Foreword:

Canon’s PowerShot line is chock full of point-and-click cameras with a variety of options. The A1000 IS is one in a long line of cameras that is neither as pretty nor as exciting as its cousins. However, with a 12 Megapixel sensor, optical Image Stabilisation, and of course the convenience of AA batteries to power it, this is a great camera to use especially because of its good Digic 4 processor and surprisingly good lens and sensor.

+Ves:

• The build quality is great – making the camera look far more expensive than it actually is. The body’s design makes a firm grip very easy, and it is small enough to slip into a pants pocket.
• The entire layout of this camera is the same as the other PowerShots with a jog dial circling through different options such as Program (P), Auto, Easy, and Movie added to Landscape, Portrait, Indoor and SCN modes. The buttons are well laid out, and their functions are intuitive as well as labeled.
• From off to first shot, this camera takes a decent 1.7 seconds, while the average shot-to-shot time is quite the same as its competitors at 2.5 seconds. The flash sucks in a lot of shooting time, resulting in 6.7 seconds between shots.
• Unlimited continuous shooting possible at 0.8 frames per second.
• The photo quality is great for its price, and the color, contrast and exposure are well laid out. The best pictures came out at ISO 200 or less in bright conditions.
• Automatic scene recognition and long shutter are other added features on this camera.

-Ves:

• There is no great customization with aperture and shutter priority or other manual options that exist in the A-series of Canon’s PowerShot line. The Program mode allows some manipulation of white balance, light metering and auto-focus type and some color effects.
• Some barrel distortion at the extremes from the lens, off-center subjects are soft.
• Grain is readily noticeable at ISO 400, and while this camera does claim ISO 1,600, it is best to use it with ISO 200 in bright conditions.

Final Word:

Made for casual photographers or novices, this camera is an excellent point-and-shoot device with a plethora of features that will keep keen users busy. Coupled with excellent picture quality for its price, this camera does what it takes to teach new users with the Easy mode, and does not look all that bad either. A great buy especially with its compatibility with AA batteries.