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6.5 out of 10

Canon PowerShot A530

5.0 megapixels, first seen: 17 March 2006

Information found in: from 69 sources in 24 countries.
  • User Score (330)
    8.4 8.4 from 330 reviewers
  • Expert Score (45)
    7.9 7.9 from 45 reviewers
  • Design (3)
    6.0 6.0 from 3 reviewers
  • Value for money (20)
    7.1 7.1 from 20 reviewers
  • Features (13)
    6.0 6.0 from 13 reviewers
  • Ease of use (30)
    6.6 6.6 from 30 reviewers
  • Picture quality (35)
    6.8 6.8 from 35 reviewers
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Pros & Cons

  • flexible manual control options, simple functions, excellent features and controls, good quality pictures, try using it less
  • the lcd is small, at only 5 mb, no big display, average looking, 16mb sd included

The PowerShot A530 features ISO 800 so you can enjoy flash-free shooting for longer. Combined with 5.0 Megapixels and a 4x optical zoom, this compact performer offers a lot of camera for your money.

  • 5.0 MP and 4x optical zoom
  • DIGIC II, iSAPS, 9-point AiAF
  • 17 shooting modes and My Colors
  • High-speed ISO 800
  • Widescreen image recording
  • VGA movies with sound
  • 1.8" LCD screen
  • PictBridge and Print/Share button
  • USB 2.0 Hi-Speed
  • CANON iMAGE GATEWAY²

Manufacturer's Specs

Release Date

  • First seen
    17 March 2006

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Review Summary

Are you looking for a camera which will be appealing to the entire family, then you should consider taking a closer look at the Canon PowerShot A530. As CNET puts it, this camera will be appealing to just about anyone that is looking for a very inexpensive camera which is actually worth the value. They also claim that this camera produces pretty good quality photos in just about each and every situation, even outdoors, which is one of the main reasons that it is so appealing. It is the perfect camera for…

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Are you looking for a camera which will be appealing to the entire family, then you should consider taking a closer look at the Canon PowerShot A530. As CNET puts it, this camera will be appealing to just about anyone that is looking for a very inexpensive camera which is actually worth the value. They also claim that this camera produces pretty good quality photos in just about each and every situation, even outdoors, which is one of the main reasons that it is so appealing. It is the perfect camera for any family picnic. Another thing that CNET likes about this camera is the color quality which it has to offer. Unfortunately, one of the main downfalls of this camera is the fact that it does take quite a long time between pictures.

CNET agrees that the Canon PowerShot A530 is an ideal digital camera for anyone who is on a budget and is looking for an affordable camera. They believe that it produces good pictures in environments that are well lit. They also feel that it has some really good features which makes it a good camera for people who are on a budget. However, they do think that there are better cameras out there which can provide you with better performance. Overall, it is safe to say that if you are looking for a great outdoorsy camera, a camera which will help you save a lot of money, or if you are just looking for a camera for beginners, then chances are that the Canon PowerShot A530 is the perfect choice for you. Those who are more interested in a camera which will give them the ability to not be able to miss a shot with high-speed performance, should look elsewhere for a digital camera, as the Canon PowerShot A530 is not an ideal choice for you.

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  1. Reviewer: Cameras
    16 May 2006
    Overall 8
    7.9
     

    The Canon Powershot A530 is a great value for money digital camera. It is available at a very reasonable price indeed. Photos are good both indoors and outside. There is also a manual mode. Although not perfect I am happy to recommend this camera. Read more

  2. Canon PowerShot A530

    Reviewer: Imaging Resource
    13 December 2006

    Featuring a 5.0-megapixel CCD a 4x lens and a full range of exposure control, the PowerShot A530 is another fine addition to Canon's A-series of digital cameras. Built on the same long-tested design as many A-series predecessors, the Canon A530 offers a lot in its compact package. Its combination of automatic and manual features make the Canon A530 very approachable for novices, but still interesting for experienced users, the net result being a camera that will satisfy... Read more

  3. Canon Powershot A530

    Reviewer: Review Stop
    6 December 2006
    Overall 6
    6.0
    Value for money 6
    6.0
     

    Cheap but not chic Read more

  4. Canon PowerShot A530

    Reviewer: GadgetSpeak
    19 June 2006

    I am afraid to me this was a 'curates egg' unit good in parts. The best price I found on my Internet searches was £141.55 from the link below, more details from second link. Read more

  5. Canon PowerShot A530

    Reviewer: Digital Photography Interface
    7 September 2009

    I'll make this short and simple, the A530 is a watered down A540 which sells at a lower price. Things like battery life and image quality are still good and the full manual mode is a plus. Performance was snappy too. Despite that, the A530 has no priority modes, a small LCD and mediocre movie mode. As an added insult, the A530 is incompatible with conversion lenses and the A540 is a better deal. My point here is, if you're looking at the A530, then go for the A540. It's... Read more

  1. Canon Powershot 530 not as easy as it should be to use

    Reviewer: Epinions
    11 May 2009
    Overall 6
    6.0
    Ease of use 4
    4.0
    Picture quality 10
    10
     

    I've been using my little camera for 6 months now and continue to have problems with setting it up for shots. I have discovered the settings do not always hold from shot to shot. For instance I'll want to take a shot using the self-timer (which is not all that easy to find to set up) and after taking the shot it may revert back to non-self-timer. The flash setting never stays if you select any other setting and you have to remember to reset it if you need it. It takes... Read more

  2. Reviewer: Review Centre
    30 March 2007
    Overall 6
    6.0
    Value for money 4
    4.0
    Features 4
    4.0
    Ease of use 5
    5.0
    Picture quality 3
    3.0
     

    Can't be that bad, I've owned the Canon PowerShot A530 for over a year and still using it for all my pics Read more

  3. Nice inexpensive point and shoot

    Reviewer: DealTime UK
    25 May 2007

    My new digital camera was stolen and I did not have any money to replace it with a like model (almost DSLR). I am an amateur photographer and I almost physically suffer if I can't take pictures. I received an email flyer with this camera at a great price, less than $200 on sale. I have had Canon cameras in the past and always been pleased with their performance so I went on to the store and bought it. I have been very pleased with this camera from day one. It is easy to... Read more

  4. a530

    Reviewer: PriceGrabber
    11 December 2009
    Overall 4
    4.0
     

    I have had this camera for about 2 years now. I have NO COMPLAINTS on the pictures that it takes, however, it is a big deal that there is a ridiculous flash recharge time after shots. I have missed several important shots (mostly action and quick response) because of the recharge time. I sent it back once to the Canon warranty department for an unrelated issue and was taken care of quickly and accurately, ever since then, the flash recharge time has deminished to a few... Read more

  5. Problematic, poor performance over time

    Reviewer: M. Ulrich, Amazon
    15 November 2008
    Overall 4
    4.0
     

    I've had this camera for 1.5 years. I purchased it originally as an upgrade from an Olympus. I've had nothing but problems with it and have sent it in for repair, only to have the same problem occur after they fixed it and the warranty expired. It's sensors continuously say the batteries are low when they are brand new and charged and it won't take pictures. Slow between pictures when using your flash. If you have little kids, plan on missing all the shots when they are... Read more

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