Canon PowerShot A540 - UK Digital Camera Review

Canon PowerShot A540 Review

High quality, detailed, sharp - this describes the photos that can be achieved with the Canon PowerShot A540 and its 6 megapixel CCD. Whilst for close up shots, there is the availability of 4x optical zoom lens which, when combined with the digital zoom, gives 16x magnification.

The PowerShot A540 has a high speed ISO 800 setting which when used in low light conditions without a flash ensures that the camera is using the correct exposure. This shutter speed also helps reduce blurring.

Canon PowerShot A540 Front
Canon PowerShot A540 Back

Within the Canon A540 is a choice of 20 shooting modes, including Manual, which means this camera can be successfully used by both beginners and those who want to make use of their own creative talents.

Ten special scene modes can help with difficult lighting situations and these include beach, snow, underwater. There is also the My Colors feature which can be used to improve any image.

The PowerShot A540 also offers the facility to shoot images in widescreen 16:9 mode for playback on widescreen TV or for printing onto larger paper. This is ideal for panoramic scenes.

Another great feature of the A540 is the Canon DIGIC II image processor which works at high speed and responds instantly whilst also extending the life of the battery. The iSAPS technology means that the camera works out settings prior to the shot being taken whilst 9-point AiAF keeps control of the focussing.

There is a large 2.5" LCD with a wide viewing angle for sharing with others, a grid line to assist with positioning and a night display mode for easier viewing in low light conditions.

30fps VGFA quality audio movies can be shot with the A540 as can 60fps QVGA movies.

The Canon A540 is compatible with any PictBridge or Canon Direct Print photo printer, press the button and instant prints are available.

If CANON iMAGE GATEWAY is available to you then this will provide 100MB of web space for your own use.

For the Canon PowerShot A540

Canon PowerShot A540 Specifications & Features

  • 6 Megapixels
  • 4 x Optical Zoom
  • 4 x Digital Zoom
  • 16 x Combined Zoom
  • 5cm Focusing Distance
  • Auto, Daylight, Cloudy, Tungsten, Fluorescent, Fluorescent H, Underwater and Custom White Balance Settings
  • 2.5" P-Si TFT, approx. 85,000 pixels
  • Auto, Manual, On and Off Flash Modes
  • Red Eye Reduction
  • Maximum Image Size 2816 x 2112 Pixels
  • 640 x 480, 15fps Movies up to 1GB
  • PictBridge Compatible
  • Secure Digital (SD) Card - 16MB SD Card supplied
  • 2x Size-AA Alkaline or NiMH Batteries
  • Approximate Weight 180g

Canon PowerShot A540 User Reviews

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Reviewer: John Hayzen-Smith - UK
I use my Canon A540 mostly for close up work as an Engineer and find it's usability excellent. The 2 AA batteries are very useful when abroad, as they can be found anywhere. Unlike other cameras I have used, it works very well in hot, humid countries, where the LCD screen becomes clouded, as I can use the optical view finder. The features and colour definition are superb when photographing the internals of machinery to get accurate pitures to use on my reports.
In all, useful and reliable, and they make my Technical Reports look very good.

Features
Rating 10/10
Image Quality
Rating 10/10
Usability
Rating 10/10
Reviewer: Gerald Marshall - UK
I wanted a new camera that the whole family could use and a friend of mine suggested the PowerShot A540. My family being my son, who is 9, my daughter who is 11 and my wife who fights shy of using anything remotely technical.

It was a good suggestion because this camera is uncomplicated and very easy to use and therefore we are all having a go, sometimes its as bad as the queue for the bathroom.

We have all managed to achieve excellent quality prints by using the automatic mode - indoors, outside, sunny, cloudy. So far I am the only one who has used the video mode and I have been pleased with the results.

I would certainly recommend this camera for general family use.

Features
Rating 10/10
Image Quality
Rating 10/10
Usability
Rating 10/10
Reviewer: Zara G - UK
This is a very easy to use camera which also feels steady because of the grip on the side. It also fits into my handbag or jacket pocket so it is very portable. The fact that it takes any AA batteries is an extra bonus as it doesn't really matter where you are, you can usually find some of these when you need them. Automatic mode is great and some superb photos have been produced. There is also a good range of shooting modes which I will gradully be experimenting with in the future. Only downside I have come across is that the LCD screen is not easy to see in sunny conditions but to compensate for this there is the optical viewfinder. Good value for money

Features
Rating 10/10
Image Quality
Rating 10/10
Usability
Rating 8/10
Reviewer: andrew - UK
Difficult to believe it but this camera makes me look like a photographer who has some talent. The image quality is superb.

Convenient in size and well made, it will fit into my pocket.

Have found it very easy to use and appreciate the 2.5" LCD screen because this makes viewing so much easier. Good thinking to have AA batteries too.

I think this one will keep me amused for some time.

Features
Rating 10/10
Image Quality
Rating 10/10
Usability
Rating 10/10
Reviewer: Chris C - UK
This camera is a pleasure to have. It is compact, easy to operate and the image quality is excellent. Because it has the 4x optical zoom I have been trying out some close-up shots and have been amazed at how good these are. I will eventually work my way through all the features on offer but it may take some time.

Features
Rating 9/10
Image Quality
Rating 10/10
Usability
Rating 9/10
Add a ReviewAdd a review for the Canon PowerShot A540
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Canon PowerShot A540 Review & Features - © UK Digital Camera Reviews 2008
For the Canon PowerShot A540
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