Canon PowerShot A640 Review Roundup and Sample Photos

Latest Canon PowerShot A640 Video Review at Camera Labs added - 5/22/2007

Canon’s PowerShot A640 Review Roundup includes summaries from all main digital camera expert reviewers as they become available, company specification sheet, video reviews, owners manual, Digital Camera Tracker’s unique reviewers opinion thermometer, and sample photos taken with the Canon PowerShot A640.

Main Canon PowerShot A640 Features Include:

• 10 megapixel
• 4x optical zoom
• 2.5 inch vari-angle LCD screen and real-image optical viewfinder
• ISO to ISO 800
• DIGIC II, iSAPS, 9-Point AiAF, FlexiZone AF/AE
• Digital Tele-Converter and Safety Zoom1
• 21 shooting modes

Canon PowerShot A640 Reviewer - Opinion Thermometer

Photography Review
Megapixel
PhotographyBlog
LetsGoDigital
Ephotozine
DPInterface
ComputerActive
DPReview
DigitalCameraReview
PhotographyBlog
Imaging Resource
Cameras.co.uk
Camera Labs
DCResource
PCW
Steve’s Digicams
CNET

Read More Canon PowerShot A640 Reviews

Photography Review - 5/18/2007 - reviews the Canon PowerShot A640 digital camera and they write, “The Canon PowerShot A640 is a great do-it-all compact digital camera. There’s very little to find fault with, especially with the small price tag. The image quality is excellent for a compact, the size is a good compromise between pocket-sized and super-zoom cameras, and it’s got modes and controls to meet almost any photographic need. The ISO 400 and ISO 800 image quality are good enough that most people won’t miss having image stabilization. On the other hand, image stabilization would help people get more and better photos and it’s the one thing that I would say is missing from the camera.

There’s a reason people keep buying Canon’s A-Series digital cameras. I don’t think there’s any other compact digital camera line that currently delivers as much bang for the buck, and does it with such quality. And the Canon PowerShot A640 is a solid representative of A-Series values and value. In spite of the lack of image stabilization, it’s a winner and I will happily recommend it.”

Megapixel - 4/12/2007 - reviews the 10 megapixel Canon PowerShot A640 digital camera and they write, “Negatives: 2.5-inch monitor’s resolution a bit low for its size - Optical viewfinder shows only part of the frame being captured - Red-eye reduction flash mode requires accessing the menu Positives: Excellent image quality - Very low-distortion lens with no chromatic aberration - Low noise from 80 to 200 ISO - Fully useable ISO range - Fast to operate”

PhotographyBlog - 2/15/2007 - reviews the 10 megapixel Canon PowerShot A640 digital camera and they write, “What stood out was the generous zoom range of 4x, the possibility to extend the focal range via an optional converter, the energy efficient character and the speed with which large files can be processed. The Canon PowerShot A640 also has excellent colour reproduction that is more than sharp enough. One thing is clear; when you focus on the good points, you will soon forget all about the down sides. Its predecessor already had a great reputation and the Canon PowerShot A640 is continuing the success story. You could still argue over the lack of certain speed keys for, e.g. ISO, but in this regard, the concept comes very close to its big brother, the Canon PowerShot G7.”

LetsGoDigital - 2/12/2007 - reviews the 10 megapixel Canon PowerShot A640 digital camera and they write, “What stood out was the generous zoom range of 4x, the possibility to extend the focal range via an optional converter, the energy efficient character and the speed with which large files can be processed. The Canon PowerShot A640 also has excellent colour reproduction that is more than sharp enough. One thing is clear; when you focus on the good points, you will soon forget all about the down sides. Its predecessor already had a great reputation and the Canon PowerShot A640 is continuing the success story.”

Ephotozine - 1/18/2007 - reviews the 10 megapixel Canon PowerShot A640 digital camera and they write - “For a budget range camera to have a selection of full-feature camera modes, a flip-out LCD and a 10Mp resolution is something of a surprise. The A640 is a willing, lightweight and convenient little camera that can taken anywhere and used without drawing much attention to the photographer. The 10Mp is overkill and the result of packing those pixels in is that images are noisy, but fortunately, not to a significant degree at ISO 100.”

DPInterface - 1/7/2007 - reviews the 10 megapixel Canon PowerShot A640 digital camera and they write - “Yes, I’d definitely recommend the A640. The performance drop caused by the higher resolution is not significant, in fact barely noticeable and in my opinion, the slightly better image quality and higher resolution justifies the extra $40. Of course that’s subjective, you could go with the cheaper A630 if you don’t need that extra resolution or remote shooting.”

ComputerActive - 12/20/2006 - reviews the 10 megapixel Canon PowerShot A640 digital camera and they write - “Although the Powershot A640 would benefit from some form of built-in image stabilisation, it’s another reliable performer from Canon, while the adjustable screen and high 10-megapixel resolution makes it worthy of serious attention.”

DPReview - 12/19/2006 - reviews the 10 megapixel Canon PowerShot A640 digital camera and they write - “Anyway, ranting over, we’ve got a superbly built, superbly specified camera, capable of excellent results at a reasonably keen price. It’s an ideal ‘first camera’ for anyone wanting to learn the craft of photography - it’s a very reliable ‘point and shoot’ that can grow with you as your experience and ability develops. It’s a pretty easy Highly Recommended and - though by no means flaw-free - is a perfect example of how far compact cameras have come in the last few years.”

DigitalCameraReview - 12/8/2006 - reviews the 10 megapixel Canon PowerShot A640 digital camera and they write - “I generally prefer using an optical finder, which the A640 does provide, but the A640 also has a 2.5 inch Vari-Angle LCD monitor. This makes grab shots or quick snapshots easy, and also simplifies close-ups and self-portraits. The LCD can be turned back to face the subject and show a non-reversed image and the self timer set. No more shots of the photographer not quite making it into the family picture!”

CameraLabs Bottom - 12/6/2006 - “The bottom line though is the A640 doesn’t only deliver slightly higher resolution images, but also appears to do so with lower noise than the A630. Again it’s a pretty subtle difference, but from the results above, you certainly shouldn’t be concerned of compromised noise levels if you opt for the 10 Megapixel PowerShot A640 over the 8 Megapixel A630.”

PhotographyBlog - 11/27/2006 - reviews the 10 megapixel Canon PowerShot A640 digital camera and they write - “The vari-angle LCD screen, manual settings and ability to add conversion lenses – and even a waterproof housing – are a real boon for those who want to get more creative with their compositions. Pictures too, as expected from Canon, are pretty consistent, with just enough processing applied in-camera to ensure that images are immediately usable without having to delve into Photoshop (though some benefit from the application of Levels, chiefly to brighten interior shots). The Canon PowerShot A640 is, then, a reliable all-rounder that, with that 10 megapixel resolution, sets itself up as a possible back up compact for DSLR users (if they can make do with JPEG-only capture). Shame also about the lack of a built-in image stabilization of any sort; something that would have made the A640 even more compelling for the more demanding user.”

Imaging Resource - 11/15/2006 - reviews the 10 megapixel Canon PowerShot A640 digital camera and they write - “Its the Canon A640’s image quality that makes the sale, however, with its lens delivering superb sharpness across the frame. The A640 is arguably the first 10 megapixel digicam to meet the potential that the impressive size implies; and high ISO shots are also very good across the range of options. Bottom line, the Canon A640 is destined to become a classic. The Canon A640 is just an excellent all-around digital camera.”

Cameras.co.uk - 11/14/2006 - reviews the 10 megapixel Canon PowerShot A640 digital camera and they write - “In terms of features against price the Canon Powershot A640 offers very good value for money. It has a range of features that you do not normally find in a digital camera in this price range. Photo quality is good and I would be more than happy to own one.”

Camera Labs - 11/9/2006 - reviews the 10 megapixel Canon PowerShot A640 digital camera and they write - “What really separates the A640 from most compacts though is its degree of manual and creative control. It gives you full access to the aperture and shutter, along with quick and easy adjustments of all settings including a broad range of flash options. While physically larger and heavier than most compacts, it’s comfortable to hold and sports a decent grip. The lens is also slightly longer than average 3x zooms and the 1cm macro facility is remarkable. It’s just a shame you’ll need to supply your own set of rechargeable AA batteries.”

DCResource 10/24/2006 - reviews the 10 megapixel Canon PowerShot A640 digital camera and they write - “Photo quality — very good. The A640 took well-exposed photos with accurate colors, pleasing sharpness, and minimal purple fringing. Noise levels were low through ISO 202. You should have no problem making midsize prints at that setting — and maybe larger. ISO 800 is best saved for situations where you have no other options. The one photo quality downside is a common one for the A-series cameras, and it’s redeye.”

PCW - 10/19/2006 - reviews the 10 megapixel Canon PowerShot A640 digital camera and they write - “Overall, we were very impressed with the Powershot A640. It has a rich feature set that is useful rather than gimmicky, can accept add-on conversion lenses and accessories and is useable by both novices and enthusiasts alike. Best of all, the image quality is superb.”

Steve’s Digcams - 9/30/2006 - reviews the 10 megapixel Canon PowerShot A640 digital camera and they write - “These models continue to be some of our favorites in this class, offering style, versatility, excellent image quality, speedy performance, and a wealth of exposure modes, all in a rugged metal/plastic shell. With an MSRP of just US$399, I feel the Canon PowerShot A640 offers an outstanding value for such a capable 10-megapixel model. And with so much resolution, you can create poster prints without a problem. If you loved this model, and can settle for only 8-megapixels of resolution and no remote capture feature, check out the A630, which can be acquired for about $100 less.”

CNET - 9/28/2006 - reviews the 10 megapixel Canon PowerShot A640 digital camera and they write - “Unfortunately, the A640 preserves the PowerShot’s history of less-than-stellar low-light shooting. Otherwise, the Canon PowerShot A640 is a great camera for users who want a solid point-and-shoot with photographer-friendly manual capabilities. If you like the A640’s feature set but don’t want to spend quite so much for the resolution, you might want to consider the camera’s 8-megapixel but otherwise identical little brother, the A630.”

Canon PowerShot A640

Canon PowerShot A640 Sample Photos

[Sample Photos at Canon] [Sample Photos at Photography Review]
[Sample Photos at Megapixel]
[Sample Photos at PhotographyBlog]
[Sample Photos at WhatDigitalCamera]
[Sample Photos at DPInterface]
[Sample Photos at DPreview]
[Sample Photos at PhotographyBlog]
[Sample Photos at Imaging Resource]
[Sample Photos at Cameras.co.uk]
[Sample Photos at Camera Labs]
[Sample Photos at Flickr]
[Sample Photos at Steve's Digicams]

Canon PowerShot A640 Video Reviews

[Video Review at Camera Labs]

Canon PowerShot A640 Spec Sheet

[Canon PowerShot A640 Spec Sheet at Canon]

Canon PowerShot A640 Owners Manual

[Canon PowerShot A640 Owners Manual]

Canon PowerShot A640 Initial Press Release

Amstelveen, The Netherlands, 24th August 2006: Canon today launches two PowerShot A-Series compact cameras with the highest resolution in the range to date - the 10.0 Megapixel PowerShot A640 and 8.0 Megapixel PowerShot A630. Replacing the highly popular PowerShot A610 and A620, both cameras feature a rotating 2.5″ vari-angle LCD, 4x optical zoom lens and a vast array of creative shooting modes.

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See also: Canon, Canon PowerShot A640, Canon Review roundups, Reviews