Canon A590 IS a great camera. Canon bring it back! and the A710IS, A650IS too :)

Let's ask Canon to bring this great camera back... and the A710IS, A720 and the A650IS too

Please feel free to post your images from these great cameras.

Some images (from raw). The Canon A590IS, PP using RawTherapee (http://rawtherapee.com/):

More here: http://www.dpreview.com/forums/thread/3594788

In 2008, my wife and I went to the Galapagos Islands.  On our first day in the islands we went asore on a smaller island, she with her A710IS, and me with my G7.  Here's two shots from about the same position with the two cameras.

land iguana - A710IS

same iguana - G7

The fact that the images are so close in detail and sharpness made me really impressed with the A710IS.  I also thought the color was better.

In several tests between the two, I also found the A710IS had less noise at ISO 800.  Both cameras cover 35-210 mm (equivalent) at f/2.8-4.8.

I've had several SD series cameras, and it really annoyed me that there was no flash exposure compensation - yet, the less expensive A series cameras have it.

My G7 is long gone; but we still have the A710IS, and a bargain spare I picked up as a backup.

I'd like to add one comment about the AA batteries in the A series.  We did try rechargeable NiMH cells; but my wife doesn't use it frequently enough and they self discharge.  So rather than try Eneloop cells, I decided to try Energizer lithium cells.  They are expensive ($10 for 4); but the A710IS gets about 550-600 shots per pair which is well over a year's worth for my wife.  So for $10 we gat several years of use and never have to worry about recharging.  The second pair stores in the little bag I got for the camera.

I don't know if the A series would be viable in today's market; but I suspect a lot of older folks would find it ideal, especially with the good grip and use of AA cells.  It's also not intimidating, as it's pretty simple.  And that's an age group that doesn't generally use their cell phone to take pictures.  At this date, they'd need some modernization in screen size and resolution and a newer processor.  Maybe we could get the AARP to endorse it.  The problem I see is that far too many people shop by asking how many X is it, and how many MP does it have?  The A series doesn't score well on those measures.  At this point in time, the older A series have become almost a cult camera with only a few loyal followers.

I thought the A650IS was on the big and heavy side.  IMHO, the A590IS and A710/720IS are a better size and weight for most folks.  I was about to buy an A650IS when the news about light leaking through the back panel came out.  So I backed off, and never did get back after it.

The Canon A590IS was a very good camera. I had one and enjoyed it a lot. I liked it mostly because it didn't have an expensive proprietary battery but rather could be powered by AA batteries. And the photos were very good as well. (Although, above ISO 100 noise increases to really unusable at 800, while the G15 is still crystal sharp). I traveled with it to many locations and the pics I took still evoke fond memories with family.

That being said, the A590IS and the others mentioned with it, are yesterday's news. Better, much better, Canon P&S cameras are with us today. Canon is not going to bring those cameras back. C'mon man! All your bleating and pleading falls on deaf ears and they are not moved.

I still own my A590IS, although I should have sold it on E-Bay as I did all others because I never use it anymore. When I leave the house or travel somewhere I usually take at least 2 cameras with me: The G15 & S110. If I'm on an extended stay, I might take the G1X also.

Moving on.....!

Unfortunately, I'm sure you're right.  Canon will not be bringing them back.

The G15 is miles better than the A650IS or any of the other A series at higher ISO; but they compete well at low ISO.

Like you, I travel with two or more cameras, making my selection from among the five fixed lens cameras I own, plus  my wife's A710IS.  The DSLR stays home unless we're going by car - just too much weight and bulk if we're flying..

PhotoRaw,

Nice shots thanks for sharing!Here some taken with my A710IS...

PhotoRaw,

Unfortunately, I cannot find find the file, may be I deleted it, but I have tried once only with the "Night" scene mode, handheld, and I have to tell you, the result was pretty amazing!I have this landscape pics taken sometime ago..By the way, how do I shoot RAW with this cam?,I heard that you can download a program and save it on the cam media card?

Cheers.

Marco F.

PhotoRaw wrote:

Marco,

Great images!

You will need chdk to shoot raw. Here is how to install chdk:

http://chdk.wikia.com/wiki/Prepare_your_SD_card

Here is where to get chdk for the Canon A590IS and others:

http://mighty-hoernsche.de/

Since these cameras are somehow noisy in lowlight, shooting raw helps to control noise. I use DNG (raw) file format and Rawtherapee ( http://rawtherapee.com ) to PP.

Thanks for the input PhotoRaw,I may give it a try just to play around with it, my only concern is if I'll do something wrong, this little nice cam doesn't become a....brick.;

PineyPhotographer wrote:

Yeah still using an a620 here, and while I'd love to see Canon bring these back, I don't think they'd be as popular. The advent of CMOS sensor technology and more versatile lenses mean these old A series cameras will only really shine in daylight. Recently tried taking photos of some Christmas light displays with my a620, handheld, forget about it, at ISO 400 it was a sea of noise, whereas my 330HS could do a handheld shot at ISO 800 and look much better.

I do like the flexibility of AA batteries and manual control (PASM) as well as the tube adapters of the old A series units, but they'd need upgraded sensors (10 or 12mp CMOS) and wider lenses (28mm standard). Problem is Canon killed those A series cams because they took away sales from the G and S series, and the same would be true today. Heck I wonder how long before they cripple the 330HS in its next upgrade as it's IQ seems as good if not better than the S110/120 and its much cheaper. Canon makes much more money with high end prosumer cameras, I for one have continued to refuse taking the bait, and use more reasonably priced compacts like the 330HS and the SX260.

CMOS sensors are much more versatile than CCD's at varying ISO's, and although CCD's may appear to have more pleasing daylight color, they are not very forgiving once you crank the ISO up.

PineyPhotographer,

I have to agree with you regarding the so/so high ISO performance of these cams, these CCD sensor shines only in day light they are really not meant to be for low light condition..  however that's not the reason why I got this cam, if I want good high ISO performance I grab my Sony DSLR,for me is first of all the incredible 35/200mm. sharp lens in a pocket format and while I use it mainly in good light, if used for web purpose only, ISO 400 is quite acceptable in my humble opinion depends of bad the light is..Ah did I mention the incredible FAST AF even in less than ideal light condition?,it is miles better than my Nikon P6000...I'm Sure the s110/120 are much better all round cam,but hey for 30.00 $ I don't think you can go wrong..;-)

PhotoRaw wrote:

For low light you have to shoot raw (dng) with these cameras.
Here is one from the A590IS, no tripod, IS (amazing), no flash, 1/4, F2.6, iso 100, PP done with RawTherapee. AA batteries (Eneloop run forever). You can't go wrong with these cameras for what they cost.

Very nice PhotoRaw!

I would definately give a RAW program a try..And yes Indeed the OIS of these cams is nothing short of amazing!(1/4!)

PhotoRaw wrote:

Another low light image. From raw: A590IS, 1/5, F2.60, iso 100, PP done with Rawtherapee.

Click on "View original" to see bigger.

Unbelievable Clean shot! well done..As you said,I bet none would know the difference between a Canon g15/16 and...an A590/710;-)

Thanks for sharing PhotoRaw..