Canon PowerShot A95 Review
Simon Joinson, September 2004

Review based on a production Canon PowerShot A95
Announced in August 2004, the PowerShot A95 replaces the hugely popular A80 at the top of Canon's entry-level range. Although it shares many features with the A80, the new model sports several significant improvements (including some also found on the A85), and in fact offers a feature set that compares well with considerably more expensive models, such as last year's PowerShot G5. The main changes are the sensor resolution (5MP) and a larger (1.8 inch) and considerably higher resolution (118,000 pixel) swing out LCD screen. Other improvements include an enhanced movie mode and a wider assortment of subject-based shooting modes. Let's have a quick look at the main selling points:
- 5.0 million effective pixels
- 3x (38-114mm equiv.) F2.8-4.9 zoom lens
- 1.8 inch 'vari angle' (swing and tilt) LCD
- DIGIC processor
- 9 point AiAF plus flexizone focus
- 14 exposure modes
- Print/Share button & direct print
- Autofocus illuminator
- Part metal body
Canon PowerShot A95 vs A80 (differences)
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Canon PowerShot A95 |

Canon PowerShot A80 |
| Effective Resolution |
5.0 million pixels |
3.9 million pixels |
| Maximum Image Size |
2592 x 1944
|
2272 x 1704 |
| Digital Zoom |
4.1x |
3.6x |
| Custom modes |
1 |
2 |
| Scene modes |
Portrait
Landscape
Night Scene
Fast Shutter
Slow Shutter
Stitch Assist
Foliage
Snow
Beach
Fireworks
Underwater
Indoor
Kids and Pets
Night Snapshot |
• Portrait
• Landscape
• Night Scene
• Fast Shutter
• Slow Shutter
• Stitch Assist |
| Continuous Shooting |
2.0 fps, max 8 - 27 images (dependent on quality setting) |
2.2fps, max 14 images |
| Maximum Movie Size/Frame Rate |
• 640 x 480 @ 10fps
• Max 30 secs
|
• 320 x 240 @ 15fps
• Max 3 mins |
| Focus |
• 9 point AiAF
• FlexiZone AF/AE |
• 9 point AiAF |
| LCD screen |
• 1.8-inch TFT (flip out and twist)
• 118,000 pixels |
• 1.5-inch TFT (flip out and twist)
• 67,000 pixels |
| Other new features |
• Direct Print/Share button |
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Canon PowerShot A95 Key specifications
| Street price |
US: $368
UK: £250 |
| Body Material |
Metal and plastic |
| Sensor |
1/1.8" CCD, 5.3 million total pixels
5.0 million effective pixels |
| Image sizes |
2,592 x 1944
2,048 x 1536
1,600 x 1,200
640 x 480
|
| Movie clips |
640 x 480 pixels @ 10fps (max clip 30 secs)
320 x 240 pixels @ 15fps (max clip 3 mins)
160 x 120 pixels @ 15fps (max clip 3 mins)
Motion JPEG (.avi)
With sound |
| Lens |
38 - 114mm equiv. (3x optical zoom)
F2.8-F4.9
4.1x digital zoom |
| Focus |
TTL autofocus
9 point AiAF (auto or manual focus point select)
Manual focus
5cm macro mode (Wide), 25cm (Tele) |
| Shooting mode |
Auto
Program
Aperture Priority
Shutter Priority
Manual
Custom
Portrait
Landscape
Night Scene
Fast Shutter
Slow Shutter
Stitch Assist
Foliage
Snow
Beach
Fireworks
Underwater
Indoor
Kids and Pets
Night Snapshot
AE compensation -2.0EV to +2.0 EV in 1/3EV steps
|
| Sensitivity |
Auto
ISO50,100,200,400 |
| White Balance |
Auto
5 presets
Custom WB (manual) |
| Image parameters |
Picture Adjust (Vivid, Neutral)
Sharpness (2 levels)
Color effects (Sepia, Black and White) |
| Continuous |
2 fps (High)
1.5 fps (standard) |
| Flash |
Built-in flash
Auto, Manual on/off, Red-eye reduction: on/off
Range (normal, ISO auto): W: 0.45m - 4.4m
(1.5 - 14 ft)
T:0.45m - 2.5m (1.5 - 8.2 ft).
Range (macro, ISO auto): 25 - 45cm (9.8 in - 1.5 ft) |
| Storage |
CompactFlash Type I
32MB CF supplied* |
| Viewfinder |
Real Image Optical |
| LCD monitor |
1.8" TFT, 118,000 pixels |
| Connectivity |
USB 1.1
A/V out
DC-IN |
| Power |
4 x AA batteries
NiMH recommended (alkaline supplied)
(Optional AC adapter) |
In the box*
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Canon PowerShot A95
Wrist strap
4x AA Alkaline batteries
AV cable
USB cable
32MB CF card
Software CD ROM (Canon Digital Camera Solutions & ArcSoft Camera Suite)
|
| Other features |
Spot (center or AF point), Center-weighted & Evaluative metering
PictBridge, Exif Print and DPOF compatible
Playback Histogram
Built-in speaker and microphone
Remote capture via USB
Autofocus Illuminator
Optional Wide, Tele & close up converters
Optional 52mm filter adapter
Optional waterproof case (WP-DC50) |
| Weight (inc batt) |
335 g (11.8 oz) |
| Dimensions |
101.1 x 64.6 x 34.7mm (4.0 x 2.5 x 1.4in) Excluding protrusions |
* Supplied accessories may differ in each country or area

If you're new to digital photography you may wish to read the Digital
Photography Glossary before diving into this article (it may help
you understand some of the terms used).
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Conclusion / Recommendation / Ratings are based
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This article is Copyright 2004 and may NOT in part or in whole be reproduced in any electronic or printed medium without prior permission from the author.
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