Canon PowerShot A640 10MP Digital Camera with 4x Optical Zoom
Brand | Canon |
Model Name | Canon PowerShot A640 |
Maximum Webcam Image Resolution | 10 MP |
Photo Sensor Size | 1/1.8-inch |
Image Stabilization | None |
Max Shutter Speed | 1/2500 seconds |
Min Shutter Speed | 15 seconds |
Exposure Control Type | Manual |
Form Factor | Compact |
Effective Still Resolution | 10 |
About this item
- 10-megapixel CCD captures enough detail for photo-quality 18 x 24-inch prints
- 4x optical zoom; 2.5-inch vari-angle LCD display
- ISO range up to ISO 800 for less blur in low light while hand-holding
- 3:2 guide masks LCD to display 4 x 6-inch print size; 16:9 format option for still images
- Stores images on SD cards; powered by 4 AA-size batteries
What's in the box
Product Description
Product Description
Canon 1287b001 10.0 megapixel powershot(r) a640 digital camera 10.0 megapixels ; 4x optical zoom ; 2.5 vari-angle lcd screen; mode dial for easy access to 21 shooting modes & 9-point aiaf ; iso 800 for steady shooting & high iso auto; digic(r) ii image processor & isaps technology for faster processing speed; 30 fps vga (640 x 480) continuous move recording with sound ; print/share button for easy direct printing & downloading, plus id photo print & movie print with canon(r) cp & selphy(tm) compact photo printers ; includes camera body, wrist strap, 4 aa alkaline batteries, 32 mb multimediacard(tm), usb interface cable, av cable & digital camera solution disc 10.0 megapixel powershot(r) a640 digital camera
From the Manufacturer
Replacing the highly popular PowerShot A610, the PowerShot A640 features a rotating 2.5-inch vari-angle LCD, 4x optical zoom lens, and a vast array of creative shooting modes.
The PowerShot A640 packs a vast array of advanced features into a remarkably compact space:
- 10.0 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 control
The 10.0-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 A640 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 (1.4x /2.3x). 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 A640 body, AA-size Alkaline battery x 4, MultiMediaCard-32M, wrist strap WS-200, Digital Camera Solution CD-ROM, USB interface cable IFC-400PCU, AV cable AVC-DC300
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Product information
Auto Focus Technology | Multi-area, Single, Live View, Contrast Detection |
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Display Resolution Maximum | 115,000 |
Photo Sensor Size | 1/1.8-inch |
Photo Sensor Technology | CCD |
Effective Still Resolution | 10 |
Maximum Webcam Image Resolution | 10 MP |
White balance settings | Auto |
JPEG quality level | Fine |
Image Stabilization | None |
Video Capture Resolution | 480p |
Video Standard | AVI |
Viewfinder Type | Optical |
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Screen Size | 2.5 Inches |
Touch Screen Type | LCD |
Batteries Required? | No |
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Number of Batteries | 4 AA batteries required. |
Are Batteries Included | No |
Rechargeable Battery Included | No |
Battery Cell Composition | Lithium Ion |
Battery Description | Nickel Metal Hydride |
Battery Weight | 1 Grams |
Target Gender | Unisex |
Digital Scene Transition | zoom |
Connectivity Technology | USB |
Continuous Shooting Speed | 1.5 |
Controller Type | Remote control |
Wireless Communication Technology | Yes |
Flash Memory Type | SD/MMC card |
Special Feature | Image Stabilization |
Water Resistance Level | Not Water Resistant |
Skill Level | Professional |
Form Factor | Compact |
Hardware Interface | USB |
Audio Recording | Yes |
Photo Sensor Technology | CCD |
Lens Type | Zoom, Telephoto, Prime |
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Aperture Modes | F2.8 |
Optical Zoom | 4 x |
Digital Zoom | 4 |
Zoom Type | Optical, Digital |
Autofocus Points | 9 |
Compatible Mountings | Canon RF, Canon EF |
Focus Type | Autofocus & Manual |
Maximum Focal Length | 140 Millimeters |
Minimum Focal Length | 35 Millimeters |
Expanded ISO Maximum | 800 |
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Expanded ISO Minimum | 80 |
Max Shutter Speed | 1/2500 seconds |
Min Shutter Speed | 15 seconds |
Exposure Control Type | Manual |
Shooting Modes | Scene |
Model Name | Canon PowerShot A640 |
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Brand | Canon |
Model Number | 1287B001 |
Customer Reviews |
3.8 out of 5 stars |
Best Sellers Rank | #100,889 in Electronics (See Top 100 in Electronics) #620 in Digital Point & Shoot Cameras |
ASIN | B000HARTYI |
Color | Black |
Included Components | Wrist Strap, Battery |
Item Dimensions LxWxH | 4.29 x 1.93 x 2.6 inches |
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Warranty & Support
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Customer reviews
Customer Reviews, including Product Star Ratings help customers to learn more about the product and decide whether it is the right product for them.
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Learn more how customers reviews work on AmazonCustomers say
Customers like the quality, ease of use, and size of the digital camera. For example, they say it's a good camera for everyday users, takes excellent pictures at distance, and is compact. Customers are also impressed with the portability, and value. However, there are mixed opinions on the shutter speed and appearance.
AI-generated from the text of customer reviews
Customers like the image quality of the digital camera. They mention that the pictures are huge at 10 megapixels, and there's little need for much zoom as you can crop. The screen is excellent, and it's possible to get good, sharp existing light images indoors. It uses AA batteries and takes tons of pictures on a set of nickel metal hydride.
"...It's hard--but still very possible--to get good, sharp existing light images indoors, but only because I stubbornly keep the ISO set at 200 or lower...." Read more
"...In many respects, our expectations were met. The A640 takes excellent pictures at distance and in less lighting than the Mavica required...." Read more
"...The screen is excellent. It is bright, and big, tilts to every angle, and frames the entire picture, and, and, and.... Very impressive.*-..." Read more
"...Lots of room to crop. Very fast focusing.It takes tons of pictures on a set of nickel metal hydride batteries. 300-400 shots...." Read more
Customers are satisfied with the quality of the digital camera. They say it is an excellent camera, powerful, and inexpensive. Some customers also mention that it performs even better than expected, and is a good camera for everyday users. They appreciate its ease of operation, general all-round ability, and the quality pictures taken. They also mention it works great for vacations and is portable.
"...Everything works well and fits correctly.Lows-..." Read more
"Amazing little camera. For the price, it's packed full of stuff! Unbelievable. 10mp is huge. The images come out sharp and clear...." Read more
"...It's excellant and way beyond my expectations! This a great point and shoot camera that you can't go wrong with. The price is great too...." Read more
"...take excellents photo of flowers with the macro.by the way it's working very nice,I'm really impressed with this macro option...." Read more
Customers find the digital camera easy to use. They mention that it's versatile, and the many functions are easy to operate. Some customers also say that the camera is simple and straightforward, and is virtually idiot proof.
"...Maybe blown up to a 3 ft. picture you could? The features are easy to use and for the most part I was able to just navigate through the menus on..." Read more
"...Didn't really take any videos with it, so I can't speak to that. As a simple, straightforward camera, it was very good." Read more
"...It sure has a lot of bells and whistles, but the basics are quite simple. I hope this will be my LAST camera...." Read more
"...Easier to use and still takes great photos. PLUSES:1...." Read more
Customers like the size of the digital camera. They say it's compact, easy to use, and smaller than the older models. Some say that it' s portable and takes wonderful photos.
"...The screen is excellent. It is bright, and big, tilts to every angle, and frames the entire picture, and, and, and.... Very impressive.*-..." Read more
"...Canon makes the Canon HF-DC1 High Power Flash for about $100. It's tiny and can easily fit in your pocket...." Read more
"...Compact, but not too much. Easy to grip, and controls are easy to use in cold weather. Excellent image quality and reliability for my needs...." Read more
"...-Heavier than most of the other cameras due to the AA batteries-It's bulky, so it won't fit in a pocket..." Read more
Customers like the portability of the camera. They mention that the view screen in the back swivels around, allowing them to take shots that might be difficult to take from a certain angle. They also appreciate the tilting LCD panel and the excellent resolution.
"...The swivel screen is also great for taking pictures of subjects at or near ground level, shots that would completely elude me without this..." Read more
"...The screen is excellent. It is bright, and big, tilts to every angle, and frames the entire picture, and, and, and.... Very impressive.*-..." Read more
"...PLUSES:1. The view screen in the back swivels around and allows you to take shots that might be difficult...." Read more
"...I love the pivoting lcd screen, it lets me shoot from all different angles, and also do self-portraits...." Read more
Customers appreciate the value of the digital camera. They mention that it is an excellent price and that it was in excellent condition.
"...This is a very affordably priced camera, though, chock-full of features and controls, and for that reason I am not deducting a star...." Read more
"...The Phoenix D91-BZS 4-Stop Digital Slave is very good, powerful and inexpensive, but big...." Read more
"...One heck of a bundle for a great price!" Read more
"...Summary - worth the money and easy to use!" Read more
Customers are mixed about the shutter speed of the digital camera. Some mention that the shots are quicker than their last camera, and the USB 2.x picture transfer is very fast. The power-up time is speedy, and it focuses pretty nimbly. However, some customers say that they have noticed some focus lag time when shooting high contrast images, and that the camera has a hard time finding focus. On top of that, the camera is very slow in low-light situations.
"...USB 2.x picture transfer is very fast @ about 2.5 min for 1 Gig of data.*- The camera supports 4GB SD cards, maybe larger.*-..." Read more
"...I have noticed some focus lag time when shooting high contrast images, but not as much as with the little Nikon Coolpix P3 I used before I bought..." Read more
"...Lots of room to crop. Very fast focusing.It takes tons of pictures on a set of nickel metal hydride batteries. 300-400 shots...." Read more
"...It offers sufficient control--aperature, shutter speed, iso, exposure comp, file size, etc...." Read more
Customers are mixed about the appearance of the digital camera. Some mention that they love looking at hair shafts, pimples, pores, and eye lashes, while others say that the color and detail saturation is impressive.
"...10mp is huge. The images come out sharp and clear. Love looking at hair shafts, pimples, pores, eye lashes...." Read more
"...The door protecting the computer interface slots feels like a soft plastic; flimsy and delicate and seemingly unlikely to remain for long on the..." Read more
"...The design is good, the flip-out screen is handy, and the pictures are detailed...." Read more
"...great, however, a lot of the pics I took came out slightly blurry and fuzzy. Outdoor pics came out better than indoor but nothing to rave about...." Read more
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It's hard--but still very possible--to get good, sharp existing light images indoors, but only because I stubbornly keep the ISO set at 200 or lower. Although I don't use it much, the flash is excellent--you can adjust it up or down in any mode except Auto, Scene and of course Movie.
The swivel LCD (the reason I chose the A640 over the G7) has spoiled me. I'm very short--only 5' tall--and with this feature, I can compose shots of subjects that are completely out of my field of vision. Just today I stretched up on tiptoe, held the camera over a birds nest in a tall shrub, swiveled the screen and composed a beautiful macro shot of the eggs. Without the screen, I wouldn't have even known whether the nest was in use, much less whether the eggs were centered or in focus! The swivel screen is also great for taking pictures of subjects at or near ground level, shots that would completely elude me without this feature.
FlexiZone is awesome, and I keep my camera on that setting almost exclusively. It offers great control over exactly where in the frame the camera focuses. Enabling grid lines is not only helpful for the rule of thirds but also for making sure horizontal and/or vertical lines in the composition are nice and straight.
I've only run on a couple of situations, both times under fluorescent lighting, where I couldn't achieve accurate white balance. I found that using the flash corrected the problem.
Power-up time is speedy, and the camera focuses pretty nimbly. I have noticed some focus lag time when shooting high contrast images, but not as much as with the little Nikon Coolpix P3 I used before I bought this camera.
If there were any one change I could make to the camera, it would be the inclusion of image stabilization. I've encountered some frustrating situations without it. This is a very affordably priced camera, though, chock-full of features and controls, and for that reason I am not deducting a star. I knew it didn't offer image stabilization when I bought it!
There are too many features to cover in this review, but I've touched on most of the things I'm finding make me dread the day when this camera "wears out" or breaks down. I'm loving my little camera, and I enthusiastically rate the Powershot A640 a full five stars. It picks up where my EOS 30D leaves off, and my bases are fully covered!
In many respects, our expectations were met. The A640 takes excellent pictures at distance and in less lighting than the Mavica required. At distance, the high resolution photos are quite crisp and well detailed. The light weight of the camera is also convenient.
However, there are some areas in which Canon seems to have stumbled.
For fans of taking close-ups, the major problem area is the focus mechanism. At very close distances, the A640 will frequently focus in crisply -- then zip back out to a completely unusable setting. The "manual" focus is no help, as it is a digital mecahnism that will not take the lens out to the point where the item of interest comes into focus. The only solution is to move the item further away and use the zoom mechanism to compensate. As the digital zoom jumps in very discrete steps once you go beyond the 4x lens capability, this can be quite challenging.
Again, with close-ups, the focus area selected by the camera in auto mode is frequently baffling. Quite often I feel as if I am struggling against some odd sort of random number generator, as the camera selects spot after spot around the periphery of my item of interest without locking on to the center of the item itself. This can occur even when using the macro mode.
Dealing with the volatile nature of camera settings is often painful as well. Unless one wishes to use the Custom mode, one's settings will only last so long as the camera does not go back from picture taking mode to play mode. If you take too long setting up a shot, the power save will take the camera out of its picture-ready state -- wiping out your flash and macro settings in the process. By contrast, the Mavica always remembered the last settings used as long as it had a good battery in it -- and even slightly beyond, as I could swap batteries on that and still retain our camera settings.
Photo deletion also seems to be surprisingly primitive for the state of the art. On the A640, if you are using the camera only (i.e., not tied directly to a computer), the options are limited to deleting photos one at a time and confirm each one or to delete all photos at once. Again, the Mavica had an overview mode by which one could select photos for deletion and then remove the selected photos with a single confirmation. This is a surprising deficiency for a camera that has so much more image storage potential than the Mavica, though one may overcome it to a large extent by using a much higher capacity flash card than the 32Mb baseline one provided.
Two other areas of concern are the computer interface door and the battery chamber door. The door protecting the computer interface slots feels like a soft plastic; flimsy and delicate and seemingly unlikely to remain for long on the camera. The battery chamber door is not much better, as the batteries have to be jiggled and gently worked into place before the battery door will close -- again in contrast to the Mavica's battery door, which was firm enough and secure enough to push the battery down into its proper place.
Despite its shortcomings, the A640 remains an overall improvement over our original Mavica. But it is surprisingly cumbersome to use for close-up photography. It leaves one feeling that, aside from pixel resolution and its ability to focus at distance, the A640 has taken a few steps backwards from older cameras.