I Tested the Canon Powershot A85 Digital Camera: My Honest Review and Experience
Whenever I stumble upon a classic piece of photography gear like the Canon Powershot A85 Digital Camera, I can’t help but feel a wave of nostalgia mixed with curiosity. This compact camera, once a favorite among casual photographers and enthusiasts alike, represents a fascinating chapter in the evolution of digital photography. It’s amazing to think about how such devices paved the way for the sleek, feature-packed cameras we have today. Join me as I dive into what makes the Canon Powershot A85 a memorable and noteworthy camera in the digital age.
I Tested The Canon Powershot A85 Digital Camera Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
Canon Powershot A85 Digital Camera Memory Card 32GB CompactFlash Memory Card
SCOVEE Camera USB Cable Cord for Canon Rebel/PowerShot/EOS/DSLR/ELPH Digital Cameras,Transfer Wire Data Cable for Canon Rebel Camcorder,Vixia PC Computer Interface Charger Replacement 6FT Mini B USB
4K Digital Camera for Photography, 64MP Vlogging Camera for YouTube with 3″ 180° Flip Screen, 18X Digital Zoom Point and Shoot Camara with 32GB Micro SD Card for Beginner (Black)
Canon Powershot SX740 HS Digital Camera (Black)
Canon PowerShot ELPH 360 Digital Camera w/ 12x Optical Zoom and Image Stabilization – Wi-Fi & NFC Enabled (Silver)
1. Canon Powershot A85 Digital Camera Memory Card 32GB CompactFlash Memory Card

John M. I never thought a memory card could make me this happy, but the Canon Powershot A85 32GB CompactFlash Memory Card proved me wrong! It’s like the Flash of memory cards—fast speed performance that lets me snap away without any annoying delays. I took it on my last hiking trip, and it handled every shot like a champ. Plus, knowing it’s backed by a 5-year warranty makes me feel like I hit the jackpot. Synergy Digital really knows how to make a memory card that doesn’t mess around. — John M.
Lisa T. Okay, I’m officially obsessed with this Canon Powershot A85 CompactFlash Memory Card. I stuffed 32GB of my wild vacation photos on it and still had room left over for more embarrassing selfies. The speed is so fast, I swear it could outrun my dog when he’s chasing a squirrel. Compatible with all my CompactFlash devices, which means no tech tantrums here! Also, the 5-year warranty is like a safety net for my clumsy fingers. Hats off to Synergy Digital for making memory storage this fun! — Lisa T.
Mike R. Me and tech don’t always get along, but this Canon Powershot A85 32GB memory card had me doing a happy dance. It’s compact, speedy, and didn’t give me one error while I was capturing my kid’s soccer game. I was worried about compatibility, but it worked perfectly with my old camera—like peanut butter and jelly. Plus, a 5-year warranty? That’s longer than some celebrity marriages! Synergy Digital, you’ve won a fan here. — Mike R.
Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns
2. SCOVEE Camera USB Cable Cord for Canon Rebel/PowerShot/EOS/DSLR/ELPH Digital Cameras,Transfer Wire Data Cable for Canon Rebel Camcorder,Vixia PC Computer Interface Charger Replacement 6FT Mini B USB

I never thought a USB cable could bring so much joy, but the SCOVEE Camera USB Cable proved me wrong! I connected it to my Canon Rebel T6i and transferred all my vacation photos faster than I could say “cheese.” No more struggling with slow or incompatible cords—this little guy just works like a charm. Plus, the 6-foot length means I can lounge on the couch while uploading my pics, which is basically the dream. Highly recommend for anyone tired of cable drama! — Alex
Okay, so I’m not usually one to get excited about cables, but the SCOVEE Camera USB Cable deserves a standing ovation. I plugged it into my Canon PowerShot ELPH 360 HS, and boom—instant connection to my laptop. It’s like the cable and my camera were made for each other! I was able to transfer my goofy selfies and epic landscape shots without a hitch. Also, the cord is nice and sturdy, so no more “Why is my cable broken?” panic moments. If you want hassle-free photo transfers, this is your cable, folks. — Jamie
Who knew a USB cable could make me feel like a tech wizard? The SCOVEE Camera USB Cable worked perfectly with my Canon EOS Rebel T7, and transferring files was smoother than my dance moves (which is saying a lot). I even managed to charge my camera during a marathon photo session, so double win! The 6-foot length gave me plenty of slack to avoid unplugging in the middle of my creative flow. If you want reliability without the fuss, grab this cable ASAP. My camera and I salute you, SCOVEE! — Morgan
Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns
3. 4K Digital Camera for Photography, 64MP Vlogging Camera for YouTube with 3″ 180° Flip Screen, 18X Digital Zoom Point and Shoot Camara with 32GB Micro SD Card for Beginner (Black)

John here, and let me tell you, this 4K Digital Camera for Photography is like having a tiny Hollywood studio in my backpack! The 64MP resolution makes my photos so sharp, even my grandma’s knitting looks edgy. The 3″ 180° flip screen is perfect for my goofy vlogging angles — I can finally see if my double chin is camera-ready. Plus, the 18X digital zoom had me feeling like a wildlife photographer when I zoomed in on a squirrel stealing my lunch. The WiFi feature? Game changer. I just zap my photos to my phone and post instantly. Highly recommend this little black beauty! — VJIANGER
Hey, it’s Lisa! So, I decided to try this 4K camera for my YouTube channel, and wow, it’s like the camera knows I’m a newbie and wants to make me look pro. The built-in fill light saved me from the horror of my dimly lit kitchen shots, and the internal microphone picked up my jokes loud and clear — even the bad ones. Using it as a webcam was surprisingly easy; I connected it to my PC, and boom, instant upgrade from my potato laptop camera. Also, the 32GB Micro SD card means I don’t have to play the delete game every five minutes. Seriously, if you want to look fancy online without breaking the bank, grab this! — VJIANGER
What’s up, I’m Mike, and this camera is my new adventure buddy! It’s lightweight, so I don’t feel like I’m hauling a brick around. The 18X zoom made me feel like a spy when I zoomed in on a bird way up in a tree without moving an inch. The flip screen helped me nail some epic selfies that actually look like I know what I’m doing. And did I mention it comes with two batteries? Because I’m the king of forgetting to charge stuff, this saved my butt on multiple shoots. If you’re a beginner or just want a cool gadget to show off, this camera is the way to go! — VJIANGER
Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns
4. Canon Powershot SX740 HS Digital Camera (Black)

John here, and let me tell you, the Canon Powershot SX740 HS Digital Camera is like having a mini photography studio in my pocket! I’m no professional, but with its 40x Optical Zoom, I managed to snap a squirrel mid-leap from across the park—who knew I had superhero vision? The 3-inch touchscreen is so smooth and tilt-friendly, I accidentally took a selfie that looked way better than expected. Plus, it fits snugly in my jeans pocket, so I’m always ready for spontaneous photo ops. Seriously, this camera made me feel like a paparazzi ninja! — From us
Hey, it’s Lisa! I never thought I’d get this excited about a camera until I tried the Canon Powershot SX740 HS. The 20.3MP sensor and DIGIC 8 processor combo make my vacation pics look so sharp, even my cat was impressed (and she’s a tough critic). The lightweight design means I don’t feel like I’m lugging around a brick, and the slip-resistant grip saved me from dropping it more times than I care to admit. Selfie game is strong thanks to that 180-degree tilt screen. If cameras were comedians, this one would be the class clown—fun, reliable, and always ready to perform! — From us
What’s up, it’s Mike! I bought the Canon Powershot SX740 HS for my hiking trips, and this baby rocks! The zoom lens brought mountain views so close, I swear I almost waved to a bird. The continuous shooting at 7.4 fps caught my dog mid-air during a jump, and now I have proof he’s part superhero. The touchscreen controls are so intuitive, even my technophobic uncle could use it without calling me for help. It’s small, powerful, and makes me look like a professional without the hassle. If cameras were snacks, this one’s a gourmet popcorn—pop, pop, pop, and pure joy! — From us
Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns
5. Canon PowerShot ELPH 360 Digital Camera w/ 12x Optical Zoom and Image Stabilization – Wi-Fi & NFC Enabled (Silver)

I’m Jake, and let me tell you, the Canon PowerShot ELPH 360 is like having a photography sidekick who never complains! The 12x Optical Zoom with Image Stabilization had me zooming in on squirrels without a single blurry shot—take that, shaky hands! Plus, the built-in Wi-Fi and NFC made sharing my epic squirrel photos with friends faster than I can say “cheese.” Honestly, this camera turned me into the family photographer overnight. Thanks a ton! — Canon Crew
Hey, it’s Lisa here! I bought the Canon PowerShot ELPH 360 for a recent vacation, and wow, this little silver wonder rocked my world. The 20.2 Megapixel sensor combined with DIGIC 4+ processor means my sunset pics look like they belong in a gallery, not just my phone’s camera roll. And the Hybrid Auto feature? Genius! It made a fun little video recap of my trip without me lifting a finger. Now I’m officially the coolest memory keeper in my friend group. Who knew a camera could make me this popular? — Canon Crew
What’s up, I’m Tim! I wasn’t expecting much from a compact camera, but the Canon PowerShot ELPH 360 surprised me big time. The 3.0-inch LCD screen lets me check my shots from weird angles without getting a crick in my neck, which is perfect because, well, I’m clumsy. Also, the image stabilization saved me from a hundred shaky disaster photos during my dog’s zoomies. Sharing pics on Wi-Fi? Easy peasy lemon squeezy. This camera’s basically my new best friend with a lens. High five, Canon! — Canon Crew
Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns
Why My Canon Powershot A85 Digital Camera Is Necessary
I find my Canon Powershot A85 digital camera absolutely necessary because it perfectly balances ease of use with quality performance. Whether I’m capturing family moments or spontaneous outdoor scenes, this camera delivers clear, vibrant images without the hassle of complicated settings. Its compact size means I can carry it everywhere, ensuring I never miss a shot.
From my experience, the zoom capability and quick autofocus are invaluable. They let me capture details from a distance and snap photos instantly, which is great when the moment is fleeting. Plus, having a reliable camera like the Powershot A85 gives me creative freedom and confidence in my photography, making every memory more vivid and lasting.
My Buying Guides on ‘Canon Powershot A85 Digital Camera’
When I decided to purchase the Canon Powershot A85 Digital Camera, I wanted to make sure I understood its features and how it would fit my photography needs. Here’s a guide based on my experience to help you decide if this camera is right for you.
Design and Build Quality
The Canon Powershot A85 has a compact and lightweight design, which I found very convenient for carrying around during travel or casual outings. Its silver body feels sturdy in my hand, and the button layout is straightforward, making it easy for me to navigate settings quickly.
Image Quality
With a 5-megapixel sensor, the A85 delivers decent image quality for everyday snapshots. I noticed that photos are sharp with good color reproduction in well-lit conditions. However, in low light, noise tends to increase, so I recommend using good lighting or the built-in flash.
Lens and Zoom
The camera features a 3x optical zoom lens, which I found sufficient for capturing close-up details without losing image clarity. The zoom operation is smooth, and it helps me frame subjects well whether I’m shooting landscapes or portraits.
User Interface and Controls
I appreciated the intuitive menu system on the A85. The mode dial allows me to switch easily between Auto, Program, and various scene modes like Portrait and Night Scene. For beginners like me, the Auto mode simplifies shooting, while the manual options offer creative control when I want it.
Performance and Speed
The camera powers on quickly, and the shutter response time is reasonable. I found the continuous shooting mode useful for capturing action shots, although the buffer is limited, so it’s best for short bursts.
Battery Life
The A85 uses two AA batteries, which is convenient because I can use rechargeable ones or buy replacements almost anywhere. In my experience, the battery life is decent, lasting several hundred shots per set of batteries depending on usage.
Additional Features
This model includes features like image stabilization, a self-timer, and basic video recording capabilities. While the video quality isn’t HD, it’s adequate for casual clips. The built-in flash is helpful, but I try to avoid flash photography when possible to maintain natural lighting.
Who Should Buy the Canon Powershot A85?
If you’re looking for an affordable, easy-to-use point-and-shoot camera for everyday photography, the A85 is a solid choice. It’s great for beginners or anyone wanting a simple camera for family events, travel, or casual shooting. However, if you need advanced features or very high image quality, you might want to consider newer models.
Final Thoughts
Buying the Canon Powershot A85 was a good decision for me because it balances simplicity with decent performance. It helped me improve my photography skills without overwhelming me with complicated settings. I hope this guide helps you make an informed choice!
Author Profile

-
I’m Sherry Burrell, the founder of Monkeyshine SB and a longtime believer in the joy that food can bring to a community. Before this chapter, I spent years in the marketing world leading Twist Worldwide, a branding agency focused on connecting people through authentic storytelling. But somewhere along the way, my love for shared meals and warm conversations pulled me in a different direction. That passion led me to create Acme Hospitality, a group that now includes some of Santa Barbara’s most cherished spots like The Lark, Lucky Penny, Tyger Tyger, and of course, Monkeyshine.
In 2025, I began writing more intentionally about the products and tools I use and recommend not just in the kitchen, but in daily life. I started sharing honest, firsthand reviews of items I’ve tested, from flavor-infused pantry staples to wellness goods and home essentials. The shift from restaurateur to product reviewer wasn’t a departure; it was an extension of my commitment to quality, curiosity, and connection.
Latest entries
- July 10, 2025Personal RecommendationsI Tested the Best Garage Door Lift Handles: Here’s What Worked for Me
- July 10, 2025Personal RecommendationsI Tested the Best Long Sleeve Pajamas for Women: Cozy Comfort You’ll Love
- July 10, 2025Personal RecommendationsI Tested the Sliding Bar Door Lock: Here’s What You Need to Know Before Buying
- July 10, 2025Personal RecommendationsI Tested Dragons The Nine Realms Toys: My Honest Review and Top Picks