Canon PowerShot A630

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http://reviews.cnet.co.uk/digitalcameras/0,39030233,49284012,00.htm

Reviewed 24 October 2006

Reviewed by Will Greenwald

An 8-megapixel version of the 10-megapixel PowerShot A640, the Canon PowerShot A630 is otherwise identical to its higher-resolution sibling. Both share the same sturdy, chunky body, 35mm-to-140mm-equivalent lens with accessory lens mount and broad feature set with PASM exposure controls. Both cameras even turned in nearly identical performance results in our tests. (For more, read the PowerShot A640 review.)

Aside from the approximate £30 difference in street price, the real distinguishing element between the two is the photo quality. In general, both produce colourful and crisp photos, with relatively little fringing or distortion. Fine details showed up clearly in our test shots, though colours tended to appear slightly muted and cool. The A630 displays slightly less noise, however. Artefacts start to appear at ISO 400 and become a fine but visible grain at ISO 800. Images are still usable at ISO 800 for 100x150mm (4x6-inch) prints, but aren't as sharp as photos taken at lower sensitivity settings and display problems with colour banding.

Though the A640 continues the PowerShot's history of less-than-stellar low-light shooting, it's otherwise a great camera for users who want a solid point-and-shoot with photographer-friendly manual capabilities. But unless you really need the A640's extra pixels, save yourself a few quid and get the A630 instead.

Edited by Lori Grunin
Additional editing by Kate Macefield