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May 15, 2008
[REVIEW—CANON POWERSHOT A650is]
Price: $500
More pixel madness
The low-down: This is 12 megapixel camera with image stabilisation and a 6x zoom lens (35–210mm film equivalent). There is face detection, which works about 10 per cent of the time. The swivelling LCD is a boon for low level, waist level and self portrait shots. The optical viewfinder is useful, but does not show all the captured image area. It is powered by four AA batteries and did well with standard alkalines. There is full user control, including aperture and shutter priority settings. Menus are clear and the various function control buttons are well laid out and logical. Supplementary wide angle and telephoto lenses can be fitted. The camera is larger than the average compact and is easier to hold than most, because of the bulge of the battery compartment.
Like: The flash is particularly good, with fine colour balance and pleasant diffusion. Red eye is not a problem. The movie mode is surprisingly useable, although the sound quality won’t win any academy awards. The camera is responsive with little noticeable shutter lag. Focus is quick and accurate. When conditions are ideal and the ISO setting is kept under 200 the results are pleasantly sharp and punchy, at least in the middle of the zoom range.
Dislike: Even at low ISO speeds image noise is a problem. 12 megapixel sensors in compact cameras are ridiculous. It is hard to know which is more objectionable, the noise (grain) or the attempts at noise reduction that blur fine detail.
Verdict: Once again we are dealing with what is basically a good camera, as far as design and build are concerned, with excellent features, like the optical viewfinder and the articulated LCD, which is let down by the image sensor. However, allowing for the pixel caveat, the Canon A650is can produce decent images that will take a small degree of enlargement and will look good on a monitor. Correctly exposed photos taken under even lighting – which includes the excellent flash – will satisfy most users. We would suggest that prospective buyers should look at the Canon Powershot A590is, which is $200 cheaper, with a less ambitious zoom, an 8 megapixel sensor and without the swivelling LCD.
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Posted by terry at May 15, 2008 01:42 AM
Worth Checking Out
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