Powershot A540 Manual
- Canon Powershot A540 Specs
- Powershot A540 User Manual
- Powershot A530 Manual
- Canon Powershot A540 Instruction Manual
Canon PowerShot A540 Manual is aimed to fulfill the needs toward information of both technical or instrumental issue among this digital camera product. Canon PowerShot A540 Manual is aimed to fulfill the needs toward information of both technical or instrumental issue among this digital camera product. Digital camera user manual guide and instructions, PDF free download including tips, tricks and latest news updates. Canon PowerShot SD870 IS Manual User Guide. Providing full value for your money, and some features not found in higher priced cameras, the Canon A540 is a responsive, user-friendly point-and-shoot camera that includes a broadcast movie mode and full manual control. 6.0 Megapixels of imaging power and a 4x optical zoom len, provides near. Canon PowerShot A540 Manual is aimed to fulfill the needs toward information of both technical or instrumental issue among this digital camera product especially for Canon PowerShot A540. When Canon PowerShot A530 was firstly released to the market? Canon PowerShot A540 was firstly released in February 2006.
The Canon PowerShot A is a now discontinued series of digital cameras released by Canon. The A-series started as a budget line of cameras, although over time its feature set varied from low-end point-and-shoot cameras to high-end prosumer cameras capable of rivalling Canon's G-series.
Canon PowerShot A540 Service Manual by SRmanuals is scanned from original paperback copy of the Canon PowerShot A540 Service Manual and are guaranteed for high quality scans. We have tried utmost care to make sure completeness of manual. View and Download Canon PowerShot A530 advanced user's manual online. Canon DIGITAL CAMERA User Guide PowerShot A540, PowerShot A530. PowerShot A530 Digital Camera pdf manual download.
Models[edit]
The series began with the A5 series, which was a very basic point-and-shoot camera line. The Axx series that followed offered full manual control (on most models) in a fairly bulky body. The A100/200/3xx/4xx series cameras are stripped-down with very little manual controls. The Axx series has branched off into the A5xx (replaced by the A1xxx series), A6xx, and A7xx series (the latter replaced by the A2xxx series). A-series camera are generally powered by 2 AA batteries.
Model | Release date | Sensor resolution, size, type | Lens (35 mm equiv) zoom, aperture | Image processor | LCD screen size, pixels | Memory | Size W×H×D (mm) | Weight (body, g) | Photo | Notes |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
A5 series | ||||||||||
A5 | April 1998 | 1 MP 1024 × 768 1/3' CCD | 35 mm | 2' fixed | CF | 105 × 68 × 33 | 240 | [1] | ||
A5 zoom | October 1998 | 28–70 mm (2.5×) f/2.6–4.0 | 103 × 68 × 37 | 260 | Zoom capability[2] | |||||
A50 | April 1999 | 1 MP 1280 × 960 1/2.7' CCD | [3] | |||||||
Axx series | ||||||||||
A10 | May 2001 | 1.3 MP 1/2.7' | 35–105 mm (3×) | 1.5' fixed | CF | 110.3 × 71.0 × 37.6 | 250 | All-new body design | ||
A20 | 2.0 MP 1/2.7' | |||||||||
A30 | March 2002 | 1.3 MP 1/2.7' | ||||||||
A40 | 2.0 MP 1/2.7' | |||||||||
A60 | March 2003 | 101.0 × 64.0 × 31.5 | 215 | Smaller and lighter. The Canon PowerShot A60 and A70 cameras were the first digital camera models in their class to feature aperture and shutter priority, and full manual modes. | ||||||
A70 | 3.2 MP 1/2.7' | |||||||||
A80 | October 2003 | 4.0 MP 1/1.8' | 38–114 mm (3×) | 1.5' vari-angle | 103.1 × 64.4 × 34.7 | 250 | Added vari-angle LCD | |||
A75 | March 2004 | 3.2 MP 1/2.7' | 35–105 mm (3×) | 1.8' fixed | 101.0 × 64.0 × 31.5 | 200 | Print/Share button, redesigned grip | |||
A85 | September 2004 | 4.0 MP 1/2.7' | ||||||||
A95 | 5.0 MP 1/1.8' | 38–114 mm (3×) | 1.8' vari-angle | 103.1 × 64.4 × 34.7 | 250 | Update of A80 | ||||
Model | Release date | Sensor resolution, size, type | Lens (35 mm equiv) zoom, aperture | Image processor | LCD screen size, pixels | Memory | Size W×H×D (mm) | Weight (body, g) | Photo | Notes |
A100/200/3xx/4xx Series | ||||||||||
A100 | April 2002 | 1.2 MP 1280 × 960 1/2.7' | 39 mm f/2.8 | 1.5' | CF | 110 × 58 × 36.6 | 175 | New low-end series with different body shape, no optical zoom,[4] | ||
A200 | June 2002 | 2.0 MP 1600 × 1200 1/3.2' | 1.5' | [5] | ||||||
A300 | April 2003 | 3 2 MP 2048 × 1536 1/2.7' | 33 mm f/3.6 | New sliding lens cover,[6] | ||||||
A310 | March 2004 | Print/Share button,[7] | ||||||||
A400 | September 2004 | 3.2 MP 1/3.2' | 45–100 mm (2.2×) | SD | 107.0 × 53.4 × 36.8 | 165 | Optical zoom | |||
A410 | September 2005 | 41–131 mm (3.2×) | DIGIC II | 103 × 51.8 × 40.3 | 150 | First A4xx with DIGIC II | ||||
A420 | February 2006 | 4.0 MP 1/3' | 39–125 mm (3.2×) | 1.8' | Mostly sold in Europe, not in the U.S. | |||||
A430 | 38–152 mm (4.0×) | Mostly sold in the U.S.; first A4xx with microphone. | ||||||||
A450 | February 2007 | 5.0 MP 2592 × 1944 1/3' CCD | 38–122 mm (3.2×) f/2.8–5.1 | 2.0' 86,000 | SD, SDHC, MMC | 106 × 52 × 40 | 165 | [8] | ||
A460 | March 2007 | 38–152 mm (4.0×) f/2.8–5.8 | ||||||||
A470 | January 2008 | 7.1 MP 3072 × 2304 1/2.5' CCD | 38–132 mm (3.4×) f/3.0–5.8 | DIGIC III | 2.5' 115,000 | SD, SDHC, MMC, MMC+, HC MMC+ | 105 × 55 × 41 | 165 | [9] | |
A480 | March 2009 | 10.0 MP 3648 × 2736 1/2.3' CCD | 37–122 mm (3.3×) f/3.0–5.8 | 92 × 62 × 31 | 140 | [10] | ||||
A490 | February 2010 | 10.0 MP 3648 × 2736 1/2.3' CCD | SD, SDHC, SDXC, MMC, MMC+, HC MMC+ | 94 × 62 × 31 | 135 | Face Detection AiAF / 5 point; Less Scene modes than in 495[11] | ||||
A495 | Face Detection AiAF / 9 point; Additional 3 Scene modes (same as in A490 and FaceSelf-Timer, Super Vivid, Poster Effect)[11] | |||||||||
A5xx series | ||||||||||
A510 | March 2005 | 3.2 MP 2048 × 1536 1/2.5' CCD | 35–140 mm (4×) f/2.6–5.5 | 1.8' 115,000 | SD | 91 × 64 × 38 | 180 | New smaller, lighter body; replaced A75[12] | ||
A520 | 4.0 MP 2272 × 1704 1/2.5' CCD | New smaller, lighter body; replaced A75[13] | ||||||||
A530 | February 2006 | 5.0 MP 2592 × 1944 1/2.5' CCD | DIGIC II | 1.8' 77,000 | 90 × 64 × 43 | 170 | [14] Began trend of lower-end A5xx dropping conversion lenses and removal of manual modes, higher-end A5xx model still had conversion lens support and full manual modes DIGIC II | |||
A540 | 6.0 MP 2816 × 2112 1/2.5' CCD | 2.5' 85,000 | 90 × 64 × 43 | 180 | [15] Began trend of lower-end A5xx dropping conversion lenses and reducing manual modes, higher-end A5xx model still had conversion lens support and full manual modes DIGIC II | |||||
A550 | March 2007 | 7.1 MP 3072 × 2304 1/2.5' CCD | 2.0' 86,000 | SD, SDHC, MMC | 91 × 64 × 43 | 160 | Low-end model[8] | |||
A560 | DIGIC III | 2.5' 115,000 | 91 × 64 × 43 | 165 | Mid-range model, also lacks conversion lens support and full manual modes[16] | |||||
A570 IS | 90 × 64 × 43 | 175 | Optical Image Stabilization, full manual control and compatibility with add-on lenses added[16] | |||||||
A580 | January 2008 | 8.0 MP 3264 × 2448 1/2.5' CCD | SD,SDHC, MMC,MMC+, HC MMC+ | 94 × 65 × 41 | 175 | Low-end model, lacks conversion lens support and full manual modes[9] | ||||
A590 IS | Added Motion Detection Technology, Automatic Red-Eye Correction, has full manual mode.[9] | |||||||||
Model | Release date | Sensor resolution, size, type | Lens (35 mm equiv) zoom, aperture | Image processor | LCD screen size, pixels | Memory | Size W×H×D (mm) | Weight (body, g) | Photo | Notes |
A6xx series | ||||||||||
A610 | October 2005 | 5.0 MP 2592 × 1944 1/1.8' CCD | 35–140 mm (4×) f/2.8–4.1 | DIGIC II | 2.0' vari-angle 115,000 | SD, MMC | 105 × 66 × 49 | 235 | Replaced A95[17] | |
A620 | 7.1 MP 3072 × 2304 1/1.8' CCD | |||||||||
A630 | September 2006 | 8.0 MP 3264 × 2448 1/1.8' CCD | 2.5' vari-angle 115,000 | SD, SDHC, MMC | 109 × 66 × 49 | 245 | Silver body color[18] | |||
A640 | 10.0 MP 3648 × 2736 1/1.8' CCD | Black body color[18] | ||||||||
A650 IS | August 2007 | 12.1 MP 4000 × 3000 1/1.7' CCD | 35–210 mm (6×) f/2.8–4.8 | DIGIC III | SD, SDHC, MMC, MMC+, HC MMC+ | 112 × 68 × 56 | 200 | Added Image Stabilization, increased maximum CCD sensitivity to ISO 1600 and DIGIC III.[19] | ||
A7xx series | ||||||||||
A700 | April 2006 | 6.0 MP 2816 × 2112 1/2.5' CCD | 35–210 mm (6×) f/2.8–4.8 | DIGIC II | 2.5' 115,000 | SD, MMC | 95 × 67 × 43 | 200 | [20] Smaller, lighter body; Replaced A85 | |
A710 IS | September 2006 | 7.1 MP 3072 × 2304 1/2.5' CCD | SD, SDHC, MMC | 98 × 67 × 41 | 210 | Added Image Stabilization[21] | ||||
A720 IS | August 2007 | 8.0 MP 3264 × 2448 1/2.5' CCD | DIGIC III | SD, SDHC, MMC, MMC+, HC MMC+ | 97 × 67 × 42 | 200 | Increased maximum CCD sensitivity to ISO 1600 and DIGIC III.[19][22] | |||
A8xx series | ||||||||||
A800 | 5 January 2011 | 10.0 MP 3648 x 2736 6.17 x 4.55 mm (1/2.3') CCD | 37 – 122 mm (3.3×) f/3.0–5.8 | DIGIC III | 6.2 cm (2.5') 115,000 | SD, SDHC, MMC, MMC+, HC MMC+ | 94 × 61 × 31 mm | 186 g | Powered by 2 AA batteries [23] Cheapest ever Canon Powershot (initial price $89).[24] | |
A810 | 7 February 2012 | 16.0 MP 4608 x 2592 6.17 x 4.55 mm (1/2.3') CCD | 28 – 140 mm (5×) f/2.8–6.9 | DIGIC 4 | 6.9 cm (2.7') 230,000 | SD, SDHC, SDXC | 94.7 x 61.3 x 29.8 mm | 171 g | Adds 720p HD video [25] | |
Model | Release date | Sensor resolution, size, type | Lens (35 mm equiv) zoom, aperture | Image processor | LCD screen size, pixels | Memory | Size W×H×D (mm) | Weight (body, g) | Photo | Notes |
A1xxx Series | ||||||||||
A1000 IS | August 2008 | 10.0 MP 3648 × 2736 1/2.3' CCD | 35–140 mm (4×) f/2.7–5.6 | DIGIC III | 2.5' 115,000 | SD, SDHC, MMC, MMC+, HC MMC+ | 96 × 63 × 31 | 155 | [26] Replaces A590 IS, new slimmer body design, no manual controls | |
A1100 IS | March 2009 | 12.1 MP 4000 × 3000 1/2.3' CCD | DIGIC 4 | [27] | ||||||
A1200 | March 2011 | 12.1 MP 4000 × 3000 1/2.3' CCD | 28–112 mm (4×) f/2.8–5.9 | 2.7” 230,000 | SD, SDHC, SDXC, MMC, MMC+, HC MMC+ | 97.5 x 62.5 x 30.7 | 185 | Limited PTP Control, no UV Filter, no manual controls, can't refocus while recording video | ||
A1300 | February 2012 | 16.0 MP 4608 × 3456 1/2.3' CCD | 28–140 mm (5×) f/2.8–6.9 | 2.7” 230,000 | SD, SDHC, SDXC | 95 × 62 × 30 | 174 | No image stabilization, no manual focus, no aperture/shutter priority, no manual exposure mode, etc. | ||
A1400 | 2013 | 16.0 MP 4608 × 3456 1/2.3' CCD | 28–140 mm (5×) f/2.8–6.9 | DIGIC 4 | 2.7” 230,000 | SD, SDHC, SDXC | 94.7 × 61.7 × 29.8 | 174 | Adds ECO mode | |
A2xxx Series | ||||||||||
A2000 IS | August 2008 | 10.0 MP 3648 × 2736 1/2.3' CCD | 36–216 mm (6×) f/3.2–5.9 | DIGIC III | 3.0' 230,000 | SD, SDHC, MMC, MMC+, HC MMC+ | 102 × 64 × 32 | 185 | [26] Replaces A720 IS, new slimmer body design, no viewfinder or manual controls | |
A2100 IS | April 2009 | 12.1 MP 4000 × 3000 1/2.3' CCD | DIGIC 4 | [27] | ||||||
A2200 | 2011 | 14.1 MP 4320 × 3240 1/2.3' CCD | 28–112 mm (4×) f/2.8–5.9 | DIGIC 4 | 2.7” 230,000 | SD, SDHC, SDXC, MMC, MMC+, HC MMC+ | 93.2 x 57.2 x 23.6 | 135 | No image stabilization, adds 720p HD video | |
A2300 | 2012 | 16.0 MP 4608 × 3456 1/2.3' CCD | 28–140 mm (5×) f/2.8–6.9 | DIGIC 4 | 2.7” 230,000 | SD, SDHC, SDXC, MMC, MMC+, HC MMC+ | 94.4 x 54.2 x 20.1 | 125 | ||
A2400 IS | 2012 | 16.0 MP 4608 × 3456 1/2.3' CCD | 28–140 mm (5×) f/2.8–6.9 | DIGIC 4 | 2.7” 230,000 | SD, SDHC, SDXC, MMC, MMC+, HC MMC+ | 94.4 x 56.3 x 21.3 | 141 | Adds optical image stabilization | |
A2500 | 2013 | 16.0 MP 4608 × 3456 1/2.3' CCD | 28–140 mm (5×) f/2.8–6.9 | DIGIC 4 | 2.7” 230,000 | SD, SDHC, SDXC, MMC, MMC+, HC MMC+ | 97.7 x 56.0 x 20.9 | 125 | No image stabilization, adds ECO mode | |
A2600 | 2013 | 16.0 MP 4608 × 3456 1/2.3' CCD | 28–140 mm (5×) f/2.8–6.9 | DIGIC 4 | 3.0” 230,000 | SD, SDHC, SDXC, MMC, MMC+, HC MMC+ | 97.7 x 56.0 x 19.8 | 135 | No image stabilization, adds ECO mode | |
A3xxx Series | ||||||||||
A3000 IS | February 2010 | 10.0 MP 3648 × 2736 1/2.3' CCD | 35–140 mm (4×) f/2.7–5.6 | DIGIC III | 2.7' 230,000 | SD, SDHC, SDXC, MMC, MMC+, HC MMC+ | 97 × 58 × 28 | 125 | [28] First A series model to use Lithium-ion battery | |
A3100 IS | 12.1 MP 4000 × 3000 1/2.3' CCD | [28] First A series model to use Lithium-ion battery | ||||||||
A3200 IS | 2011 | 14.1 MP 4320 × 3240 1/2.3' CCD | 28–140 mm (5×) f/2.8–5.9 | DIGIC 4 | 95.1 × 56.7 × 24.3 | 149 | Adds 720p HD video | |||
A3300 IS | 2011 | 16.0 MP 4608 × 3456 1/2.3' CCD | 28–140 mm (5×) f/2.8–5.9 | DIGIC 4 | 3.0' 230,400 | 95.1 × 56.7 × 23.9 | 149 | Adds 720p HD video [28] Advanced Smart AUTO feature- | ||
A3400 IS | 2012 | 16.0 MP 4608 × 3456 1/2.3' CCD | 28–140 mm (5×) f/2.8–6.9 | DIGIC 4 | 3.0' 230,400 touch | SD, SDHC, SDXC, MMC, MMC+, HC MMC+ | 94.4 × 56.3 × 21.3 | 141 | Adds touchscreen | |
A3500 IS | 2013 | 16.0 MP 4608 × 3456 1/2.3' CCD | 28–140 mm (5×) f/2.8–6.9 | DIGIC 4 | 3.0' 230,400 touch | SD, SDHC, SDXC, MMC, MMC+, HC MMC+ | 94.4 × 56.3 × 21.3 | 141 | Adds WiFi and GPS via mobile | |
A4xxx Series | ||||||||||
A4000 IS | 2012 | 16.0 MP 4608 × 3456 1/2.3' CCD | 28–224 mm (8×) f/3.0–5.9 | DIGIC 4 | 3.0” 230,000 | SD, SDHC, SDXC, MMC, MMC+, HC MMC+ | 95.3 x 56.3 x 24.3 | 145 | 8x optical zoom |
Features[edit]
Software by Breezesys adds remote capture capability from a computer over the USB interface on early Canon PowerShot A models until around 2006. More recent models generally do not support remote capture.
Many models from the A450 to the A720 can run the CHDK firmware add-on adding features such as recording raw image files and remotely triggering the camera shutter using a USB cable.
Canon Powershot A540 Specs
Sample photographs[edit]
A495
A540
A540
A540
A540
A540
unknown Powershot model
A40
A720 IS
A530
A610
A630
A480
See also[edit]
References[edit]
- ^'Canon PowerShot A5 digital camera specifications'. Digital Photography Review. Archived from the original on May 9, 2009. Retrieved 30 October 2009.
- ^'Canon PowerShot A5 Zoom digital camera specifications'. Digital Photography Review. Archived from the original on January 6, 2010. Retrieved 30 October 2009.
- ^'Canon PowerShot A50 digital camera specifications'. Digital Photography Review. Archived from the original on May 3, 2009. Retrieved 30 October 2009.
- ^'Canon PowerShot A100 digital camera specifications'. Digital Photography Review. Archived from the original on January 7, 2010. Retrieved 15 July 2010.
- ^'Canon PowerShot A200 digital camera specifications'. Digital Photography Review. Archived from the original on January 11, 2010. Retrieved 15 July 2010.
- ^'Canon PowerShot A300 digital camera specifications'. Digital Photography Review. Archived from the original on January 7, 2010. Retrieved 15 July 2010.
- ^'Canon PowerShot A310 digital camera specifications'. Digital Photography Review. Archived from the original on November 1, 2010. Retrieved 15 July 2010.
- ^ ab'Canon PowerShot A450, A460 & A550'. Digital Photography Review. 18 January 2007. Retrieved 30 October 2009.
- ^ abc'Canon PowerShot A470, A580 & A590 IS'. Digital Photography Review. 24 January 2008. Retrieved 30 October 2009.
- ^'Canon unveils PowerShot A480'. Digital Photography Review. 15 January 2009. Retrieved 30 October 2009.
- ^ ab'Canon unveils A490 and A495 10MP budget compacts'. Digital Photography Review. 5 January 2010. Retrieved 17 February 2010.
- ^Joinson, Simon (April 2005). 'Canon PowerShot A510 Review'. Digital Photography Review. Retrieved 30 October 2009.
- ^Joinson, Simon (March 2005). 'Canon PowerShot A520 Review'. Digital Photography Review. Retrieved 30 October 2009.
- ^'Canon PowerShot A530 digital camera specifications'. Digital Photography Review. Archived from the original on May 29, 2009. Retrieved 30 October 2009.
- ^'Canon PowerShot A540 digital camera specifications'. Digital Photography Review. Archived from the original on May 3, 2009. Retrieved 30 October 2009.
- ^ ab'Canon PowerShot A570IS and A560'. Digital Photography Review. 22 February 2007. Retrieved 30 October 2009.
- ^'Canon PowerShot A610 & A620'. Digital Photography Review. 22 August 2005. Retrieved 30 October 2009.
- ^ ab'Canon PowerShot A630 & A640'. Digital Photography Review. 24 August 2006. Retrieved 30 October 2009.
- ^ ab'Canon PowerShot A650 IS & A720 IS'. Digital Photography Review. 20 August 2007. Retrieved 30 October 2009.
- ^Joinson, Simon (April 2006). 'Canon PowerShot A700 Review'. Digital Photography Review. Retrieved 30 October 2009.
- ^Joinson, Simon (December 2006). 'Canon PowerShot A710 IS Concise Review'. Digital Photography Review. Retrieved 30 October 2009.
- ^Butler, Richard (January 2008). 'Canon PowerShot A720 IS Concise Review'. Digital Photography Review. Retrieved 30 October 2009.
- ^'Canon PowerShot A800 Review'. Digital Photography Review. Retrieved 13 January 2012.
- ^Four new Canon Powershots at CES 2011, Canon Powershot A800 for $89, Canon Powershot A800 price in India DWS GadgetsArchived 2011-07-14 at the Wayback Machine
- ^'Canon PowerShot A810'. Digital Photography Review. Retrieved 21 March 2012.
- ^ ab'Three new Canon Powershots'. Digital Photography Review. 26 August 2008. Retrieved 30 October 2009.
- ^ ab'Canon releases PowerShot A2100 IS & A1100 IS'. Digital Photography Review. 18 February 2009. Retrieved 30 October 2009.
- ^ abc'Canon announces A3000 IS and A3100 IS'. Digital Photography Review. 5 January 2010. Retrieved 17 February 2010.
- ^Canon launches new Powershot A-series digital cameras
External links[edit]
Media related to Canon PowerShot A at Wikimedia Commons
Solid image quality, usable ISO 800 performance, and a full set of manual controls make the Canon PowerShot A540 an excellent choice for photo enthusiasts looking for an almost-pocketable second camera, or for budding photographers who aren't ready to move up to a superzoom EVF model or digital SLR. Only a flash that's slow to recycle lessens the appeal of this camera's 4X zoom lens, 6-megapixel resolution, and otherwise excellent performance. There are even more than a dozen scene modes for those times when you're tempted to switch on the autopilot.
The A540 is a more full-featured, less compact alternative to the spritely PowerShot SD600, though its position in the A series between the very similar 5-megapixel A530 and the 6-megapixel A700 seems to exist solely to fill the price gap between the two.
At 3.6 by 2.5 by 1.7 inches and 7.8 ounces when loaded with an SD memory card and a pair of AA batteries, this camera feels relatively lightweight and fits comfortably in your hand. You zoom via a jog dial that's concentric with the shutter button. Rotating the dial is easier when shooting with two hands; still, one-handed shooting is entirely practical. The coarse, 85,000-pixel, 2.5-inch LCD tends to wash completely out in direct sunlight, but you can always use the bright optical viewfinder instead.
Canon's usual A-series mode dial sits atop the camera and, like the conveniently arranged array of buttons on the camera back, can be operated with your right thumb. Together, these controls make the A540 responsive and easy to navigate. For example, you can spin the mode dial to switch between auto, programmed, manual, aperture priority, or shutter priority, plus scene modes including Portrait, Landscape, Night Scene, Stitch Assist, and Movie. Another 10 scene modes are available at the SCN notch on the dial. Beginners and less experienced shooters will likely opt for program autoexposure, switch to full auto, or choose one of the scene modes.
Metering options include evaluative, center-weighted, or spot. When in a shooting mode other than auto, manual, or movie, the trash/EV button adjusts exposure to plus or minus 2EV in 1/3EV increments. It's accompanied by a print-sharing button and a Disp key that varies the amount of information displayed on the LCD. Up and down keys toggle flash and macro focus modes, respectively. Other setup and shooting functions are logically divided among menus accessed through the menu and function/set buttons.
Intermediate and advanced shooters will love Canon's user-friendly exposure controls. Left/right cursor keys let you make shutter- and aperture-priority adjustments. In full manual mode, the EV button toggles between shutter speed (15 seconds to 1/2,000 second) and f-stop (f/2.6 to f/8) control. The 35mm-to-140mm (35mm-camera equivalent) zoom lens focuses to as close as 2 inches using lamp-assisted and one- or nine-point autofocus or manual focus. Finally, you can shoot movies at a maximum of 640x480 pixels at 30fps.
In line with the A540's enthusiast fan base, this camera supports add-on lenses that affix to a bayonet mount under the plastic collar around the lens. Current options include 1.75X telephoto and 0.75X wide-angle lenses, as well as any 52mm filter adapter. For those who live the life aquatic, there's also an underwater case. Though this camera lacks a hotshoe, you can attach a higher-powered HF-DC1 accessory flash. It fits on a bracket that screws into the tripod socket and fires as a slave in cordless mode.
There are a number of cool features, such as Color Swap mode, which lets you photograph, say, purple roses by exchanging all the reds in a scene with an alternate color, as well as a 4.4-megapixel wide-screen framing mode. The ISO 800 sensitivity setting also comes in handy and isn't quite as noisy as those we've seen on some compact cameras.
Low shutter lag and robust continuous shooting are the biggest strengths of the Canon A540. Under high-contrast lighting conditions, this camera's autofocus system lets it snap off a picture in 0.7 second and lags about 1.1 seconds under more challenging low-contrast light, even with the crimson focus-assist lamp. The camera responds quickly to fast-moving shooting situations, powering up for an initial shot in 1.9 seconds, with shot-to-shot times of just 2 seconds thereafter. However, when using the slow-charging built-in flash (effective for even coverage out to about 11 feet at ISO 800), between-shot pauses extended to 4 seconds during testing and almost 6 seconds in practice. (Flash-recycle time varies with battery type and capacity.) The red-eye-prevention mode only partially tamed red pupils in our test subjects. The A540 maintained a steady 2.3fps in continuous-shooting mode, regardless of resolution and with seemingly no limit to the number of shots.
We like this camera's photos, which are quite good for its class. The exposure system tends to favor shadows at the expense of highlights; dark areas have lots of detail, while bright areas wash out. We found less chromatic aberration than we expected with purple fringing around backlit subjects surprisingly absent. Flesh tones were often warm, but other colors were fairly accurate, if muted. Flash exposures tend to be a little warm, and automatic white balance sometimes produces reddish casts under incandescent light. As you might hope, noise levels were low at the minimum ISO 80 sensitivity setting and rose significantly at ISO 400, but the images were still tolerable when we boosted ISO to the maximum ISO 800.
The Canon PowerShot A540's image quality and full manual controls will no doubt appeal to advanced photographers looking for a backup to their dSLRs. At the same time, beginners will like the many scene modes and its full auto mode too. Of course, if 4X zoom isn't enough for you, there's always the near-identically featured A700 for just a little extra cash.
(Shorter bars indicate better performance)
Typical shot-to-shot time | Time to first shot | Shutter lag (typical) |
Typical continuous-shooting speed in frames per second
(Longer bars indicate better performance)
Typical continuous-shooting speed |