Canon Powershot A50

This fancy tool is all very well, but transferring photos from the camera is the usual arduous process thanks to Canon's decision to use the serial port. It's a huge shame that manufacturers aren't following Kodak's example of connecting via USB, as this can manage up to 12Mbits/sec, compared to the serial port's 115.2Kbits/sec.

The TWAIN driver Canon supplies works well, allowing you to capture images directly from your image-editing program. Fortunately, you won't have to go out and buy such a program, because Canon supplies the commendable PhotoImpact 4.2. Although it can't compete with Photoshop at professional levels, it's still an advanced image editor, with a range of spectacular effects that shames Adobe PhotoDeluxe - the most regular software inclusion with digital cameras.

All of this adds to the Canon PowerShot A50's appeal, and few owners will be disappointed with their purchase. However, there's one thing that prevents the A50 from getting a full PC Pro recommendation - the Minolta DimÅge Ex Zoom 1500. Not only is the Minolta's image quality significantly better, it's also available for £70 less.

Author: Tim Danton