Not so easy to use, battery life is poor and adjustments are cumbersome. I expected more from this camera. The auto lens cover dosen't work and must be closed completly by hand. I would like to see this camera have a better battery option rther than just 2 AA batteries that just do not have enough lifetime and you must always carry spares or lose a lot of shots..

retiredsgood

Ridgefield, WA

Canon Powershot cameras have evolved.  And the A510 is no exception. It has all the features of the normal point and shot cameras with the versatility of shooting outside of the box point and shoot.  You have several different options, (potrait, close-up, landscape, sport, video, as well as manual settings)  It is a good basic camera with a few bells and whistles. Pros, Light weight, easy to grip, good quality camera, durable (if dropped it still keeps ticking) nice photos, easy menu options, quick uploaded to computer, telephoto lense to capture far away objects.  It has a decent timer, hardly any red eyed pictures, stores many pictures and has several choices for sizes. Cons: Camera has some issues with over exposure in bright sunlight. There are other cameras that capture outside light better.  Flash is too bright on close up subjects. Make sure to look at your pictures once you have taken them if you are using the close-up or potrait mode (or flower or face) so that you are satisified with your shot. This is an easy to use camera, with some added features that make this purchase for a beginner a great choice.  Once you master this camera it is fun to advance to the other models.

NewParent

Longmont, CO

This is a pretty cool camera. It is the only one I've ever had. The silver color is cute on the camera. It is also convenient size where I can fit my camera into many protective cases which will protect it well! I like to take my camera on vacation and to camp, so this, I thought, was a good camera to take because the quality of the pictures is pretty decent. the "fast man" setting, as I like to call it, is my favorite because it takes pictures easily and quick, so even if your hands are wobbling a little, or shaking the camera, it will still take a great picture. The video setting is a bit annoying, however. This is why I rated the camera 4 stars. The videos only go for 25 seconds. If you are trying to tape a performance, you have to keep restarting the video until you have accumulated about 10 videos during 3 minutes! It also dosen't take amazing pictures like the other Canon Powershot cameras, but those are bigger with a larger lense. They are too bulky for me.

CashMunny

Springfield, MO

The Canon PowerShot A510 digital camera presents a nice compact package and is somewhat easy to use. There are many features available on this camera but only by wading through the telephone book size instruction manual will you be able to learn what they are and how to use them. An instructional DVD would have helped. There are cameras currently available that are smaller,lighter and packed with more features for less than this camera cost when new, making this camera less desirable. As a starter camera or as a back up the A510 will do the job just fine. For current technology, look elsewhere.

MichaelSpector

Tampa, FL

This Canon camera has been with us for going on 5 years, and has taken many thousands of pictures along the way.  Overall, it has been a good camera, and only now is it just starting to show signs of 'wearing out'.  By that I mean that the shutter usually doesn't open all the way on it's own, and has to be 'encouraged' with the tip of the fingernail.  There are many features I have liked about the PowerShot A510, and here are a few: 1. being able to record video and sound - great for the baby's first steps, or first Christmas program, or first time sledding...you get my point. 2. having the option of doing some video editing right on the camera - you know, cutting out the first 10 seconds where you're telling your child that the video's rolling, and to say "I love you!" to their grandparents. 3. the size - can easily fit in a coat pocket or purse. 4. the customizable self-timer (up to 10-second delay) and multi-shot option (up to 10 frames at  a time) - this has been a lifesaver for family pictures!  Just attach the camera base to a tripod, set up the timer how you like, jump in the picture, and hope for at least ONE where everyone is looking and maybe even smiling!  This has been one of my most favorite (and most used) features of this camera. When this one gives out completely, there will be a couple important features that I'll look for in my next camera: 1. one that does better in low/natural light when you want to turn the flash off.  Perhaps the feature is there, but I just haven't learned how to use it.  Sometimes, though, the flash just 'ruins' the whole feel of the picture, but when you turn it off, there's absolutely no way to get a clear shot of your kids who of course aren't sitting perfectly still while you work on your photography skills. 2. one that has a faster 'reload' time for the next picture.  I love the multi-shot feature, but it will only 'rapid-shoot' if you're in plenty of bright light where there is no need for a flash.  Otherwise, you have to wait...and wait...and wait for it to advance to the next picture Overall, this has been a great camera for our family, and our first digital camera in fact.  Now that I know a little more of what I personally want in a camera, I'll have a better idea of how to shop for the next one (just waiting for this one to bite the dust completely)

UH60sweetheart

Woodlawn, TN

i bought this camera in high hopes of taking the best quality pictures! i was wrong. The quality is poor by far and the canon has not lived up to or exceeded my standards at all. I used to have a kodak easyshare and that camera i miss dearly(it was stole). The canon is not as user friendly and i am pretty camera literate. With this camera you are also limiting yourself to get that "great shot" because the optical zoom is not the best out there. Yes, there is the digital zoom, but the more you use that the more your pictures quality will suffer. I think that for the money we paid for this particular camera, i would have expected the quality to be a little better and the camera to be more user friendly, especially when canon is the brand name! If you are just starting out i would hihgly reccommend koday since it is made for the customer. as for canon, im not really sure who it was made for, not me!

laurad12

Marysville, CA