There is not much to dislike about the Canon Powershot A710 IS. This compact camera has a sharp stablized 6X optical zoom lens which sets it appart from its competitors. The lens goes from 35mm to 210mm, in 35mm equivalent terms, giving it more reach than most compact digital cameras. There are a few competing compact models which have 6X or more optical zoom, but only Canon has been able to produce quality optics in this size and range. The Canon A710's optical stabilization reinforces the usefulness of this zoom range despite this digital camera's noise levels starting at ISO 200.

The Canon Powershot A710 IS continues Canon's tradition of producing versatile compact cameras with full manual controls including white-balance, manual focus, focus-point selection and three metering modes. Needless to say, there are also automatic modes and scene modes to suit novice photographers.

The A710 provides excellent value as a camera which can be used for different levels of photography. Using readily available AA batteries and SD memory contributes to the overall value of this camera. This camera's predecessor, the excellent Canon Powershot A700, offers similar features and performance minus stabilization. Those who photograph mainly moving subjects may look at that model to save some money.

Competing compact cameras with longer-than-average zooms include the 5 megapixels Panasonic Lumix TZ1 which features a greater 10X optical zoom of lesser optical quality and no manual controls. Another model worth looking is the Fuji Finepix E900 which features a wider-angle 4X optical zoom lens and a low-noise 9 megapixels sensor.