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The Canon Powershot A640 is a 10 megapixel point and shoot camera with a 4x Optical Zoom lesn and 2.5 inch Vari-Angle LCD screen.
Compare prices on the Canon Powershot A640 and get the latest price on the Canon PowerShot A640 at Amazon.
New PowerShot A-Series Cameras Bring Such Sophisticated Technology As 10 Megapixels or Image Stabilization to Consumers at Entry-Level Price Points
Canon's new PowerShot A710 IS, A640 and A630 compact digital cameras combine functionality with photographic simplicity, all in a compact form factor that fits snugly in the hand. These 7.1, 10.0 and 8.0 megapixel cameras pack a high resolution punch to ensure that consumers’ most cherished memories are clear and crisp today and for years to come. The cameras will be in stores this October for estimated selling prices of $399.99*, $399.99* and $299.99*, respectively.
As America’s choice for digital cameras, The NPD Group reports that Canon has maintained its number one market position throughout the 2006 first half, with 23.0 percent unit share**. In fact, the NPD Group’s top 10 digital camera listing has included at least two of Canon’s PowerShot A-series cameras within the 2006 first half as well.
Named for their use of AA batteries, Canon’s A-series digital cameras offer comfortably placed controls and feature high image quality in order for consumers to capture, save and share images of meaningful memories, personal milestones and family functions.
“All of our A-Series PowerShot digital cameras offer consumers an easy transition from traditional film cameras to digital imaging based on form factor, ease-of-use and design,” explained Yukiaki Hashimoto, senior vice president and general manager of the consumer imaging group at Canon U.S.A., Inc. “The PowerShot A-Series line-up continues Canon’s long-standing tradition of providing consumers with imaging excellence in an affordable and uncomplicated package.”
PowerShot A-Series – They All Pack A Punch
The PowerShot A710 IS digital camera features a high resolution 7.1 Megapixel CCD with a 2.5 inch LCD screen, an optical viewfinder and a high-quality Canon 6x Optical Zoom lens, along with Canon’s original Image Stabilizer (IS) Technology – making it the first A-Series model to provide image stabilization. The PowerShot A640 and A630 digital cameras are equipped with high resolution 10.0 and 8.0 Megapixel CCDs respectively. Both cameras feature a high-quality Canon 4x Optical Zoom lens, an optical viewfinder, and a 2.5-inch Vari-Angle LCD screen.
PowerShot A-Series – They Have More Scenes Then Ever Before
Each new PowerShot A-Series digital camera is equipped with Canon’s nine-point AiAF “Smart” autofocus system. The A710 IS model offers 20 shooting modes, while the A640 and A630 models feature 21 shooting modes. The standard shooting modes are Full Auto, Program, Manual, Shutter-priority, and Aperture-priority. Additional modes include Portrait, Landscape, Night Scene, Special Scene (10 varieties), Stitch Assist and Movie. Two new shooting features for the A-Series line are Safety Zoom and Digital Tele-converter. The Safety zoom function allows users to comfortably explore digital zoom without sacrificing image quality while the new Digital Tele-converter digitally emulates having a traditional tele-converter attached.
PowerShot A-Series – Lights! Camera! Action!
The new A-Series digital cameras are also capable of recording VGA movies with sound at 30 frames per second for up to 36 minutes per clip with optional high-capacity 4GB SDHC memory cards, making them perfect for capturing memories in motion.PowerShot A-Series – It Is All In the Design
The new cameras’ grips are ergonomically improved, and the control layout is even easier to use then before. The large and bright 2.5-inch LCD screens feature TFT design for a wide viewing angle, and the size of the screens makes it easier for users to read menu settings and preview or review their photos.
PowerShot A-Series - My Colors
Canon’s enhanced (from previous models) ‘My Colors’ mode provides PowerShot users with an incredible range of creative photo effects, which can be accessed directly from the camera with no need for post-processing in a computer. Consumers can adjust a specific color within an image to modify the look and feel of their picture. Available My Color playback modes include Vivid Blue, Vivid Green, and Vivid Red; lighter and darker skin tones, as well as options for creating black & white, sepia, neutral and positive film effects. Where previously, users could only enable ‘My Colors’ while shooting, the updated My Colors mode lets users retouch captured images as well, without the need for special software applications or tools.
PowerShot A-Series - The DIGIC Difference
Because of Canon’s proprietary DIGIC II (Digital Imaging Integrated Circuit) image processor, consumers can enjoy long battery life, smooth operation, accurate color reproduction, and excellent image quality. The DIGIC II chip combines the roles of image processing and camera function control into one chip, resulting in faster display and write times for each image and lower power consumption, which extends battery life.
PowerShot A-Series - Print/Share Button
With Canon’s cameras and photo printers, consumer can enjoy a complete digital imaging solution from nearly anywhere. Located on the backside of the new PowerShot A-Series digital cameras is the Print/Share button. This button simplifies and accelerates direct printing to compatible Canon and PictBridge enabled printers and one-touch image transfer to computers*** for use with image processing programs, uploading to the Internet, or as email attachments. When consumers connect their camera to a compatible printer or computer via the supplied USB cable, the Print/Share button illuminates to let the user know to press the Print/Share button to begin the printing or downloading process.
PowerShot A-Series - What’s in the Box
The PowerShot A-Series digital camera kit includes a USB cable, audio and video cable, wrist strap, 16MB MultiMediaCard and AA-size alkaline batteries as well as the Canon Digital Camera Solution Disc Version 2.9, featuring the latest versions of Canon’s powerful software.
PowerShot A-Series - Optional Accessories
PowerShot A710 IS digital camera
High Power Flash – HF-DC1
Underwater Housing – WP-DC6
Conversion Lens Adapter – LA-DC58G
Wide Converter – WC-DC58N
Tele-converter – TC-DC58N
Close-up Lens 58mm 250D
NiMH Battery & Charger Kit CBK4-300
AC Adapter Kit ACK800
Compare prices on the Canon Powershot A640 and get the latest price on the Canon PowerShot A640 at Amazon.
Steves Digicams reviews the Canon Powershot A640 and writes - 'Images were very pleasing when using the 10-megapixel Large SuperFine quality mode. Outdoors it captures beautiful pictures that show nice exposure and rich color saturation. I also noticed that sky detail was beautiful when there are clouds visible. Our samples were sharp from edge to edge, thanks in part to the fast and accurate 9-point "Smart" AiAF autofocus system. Image noise is very low when using ISO speeds of 200 or less, with noise becoming more noticeable at ISO 400, and very clear at ISO 800. However, when viewing these higher ISO images at 23% (the typical fit size for a 19-inch monitor set to 1024x768), they look good and still are capable of creating nice prints. The ability to use faster shutter speeds in lower lighting, and the ability to capture that special moment, makes up for the lost image quality, in my opinion.'
Camera Labs reviews the Canon PowerShot A640 where they write - 'What really separates the A640 from most compacts though is its degree of manual and creative control. It gives you full access to the aperture and shutter, along with quick and easy adjustments of all settings including a broad range of flash options. While physically larger and heavier than most compacts, it’s comfortable to hold and sports a decent grip. The lens is also slightly longer than average 3x zooms and the 1cm macro facility is remarkable. It’s just a shame you’ll need to supply your own set of rechargeable AA batteries.'
PhotographyBLOG post their review of the Canon Powershot A640 where they write - 'The Canon PowerShot A640 is, then, a reliable all-rounder that, with that 10 megapixel resolution, sets itself up as a possible back up compact for DSLR users (if they can make do with JPEG-only capture). Shame also about the lack of a built-in image stabilization of any sort; something that would have made the A640 even more compelling for the more demanding user.'
DP Review have posted their review of the Canon PowerShot A640 where they give it a rating of highly recommended and write - 'Compared to the other 10MP compact cameras on the market the A640 is an easy choice; there is little if any direct competition. What's interesting is that for many users the A640 is a serious alternative to Canon's own flagship G7 (which will set you back over $100 more). If you don't need the extra zoom (where the G7's image stabilization is useful) or flash hot shoe, you can get near-identical results from each camera, and there are areas where the A640 actually outperforms the G7. For anyone who prefers to do their own noise reduction processing the A640 is a better choice at higher ISO settings, where the noise and detail retention are both higher. The G7 might be more stylish and have a much better screen, and it certainly makes its huge feature set a lot easier to control, but image quality is - all things considered - pretty much a dead heat.'
DPInterface reviews the Canon PowerShot A640 and recommends the camera, writing, "The A640 has great battery life, a nice grip with easy one hand operation, very good performance, even a custom option on the mode dial and now, remote shooting via your PC. Then the A640 also shares the same quibbles as the very similar A630: low LCD resolution, no live histogram and a plastic tripod mount. The movie mode is excellent save for the per clip limit and inability to focus and optical zoom. Image quality, especially in terms of noise, was better than the A630. Yes, I'd definitely recommend the A640. The performance drop caused by the higher resolution is not significant, in fact barely noticeable and in my opinion, the slightly better image quality and higher resolution justifies the extra $40."
ePhotoZine has a review of the Canon PowerShot A640 and writes, "For a budget range camera to have a selection of full-feature camera modes, a flip-out LCD and a 10Mp resolution is something of a surprise. The A640 is a willing, lightweight and convenient little camera that can taken anywhere and used without drawing much attention to the photographer. The 10Mp is overkill and the result of packing those pixels in is that images are noisy, but fortunately, not to a significant degree at ISO 100. ... The image quality might not be flawless, but considering the functionality on offer its scarcely problematic. "
Good Gear Guide has a review of the Canon PowerShot A640 and writes, "Poor performance at ISO 800 combined with the lack of image stabilisation found on many of Canon's other cameras, means the A640 isn't the best choice for those who regularly shoot in high speed scenarios. The rest of the features are fairly standard. ... We found the A640 to be a reasonably quick camera, posting speeds slightly faster than normal in our tests. Exhibiting a shutter speed of .06 of a second, a 1.8 second shot-to-shot time, and a relatively speedy 1.9 second power up time, this model certainly won't leave you floundering at crucial moments."
LetsGoDigital has a review of the Canon PowerShot A640 and writes, "The Canon A640 is a typical camera from the PowerShot A series and is currently the top model in this camera segment. The ten Megapixel resolution is not really an improvement on its predecessor. It just gives you slightly bigger enlargements, but this is hardly worth the trouble.... The quality of the pixel and way in which the internal image processing achieves its final result is much more important. The Canon A640 manages to do this just fine. The quality of the optical zoom lens is excellent and can match the high resolution."
DigitalCameraInfo has a review of the Canon PowerShot A640 and writes, "What makes the A640 a solid camera is that it allows beginners to develop their photography skills by graduating from the scene modes to the manual mode without needing to buy different cameras. A few of the A640’s highlights include a rotating 2.5-inch LCD screen that has a wide view, a built-in flash with adjustable power, easy to use control and mode dial interface, and in-camera editing for simple direct printing. The Canon A640 is a bit pricey with its $399 retail. Bargain hunters can go for its PowerShot companion, the A630, though. It has 8 megapixels with the same modes and many of the same features – for about fifty to a hundred dollars less. Considering that most point-and-shooters won’t create huge prints, the A630 may be a better buy. The Canon PowerShot A640 is still a good digital camera though – if you’ve got the cash."
Megapixel has a review of the Canon PowerShot A640 and writes, "Many of the features of the A640 are devised so that it is appropriate for a wide variety of users: the A640 provides a simple to use point-and-shoot Auto mode, perfect for a novice; a large number of scene modes that can meet the needs of an intermediate user; and the Creative Zone modes — program, aperture priority, shutter priority and manual — are what most advanced users will want. With a 10-megapixel CCD, the A640 offers a high resolution image that is able to capture a superb level of detail and which guarantees great prints. And this, combined with a broad set of modes that allow a photographer to grow, make it one of the best compacts on the market today."
PhotographyReview has a review of the Canon PowerShot A640 and writes, "The Canon PowerShot A640 is a great do-it-all compact digital camera. There's very little to find fault with, especially with the small price tag. The image quality is excellent for a compact, the size is a good compromise between pocket-sized and super-zoom cameras, and it's got modes and controls to meet almost any photographic need. The ISO 400 and ISO 800 image quality are good enough that most people won't miss having image stabilization. On the other hand, image stabilization would help people get more and better photos and it's the one thing that I would say is missing from the camera."
Posted by Darren in our Canon category on August 24, 2006