Canon's Powershot range is its budget line, usually comprising plastic-bodied cameras powered by AA batteries while its IXUS line features titanium casings and rechargeable battery packs. The cheaper A470 is also an entry-level digital camera for people who just want to go digital for the sake of it.

The A470 is a 7.1-megapixel camera features 3.4x optical zoom, lacks a viewfinder, and has a 2.5in large LCD screen. The LCD screen content is hard to view under direct sunlight. However, this camera lacks one important feature - Image Stabilisation. The camera also lacks manual focus settings but features 14 preset scene modes for easy clicking.

The camera powers up in just over a second; fast given the zoom barrel has to fully extend from its storage position within the body. Operation of said zoom is also smooth and swift, with no noticeable shutter delay when it comes to firing off a shot.

Name: Canon Powershot A470 Digital Camera.jpg Views: 70 Size: 17.3 KB

The Canon A470 is powered by two AA batteries. Although the build is plastic, it doesn't feel shortchanged. Unusually these days, a media card (SD format) is included in the box, though you'll still need a second as it's a rather stingy 32MB. Happily, images are commendably sharp at both wide angle and extreme telephoto ends of the zoom, and as we've found from Canon, the colours delivered are some of the most evenly saturated and realistic in the market.

Although the A470 is bulkier than the average pocket snapshot, at least it hasn't compromised on usability meaning that essential controls can actually be operated by finger and thumb rather than resorting to a toothpick. That makes for a more pleasurable shooting experience. This one is an ideal pick for a starter to digital photography who needs to click occasional birthday shots.