Canon PowerShot A3500 IS Pro Reviews

The PowerShot A3500 IS is one of the more compelling options in the Canon's 2013 compact range. The decision to fit entry level IXUS / ELPH models with the same 16 Megapixel CCD sensor and Digic 4 processor means that there's less of a gap than ever between high end PowerShot A models and lower end IXUS / ELPH ones. The A3500 IS, along with the flagship A4000 IS are the only two A series models to feature Intelligent IS optical stabilisation; it's far superior to the Digital IS on the less expensive A series models and is well worth paying a little extra for. Built-in wi-fi is a step in the right direction, but Canon still has some way to go to make it as easy and seamless as it needs to be. And while it provides a good range of features, there isn't exactly a yawning chasm between the PowerShot A3500 and the previous generation. With the touch-screen PowerShot A3400 IS still in play, not to mention older IXUS / ELPH models, there are plenty of bargains to be had. The PowerShot A3500 IS has plenty to recommend it, but if you're prepared to shop around you might pick up a touch-screen model (see my PowerShot A3400 IS review), or one with 1080p video and a higher resolution screen (see my IXUS 125 / ELPH 110 HS review), for less.

The Canon PowerShot A3500 IS is an easy to use, point and shoot digital camera featuring a 16 megapixel sensor, modest 5x optical zoom, built-in wi-fi and powerful DIGIC 4 processor. It’s a camera for the happy snapper, but that doesn’t mean it should shirk on image quality. In our full review, we’ll find out whether it does. Available in black purple and white, the Canon PowerShot A3500 IS costs around £110.

The Canon PowerShot A3500 IS represents excellent value for money if you want a camera with Wi-Fi. Without Wi-Fi, the feature set is that of an entry-level camera, usually priced around or just under the £100 mark. The image quality also reflects the price level but the pictures are ideal for those who prefer to share on the web. Battery life is low, but otherwise the A3500 IS has a stylish, well designed metal body and is available in black, silver and red.