Canon PowerShot A3100 IS Digital Camera, Silver {12.1MP}

Canon's pocket 4x zoom compact with a f/2.7 lens

The PowerShot A3100 IS pairs a 12MP 1/2.3" CCD sensor with a 35-140mm equivalent 4x zoom, opening to f/2.7 at the wide end for a bit more light-gathering in dim rooms or shaded scenes. Optical image stabilization backs up the tele end of that range, which matters at 140mm equivalent when hand-holding gets shaky. A 2.7" fixed LCD with 230,000 dots handles composition and playback since there's no viewfinder to fall back on.

This is a point-and-shoot in the true sense: no aperture priority, no shutter priority, no manual exposure. Scene modes take over exposure decisions, and the 9-point AF system with a 3cm macro range covers close-up subjects without fuss. Continuous shooting tops out at 0.8fps, so it's built for single-frame moments than action sequences. Video maxes out at 640 x 480 (30fps) in Motion JPEG with mono sound, a snapshot format than anything meant for serious video work.

At 165g and 97 x 58 x 28mm, it disappears into a jacket pocket or small bag. ISO runs from 100 to 1600, exposure compensation goes to ±2 EV in 1/3-stop steps, and the built-in flash covers subjects up to 3 meters. Storage runs through SD/SDHC/SDXC cards over USB 2.0. It's a straightforward grab-and-go camera built around a fast wide aperture and a competent zoom range, nothing more complicated than that.

Who It's For

Casual travelers benefit from the 35-140mm equivalent zoom and 165g body, giving reach for landmarks and street scenes without adding bulk to a daypack. Family and event shooters get use out of the f/2.7 maximum aperture at wide angle plus optical stabilization, useful for indoor gatherings or low-light birthday shots without a flash. Anyone shooting close-up subjects, like flowers or small objects, can lean on the 3cm macro focus range. First-time camera buyers or those upgrading from a phone will find the scene modes and 9-point autofocus system handle exposure and focus decisions automatically, with no manual or priority modes to learn.

Key Features

• 12MP 1/2.3" CCD sensor
• 35-140mm equivalent 4x zoom with f/2.7 wide aperture
• Optical image stabilization for tele steadiness
• 2.7-inch fixed LCD with 230,000 dots
• 9-point AF system with 3cm macro range
• Built-in flash with 3-meter coverage
• 0.8fps continuous shooting
• 640 x 480 video at 30fps Motion JPEG

FAQ

What's the actual zoom range on this camera?

35-140mm equivalent, a standard 4x zoom for a compact. That f/2.7 aperture at 35mm means it gathers more light than typical pockets at the wide end, though it stops down as you zoom in.

Does it have optical image stabilization?

Yes, optical stabilization backs up the tele end of the zoom. At 140mm equivalent, that matters for hand-holding without blur.

Can you shoot in manual exposure mode?

No. Scene modes handle exposure decisions, so you're working within what the camera decides. Exposure compensation goes to ±2 EV in 1/3-stop steps if you need to adjust.

What about continuous shooting speed?

0.8fps tops out. It's built for single-frame moments, not action or burst sequences.

How close can it focus?

3cm macro range for close-up subjects without requiring manual focus adjustment.

What video does it shoot?

640 x 480 at 30fps in Motion JPEG with mono sound. It's a snapshot format, not for serious video work.

What ISO range does it support?

100 to 1600. Auto mode handles selection, or you can set it manually across those six values.