Canon Powershot A650 IS Review

Click to take a QTVR tour of the A650

The PowerShot A650 IS digital was designed for photo enthusiasts who demand superior image quality, and are looking for a versatile camera with plenty of manual control. This new mode has 12.1-megapixels of resolution and a generous 6x optical zoom with optical image stabilization (OIS). A variety of enhanced controls, such as 21 shooting modes, Manual, Aperture-Priority and Shutter-Priority, among others, will also give users a lot of freedom to make the camera adapt to their specific needs. All of this power is easily navigated via the intuitive mode dial, easily viewed via the 2.5-inch Vari-Angle LCD and just as easily handled, via the ergonomic handgrip.

Canon's new A-series cameras are also built for fun. Snap the PowerShot A650 IS into Waterproof Case WP- DC18 or the PowerShot A720 IS into Waterproof Case WP-DC 16 and they become both weatherproof and waterproof at depths up to 130 feet, making them great accessories for the beach, water- park or a scuba trip. Both cameras are part of Canon's "A-Team" (powered by AA batteries), so powering up will be quick and easy.

The "brain" of these new PowerShot cameras is DIGIC III, the gold standard on all new Canon digital cameras. The DIGIC III image processor accounts for the camera's higher performance levels, including faster start-up, faster autofocus and quicker shutter response times that leave long-lag competitors in the dust. The DIGIC III chip design improves image quality and offers more efficient power consumption, resulting in extended battery life under typical shooting conditions.

With Canon's new Genuine Face Detection technology, the camera can detect up to nine forward-looking human faces in a scene. The Face Detection algorithm automatically prioritizes and selects faces and not simply the closest object (based on Canon's Intelligent Scene Analysis/iSAPS technology). It will then optimize the focus, exposure and flash to ensure the best possible results. Using Canon's Face Detection, photographers can keep up to nine faces in focus at any one time no matter where they are within the image. Working in concert with Face Detection, the "Red-Eye Correction" feature helps to detect and correct red-eye during playback mode. Images can be corrected automatically or manually while viewing photos on the LCD screen. Canon's new Face Detection Technology makes for even easier picture-taking moments, helping users ensure in-focus smiles, and assist in the elimination of over-exposed faces.

The extended zoom range of these cameras makes optical image stabilization (OIS) essential. Canon's lens shift OIS provides an effective antidote to camera shake, particularly at longer zoom lengths or during long exposures when even the slightest hand-held shake is magnified to picture-blurring proportions. Superior to electronic image stabilization systems that simply use software to mask movement, OIS actually shifts the lens proportionately to compensate for unwanted motion, making it easier to snap great images. The OIS found in Canon PowerShot digital cameras is based on technology developed for Canon's renowned high-end professional EOS SLR cameras.

The steady effectiveness is further enhanced when paired with the new "Auto ISO Shift" feature which, at the touch of a button, can automatically increase the ISO speed setting as required to maintain fast shutter speeds when shooting in low-light conditions without a flash.

Whether it is raising your camera above your head to get a shot of your child at her first dance recital or dropping your camera below your knees to watch your baby crawl for the first time, the large 2.5-inch vari-angle color LCD screen increases the ability to get those hard to view, but essential shots.

All Canon PowerShot digital cameras work seamlessly with Canon's compact photo printers to deliver stunning high-quality borderless prints. Consumers simply connect their PowerShot digital camera to a Canon compact photo printer, press the Print/Share button, and moments later a brilliant, borderless 4" x 6" print begins to emerge; it's that simple. Canon's compact photo printers are PictBridge compatible, so they work with PictBridge enabled digital cameras to provide users with excellent image quality and ease- of-use, especially when paired with a Canon digital camera.

Powershot A650 Features:

• 12 Megapixel CCD imager for up to 4000x3000 pixel images
• 6x optical 35-210mm f/2.8-4.8 zoom, 4x digital zoom
• 2.5" vari-angle color LCD with up to 10x playback zoom
• Advanced TTL AiAF 9-point autofocus system with Face Detection technology
• Program AE, Shutter-speed priority, Aperture priority and Manual modes
• 21 Pre-programmed creative scene modes for beginners
• Movie mode w/sound, 640x480 30fps up to 4GB
• 1.2fps Continuous burst capture of Large/Fine images
• Evaluative metering on focus point, Center-weighted or Spot options
• Stitch Assist mode for perfect panoramas
• Exposure compensation: +/-2EV in 1/3-step increments
• White Balance: Auto, 6 presets or Custom
• Orientation sensor that automatically detects vertical or horizontal shooting
• Low-light focus assist illuminator
• Light-guide zoom flash, angle changes with focal length
• Shutter speeds of 15 seconds to 1/2000 second
• Selectable ISO settings from 80 to 1600
• Built-in microphone and speaker
• Powered by four standard AA type batteries
• Direct print and PictBridge Compatible
• USB 2.0 high-speed connectivity for PC and Mac
• SD/SDHC/MMC memory cards, 32MB supplied
• Optional wide angle and telephoto lens adapters
• Optional High-Power Flash HF-DC1
• Optional Waterproof Housing

The PowerShot A-Series digital camera kit includes a the PowerShot A650 IS Body, AA-size Alkaline Battery (x4), SD Memory Card SDC-32M, Wrist Strap WS-DC4, Digital Camera Solution CD-ROM, USB Interface Cable IFC-400PCU, AV Cable AVC-DC300. The Canon PowerShot A650 is available now with an estimated selling prices of $399.99.

Physical Views

The A650 compared to an average CD disc.

Canon's 12-megapixel PowerShot models for 2007, the A650 IS and the G9.