This camera was my very first ever digital camera. I got it about 6 years ago. I asked my dad for a digital camera for Christmas and this is the one he picked for me. It was a great camera although I have since upgraded to a new Cannon. This camera is great for beginners. It's pretty bulky since it takes 2 AA batteries. Don't try to cram it into your pocket. The nice thing about it taking 2 AA batteries is that you never have to worry about charging batteries (or forgetting to bring your charger with you). If you're on vacation and your camera batteries die all you have to do is buy 2 AA batteries and you're good to go. The batteries don't last as long as I would have liked though. I do wish the LCD screen on this camera was a bit bigger. But overall it's pretty durable, takes good pics (for the price), and is easy to use. It doesn't take fantastic action shots but otherwise the pictures usually turn out nicely.

erinandglenn

Greenville, SC

I was not totally happy with the picture quality of my Kodak Easy Share C330, so decided to try a Canon product. Image Quality Image quality is excellent. Performance I was doubtful that the night shot feature would produce good quality. Wow - was I amazed. Ease of Use Very easy to use. The only feature I am not happy with is having to open the battery compartment [which also houses the memory card] each time I want to reformat the memory card. Durability excellent Battery Life Good, but not great. Even without using the video capability, the battery does not last for a complete photo event Portability great.

richmondlady

Richmond, VA

I got this Canon Powershot A540 as a gift; it was my first digital camera.  I like it a lot; it is compact (though a little heavy for its size) and it's very easy to use the basic autofocus and the zoom lens. There are a lot of other settings which I must admit I rarely use, but the couple of times I've tried them it was nice to have the options to see which way produced the best pictures. I found it very easy to transfer pictures to the computer for editing and storage. One can print directly from the camera to the Canon printer I got with it, but I would rather keep them backed up on the computer also. I am pleased with the durability of the camera; I dropped it on pavement with the zoom lens out, and the extended lens was jammed halfway in, but my boyfriend was able to un-jam it and neither the lens, the viewing screen, or anything else was damaged. It does seem to go through ordinary batteries rather quickly, but the one time I bought batteries specifically marketed for long life in cameras they lasted a while.

Segnbora

Saint Petersburg, FL

I've had my share of cameras but this one is by far the best! Not only is it easy to use but the quality is excellent! I've taken videos with it and it's just as good as a camcorder! I've taken lots of photos with it and only once has it let me down; batteries died. I shall always treasure the photos of my now deceased mother because they're so clear; it's as though they were just taken!

ladystarr

Alamogordo, NM

I have been putting off buying a new camera because I wanted to get the best for my money. this is the best. I love this camera. Takes wonderful pictures, easy to use, and the price can't be beat for a good digital. The only problem i have is the it eats batteries like crazy, need rechargeable for sure. That is a problem with all digital cameras though, so what are you gonna do?

fpsmoon

Las Vegas, NV

Got this camera for a gift and it has been wonderful.  The camera has a great zoom, wonderful options, easy to use, and very compact.  My favorite feature is the video option, because it takes EXCELLENT video and the quality amazed me the first time I used it.  I cary this camera with me all the time and have captured many wonderful memories because of it.

carrierena

Ardmore, OK

I just LOVE my camera, If you are looking to buy one of these I say go for it!!!!!!! I am so in love with my camera it has high megapixels, a lot of memory, easy to use, high quality and resolution pics. This camera automatically adjust to indoor or outdoor lighting, has red eye options, that cut out the red eye too!

caseycolette

Groton, CT

I've taken my Canon A540 with me everywhere -- from Eastern Europe to New Zealand and last month to Thailand!  This past trip I took about 1,400 photos, so I'm in the process of classifying, deleting and arranging them.  It's so easy to do -- and nearly all of them came out great even with low light or non-optimal conditions.  It's just a darned-good, inexpensive digital camera that is very versatile.  Try it....you'll like it! :)

Joanneeee

San Carlos, CA

This is a great little camera.  I have taken excellent pictures with it.  I have started to use the features for different settings - like night time, at the beach, etc.  They all work fine.  Photo stitch is a lot of fun if you like to take landscape photos.

mushigaga

Los Angeles, CA

I actually have a older model of this camera, but I like it very much. The main difference with mine is it takes 4 batteries instead of 2 now and the memory cards are nicer and less expensive now. Canon is a great brand, I've heard great things about them. I've talked to some professional photographers and they swear by them. This camera is great for everyday use, taking pics of the family, pets, friends, etc. I've found for action shots you need something faster, but I like it very much and would recommend it for the price.

mspence0423

Albuquerque, NM