Replacing the highly popular PowerShot A620, the PowerShot A630 features a rotating 2.5 inch vari angle LCD, 4x optical zoom lens, and a vast array of creative shooting modes.
The PowerShot A630 packs a vast array of advanced features into a remarkably compact space:
- 8.0 megapixels
- 2.5 inch vari angle LCD screen and real image optical viewfinder
- 4x optical zoom
- DIGIC II, iSAPS, 9 Point AiAF, FlexiZone AF/AE
- Digital teleconverter and Safety Zoom
- 21 shooting modes
Quality controlThe 8.0 megapixel sensor allows for creative cropping while providing enough detail for large, high quality prints. A new Safety Zoom takes advantage of the camera's high resolution to offer extra zoom magnification without affecting image quality up to 16x zoom when shooting Small size images. Users can also activate the Digital Teleconverter to add extra telephoto reach on all shots, similar to adding a teleconverter lens to the camera.
The 4x optical zoom lens achieves a 35 140mm focal length (35mm equivalent) while allowing the camera to maintain a compact size. The lens construction incorporates 8 elements in 7 groupings, including two aspherical elements to maximize sharpness across the whole image. With a maximum aperture range of f2.8 (wide) to f4.1 (telephoto), the lens is remarkably bright at the telephoto end.
ISO 800 mode improves results when shooting in low light settings and enables flash free photography indoors. The camera's High ISO Auto setting prioritizes fast shutter speeds by automatically using the higher range of ISO sensitivities, reducing the risk of unwanted image blur.
Improved LCD and playback
A larger 2.5 inch vari angle LCD screen enables accurate framing from unusual angles, such as those encountered when using the 1 centimeter (.4 inch) Macro mode. The enhanced user interface (UI) retains a selectable Grid Line display to assist with rule of thirds compositions, while users can also enable a new 3:2 ratio overlay during shooting to view the printable area for standard photo prints. Playback is enhanced with an overexposure warning feature, which indicates overexposed areas in captured images.
Flexible shooting
The PowerShot A630 offers users a range of versatile features for creative photography. A choice of 21 shooting modes includes Program, Aperture priority, Shutter priority, and full Manual modes for complete exposure control. A Second Curtain Sync function allows for creative flash exposures, such as light trails. Artistic photo effects can be applied in camera during and after shooting with My Colors.
Filming is also possible at a high standard VGA quality movies can be captured with sound at a smooth 30 frames per second (fps). The AV out connection and supplied cable allows for full screen playback on a TV.
Full range of accessories
A comprehensive range of optional lenses and accessories includes wide (0.7x) and telephoto (1.75x) converter lenses. The optional High Power Flash offers further flexibility for night time photography, while an optional waterproof case allows full control at depths of up to 40 meters. (Accessories are not included and must be purchased separately.)
Technologies Explained
DIGIC II
Canon's purpose built DIGIC II (DIGital Imaging Core) image processor links all primary camera functions for maximum efficiency. DIGIC II processes signals at high speeds, resulting in outstanding responsiveness, rapid autofocus, and extended continuous shooting ability. Advanced image processing algorithms deliver superb image detail and color reproduction with accurate white balance and minimal noise. DIGIC II operates efficiently to extend battery life, for longer shooting on a single charge.
iSAPS
iSAPS (Intelligent Scene Analysis based on Photographic Space) automatically optimizes key camera settings before every shot. Each scene is analyzed and cross referenced against Photographic Space a vast in camera library of photographic data. This enables the camera to make optimal adjustments to autoexposure, autofocus, and auto white balance before image capture occurs.
9 Point AiAF
Canon's 9 point AiAF (Artificial Intelligence Autofocus) automatically scans and selects subjects from a set of nine focusing areas across the scene. This ensures accurately focused images even when subjects are not in the center of the frame.
FlexiZone AF/AE
FlexiZone AF/AE lets users manually select the focus point from almost any point in the frame by moving the autofocus window in the viewfinder. Exposure can be linked to the focus point to ensure that the chosen subject is accurately focused and the scene correctly exposed.
Digital Teleconverter and Safety Zoom
Similar to placing an accessory lens on the front of the camera, Canon's Digital Teleconverter adds a constant digital zoom to every shot (1.6x/2.0x). While optical converter lenses cause a reduction in aperture and consequently require a slower shutter speed, the Digital Teleconverter maintains aperture size, reducing the risk of image blur.
Safety Zoom protects the image from interpolation at high levels of digital zoom, allowing users to extend zoom magnification without sacrificing image quality.
What's in the box
PowerShot A630 body, AA size Alkaline battery x 4, MultiMediaCard 16M, wrist strap WS 200, Digital Camera Solution CD ROM, USB interface cable IFC 400PCU, AV cable AVC DC300
order the recommended Canon PowerShot A630 8MP Digital Camera with 4x Optical Zoom affordable discounted stories
order the recommended Canon PowerShot A630 8MP Digital Camera with 4x Optical Zoom affordable discounted stories
CUSTOMER REVIEW
348 of 356 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars Amazing camera value!, September 7, 2006
This review is from: Canon PowerShot A630 8MP Digital Camera with 4x Optical Zoom (Electronics)
This is one of those nice cameras that's so well done, it's easier to talk about what the camera ISN'T, rather than what it IS! This camera is not a small, shirt pocket camera, and might be a bit bigger than a woman would wish to carry in a purse. It's not a super tele camera, but it does have a respectable, bit longer than average 4x optical zoom.
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.
Simply put, this camera could have easily been priced $50 to $100 more. The only real competition is the A640, $100 more, 10 meg, and a bit more attractive black finish.
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