The Canon PowerShot A490 was the most affordable model in Canon's A-series compact line when it was announced in January 2010. It launched alongside the near-identical PowerShot A495, which added Smart Auto and extra creative effects; the A490 kept the same core hardware at a lower price and was aimed squarely at first-time digital camera buyers.
It used a 10-megapixel 1/2.3-inch CCD sensor paired with Canon's DIGIC III processor. The 6.6-21.6mm f/3.0-5.8 zoom is equivalent to 37-122mm (3.3x), framed on a 2.5-inch, 115,000-dot LCD with no optical viewfinder. Sensitivity ran ISO 80-1600, video topped out at VGA, images saved to SD/SDHC cards, and two AA batteries gave around 150 shots to CIPA standards.
This is a basic point-and-shoot with almost no manual control, suited to snapshots, students and anyone wanting a pocketable CCD-era compact without fuss. The modest zoom range and slow lens limit low-light and telephoto work, but the AA power supply makes it a practical carry-anywhere camera since spares are available in any shop.
Used examples are cheap and plentiful, and AA power means no charger worries, though alkaline life is short - NiMH rechargeables help. Check the lens extends without 'lens error' messages, the screen for scratches, and that a test frame from the CCD shows no hot lines or blotches.