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Canon PowerShot A640 10MP Digital Camera with 4x Optical Zoom

Product Features

• 10-megapixel CCD captures enough detail for photo-quality 18 x 24-inch prints4x optical zoom
• 2.5-inch vari-angle LCD display
• ISO range up to ISO 800 for less blur in low light while hand-holding
• 3:2 guide masks LCD to display 4 x 6-inch print size; 16:9 format option for still images
• Stores images on SD cards; powered by 4 AA-size batteries

Canon PowerShot A640 Review

This camera have all you need if you are, or wish to be, a creative photographer but do not want to carry with your DSLR or don’t have the money to first experiment into the photography world. Canon A640 was everything I expected of it… I was looking for a camera that was better than your usual point and click and that was the step before buying an SLR camera so this was the perfect fit.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.

Here are my pros & contras about Canon A640:

PROS:

- A lot of manual controls. You can even control the flash for less or more power and when to fire it, 1st or 2nd curtain.
- Fast and accurate auto-focus.
- Excellent white balance features.
- The red eyes reduction works really great.
- Remote control with your computer. You can control all the features with your computer with your camera in a tripod. Cool for a photo session.
- AA battery powered. I’ll never buy a camera that doesn’t use this kind of batteries (unless it is a DSLR). I can get AA anywhere if my rechargeables go dead or if I forget them in the charger, as it happened to me a couple of weeks ago. Be powered by 4 AA lets you shoot a lot more than other cameras even with regular alkalines.
- Excellent macro, 1cm (I think even less) excellent focus, clear images, great details.
- The vari-angle screen its a great thing. You can get easy ground level shoots or over the head, or shoot yourself for the perfect self-portrait. And i love to close the screen when not in use.
- Canon A640 has a great body, it feels great in your hand. Heavy enough to keep it in control. Doesn’t feel cheap at all.

CONS:
- Memory and battery in the same compartment. Not practical at all. And you have to unmount from the tripod if you want to put a new memory card.
- The plastic tripod socket, i hate it. Are you kidding me Canon? Respect yourself! I feel this thing its going to brake or wear. Bad thing.
- No cable or wireless control for remote shooting. I know that the cameras in this range doesn’t have that option but I wish someday they have it ’cause it’s an important accessory. You can deal with your self-timer if you need something similar.

Most of all, I can’t imagine needing to “upgrade” for many years to come. Canon A640 is sturdy yet compact enough to keep in my purse.