Canon’s Powershot range is its budget line, usually comprising plastic-bodied cameras powered by AA batteries while its IXUS line features titanium casings and rechargeable battery packs.

However, the cheaper A710 IS does contain a host of features that would put more style-orientated models to shame.

Chief among these is a 6x optical zoom (35-210mm in 35mm film camera terms), hence the need for the image stabilisation built into the lens optics that gives the Canon Powershot A710 its ‘IS’ suffix. A ‘Safety Zoom’ feature is also included which boosts this to 12x equivalent, but is a digital zoom by another name.

Low light sensitivity is provided within an ISO range that tops out at ISO800, while in addition to fully automatic snaps, you get manual, program, aperture priority, shutter priority plus video capture modes. These options are instantly accessible via a large bottle top style wheel atop the camera. Forward of this sits a large, springy shutter button ergonomically encircled by the zoom lever.

The camera powers up in just over a second; fast given the zoom barrel has to fully extend from its storage position within the body. Operation of said zoom is also smooth and swift, with no noticeable shutter delay when it comes to firing off a shot.

The fact that the Canon A710 is powered by two AA batteries gives rise to the comfortably rounded grip in which they’re stored, lending the camera additional sturdiness. Although the build is plastic, it doesn’t feel lacking. Unusually these days, a media card (SD format) is included in the box, though you’ll still need a second as it’s a rather stingy 16MB.

Happily, images are commendably sharp at both wide angle and extreme telephoto ends of the zoom, and as we’ve found from previous Canons, the colours delivered are some of the most evenly saturated and realistic on the market.

Although the A710 is bulkier than the average pocket snapshot, at least it hasn’t compromised on usability – meaning that essential controls can actually be operated by finger and thumb rather than resorting to a toothpick. That makes for a more pleasurable shooting experience.

Vista compatible: N/A