The interface used for the A95 is
broadly common to all the compact cameras currently made by Canon.
Information is presented clearly on the LCD monitor, and the
menus identify each option with a combination of text and graphics,
ensuring legibility.
One of the best features of the interface devised by Canon for their compact
digitals is the Function menu, a concept whose value has been recognized
and which seems to have been adopted by other manufacturers. The Function
menu regroups the options for the most commonly needed camera settings,
making them available at the press of the FUNC. button.
The remainder of the menu system however is very standard. Whatever the
camera's mode, the menu that corresponds to the current camera mode is
presented as the first section, while two other sections, common to all
modes, address Setup and Camera Customizations settings respectively.
The Setup menu contains 10 basic settings for the A95:
Mute: On or Off, turns off all sounds produced by
the A95.
Volume allows setting the volume for camera sounds
over 5 steps or Off:
Start-up sound,
Operation sound,
Self-timer sound,
Shutter sound,
Playback Volume.
Power Saving: On or Off. Serves to set the delay
before the camera automatically powers down, and the delay
before the LCD monitor turns off after a period of inactivity
(10, 20, 30 sec or 1, 2, 3 min).
Date and Time: to set the time and date on the A95.
Format: to format the memory card.
File Number Reset: On or Off. Decides whether or
not images are numbered consecutively at all times (Off),
or restarts from 1 whenever the card is emptied, formatted,
or a new card is used.
Auto Rotation: On or Off. Decides whether or not
the camera will keep track of the orientation of images and
automatically present them rotated in playback.
Distance Units: serves to select whether metric
or imperial measurements are used when the manual focus mode
is used.
Video System: selects the video output signal, NTSC
or PAL.
The printed manual that is included
with the PowerShot A95 is well-organized, easy to follow and
covers every aspect and function of the camera. A very complete
index makes finding sections and specific functions quick and
simple.
Software
Two discs are included with the PowerShot A95. One is Canon's Digital
Camera Solution Disk (version 19.0) which contains all the drivers
necessary for older Microsoft Windows and Macintosh operating systems,
as well as ZoomBrowser EX 4.6, PhotoRecord 2.1 and Photo
Stitch 3.1 for Windows and ImageBrowser 3.6 and PhotoStich 3.1
for Macintosh.
ZoomBrowser is a well-designed
program with an easy to use interface. The program presents the
images within each folder as thumbnails, and is able to display
detailed information about each photo, including all its shooting
data. ZoomBrowser can also serve to edit, print photos, or prepare
them so that they can be used over the Internet. ZoomBrowser's
editing functions make it possible to adjust brightness, saturation
and contrast of images, or their RGB colour balance.
ZoomBrowser also serves to call up PhotoStitch, a program
designed to assemble sequences of photos that were captured to
create a panoramic image.
The second CD contains ArcSoft Camera Suite 1.3, itself composed
of two programs.
PhotoImpression5 is
automatically linked to ZoomBrowser during its installation,
so that it can be accessed as an alternative image editor.
PhotoImpression provides generally rudimentary editing functions, but still
offers a lasso tool which makes it possible to apply modifications to selected
portions of an image. Moreover, the program offers tools to add frames,
or text to photos, or print them in a calendar format.
VideoImpression 2, the
second program in the suite, serves to edit video clips recorded
with the A95. Clips can be combined, still images can be blended
into video clips, sound, including music, can be added and the
the creation can be recorded to VCD or DVD.
QuickTime is also included to see the video clips recorded
with the camera.
Compare Prices for Canon PowerShot A95 Digital Camera Battery (B-162)
Interface & Software
