Canon PowerShot A640 10MP Digital Camera Review
First, something that shouldn’t matter: it’s a darn attractive camera.Yes, it’s plastic, but it really does set itself apart from the 8mp A630 in beauty.Like that camera, it is too big to be a shirt-pocket camera, and while better than most compact cameras, the 4x zoom can be beat in length.
Using the camera, it has a good weight and feel for average sized hands. The use of AA batteries helps keep the cost down, and has it’s own advantages, although some may prefer the longer life charges of Lithium-Ion batteries (I do). General, controls are well thought out and easy to use. The zoom is nice and smooth.
For those that prefer an optical viewfinder, Canon is probably the strongest supporter, and this is a better than average viewfinder, although it does not have a diopter adjustment. But you’ll probably never use it with the tremendous 2.5″ rotary screen. Yes, there are 3″ screens on the market, but this dwarfs anything on a hinge! It is a great aid in composing photos at low, high, or other odd angles (photos you simply didn’t take before).
Another feature that gets high praise is the flex-focus system. Today’s AF cameras do a decent job, but occassionally, they just don’t hit on the right focus point. With the flex system, you can determine which point to use. This is simply great for crowded rooms or nature photos where the subject may not be the closest item within the focusing areas.
Control for this price point is very good indeed. Multiple “scene” modes make it easy for the novice (ok, or sometimes lazy pro), while the semi-auto and manual modes give even experienced users all they need.
Like the A630, this camera could have easily been priced $50 to $100 more. The only real competition is the A630, $100 less, 8 meg, and a bit less attractive, more plastic looking silver.
Product Description
Canon’s popular A Series cameras have always stood out from the competition, but PowerShot A640 takes that concept to a whole new level. Experience breathtaking 10.0 megapixel resolution-a first for an A-Series camera – and the power of a 4x optical zoom lens. You’ll have more fun shooting, and make your finished images even more rewarding, with the camera’s exciting array of easy-to-use, high-performance features including 21 shooting modes and ISO800/High ISO Auto settings for much greater ability to shoot in low light. Light Metering Method -Evaluative, Center-weighted average, Spot Metering Exposure Control -Program Auto Exposure (AE), Shutter Speed-Priority AE, Aperture-Priority AE, Manual Shutter Speed Range -15 seconds to 1/2500 second (settable in Tv and M) Automatic, multi-mode electronic-flashStorage Media -SD Memory Card, SDHC Memory Card, MultiMediaCard (MMC) – We recommend purchasing an Optional 1GB SD or MMC memory card. It will allow you to store a lot more Video and images, as well as take advantage of the camera’s high Resolution abilities Shooting Modes -Auto; Creative -P, Av, Tv, M, C; Image -Portrait, Landscape, Night Scene, Special Scene (Foliage, Snow, Beach, Fireworks, Underwater, Indoor, Kids & Pets, Night Snapshot, Color Accent, Color Swap), Stitch Assist, Movie Print/Share Button for direct connection to PictBridge-compatible printers via camera’s USB 2.0 Hi-Speed cable Unit Dimensions (WxHxD) – 4.31 x 2.60 x 1.93 inch (109.4 x 66.0 x 49.0mm); Weight -8.64 oz. / 245g
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