History is often a good indicator of future success. The Powershot A70 was a big seller because Canon listened to what typical consumers wanted in an entry level 3 megapixel digital camera (excellent image quality, Point & Shoot simplicity AND creative manual exposure capability, first rate optics, exceptional ergonomics, speedy operation, super power management, a raft load of advanced features, lots of accessories, and relatively cheap) and then built the A70 to meet those expectations. Canon’s design staff started with the proven A20/A40 platform and then shoehorned much of the cutting edge digital technology (like the new DIGIC processor and iSAPs tools) first seen on the upscale G3, S45, S50, and S400 models.
Canon’s new A75 (the A70’s replacement) retains all of the best features of its predecessor and actually improves (slightly) on what was already a “best in class” digicam. The A75 shows a distinct family resemblance to Canon’s snazzy G5, but this new kid on the block doesn’t rely solely on its good looks. Absolute beginners will quickly master the A75’’s program and scene modes while more advanced photographers will opt for greater control and more creative freedom with the A75’s aperture priority, shutter priority, or manual modes. Like the A20, A40, A60, and the A70 before it, the fourth generation A75 is a winner.
What’s New? How does the A75 differ from the A70?
The A75 features a 9 AF point (AiAF) autofocus system. The A70 had a 5 AF point (AiAF) autofocus system
The A75 provides users with a larger 1.8” LCD screen (the A70’s LCD screen was 1.5”)
The A75 provides a nifty new Special Scene mode (SCN) that tailors exposure parameters for six specific types of scene (Foliage, Snow, Beach, Fireworks, Underwater, and Indoor) virtually guaranteeing proper exposure for this group of popular subjects, in addition to the regular scene mode.
The A75 ships with a 32MB CF (type I) card (the A70 included a 16MB CF card).
The A75 also features Canon’s new Print/Share technology for one-touch image transfer
NUTS & BOLTS
Viewfinder/LCD
The A75’s real image tunnel style zooming optical viewfinder is bright, sharp, fluid, and shows about eighty per cent of the frame. There is no diopter adjustment for eyeglasses wearers.
The A70 used the same 1.5" LCD screen as earlier “A” series Powershots, but the A75 sports a larger 1.8” LCD screen. LCD images are bright, sharp, and fluid and the screen is usable under all light conditions.
Zoom Lens
The A75 uses the proven f2.8-4.8/35-105 (35mm equivalent) all glass optical zoom (with aspherical element) used in the A20, A40, A60, A70, and A80 models. When the A75 is powered up the lens extends automatically. When the camera is powered down the zoom is fully retracted into the camera and a built in lens cover closes to protect it. The A75’s lens is sharp, relatively fast, fairly quiet, and operates smoothly. There is some very minor barrel distortion at the 35mm end of the zoom range, but no visible pincushion distortion at the telephoto end of the range. Close focusing distance (in macro mode) is 2 inches. The A75 (unlike many budget digicams) accepts 52mm filters, and auxiliary wide angle, telephoto and macro lenses.
Auto Focus
The A75 features an improved TTL 9-point AiAF (Advanced intelligent Auto Focus) system that allows the camera to automatically select the primary subject even when it is off-center. The AiAF system analyzes the scene in front of the camera and accurately calculates camera to subject distance to determine which AF point is closest to the primary subject and then automatically locks focus on that AF point. User’s can turn off AiAF (via the menu) and default to the center focus point for portraits or traditional landscapes. In low light an AF assist beam illuminates the subject for more accurate focusing. The A75's autofocus is fast and precise, with above average performance, in virtually all lighting.
Manual Focus
Entry-level digital cameras rarely provide a manual focus mode. The A75 (like the A70) permits users to enable manual focus with the four-way switch and then use the left/right buttons to adjust focus incrementally. A scale is shown on the LCD screen to indicate approximate distances, but the center of the image can’t be enlarged (like it is on many prosumer cameras). The A75’s manual focus system is a little cumbersome, but it does provide a bit more individual control than many comparable digicams.
Flash
The A75’s built in flash offers a fairly standard selection of flash options including; Auto (fires when needed), On (fill flash), Red-Eye Reduction, Slow-synch in Night Scene Mode, and off. Canon claims the flash range is about 15 feet and this seems to be a fairly accurate assessment. Unlike most entry-level digicams, the A75 provides (limited) flash compensation via the flash output setting (low, medium, or high). The A75’s built-in flash is somewhat better than average.
Memory Media
The PowerShot A75 saves images to Compact Flash (type I) cards
Connectivity
USB 1.1 and A/V out
Power
Four AA batteries power the A75. Canon’s engineers have improved power management to the point that even Alkaline AA’s will power the camera (according to Canon) for up to 250 (continuous LCD and occasional flash use) exposures. NiMH re-chargeables will keep the A75 running for up to 350 (continuous LCD and occasional flash use) exposures. My friend and I used four Duracell Alkaline AA’s to power the A75 through a full weekend of demanding (heavy LCD, frequent review, and occasional flash) use and never ran out of juice.
EXPOSURE
Like its siblings and cousins (G5, G3, S50, S45, S400, S500, S230, A60, A70, and A80) the A75 features Canon's proprietary the DIGIC (Digital Imaging Integrated Circuit) Processor. DIGIC technology combines image processing and basic camera control in a single chip that handles Auto Exposure, Auto white balance, image compression, gain control, auto focusing, and power management, making the A75 faster and more efficient than most of its competition.
The A75 provides a wide range of exposure options including; Auto (Point and Shoot mode), Program (Auto exposure with user input), Aperture priority, Shutter-speed priority, Manual mode (unlike most entry-level digital cameras, the A75 provides a full range of manual controls). Users can set shutter speed, lens aperture, ISO sensitivity, and fine tune white balance), Stitch Assist mode, Scene modes (Portrait, Landscape, Night Scene, Fast Shutter, Slow Shutter), and SCN (Special Scene mode) Foliage, Snow, Beach, Fireworks, Underwater (with the optional WP-DC30 underwater case), and Indoor. Canon’s exclusive iSAPS (Intelligent Scene Analysis based on Photographic Space) technology produces consistently exceptional exposures in all scene modes. The camera instantly matches the scene in front of the camera with an on board database of known scene types and then compares that information with the specific scene’s subject distance, white balance, contrast range, lighting, and color (just before the image is recorded) to determine the correct exposure. The ISAPS system works hand in hand with Canon’s DIGIC chip and AiAF auto focus system to quickly capture consistently exceptional images with accurate color, balanced contrast, and tack sharp focus.
Movie Mode
The A75 provides users with a very good movie mode, especially for an entry-level digicam. Users can record video clips (with audio) up to 30 seconds in duration at 640x320 @ 15 frames per second and up to 3 minute clips at 320x240 (also @ 15 FPS). You can’t use the zoom (you must set the zoom to the desired focal length before you begin) during movie recording, but the Photo Effects mode can be used. The A75 also provides a voice-notation option so users can add audio notes to still pictures.
Metering
The A75’s default evaluative metering system is consistently accurate in all but the most difficult lighting. More experienced photographers can opt for Spot metering in more demanding lighting, or center-weighted metering for more traditional looking portraits and landscapes.
White Balance
The A75 provides more white balance options than most currently available entry-level digicams, including TTL Auto, Daylight, Cloudy, Tungsten, Fluorescent, Fluorescent H, and a professional level custom mode that allows users to use a white card (or white wall/ceiling) for precise accurate color.
Sensitivity
TTL Auto & 50, 100, 200, or 400 ISO (35mm equivalent)
In-Camera Image Adjustment
The Photo Effects mode allows users to quickly and easily adjust color saturation levels and image sharpening.
CONTROLS, DESIGN, & ERGONOMICS
The A75 is a lightweight, and very well balanced compact digital camera constructed of a durable combination of metal and polycarbonate. Experienced photographers will have no problem using the camera right out of the box and most beginners should be able to shoot first-rate images after a short familiarization with the user’s manual. The A75’s top deck is uncluttered and all controls are logically placed. There is a large and comfortable grip on the right hand side of the camera. Most of the A75’s functions are be easily accessed via traditional buttons and switches, but when users need to employ the menu system, pushing the FUNC button provides an LCD overlay that provides quick and direct access to the most commonly changed settings.
Technical Specifications
Resolution: 3 Megapixels (2048 x 1536)
Viewfinders: 1.8” TFT LCD screen and Real Image zooming optical viewfinder
Exposure: Auto, Program, Scene Mode & Special Scene mode (SCN), Aperture priority, Shutter-speed priority, Manual mode, Movie mode, and Stitch Assist mode.
Metering: Evaluative, Spot, and Center-weighted
Exposure compensation: Yes +/- 2 EV in 1/3 EV increments
Lens: f2.8-4.8/35-105 (35mm equivalent) all glass 3X optical zoom
Auto Focus: 9 AF point AiAF
Manual Focus: Yes
Minimum focusing distance: 2” (Macro)
Shutter Speed: 1/2000th of a second to 15 seconds
White balance: Auto, Daylight, Cloudy, Tungsten, Fluorescent, Fluorescent H, Flash, & Custom
Sensitivity: TTL Auto, 50, 100, 200, & 400 ISO (35mm equivalent)
In-Camera Image Adjustment: Yes
Noise Reduction: Yes-- automatic on exposures longer than 1 second
Flash: Auto, On (fill), red-eye reduction, and slow sych (in night scene mode only). There is no provision for using external flash units
Image Storage Media: CompactFlash type I
Connectivity: USB 1.1 & AV/out
Power: 4 AA batteries
Street Price Range $299.00--$279.00
Included
32MB CF card, four AA Alkaline batteries, wrist strap, USB & AV cables, software CD’s, user’s and software manuals.
Optional
Lens Adapter LA-DC52C, CBK100 (4 NiMH) batteries and charger kit, CBK4-200 4 NiMH) batteries and charger kit, LA-DC52C Lens adapter, Canon WC-DC52 0.7x Wide Converter lens, TC-DC52 2.4x Tele-converter lens, 250D Close-up Lens, WP-DC700 Waterproof Case, WP-DC30 Waterproof Housing, ACK600 AC adapter, and soft camera case.
In the Field/Handling & Operation
After a long cold winter, the Bluegrass State is finally warming up. My friend (who sells new and used digital and analog photographic equipment) and I set out to test Canon’s new Powershot A75 on the prettiest weekend we’ve had so far this year. First we shot some color tests using a homemade macro stage and a selection of brightly colored (red, green, yellow, blue, and purple) plastic children’s beach toys arrayed in front of a white background. This test allows us to check color accuracy and White Balance (and compare results from camera to camera). The A75 did an absolutely outstanding job---all colors were bright, well saturated, and dead on accurate.
The weather was absolutely beautiful (high sixties, blue skies, puffy white clouds), so we headed for the scenic loop in Cherokee Park. The park was packed with runners, skaters, speed walkers, dog walkers, a couple cruising around the scenic loop in a Jaguar convertible
with the top down and a guy in aviator sunglasses profiling along with his arm hanging out the window of a 㥋 Shelby GT350 Mustang. It looked like almost everyone in town was out trying to catch some sun and shake the winter blahs. After a couple of hours shooting folks having fun in the Park we cruised up to the Cherokee Triangle to shoot Japanese Magnolias, Star Magnolias, Bradford Pear, and Forsythia. In one yard we found all four species layered thickly, one over the other. We switched directions (to put the sun behind the flowering trees) and ended up with a beautifully backlit urban street scene dominated by glowing yellow, pink, purple, and snow white blossoms.
After finishing up near the Statue of General Castleman we drove back to Cherokee Park and left the car beside the road just down the hill from the statue of Daniel Boone and walked into the woods. We’ve had a long and cold winter with lots of rain in the last couple of weeks so the trail was pretty muddy and the small seasonal creek that cuts through this section of second growth forest was running nicely. We didn’t find much (it is still a bit too early for spring wildflowers) but we did shoot a couple Eliot Porter style “intimate landscapes” of the small creek flowing over and around water smoothed stones with one tiny patch of violets and dandelions on the bank framed by a large moss covered fallen tree limb). After we finished up in the woods we called it a day.
We got together fairly early the next morning and headed for Iroquois Park in Louisville’s South End. The sky was cobalt blue (with gorgeous white clouds) and the temperature was in the seventies. Louisville has one of the best City park systems in the United States, and Frederick Law Olmsted, (America’s most famous 19th Century Landscape Architect) designed most of them. Iroquois Park covers a large heavily forested hill that rises more than 800 feet above the surrounding suburbs. Once you drive into the park it is easy to believe that you are "out in the country" rather than completely surrounded by suburban neighborhoods.
There are several small wetland areas scattered around an area of native long grass prairie near the top of the hill. Marsh/swamp/wetland areas are one of the first places where signs of spring appear and I have seen blooming wild irises poking through surface ice in Olmsted’s little hilltop refuge. We weren’t lucky enough to find any wild irises this trip but we did shoot some wetland edge shots with dark mirror surfaced water and brownish yellow dead cattails. The blue sky and white clouds made a really nice background. In Kentucky, the long grass prairies of the mid-west meet the ancient southern forests that re-seeded the North American continent after the last ice age. The Olmsted prairie at the top of Iroquois Hill is a microcosmic version of this larger natural occurrence and it’s long been a favorite shooting location for both of us. Warm sunny weather brings Dutchman’s Breeches, Bloodroot, Virginia Bluebells, Bluets, Trout Lilies (which my Dad always called Dogstooth Violets), and dozens of other varieties of wildflowers bursting through the decaying leaf litter on the forest floor and along the banks of rain swollen creeks. We didn’t find any wildflowers (we were a couple weeks too early) but we did get some striking late afternoon “golden light” shots of the sere grasses and leafless trees growing around the edges of the prairie area.
We put the A75 through its paces, shooting in everything from Auto (Point & Shoot) mode to full manual and after reviewing the images that we shot over the weekend it’s clear the A70’s successor is a genuinely versatile digital camera that should appeal to almost anyone from rank beginner to advanced amateur.
PERFORMANCE
Image Quality
The A75 consistently produces well-exposed images with good color, balanced contrast, excellent shadow and highlight detail, and tack sharp resolution. The A75 (like all compact digicams) probably has some red-eye issues but we didn’t shoot any indoor people shots or portraits, so I can’t address this. What I can address is that the A75’s images are as good as any camera in its class and they are often better than more expensive three megapixel prosumer digicams. Reds are a tiny bit flat (like the A70), but the vivid saturation option easily cures this minor fault. Images shot at ISO 50 look best, with lots of “presence” and extremely low noise levels. At the ISO 100 setting noise levels rise a bit, but not objectionably so, however there's a surprising amount of noise at ISO 400.
We noticed some minor chromatic aberration in a couple of shots, but overall the A75’s images are consistently excellent. Colors look natural and skin tones (based on outdoor shots in Cherokee Park) are excellent. We printed a couple of 8X10’s (with an Epson 2200 on Epson photo paper) of one of our “people” shots from Cherokee Park and a sun drenched shot of a tiny pool of water surrounded by cattails in Iroquois Park. Color, contrast, highlight and shadow detail, and resolution in both enlargements were exceptional for a three megapixel entry level digicam. Our enlargements were very close to the quality level of 8X10’s from 35mm (ISO 200) color print film.
Shutter Lag/Timing
The A75 isn’t noticeably faster than the A70, but that’s not a bad thing because the A70 is pretty quick. Start up time (power on—lens extended) is a bit more than two seconds and the A75’s 3X zoom travels from wide angle to telephoto in less than two seconds. Shutter lag isn’t really a problem (the shutter fires almost instantly) and shot-to-shot times are quicker (typically between one and two seconds) than the average for entry-level digicams. The A75’s AF speed is impressive (especially if you pre-focus) typically less than one second and marginally quicker than the A70.
A Few Concerns
There is some visible chromatic aberration in high contrast color transition areas and noise levels at ISO 400 are a bit high. The cover over the CompactFlash card slot is sort of flimsy and I don’t like the plastic tripod mount (at least it’s centered).
Conclusion
Canon’s "A" series digital cameras have always been an excellent value and the A75 continues that tradition, providing users with great performance, excellent image quality, creative versatility, and impressive ease of use---at a very affordable price. The A75 is a good choice for photographers just making the jump to digital and it will also do yeoman duty as a primary family camera. The A75 is a “best-in-class” choice for travelers, backpackers, and photographers who want a digital camera that will grow with them as their image making skills evolve. The A75 isn’t just the best 3 megapixel entry level option, it’s actually competitive with many higher priced 3 megapixel prosumer models.
A Final Note
Should you upgrade from the A70 to the A75? Not unless you are one of those gadget collectors who insist on always staying one step above the curve. If you like the sound of the new A75 but you aren’t ready to drop 300 bucks on a digicam----opt instead for an A70 (yes you can still find them) you won’t have to give up much and you’ll be able to save about 100 bucks.
Links
For definitive advice on How to Choose a Digital Camera please see my review.
http://www.epinions.com/elec-review-2E46-17B174E2-39A418E3-prod1
Looking for a capable photo printer at an amazing price? Check out my review of the Epson Stylus Photo 785 EPX ink-jet printer.
http://www.epinions.com/content_60776812164
Still searching? For more information about similar/comparable Digital Camera models you may find the Digital Camera reviews below informative:
Canon Digital Cameras
Canon Powershot A70
http://www.epinions.com/content_99985034884
Canon Powershot S400
http://www.epinions.com/content_94761619076
Canon Powershot SD100
http://www.epinions.com/content_114288463492
Minolta Digital Cameras
Minolta DiMage Z1
http://www.epinions.com/content_130765000324
Panasonic Digital Cameras
Panasonic Lumix DMC LC33
http://www.epinions.com/content_118143749764
