Bought this camera basically for 4 reasons: to replace a great, but older digital camera which was 1) heavy, 2) had no zoom feature, 3) had low megapixal, and 4) used the harder-to-find and phasing-out larger and scratch-vulnerable cardreader.

I bought the Cannon PowerShot A590 is a great camera: came with substantial software package, a bonus 2MB card reader (compared to the standard 512), so you can snap 100s of extra, high-quality photos; it's compact, with a carrying case which holds any extras you might need, like extra batteries. Fantastic zoom, easy to understand operation, which also walks you through instruction right on the LED readout, so you don't need to carry the instructions, 8 megapixel feature equals better standard shots at much larger size, which is great for editing, leaving cropping options better (as you can lose lots of unnecessary background to get the main feature of your shot nice and close, without having to resize, which often causes blurring). Light-weight. Snaps multiple shots almost instantly, which is wonderful for moving targets and action shots. Features choices for many types of layouts, including wide-angle horizontal for wide angle viewing on TV or wide PC screens, like cinema format. Was able to use right out of the box, with initial set-up from box to use in less than 5 minutes. Came with mini tripod, cleaning products, multi-format card reader USB; cable for loading pics directly from camera to PC, and other extras.

The only 2 drawbacks, for me personally, were 1) the software for cardreader only had disk only for old Windows 98 (which made the cardreader useless for my purposes); and 2) uses 2 AA-batteries (which I prefer a rechargable battery, personally).

Otherwise, highly recommend this camera. Great value for a fine camera!

In searching for a camera, it was important to me that the camera was easy to use and handle, and turned out fabulous photos and this is it!! I also wanted a camera with substance, not a ultra-compact camera and the steady grip is helpful too. It has that famous Canon "Optical Image Stabilization system" used on their expensive cameras which reduces image shake. I love that.

The two AA batteries were important because no matter where you are no worry about charging the battery, just pop two new batteries in and you are good.

It has fabulous controls and options. Even a professional photographer would appreciate the manual and aperture/shutter programs that this camera offers. I like the auto mode because you can pick up the camera and shoot and when you these outstanding photos come out. You don't have to worry about anything but aiming. In fact the camera has an "easy" mode with makes taking pictures fun. It feels comfortable to use because it is larger than the ultra-compact cameras and you feel the substance when you pick it up.

We take the camera on trips, our grandchildren's soccer games, birthday parties, social events and it fits right into my purse. The camera is part of the family now and we use it almost every day.

Camera Review for CAnon A590 Camera--May 26, 2010 For eBay:

I am called out to do event photography and use the Panasonic FZ20 and FZ18 on these shoots. The FZ20, with its 12x lens, allows me to get close -ups from far allowing me to catch people at their candid best. The FZ18 has an 18x telephoto and I use this one in my bird photography and in crowd situations. I needed a small camera to carry with me--the best shots always seem to occur when you don't have your camera. So I researched small, easy to carry cameras with good reviews. I was leaning toward another Panasonic, but my hours of research kept leading me back to the Canon PowerShot A590. So I ran some comparisons and found it had everything I needed in a small, hang on the belt or slide in a pocketcamera:The A590 has a 4X lens, 8.3 Megapixels, ISO 1600,1/2000 second speed, 2 1/2 LCD (diagonal) view screen, stabilized, movie, fast shutter speed, many special situation modes, and a recorder in the playback mode so I can record the correct spelling of peoples names for newspaper photos or noting addresses and telephone numbers.It has tons of other useful features if you know how to use them, but for the beginner, the camera does a fine job when on auto-pilot. and all of this in a camera that easily fits in the palm of my hand (3.71"x2.55"x1.61&qu​ot;). The instruction book is very well done, with screen shot illustrations to clarify the written. AND--as the cliche goes: "the proof is in the pudding"--the photos come out true to color and extremely clear. All in all, were I to buy someone a gift of a small but powerful camera, the wrapping paper would go around the A590.

Although no longer in production, Canon's A590 packs a lot of features into a small camera. This isn't credit card size by any means but you don't get features like the ability to use common AA batteries, excellent manual controls, and even the ability to use 52mm filters without increasing a camera's size. Actually, I prefer a little larger compact camera like the A590 with its right hand grip and natural button layout. Picture quality is very good and 8 megapixels gives 300dpi resolution on a 8x10 print.

Optical viewfinders aren't that popular but in bright sunlight that washes out a LCD screen it's a nice way to line the A590 up on target.

In summary - a great little camera!

One of the few compact digital cameras that has fully programmable settings (for shutter and aperature priority), and also can use regular AA batteries. However, the camera seemed a bit on the flimsy side since the body and area around the lense were plastic (not metal like the SD series of cameras), and if mega pixels matter, it was only 8.0 (many are now 12 and higher). I believe this model was on it's last leg, and Canon will be introducing a newer version in the next month or so. This is a good camera if you want all features in a small package, and don't plan on being too abusive with it. For me, I'll stick with the more rugged SD series (which is also smaller) and use the SLR for the needed manual modes.

I bought this camera because I needed a very reasonably priced, all-purpose camers that would accompany me on trips, take photos of my grandsons, and be user friendly.

I had been using a much more expensive Casio Exilim 8.1 megapixel which I liked very much, but I had dropped it on concrete and it acquired a dent which prevented the zoom lens from working. I was devastated!

After considerable reading of online reviews, I decided I could replace the Casio Exilim with the Canon PowerShot at only about a quarter of the cost. The Casio had a re-charging station which eliminated continual battery replacement. I miss that convenience, but I've found I can keep things going by keeping a supply of rechargeable batteries. Otherwise, the clarity of photographs, the variety of functions, and the ease of use have been very pleasing to me. I can take video clips. The Casio had only a 3x, but the Canon has 4x,g so the resulting photographs are equal to or even better than the Casio.

Overall, I'm quite pleased with my camera!

this camera works perfectly. it uses AA size batteries, which means if you run yours down replacements are available everywhere!

canon is the only camera in this type that still uses a glass lens. the others use plastic. the list of features and operating choices is incredible.

there is also an available software download that you can install to the memory card that temporarily (you have to use a special start-up procedure) changes the cameras program giving the user a more advanced set of controls and features. when you power off, the next time you start it up the factory programming starts up just like always.

in short the combination of quality,features and the price i paid. made this an unbeatable deal

If you're an eBay seller looking for a camera to take good, clear, detailed photos for your ads - the CANON POWERSHOT A590 is just the camera for you. This camera has just the right amount of manual options to allow taking great photos without using a flash and yet it's not over complicated! Prior to buying this camera I spent way too much time tweaking the pics of my vintage clothing items and in the end I always felt they lacked detail. Although I still make small adjustments like cropping I can honestly say the Canon A590 has not only improved the photos in my ads but has lessened the time I spend preparing my ads as well. P.S. This is also a great 'family' camera

My Suggestions: Read the manual and invest in: a good set of rechargeable batteries, a tripod & a set of continuous lights.

Have questions? Please feel free to contact me

While a compact digital is a little small for my hand, this one has grown on me. While most people stress its ease of use because of the auto features, I have been able to transfer my experience with film cameras to take some really good shots. My pictures don't look like instamatics, partly because I also bought telephoto and wide screen lenses for it, partly because the camera balks when I'm doing something dumb (messages on lcd). The lenses get in the way of the viewfinder, but the lcd screen shows what I'm going to get. A handy little camera, but I'd never carry it in my purse unless I had it in a protective bag. The battery issue is a non-starter. Digital cameras discharge after about 200 pictures. You just have to learn to carry an extra set of charged batteries with you.

WOW easy to use and takes great Pictures! You can set it so it saves the pictures in a new photo starting every day at midnight. Real COol Hooks to the computer easily transfers pictures easily great quality. My suggestion is buy the premium batteries they last way longer. Use a good memory card (I have 8g) switches from movies to stills to auto settings to maunal settings Easy Easy Easy. Really flexible lots of options and you can add some great acessories. If you want a easy to use camera that takes great pictuter and is inexpensive This is the ONE for you. BUY BUY BUY the canon A590!!!!!!!!!

I have a Canon EOS Digital Rebel XTI and it is a very nice camera. However I always keep it in it's case (not handy for a quick shot). I wanted a decent cheaper camera I could just toss in the front seat of the car so it was always handy to take quick picture if I needed to. The quality of the photos are excellent, the zoom works great, the macro works great, Is a nice size and feels ok for the price. It will fit in my shirt pocket. I took a picture of a small flower (Auto mode / macro) and you can actually clearly see the pollen inside this small flower. Small as in a dime size flower. I really am happy and surprised with the quality of this camera so far.

First I read a lot about the cameras that were available in the price range I wanted to pay..research is important when buying electronic items. The Canon A590 was at the top of everyone's list, so I bought one. In a word this camera is awesome...this is my first digital camera and I wasn't prepared for all it could do. I'm not going to detail all the features; but it has a multitude of photographic features that make photography easier.I'm still learning about them all..not to would be a waste of such a fine product.
The pictures I have been taking are wonderful, bright, true color and it's easy to use if all you want to do is leave it in auto mode and shoot snapshots. But getting into the features such as macro and the different available shooting modes for different situations you can achieve some really marvelous pictures not to mention a completely manual setting that lets the user choose the modes to shoot in. You can even shoot movies with it.
I love this camera and highly recommend it to anyone looking for a digital camera.

I purchased two cameras for my teenage sons for Christmas. The camera was easy to use (auto focus; auto flash, etc.), but it also provided some manual features they appreciated (ie - 4x zoom). The product takes great quality photos. For the price, the Canon PowerShot A590 is an outstanding value.

I have a degree in Fine Arts Photography and am used to working with high-end cameras. After thorough research, I bought the Canon A590 as a daily simple photo camera. This camera is loaded with practical features. The image stabilizer, ease of use and different shooting modes is amazing for the price. I like everything about it except for two features. There is a short lag time in taking a picture so action shots are not recommended with it. However, for regular portraits and simple candid shots, it is a dream. The pixel quality is more than most people will need. The photo quality is excellent up to 11" by 16" images. The camera readout is very easy to see. The functions are easy to navigate and change. The flash is a bit strong for some shots, but inexpensive basic photo editing software can fix it. The body is small enough to put in a purse, yet the feel is reminicent of a small SLR body. Canon means quality to me and this camera exemplifies it for the price. Powered by standard AA batteries is a real plus. Loading shots into a computer, printer or CD is a breeze. You get quite alot of camera for the very low price. I consider this camera to be a "best buy" for the price range.

I love this camera, it is smaller than the SX110, which I also have, and who ever really shoots at 10 mega pixels with a camera of this grade? So smaller = it fits in your pocket and is easy to maneuver. Photo quality and lens quality are good and the colors great to my eye. I'm not blowing prints up to 14x17 so I don't know how corner distortion might be at that size, but on screen in my computer I am please with the photos and the video. The movie recorder is surprisingly good and the mic picks up sounds very well. I have recorded YouTube uploads and my niece singing opera with orchestra at about row 12 and the sound and video were satisfactory even with lens plus digital zooming. Not as good as with a quality camcorder, but this is the best camera with the most features in this price range. I use it more frequently than my other larger more expense rigs.

This Canon PowerShot camera is a well designed unit. The camera handles well with all of the controls functional and easy to locate. The Camera User Guide is thorough in describing the operation of the camera from A-Z. As a "point and shoot" camera, the picture quality is a outstanding. Reviewing the pictures taken is simple enough and downloading the pictures to your compter through the USB port is quick and easy. Having owned and used the Canon PowerShot SD100 prior to purchasing the Canon A590IS, I find that that the image quality of the A590IS is far superior. For the novice photographer, the Canon PowerShot A590IS is a very non-complicated unit that produces super pictures with regularity. I recommend this camrea highly!

PROS: size, design, printed manual, ease of use, flexibility, price, larager LCD than older models
CONS: haven't found any yet - haven't tested software

This is a power house little camera.

It has enough size to it to allow for a comfortable grip without being cumbersome. While it won't fit in a shirt pocket (What are you doing putting a camera in your shirt pocket anyway? Might as well just throw it on the ground and get it over with!) it's small enough to go wherever you need to take it with no hassle. I dislike the tiny new cameras as they are difficult to grasp if you're trying to do any adjustments to fine-tune a shot. Speaking of adjustments...

You have such versatility. You can go all AUTO or you can change a number of different settings to tailor your shot to the situation. While the MENU and FUNC buttons are Canon's standard easy-to-follow buttons, an added bonus is the printed manual that explains the functions in easy to understand language.

I chose this camera over the other Canons I looked at for two reasons in particular: 1) My hands shake a lot. The IS capability provides good correction for the shaking. 2) The A590 IS allows the addition of speciality lenses. I can pop on a macro and get stunning details on a hand-painted objet d'art or use a wide angle for large sweeping landscapes.

I've just begun to use this camera and will add to this as I find any significant additional information.

I researched cameras just like I do anything especially electronics. I reads TONS of reviews on several sites. This camera by far gives you the most bang for your buck. This has been a well known camera out of several "generations" of it. This uses AA batteries and has a viewfinder, great on sunny days outdoors when hard to see large 2.5" LCD screen. Can be used on auto or you can manually go in and set it up to your specific needs/preferences. A bit smaller than it's predecessors, which is a plus. Takes GREAT pictures. Feels solid and sturdy. Canon is a name you can trust. VERY happy with it!

This camera is the best we ever bought. I even say better than any of our other digital cameras. Takes super clear pictures, movies. Even has sound on the movies. We took it out on our vacation for the first time this year to Disney world. And everything came out super at the Garden Festival. Also had kids digital camera one was a Kodak easy share didn't come out nearly as clear as this. Would recomend to everyone and it comes at a great price I got mine on ebay. LOL where we get most of our stuff. Use it everyday for our listings wouldn't trade it for the world.Only downfall is batteries (life span with the expensive batteries alkline last about 4hours or 60 photos,so plan on a lot of batteries or invest in rechargeable like we did. so much beter. It is also super durable dropped twice and still no damage and works great. Once fell off desk to ceramic tile floor. and the second two year old threw across room.

I've had the camera for a month now and have taken maybe 100 pictures. While I fiddled with the manual settings a little, I'd say 90 of the pictures were on Automode. Easy to use, point, auto-range and shoot. Very quick initial turn on time and a 3-5 second 2nd shot. Not bad when compared to my old Sony Mavica(with 1.44mb floppy disc media). The face recognition feature is cool, but I forget it's on when I shoot landscape and it messes with the auto-ranging and lighting. I guess I should just "un-lazy' myself and learn the manual modes better. Still, as a casual 50-something picture taker(not a photographer) this camera is great. Consumer Reports gave it high marks and Ebestshop4u gave me the price I couldn't turn down.

I have always been a big fan of canon products. This camera gives you excellent picture quality like no other. It's easy to use and reliable. The picture quality at this price is unbeatable right now.The best. I got it brand new with warranty for $107. It has big lcd screen and fits very well in hand. image stabilization. takes flawless pictures

The only drawbacks for me were: it was bigger than what i thought. used 2 AA batteries. I would prefer lithium rechargebale batteries since they last longer.

This camera is superb! It feels good in my hands, takes very nice quality pictures, nice features. It's easy to use, easy to change between features. There is enough zoom to suit my purposes and enough pixels to further enlarge an image with software.

I do recommend lithium batteries though, alkaline AA batteries just don't last.

This is a sporty , powerful little addition to the digital camera wars. Even though the model line is several years old now, the updated and newer models offer little more than can be found in this one. It did pictures that were as good as professional studio cameras, and even a novice could figure out the setup without much trouble. Buying it came as a result of the slick advertising with Maria Sharpova as the spokesperson.
The biggest drawbacks to me were the lack of bulk and weight, I'm used to the standard 35mm cameras, and the small eye piece made viewing impossible thru it wearing glasses. You'll have to use the LCD screen for that, not always possible in crowded situations. But for the price and convenience and size, it's a good buy.

I got this camera because I have had great experience with Canon, because it used eastly available and reasonably priced SD cards and also uses AA batteries available from Costco. It has all the features I need amd some I probably will not be able to figure out.] but they are available.