As part of Canon’s A-Series line the PowerShot A570 IS is one of the most affordable and best selling options available. It’s amazing how many creative features they packed into this selection. When comparing the PowerShot A570 IS with other cameras in its category it’s clear that it is really worth the price. It offers 7.1 megapixel resolution and although the optical zoom is only 4X it does a fine job collecting the details you’re trying to capture. It’s easy to see your subject in the 2.5-inch LCD which makes getting down to a kid’s level a little bit easier. Where many predecessors have failed in the area of capturing the right picture of children and pets due to slow shutter speed and shutter lag, this camera does the trick with 15-1/2000 sec. This is not the quickest shutter speed out there, but the A570 IS is certainly the best in its class without going to a professional series. One of the most important features a photographer needs to rely on (when getting pictures of active kids who don’t sit still for a shot), is to ensure that you’re getting continuous shooting capability, and you get that feature from this camera. However, when the shutter speed increases the camera needs to allow additional light in the aperture in order to reduce image blur. Even though children typically give you the most opportunity to take pictures outside, there are some occasions that require indoor, low light shots. For example, pictures of a child blowing out birthday candles at the poorly lit kitchen table, or opening presents Christmas morning before the sun starts shining through windows are not the most ideal photographic environments. Both types of situations require a camera that can focus on the face of your subject and illuminate the background. These are the types of conditions you’ll want to consider when making your final selection for a camera that best suits your needs. This Canon does a great job with outside and action shots but it also does a fantastic job in low-light scenarios. The low-light performance is credited to the high ISO 1600 and automatic features that adjust to low-light situations which allow the A570 to deliver a crisp image indoors. However, because the night time pictures from this camera are somewhat average, it should be pointed out that this camera is best suited for situations that do not require a flash. This is in part because there is a bit of a lag time (around 5-10 seconds) after the flash is engaged to recharge. Obviously, if you have to wait 10 seconds between every shot you take when you’re trying to get a picture of an energetic child, there are a lot of great pictures you can potentially miss. However, another nice feature about this Canon is the speedy auto focus which is imperative in photographing young kids. If you have great shutter speed but it takes your camera several seconds to adjust the focus before you can shoot, it’s a moot point. If the camera even allows you to shoot before it is done auto focusing, it will turn out a blurry wasted picture. To ensure the sharpness and discourage blur, Canon uses a DIGIC III processor with incredibly advanced technology that improves the face detection and red eye correction. Also, the Optical Image Stabilizer also allows steady shooting regardless of the setting. This means it compensates for “camera shake” so if you happen to be sliding down a slide or running from one end of the jungle gym to the other to get the right picture, this Canon is forgiving. One of the great features about this camera is that it basically sets itself for you based on the conditions you subject it to. With all of the automatic features and the freedom to set it manually, it couldn’t be much easier to use.