Product ReviewsCanon PowerShot A3100 IS 12.1MP Digital Camera - Silver

I would definitely purchase again on E-bay.

I just love my Canon PowerShot A3100. Thank you E-bay/Keith. This one is similar to the one I did have, plus I did go online to download the manual. All is good!!!

Verified purchase:  Yes | Condition: pre-owned | Sold by: soshe_635

Canon PowerShot A3100 IS 12.1MP Digital Camera, Silver, w/ accessories

JUNK NO FLASH

Verified purchase:  Yes | Condition: pre-owned | Sold by: billyholderbee

Powershot package Great for gifting

The refurb camera was in PERFECT condition - as was all the merchandise. I have an earlier version of this camera and I love it (and still use it). I got this one was a gift and it was great! Everything fit neatly in one box, however the tripod was open when I received it, but that was fine. I just discarded the extra packaging and put it the box. Turns out my fiancee didn't use it anyway, since it's a VERY small tripod.
The camera is very user friendly and turns out some great pics - even under low light!Read full review...

what a great little camera!!!

The A3100 is an almost ideal first digital camera and an excellent choice for the primary family camera.
Pros
Easy to use
Compact
First rate optics
Excellent image quality
Very good feature set
Reasonably-priced
Cons
No manual exposure capability
Battery life could be better
No optical viewfinder
No handgrip
Canon PowerShot A3100 IS Full Review


Canon's Powershot A3100 IS is the latest in its "A" series of digital cameras, a line that has enjoyed popularity and customer loyalty since A20 launched 10 years ago. Its popularity is mostly due to the "A" series reputation for delivering excellent image quality and dependable performance. Budget-conscious shooters loved earlier "A" series digital cameras because they were like an inexpensive - and slightly stripped down - version of Canon's "G" series digicams.

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The A2000 IS, which was introduced in 2008, was the first step in Canon's makeover of the venerable "A" series. The A2000 was an auto-exposure-only point-and-shoot that lacked manual exposure capability, an optical viewfinder and a handgrip. With the A3100 IS, which replaces the popular A1100 IS, Canon's revolutionary "A" series makeover feels complete.
On the surface, the A3100 IS bears a discernible family resemblance to earlier A series digicams, but under the hood presents a major departure from the basic design philosophy that defined its predecessors. The A3100 IS (like its predecessors) provides excellent bang for the buck. Will it help maintain Canon's dominance in this highly competitive market segment? Let's find out.

BUILD AND DESIGN
In general, the A3100 IS's styling is similar to earlier "A" series cameras; its metal alloy and polycarbonate body is compact, stylish (in a practical sort of way) and durable. The camera feels good in the hand - although a bit small - and is easy to operate. Canon's "A" series digicams have always been powered by relatively cheap and universally available AA batteries, but the A3100 IS (and its nearly identical sibling the A3000 IS) are the first "A" series cameras to be powered by proprietary Canon Lithium-ion battery packs.

The A3100 also incorporates a slight redesign of the control array and a new simplified two tab menu system. Its predecessor featured an optical viewfinder and a rudimentary handgrip; the newest PowerShot eschews both. The A3100 IS is smaller (by about 25%) than its predecessor and looks like a shrunken version of earlier A models. Previous "A" series models were very popular with photo enthusiasts and more serious shooters because they provided a useful range of manual exposure options (Aperture Priority mode, Shutter Priority mode and a full Manual exposure mode), but the A3100 IS uses the same auto exposure-only system as the A1100 IS.
Unlike earlier "A" series units, the A3100 IS is thinner, lighter, easier to use than earlier "A" series digicams and easily pocketable. Earlier "A" series cameras were also marketed to a broader demographic, including photo enthusiasts, but the A3100 IS is clearly targeted toward snap-shooters and casual photographers.

Ergonomics and Controls
The A3100 IS's user interface is logical and uncomplicated; all buttons are reasonably large, clearly marked, sensibly placed and easily accessed. Operation is basic and all exposure options are minor variations on the auto exposure theme. The four-way conRead full review...

Great little camera!

I was looking for a camera that would work for taking pictures of my kids, pets, and would also work for macro shots of knitting projects. I did some research, and found that this one had all the features I needed. I also was specifically looking for a Canon camera, as I recently purchased a Canon printer and wanted to stick within the brand.

I was not disappointed. I've only had the camera for a few days, but have taken pictures in all lighting situations and tested out various features. My two dogs were most cooperative in letting me try out the kids/pets setting. I was able to get clear shots of the two of them playing in the living room. The picture was crisp and clear even though the dogs were moving very quickly.

I was also able to get an excellent shot of one of the dogs sleeping on my bed by walking into the pitch black room, pointing, and shooting. The flash lit the room beautifully, and the image was crystal clear. I actually printed that shot to put in a frame on the wall.

I took pictures of random items through my rain-stained windshield on the car, and the objects I was aiming for were in perfect focus. Most cameras I've had in the past were unable to catch images through dirty glass... I find this to be critical.

I don't plan on printing posters, but probably could with the resolution on this camera. The manual is clear and easy to read, and is installed as a pdf file on your computer that is formatted for easy reference. This alone is invaluable.

While the setup of the buttons on the camera itself aren't the most intuitive, and some settings require a little extra button pushing to select, a quick skim through the manual makes it easy to do what you want.

Using the "Auto" setting has worked for most pictures, and did a pretty good job of figuring out what I wanted. Turning off the flash when you don't want it is simple enough, as is turning it back on (once you realize that you've left it off).

Essentially, this is a great little multi-function camera for everyday use. I wouldn't start a photography studio with it, but for a mom who wants to catch all those random moments, it's perfect.Read full review...

Very happy with this camera!!

What I like about this camera is the compact size, nice blue color, the picture quality is good and it's really easy to use. The main reasons why I bought this camera is because Canon makes the BEST cameras (at least that's what everyone says), because of the great price of $150 and because it looks good!!!!Read full review...

Amazing Camera, Pocket Size, Quality

This camera has all the features you could ever want in a camera, with additional advance features that I would never use lol. I bought this camera for taking pictures for my ebay, and I must say that it was quite an upgrade from my 3.0 megapixel Blackberry 8530 Curve 2 camera. This pocket size camera packs 12.1 Megapixel with high quality and has a built in processor that will automatically adjust the picture for best output. I really like this camera and plan on using it for a long time. :) Recommended for everyday use.Read full review...

basic little camera

What I like about the camera is that it is pretty much fool proof. It's ideal for people who have no idea how to take pictures because the camera chooses the shooting modes for you. It's easy to carry because it's lightweight and small. I don't like that I can't lower the resolution of the pictures (or at least maybe I haven't found where to do that after extensively searching for it, it's not even in the manual, so I suppose you can't do it at all). I also don't like that you don't have a viewfinder (to me, a camera without a viewfinder defeats it's own purpose). The battery lasts for a long time. All in all, it takes good enough pictures and it's very easy to use, it's a basic camera, not meant for professionals (too basic).Read full review...

Canon comes through with a goodie

I bought this item because of my experience with Canon film cameras and their tradition of providing superb lenses for their price. I was seeking a format larger than 10 megapixels as well, considering that to be the equivalent of film detail. This camera touches both earmarks and on eBay the used price was also extremely comfortable. Prior to this digital camera, I've owned a number of Sony Cybershots, the dual media versions that are simply quite ancient. This camera is also literally pocket sized. I'm truly content with this camera; it has truly intuitive menus and a fast acting, accurate screen. The imaging is naturally light years better than my almost a decade old Cybershot, but the accuracy of the imaging has meant no surprises.Read full review...

I love me new camera

Wow!
My wife and I are internet sellers and take many photos. I was using an Olympus stylus 1010 and I dropped it. Total loss. After reading a lot of reviews I purchased the Cannon Power Shot. Wow! What a difference. The previous camera did an ok job but this Cannon is a 100% improvement. The photos are a lot sharper and the color is near perfect. My wife who is not a tech person can use it as the automatic features actually work. Sure am glad I did not replace the broken camera with one just like it.

I recommend this camera to anyone who is taking photos to use on the internet. No engineering degree needed to use it. really is point and shoot.Read full review...

Great little camera

We love it! It is easy to use, and takes great pictures and videos. The display is a nice size so that others can view the pictures that are on the camera. It is easy to throw in a pocket and go so I can always get great shots of my kids.Read full review...

Great general purpose camera

The Canon Powershot A3100 is very easy to use. Its settings are straight forward and you don't need to do a lot of extra adjustments. This camera may lack some of the sophistication of the more expensive models, but for everyday use, it is great. One can generally obtain a decent A3100 for around $40 to $50. Be sure to buy a carrying case, as these cameras do not tolerate getting dropped or knocked around without being severely damaged.Read full review...