Canon PowerShot A590IS 8MP Digital Camera with 4x Optical Image Stabilized Zoom

I've been a fan of Canon cameras for years now...I've owned the A40, A60, SD630 and my current camera is the SD870IS and I have loved each and every one of them. This A590IS was a birthday present for my elderly father and would be his first digital camera. I didn't want to spend too much or get a camera that was too tiny or packed with features he would never use. I knew that the shape of this camera (because of AA batteries) would be easier to hold than my tiny SD Eplh's (it is) yet still provide a more than adequate point and shoot when set to auto. Another thing about this camera that I liked is the viewfinder which makes a nice transition for someone who is not used to digicams with lcd screens on the back. The image stabilization (IS) is also worth it's weight in gold when you consider that older digital cameras had to be held absolutely still to get a good picture without blurring. My dad loves this camera..he has already stopped using the viewfinder (which is barely adequate imo)and bought rechargeable AA batteries and a nice case for it. This camera makes a perfect entry level digicam but is still packed with features when you feel comfotable trying them out.

Pros:
Small and light without being too tiny
Takes very good pics even on auto
Packed with features
The price is right

cons:
viewfinder is too small and not accurate
Shape makes it not as "pocketable" as the SD series

I purchased it to replace my Nikon 850. I use the camera to record family events, indoor activities, and sometimes snapshots of cityscapes, nothing special. I just needed something smaller, lighter, and faster than my previous camera. I like the image stabilization and face recognition features. The batteries (came with the camera) have a longer life than my other camera and the time it takes to recharge between one picture and the next is very short (even using flash). Before I purchased this camera I read reviews and followed the advise to purchase a 4Gb card and extra batteries and charger. I'm using the 4G card. I have not had the need to use the other batteries yet. I'm still discovering and testing the features in this camera. So far, very happy with it.

The A590IS adds an 'easy' shooting mode but takes away the 'stitch assist' mode though it comes with the software. Also movie mode goes down to 20 frames/sec vs. 30 on a570 when shooting VGA (640x480). Buttons on A590 changed - they look good - but are kind of trigger happy. Also re-designed case on A590 and the placement of the tripod hole makes it hard to level camera. (not a problem with a570) A570 takes 6-7 seconds to recycle the flash (not sure about A590 which does have better resolution on portraits). Opening and closing the battery door seems very hard on both - until you discover the right way of doing it!

In looking for a point and shoot for my aged mother who is very anxious to embrace digital photography, I was naturally drawn to this camera based upon it's popularity and reviews. Here's the catch - the ergonomics of this camera, while OK, are not suited by any stretch to those who may be challenged with even the slightest hand/finger challenges. This applies pretty much across the board to most point and shoot cameras, and smallish electronics - they're just not comfortable unless you've got young nimble hands. Why can't these manufacturers take into account those who are a bit physically challenged as well? It's because they design in vacuums - I challenge them to put on a pair of lightweight gloves, then design. At least that will give some perspective.

I like the camera very much. Not as fast as I'd like it and the 2-AA batteries wear down quickly. Previous model took 4-AAs and the pictures were great so I stayed with the brand.