Canon PowerShot A3100IS 12.1 MP Digital Camera with 4x Optical Image Stabilized Zoom and 2.7-Inch LCD (Red)

I've taken pictures before, but usually on other people's cameras when they wanted someone else to take a picture of them. I'm not a photographer at all. I do love post-processing, though, and so I decided that I should probably learn how to shoot pictures. After a lot of research into point-and-shoot models under $300, I decided on this one, and I'm not sorry. The pictures are crisp with good colors. The auto setting works well, and there are manual settings for ISO and white balance. The macro setting works beautifully. Turning the knob activates settings like kids/pets (fast shutter speed) and portrait (shorter depth of field? I'm not sure). I haven't tried to shoot video, but that's the last mode on the knob. There is also a setting on the knob for ultra-beginners or for children that "locks out" most buttons and shoots on full auto. The flash isn't very strong, but that's what I'd expect from a little camera like this. Obviously no viewfinder, which is not a problem for me. The LCD screen has adjustable brightness settings and seems durable enough. Transfer of photos is via USB, and the camera acts like a drive. No problems on my older Vista machine. I didn't install any software for the camera except maybe a driver that installed automatically. My 8 y/o dropped the camera from about two feet and it didn't seem to take any damage. I doubt it is super durable but normal use with kids doesn't seem to hurt it. Overall, I strongly recommend this camera. No problems so far.

I purchased this camera for my wife, and I am glad I bought it for her and not myself. This is an entry level camera and nothing more. The picture quality is good, certainly not spectacular, but it is perfectly acceptable for 4x6 prints and online viewing. The ergonomics of this camera however drive me absolutely crazy. I don't know who at Canon came up with this button layout scheme... but they should be demoted, if not fired. You much have long SKINNY hands to use this camera comfortable. Otherwise it is uncomfortable and awkward to hold, whether you have chubby or just short fingers. This is mostly due to the poorly places Mode dial which overhangs the right side of the camera, so it either gets hit by your palm, of just forces you to hold the camera in an awkward position which does nothing for holding the camera steady. If you do manage to get a picture, and not a blurry mess, then what you get as I said is respectable. There is a bit of purple fringing in high contrast pictures, but lets be honest for a second, if you are purchasing an basic point and shoot like this, you are probably almost certainly not going to notice the fringing. If you just need something small to occasionally get a quick snap, then this entry level device may work for you. For anybody looking for a bit more... look elsewhere.

I am a mom and bought this camera to take quick quality EASY pictures of my toddlers. It worked well for a month (super-clear pictures), but now the settings are all funky (the kids pressed some buttons???) and I am left needing to read the owner's manual to figure out how to change all the settings and fix it back. I just want to be able to switch it to the "kids and pets" setting on the dial and have it automatically correct to where the shutter speed is fast, IS is on and red eye fixes automatically. I'm sure I could figure out how to do this from the manual, but right now it's on my to do list and I am DREADING this task!! UPDATE: I read the manual...there's not a lot to it. Switching the setting to AUTO and taking a picture then flipping it back to "kids and pets" seemed to reset everything...however I realized that the blurry/fuzzy pictures are due to a low battery. I love the way this camera looks, but I just can't say I'm in love with the camera b/c I can't seem to get "professional" looking pictures of faces with it, but that probably has more to do with me than the camera as I am not a professional...who knows.

All I needed was an excuse to upgrade from a Canon IXY 800IS. It came when my wife accidentally drown my little Canon. The 3100IS is an upgrade at a very reasonable price. Pros: Fast start up and shut-down Comes in various colors larger screen but still fits in pocket excellent movie quality picture quality you expect from a bigger camera Cons: no viewfinder at this price point the battery/SD card lid seems a bit flimsy. PS. keep it out of salt water

Takes very nice pictures. This camera is small and lightweight. It is perfect for vacations and trips. It can easily be connected to your computer, laptop, etc.. to download photos. It's also very affordable. Pictures are clear and come out great! Makes a great gift. We bought it for our daughter's 13th birthday, and she really liked it. She has made movies on it, and done a variety of things. A good deal overall.

It came to us beat up and dirty!

When I bought this camera, a first tried it out, it was a TRULY great camera. I used it all the time. It was working great, until about 1 year after I bought it, then one day it just BROKE. BOOM! Like that! It said: "Camera error, restart camera, E32." I kept on trying it, and got the same results. I found out that it fails after exactly 1 minute after taking photos, looking at photos, whatever. I looked it up online and none of the things they said to do did not work, plus, it would cost more to take it to someone to fix the camera, then it would to just replace it. So, like I said, I loved it, 5 stars, until it broke. P.S. I just got this new Coolpix L810 that I think is good for anybody who wants to be a photographer, like I do. Just so you know.