Lots better by comparison

Author's Rating:

Pros: Easy-to-learn menus and settings; quiet operation; capable of recording up to 60 minutes of video

Cons: Sorta' slow regen time between flash shots

The Bottom Line: 
For the price, this is a very good choice that will serve well, and won't overwhelm, a snapshot-happy soccer mom, and won't disappoint a fairly knowledgeable photographer

Author's Review
The Canon A720IS stands heads and shoulders above the (three) Olympus cameras I've used - and I found its menus and settings more user-friendly than the two Nikon Coolpix models I've handled.

In the first few weeks of using this camera, I've found the menus - especially macro - very quick and easy to use. The macro menu can be set in two clicks - again, way better than the similarly-featured Olympus.

I'm also quite pleased with regen time between shots, except - as noted in other reviews - it takes noticeably longer when the flash in on.

Speaking of which... photos taken inside (sans flash) do seem slightly darker than the room actually is, to my naked eye. (So, it's worth using the flash, in my opinion.)

While all the cameras in this price and feature range seem to offer lots of "scene" modes, the one I miss (and am surprised Canon didn't include) is "Behind Glass."

That said, it's hard to lament the loss of a feature I probably used less than a dozen times on the Olympus.

All in all, I'm happy with the Power Shot A720IS. Features I particularly appreciate are:

- It runs on AA batteries
- It has a viewfinder
- It can take up to 60 minutes of video!

I noted another reviewer complained that it's not comfortable to hold the Canon, and I strongly disagree - I find the grip easy and comfortable.

On a related note, I will complain that no neck strap comes with the camera - just a rather longish wrist strap. That said, while I relied on my neck strap for the Olympus I previously carried, I haven't yet felt the need to try to find one for the Power Shot.