Canon PowerShot A3100IS 12.1 MP Digital Camera with 4x Optical Image Stabilized Zoom and 2.7-Inch LCD (Red)
- 12.1 megapixels, 4x optical zoom with Optical Image Stabilizer, and DIGIC III Image Processor
- Lithium-ion battery makes the camera lighter and offers an easy alternative to recharge
- New scene modes, including Super Vivid and Poster Effect; Smart Auto selects from 18 predefined shooting situations
- Large, bright 2.7-inch LCD
- Capture images to SD/SDHC memory cards (not included)
There’s nothing more satisfying than taking great pictures! And with the Canon PowerShot A3100 IS, it’s so effortless. The 12.1 Megapixel resolution and 4x Optical Zoom with Optical Image Stabilizer ensure radiant, detailed images. Plus, you’ve got an advanced DIGIC III Image Processor with evolved Face Detection Technology and the Face Detection Self-timer for extraordinary control and performance. New scene modes give your images a professional feel, while Smart AUTO lets you handle challenging conditions with ease. Plus this trim, fashionable camera is yours in three stunning colors.
Rating: 
(out of 15 reviews)
List Price: $ 159.00
Price: $ 139.00
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Review by Surgery100 for Canon PowerShot A3100IS 12.1 MP Digital Camera with 4x Optical Image Stabilized Zoom and 2.7-Inch LCD (Red)
Rating:
This is a compact, easy-to-use, bring the fun back to photography camera that provides Canon’s photo quality in a lower cost, compact build. A little bit bigger than the digital elphs, this camera still fits comfortably in a shirt or pant pocket.
The feature set is very basic, and nothing new. It has a “Face select” feature which lets you select which person you want to focus on in a group. On the dial it has four settings: Auto, Easy, Program and movie modes. The auto mode is just as with every other camera, the camera will select the settings it determines best, but you maintain control (if you care to select it) over the white balance and flash. Easy is the same as auto, except no options. Program gives you the option to select among several “scenes”: Portrait, Landscape, Night, Kids&Pets, and Indoor (buried in the menu you can also select lesser used scene settings like Beach, Long Shutter, and Fireworks).
The only negative I’ve encountered with the camera is the relatively slow processor. That is the power up time (the time between turning the camera on and taking the first picture) is average (about 2 seconds), however, the time between pictures is around 2 seconds without the flash to 4 seconds with the flash. If you envision having (or wanting) to take faster pictures, then this is not the camera for you. Similarly, if you want to have any control over settings (i.e. shutter speed if you want to take pictures of your running toddler) this is not the camera for you.
Bottom line:
Canon replaces control and feature selection for extreme ease-of-use. This camera is a solid option for the money, and in case you are considering the A3000 IS, this (the A3100) is well worth the extra $30 (better resolution and faster picture-to-picture time).
The picture quality is great, no blur and vivid colors.
Review by G. Walker for Canon PowerShot A3100IS 12.1 MP Digital Camera with 4x Optical Image Stabilized Zoom and 2.7-Inch LCD (Red)
Rating:
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
Review by Max for Canon PowerShot A3100IS 12.1 MP Digital Camera with 4x Optical Image Stabilized Zoom and 2.7-Inch LCD (Red)
Rating:
Pros: Clear pictures, great battery life, easy to use, love the red color
Cons: None so far – have owned the camera for three weeks.
Review by Marjorie McGillicuddy for Canon PowerShot A3100IS 12.1 MP Digital Camera with 4x Optical Image Stabilized Zoom and 2.7-Inch LCD (Red)
Rating:
When I ordered this camera, there was no “What’s in the box”. Listed under “Frequently Bought Together” was Canon USB Cable IFC-400PCU from C4DEALZ. I thought that meant it didn’t come with its own USB cable, so I bought that one for a total of $13.97. DON’T FALL FOR IT! There’s a cable in the box.
I’m out that money now and stuck with a cable I don’t need. Was this an intentional deception? No telling. I just don’t want anyone else to be fooled. I wish Amazon would include a “what’s in the box”, because I see you still can’t tell even from the technical details.
Review by Morphie for Canon PowerShot A3100IS 12.1 MP Digital Camera with 4x Optical Image Stabilized Zoom and 2.7-Inch LCD (Red)
Rating:
This is the third Canon “A” series that I have purchased. For those of you unfamiliar with the Canon line, they are targeted at users who value simplicity and ease of use. Clearly, they are also focused on a price point that is quite low. If you are looking for greater sophistication and higher quality (both photographic and build), there are many other choices. However, given its mission, the A3100 succeeds.
First, ease of use is well thought out. The user is presented with icons intended to be intuitive. However, there is a safety net for those perplexed by that approach: the software provides a running, written commentary on the purpose of the available options. The designers have attempted to make this device as palatable and non threatening as possible.
Second, even for users accustomed to more sophisticated cameras, the image quality is more than satisfactory. When purchasing a digital camera, one should not concentrate on “pixels”. Digital imaging is dependent upon lens quality and the processor, in this case Canon’s Digic III. I have felt that Canon’s processors were among the best, for years. However, it is fair to say that the technology has improved to such an extent that many of the major brands are competitive with one another.
My primary concern and criticism is build quality; the battery and memory card door is flimsy (another review mentioned this), as is the USB port cover. Only time will tell if this is a problem.
Another review has mentioned dark images and less than satisfactory results with the zoom. While I have not utilized the digital zoom, yet, I find the optical zoom and image stabilization to operate quite well.
This is not an advanced SLR or a Leica; nor is it intended to be. However, within the scope of its designers’ intent, it performs admirably, rewarding the user with photos above “snapshot” quality. For approximately $150.00, it is difficult to imagine a better performer.