The PowerShot A630 and A640 digital cameras are equipped with high resolution 8.0 and 10.0 Megapixel CCDs respectively. Both cameras feature the same body design, high-quality Canon 4x Optical Zoom lens, optical viewfinder as well as a 2.5-inch Vari-Angle LCD screen.

Both cameras are equipped with a 9-point AiAF "Smart" autofocus system and 21 shooting modes. The standard Shooting Modes are Full Auto, Program, Shutter-priority, Aperture-priority, Manual, and Custom with additional modes including Portrait, Landscape, Night Scene, Special Scene (10 varieties), Stitch Assist and Movie. Both models are capable of recording 30 fps VGA movies with sound for up to 36 minutes when using an optional 4GB SD memory card.

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.

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, 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.

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.

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. The A640 and A630 digital cameras use four AA batteries, while providing more shots (up to 500 with LCD screen on, based on CIPA standards when using rechargeable NiMH batteries) than previous models, thanks to reductions in power consumption made possible by improvements in key components and circuit design.

Optional accessories include NiMH Rechargeable Battery & Charger Kit CBK4-300, AC Adapter Kit ACK900, Underwater Housing WP-DC8, High Power Flash HF-DC1, Conversion Lens Adapter LA-DC58F and the choice of wide-angle, telephoto and macro supplementary lenses. (These are the same supplementary lenses used by Canon's high-end PowerShot G6 digital camera.)

Powershot A630 Features:

• 8 Megapixel CCD imager for up to 3264 x 2448 pixel images
• 4x optical 35-140mm f/2.8-4.1 zoom, 4x digital zoom
• 2.5" vari-angle color LCD with up to 10x playback zoom
• Advanced TTL AiAF 9-point autofocus system
• Program AE, Shutter-speed priority, Aperture priority and Manual modes
• Pre-programmed creative scene modes for beginners
• Movie mode w/sound, 640x480 30fps up to 1GB
• 1.8fps 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 1/2500 second
• Selectable ISO settings from 80 to 800
• 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
• Secure Digital/MMC memory cards, 16MB 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 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. The Canon PowerShot A640 and A630 Digital cameras will be available in October for estimated selling prices of $399.99 and $299.99.

Physical Views

The A630 compared to an average CD disc.

The 10-megapixel Powershot A640 and the Powershot A630.