Canon Powershot A640, A630 and A710is

Canon have introduced 3 new "A" series powershot cameras. The distinguishing feature of the "A" series cameras is their use of easily obtainable AA batteries.

The A630 and A640 are very similar except that the A640 has a 10MP sensor while the A630 has an 8MP sensor. Otherwise they have the same lens, same swing out LCD and same features as shown in the table below.

The A710is has a lower 7.1MP sensor, but a wider range zoom lens with image stabilization and a fixed 2.5" LCD

All three cameras otherwise have very similar focusing and exposure features. All three use SD format memory cards.

Here's what the Canon Press Release has to say:

LAKE SUCCESS, N.Y., Aug 24, 2006 – Canon's new PowerShot A710 IS, A640 and A630 compact digital cameras combine functionality with photographic simplicity, all in a compact form factor that fits snugly in the hand. These 7.1, 10.0 and 8.0 megapixel cameras pack a high resolution punch to ensure that consumers' most cherished memories are clear and crisp today and for years to come. The cameras will be in stores this October for estimated selling prices of $399.99^*, $399.99^* and $299.99^*, respectively.

PowerShot A-Series - They All Pack A Punch
The PowerShot A710 IS digital camera features a high resolution 7.1 Megapixel CCD with a 2.5 inch LCD screen, an optical viewfinder and a high-quality Canon 6x Optical Zoom lens, along with Canon's original Image Stabilizer (IS) Technology - making it the first A-Series model to provide image stabilization. The PowerShot A640 and A630 digital cameras are equipped with high resolution 10.0 and 8.0 Megapixel CCDs respectively. Both cameras feature a high-quality Canon 4x Optical Zoom lens, an optical viewfinder, and a 2.5-inch Vari-Angle LCD screen.

PowerShot A-Series - They Have More Scenes Then Ever Before
Each new PowerShot A-Series digital camera is equipped with Canon's nine-point AiAF "Smart" autofocus system. The A710 IS model offers 20 shooting modes, while the A640 and A630 models feature 21 shooting modes. The standard shooting modes are Full Auto, Program, Manual, Shutter-priority, and Aperture-priority. Additional modes include Portrait, Landscape, Night Scene, Special Scene (10 varieties), Stitch Assist and Movie. 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.

PowerShot A-Series - Lights! Camera! Action!
The new A-Series digital cameras are also capable of recording VGA movies with sound at 30 frames per second for up to 36 minutes per clip with optional high-capacity 4GB SDHC memory cards, making them perfect for capturing memories in motion.

PowerShot A-Series - It Is All In the Design
The new cameras' grips are ergonomically improved, and the control layout is even easier to use then before. The large and bright 2.5-inch LCD screens feature TFT design for a wide viewing angle, and the size of the screens makes it easier for users to read menu settings and preview or review their photos.

PowerShot A-Series - My Colors
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, and 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.

PowerShot A-Series - The DIGIC Difference
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

PowerShot A-Series - Print/Share Button
With Canon's cameras and photo printers, consumer can enjoy a complete digital imaging solution from nearly anywhere. Located on the backside of the new PowerShot A-Series digital cameras is the Print/Share button. This button simplifies and accelerates direct printing to compatible Canon and PictBridge enabled printers and one-touch image transfer to computers^*** for use with image processing programs, uploading to the Internet, or as email attachments. When consumers connect their camera to a compatible printer or computer via the supplied USB cable, the Print/Share button illuminates to let the user know to press the Print/Share button to begin the printing or downloading process.

PowerShot A-Series - What's in the Box
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.

PowerShot A-Series - Optional Accessories

PowerShot A710 IS digital camera


• High Power Flash - HF-DC1
• Underwater Housing - WP-DC6
• Conversion Lens Adapter - LA-DC58G
• Wide Converter - WC-DC58N
• Tele-converter - TC-DC58N
• Close-up Lens 58mm 250D
• NiMH Battery & Charger Kit CBK4-300
• AC Adapter Kit ACK800
  

PowerShot A640 and A630 digital cameras


• High Power Flash - HF-DC1
• Underwater Housing - WP-DC8
• Conversion Lens Adapter - LA-DC58F
• Wide Converter - WC-DC58N
• Tele-converter - TC-DC58N
• Close-up Lens 58mm 250D
• NiMH Battery & Charger Kit CBK4-300
• AC Adapter Kit ACK900