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Reviewed by UK Guest, 22nd May 2007. |
| Review Summary: Another A |
Overall Score: 5/5
 
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Review: This Canon PowerShot A640 is another great A camera from Canon and improves on the A620 for image quality and control options. The former is not easy given that the number of Mpixels has gone from 7 to 10 on the same size sensor. There really is a noticeable difference in image detail between them.
Image noise is only an issue above ISO 200. ISO 400 is quite usable with ISO 800 usable at small print sizes and with NR. There are many programs which will reduce image noise and do a very good job too. Low ISOs can be as good as a DSLR with decent exposure.
G7 output is very easy to achieve since it is basically the A640 with enforced noise reduction (NR) applied. In the case of the A640, you have the choice: scarifice some detail to NR or not.
The lcd screen is larger (2.5") which is helpful but has the same number of pixels as the A620 so looks a little coarser. It does not like bright light behind hit. But moving the articulated lcd helps. The larger screen is great for movie mode - movies look very good.
Its overall speed is about the same as the A620 even allowing for the extra Mpixels - see [...] for a detailed timings etc.
It has an optical viewfinder which is okay but it's not too accurate - as is so with all of these digicams. Using the LCD is a must - it offers framing guides, etc. too.
Focus is almost instant in most situations as is shooting. It uses a focus assist light for low light.
Flash is as it was on the A620. With a little know-how good results can be had even in macro mode. It syncs at 1/60 sec.
The lens is the same 35-140 and a good one too with centre and corners very good. Zoom noise is quiet and not an issue.
Macro mode is excellent with a 1cm distance possible. The 10 Mpixels does make a difference here - great detail in close ups - and using a wide aperture f2.8 you can get nicely blurred backgrounds (the bokeh is quite good). I use a Canon 20D DSLR with a Sigma 105 EX f2.8 macro lens and believe me the A640 can in some situations perform as good.
There are many add ons available: lenses, filters, etc - it uses A620 ones.
Another great compact for anyone to have in their pocket. As a first cam to learn photography with since there are basic modes leading to advanced ones or as a backup to a DSLR system when you want something lighter. |
Ratings
| Value For Money: |
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5 |
| Review Score: |
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5 |
| Recommended? | |
Yes |
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Digital Cameras