Light
Comments about Canon PowerShot A490 Digital Camera:
I send photos of problem areas and projects around our manufacturing plants. My computer recognized it right away and I was able to send out pics immediately.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Displaying reviews 1-20
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Memory Cards
Required item: Sufficient memory is not included so be sure to have enough storage capacity.
- Price: $6.20
- GBP 3.95
Batteries & Power
Always keep a spare battery handy so you won't get caught without power.
- Price: $32.95
- GBP 20.99
Bags & Straps
Carry, store, and protect all your equipment with a bag or a strap.
- Price: $7.99
- GBP 5.09
- Price: $9.95
- GBP 6.34
Estimated arrival at B&H is 7-14 days. Your order will only be charged at time of shipment.
Screen Protectors
Protect your LCD screen from scratches and finger prints.
- Price: $6.95
- GBP 4.43
Card Readers
Download your pictures faster and save battery life.
- Price: $9.95
- GBP 6.34
Underwater Housings
Capture great-looking photos underwater.
- Price: $219.95
- GBP 140.09
This is a special order item. Est. arrival at B&H is 3-7 days (subject to availability). Your order will be charged at the time of shipment.
What's in the Box
- 2 x AA-size Alkaline Battery
- Wrist Strap WS-800
- Digital Camera Solution CD-ROM
- USB Interface Cable IFC-400PCU
- AV Cable AVC-DC400
- 1-year Manufacturer's Limited Warranty
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