The PowerShot A610 couldn't be more unlike its stable mate, the Ixus i zoom. It's the biggest, ugliest camera on test, but it takes the best photos, beating many pricier, higher-specified models for overall image quality. It coped flawlessly with tricky lighting conditions such as high contrast and near darkness, and its macro function made objects just 2cm wide fill the picture. Unfortunately, the camera's
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5-megapixel sensor didn't capture as much detail as certain more highly specified models in wide-angle shots, although the 4x zoom helped it catch up in our telephoto detail test.
Operation is seriously quick, and in Auto mode the PowerShot A610 is easy to use. A dial offers 12 other modes, and their cryptic icons and abbreviations are deciphered into English on the screen when you select them. Various scene modes such as Night Snapshot and Portrait are included. There is also shutter- and aperture-priority plus full manual control, with settings reflected in the screen's brightness. Manual focus is available, assisted by a zoomed area of the screen for fine-tuning.
Once you have budgeted for rechargeable batteries, the PowerShot A610 costs nearly as much as the Sony DSC-W7, which we have reviewed on page 187. However, the Canon's extended zoom range is just as valuable as Sony's extra pixels and its superior Video mode is impressive, making this camera our top choice.
