Digital Cameras Ratings

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

Click Here to see more reviews about: Canon PowerShot A640 10MP Digital Camera with 4x Optical Zoom

I use a pro model digital SLR for my important work and purchased the G5 for a handy travel camera and for candids at parties,etc. I had previously used the Canon G2 for this purpose,but wanted more resolution in case I got a shot that I wanted to enlarge to 11X14. The Canon G5 fits the bill.It does everything I ask it to do and does it well. I agree that the noise produced above ISO rating 100 is unacceptable,but the ISO setting of 50 for the G5 is equal to 100 on other cameras and the 100 setting is equal to 200. I find that with the availability of f.2 to f.3 speedy aperture I find little need to shoot at any higher ISO. As far as the complaints I’ve read regarding soft images and poor focus,I have not found this to be the case.After taking around 800 shots with the G5 I can say that the images are very sharp with no focus problems.Perhaps the complaints stem from the users technique. Yes,the shutter lag is a pain,but shutter lag is a problem with all compact digital cameras.If you don’t need enlargements beyond 8X10 then go with the less expensive G3,but if you want enlargements up to 16X20 and don’t want to invest in a digital SLR I think you’ll be more than happy with the G5. Shoot at ISO 50 when possible. Keep in mind that a vast number of the best published 35mm images are shot on Fujifilm Velvia (ISO rating 50).

Product Description
With a stunning combination of resolution, speed and control, all housed in a rugged, elegant new black enclosure, the PowerShot G5 takes the lead as Canon’s flagship PowerShot. The PowerShot G5 features an all-new 1/1.8″ 5 megapixel CCD sensor, capturing a huge 2592 x 1944 pixel image with exceptional detail and color fidelity. It has a fast, high-resolution 4x optical zoom lens with iris-type aperture and user-operated, multi-stop control for spectacular depth of field, or elegant blur. Perfect focus, exposure, and color are achieved quickly with the combination of Canon’s exclusive imaging processor with iSAPS Intelligent Scene Analysis based on Photographic Space technology, an Intelligent Orientation Sensor, and the use of primary color filters. All these features, plus a host of manual and automatic functions ensure that the PowerShot G5 will get the perfect shot every time.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Canon PowerShot G5 5MP Digital Camera w/ 4x Optical Zoom

Got my Sony DSC-T77 here in asia where it’s been out for a couple of weeks and would just like to give this little slim point and shoot a thumbs up!
I used to own the Sony DSC-T70 which was an OK camera in my opinion.As an upgrade, the T77 is really a much better camera.
Pros:
-Great image quality in good light.Compared to the T70, the T77 is produces better images in good light.The photos are pin sharp and more noticeable are fine details.When I take portraits with the T77, I now see pores and individual eyelashes!
-Slimmer and lighter than the T70, the T77 really is a pocketable camera that you’d want to take with you all the time.It’s so unobtrusive I sometimes forget I have it with me!
-Dynamic Range Optimizer helps recover shadow details without losing highlights.
-A barrage of other features like smile shutter, face detection, anti-blink function, and image stabilization helps make taking pictures more fun.
Cons:
-I wished Sony had separate controls for saturation, sharpness, and contrast like all the Canons have.There are times I want to get more saturated colors.While it does have a vivid setting which boosts up the saturation, it also boosts up the contrast which results in harsh-looking photos (most of the time anyway).
-I think it’s safe to say that this camera takes better picture in good light.The quality definitely goes down as the light levels go down.I think the problem with such a small sensor and lens is that in lower light levels, the camera compensates by choosing higher ISOs which results in more noise and more noise reduction which produces photos that are less sharp and less detailed.
All in all, I really like this camera, and at this small/slim size, I think this is as good as it gets.If you’re looking for the smallest and slimmest camera that takes quality photos, then give the Sony DSC-T77 a try.

Product Description
The ultra-slim Sony Cyber-shot DSC-T77 digital camera features a 3.0″ widescreen LCD touch-screen display, optical SteadyShot image stabilization to compensate for camera shake, and Smile Shutter technology, which helps you capture a smile the moment it happens.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Sony Cybershot DSC-T77 10MP Digital Camera with 4x Optical Zoom with Super Steady Shot Image Stabilization (Brown)

This camera is my 3rd Canon digicam. My first Canon digicam was Canon a60 which was great but it was a bit too bulky for me. I bought this camera as a alternative option next to my canon a400 and I’m definitely satisfied.

Pros:
-4x Zoom ( Can’t beat that!…many digicams only come with 3x)
-Big and bright 1.8 screen which gains light in the dark
-It’s canon! Great lens and brand. Very reliable
-A bit faster shutter speed compared with Canon A400
-Very Comfortable to hold and very firm (has hand grip)
-Movie mode at 640×480 for 30sec and 320×240 for 3 mins max
-Use only 2 AA batteries. Last over 100 pics with flash and screen on at all time(I tested it with 2300mAh rechargable batteries)
-Fast start-up time(less than 3 second once you turn the camera on)
-Easy to use for anyone who familiar with canon digicam(same board which is Digic!…too bad this cam does not come with Digic2 which works faster and allows user to record longer movie clip)
-Great printing quality as usual for Canon

Cons:
-Still has slow shutter speed when taking picture at best quality with flash(up to 5 secs which isn’t so bad compared to Canon A400)
-A bit bigger than other brand for the same price and pixels(but you get canon camera that uses AA battery + 4x zoom)
-The dial swich and capture/view switches are a bit hard to turn at first but it got easier after a month)

Overall, I love this camera as Canon seems to know what they are doing when they make their cameras. I’m one happy canon’s customer. Buy it and you won’t regret it.

Also, you can buy canon case psc60 which designed for A60-A95 models, it sure fits this canon a510 just fine. Or else, try the psc65 which designed just for Canon A510 and A520.

Hope this review will help someone who is deciding which camera to buy. Cheers!

Product Description
Packed with value superior to any other camera in its class, the PowerShot A510 is brimming with that “best buy” feel. 3.2 Megapixel resolution, Canon’s exclusive DIGIC Image Processor and a new, longer 4x optical zoom bring life-like detail and radiant color to all your images. This camera is exceptionally easy to use, with a new ergonomic grip and big 1.8 inch LCD screen.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Canon PowerShot A510 3.2MP Digital Camera with 4x Optical Zoom

Quick background on my purchase/purchase decision process:My price range was around $299, give or take $30 plus tax.

I am going to EU soon, so I wanted the flexibility of being able to use disposable batteries, so that ruled out several brands. Both the Sony & Kodak cameras in this review can take Lithium, NICAD, Nimh, or the disposable “digital alkaline AA” style hybrid batteries that have been coming out.Both cameras were within my budget. I also should mention until doing some heavy research I would have never considered Kodak as an option. Sony or Canon were the sure finalists in my mind. Then I read several reviews on the 6000 series Kodak cameras, decided to see what the deal was with Kodak and was amazed at the quality I saw.

So I had my final two contenders: Sony Cybershot P72 and the Kodak 6340. I know this is a 6440 review so please read on.After comparing the pros and cons of both cameras for over a week, and not being able to make a decision based on the pros and cons list I had compiled, I decided to drive down the the store and look at each one on final time. AFter a few hours, I finally decided on the Kodak. Here is the key factor why. The main difference in taking pictures with both units was that most of the Sony picture modes and cool ISO tricks were all software driven. That meant if I wanted to snap a picture quickly, it couldn’t be done as easily with the Sony unlerss I left everything on auto, and as good as auto is, sometimes it isn’t good enough. I had to dig into the Cybershot menus, set up for the shot by selecting several submenus and then take the picture, hoping that what ever I wanted to take the picture of was still there. With the Kodak, 90% of all the mode settings (night, portrait, landscape, action, manual ISO override) were all on the outside wheel. The flip of the mechanical wheel on the outside and I was ready to snap pictures be it night or day (or twilight).So there. All things considered, that was the deciding factor for me. I want to take a picture nearly as fast as I can think “Damn, I wish I had a camera right now”, and the Kodak lets me do that.

Once I decided on the 6340, I actually upgraded to the 6440 for two reasons. One, I was going to buy the Kodak dock for my 6340 which was going another $80, bringing my total to $380. I thought, “Why not just buy the 6440, it comes with 1) a dock 2) a rechargeable battery 3)it is 4 mega pixels instead of 3 on the 6340.So that’s what I did. I went the way of the 6440 and have been super impressed.Hope that helps out some.Other mentionable features while doing drive by shootings (with a camera, not a gun):Pictures file names are different depending on what mode your in. For example, regular pics are labeled 100_01 while pictures taken in picture quick bursts (like 3 in a row) are named 100B_01. So you can tell just by looking at the file names if the file is a regular picture or a a burst of pictures. Very handy when all your pics start to fillup your computer.Kodak uses SD cards. This is handy cause they are not proprietary Sony mem sticks. I also have a Pocket PC with an SD slot, so if I forget my cameras USB cable, I can put my SD card in my Pocket PC and move them to my desktop that way as well.Get the family into the living room, not the computer room.

The video out slide show lets me not only look at my pictures on a TV, but I can watch the videos I took with the camera as well. Very cool. Oh, as a side note, video format is Quicktime, which I prefer instead of low quality avi files.Menu system seemed to simplistic at first, and it is. It’s easy. However, it is way customizable then I first thought. That means I can keep it simple or get complicated if i have the time.I can send pics I take to specific folders on the SD card instead of having everything in one folder. I can also import my email address book into the camera, letting me tag pictures to send via email when i get home and connect it to the dock.Outside screen is the best I have seen for this price range. Ask anyone, they will tell you the same.Flash quality is very respectable.

Negatives? Of course there always a bad side, but it’s not to bad. It would be nice (in order to save battery power) if the lens would not engage or turn on when you just want to review pictures instead of take them. The Sony does this, and I bet in the future Kodak does as well. Battery? If you use the realtime view, flash etc., the battery life isn’t great. a few weeks of poking around will yeild the best practices to get the most life from usage. Again, disposables can be used with this camera, so getting caught without a charger doesn’t mean you have to stop taking pictures.Also, switching between modes takes a few seconds, which seems like eternity when I want to take a picture.

Hope this helps.

Kevin
Amazon since 98

Product Description
Snap a picture with the DX6440 and you’ll be impressed by your photographic genius. Something else sure to impress is its professional-quality Schneider-Kreuznach Variogon lens. The DX6440 also features programmed scene modes for a quick, simple solution for common situations – so you get the shot you want, just the way you want it.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Kodak EasyShare DX6440 4MP Digital Camera w/ 4x Optical Zoom and Dock