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The Canon PowerShot A650 IS with 12.1 megapixels offers unparalleled resolution for a compact camera, while the powerful 6x optical zoom with Optical Image Stabilizer Technology and Face Detection all deliver clear, blur-free images in low light and all zoom ranges. Exposure Controls - Program AE, Shutter Speed-Priority AE, Aperture-Priority AE, Manual; AE Lock, Safety Shift, Auto ISO Shift ISO Sensitivity - Auto, High ISO Auto, ISO 80/100/200/400/800/1600 Shoot pictures in the Widescreen Resolution Option (4000x2248) to view them full screen on your widescreen TV or Computer monitor! Built-in flash controls - Auto, Auto w/ Red-eye Reduction, Flash On, Flash On w/ Red-eye Reduction, Flash Off; FE lock, Safety FE, Slow Synchro, Second-curtain synchro Shooting Modes - Auto, P, Av, Tv, M, C, Portrait, Landscape, Special Scene (Foliage, Snow, Beach, Fireworks, Night Scene, Aquarium, Underwater, Indoor, ISO 3200), Kids & Pets, Night Snapshot, Stitch Assist, Movie Self-Timer - 2-sec./10-sec., Custom Up to 1.2fps Continuous Shooting SD/SDHC, MultiMediaCard (MMC), MMC Plus, HC MMC Plus Card Slot A 32MB SD Card is included, however we suggest purchasing an Optional 2GB Memory card. It will allow you to store a lot more Video and images, as well as take advantage of the camera's high Resolution abilities. Interfaces - USB2.0, A/V out (NTSC/PAL) Print directly to Canon CP/SELPHY Compact and PIXMA Photo Printers or any PictBridge compatible printer via included USB cable without a computer! Powered by 4x AA Alkaline or Rechargeable Ni-MH Batteries (Up to 2x more shots with optional Ni-MH batteries) Approximate Unit Dimensions - (WxHxD) 4.41 x 2.67 x 2.21; Unit Weight - 10.58 oz (Body only without memory card and batteries)
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 One of the best cameras before moving to a Reflex |
| Review Date: April 26, 2010 |
| Reviewer: De Franceschi Nicola, |
| I've been using it for 2 years and I really like the pictures I get. In manual mode you can set everything as you would with a Reflex. And if you install the CHDK software you can even save in raw mode and enable extra features (be sure to read the instructions first). The 12 MPx sensor means you can crop part of a picture while keeping a high resolution. The 6x analogic zoom even if not continuos is very good and up to 12x you almost don't see you're in digital mode. As most of the compact cameras the real difference with a Reflex is the quality of pictures at higher ISOs. Up to 200 very good, from 400 the grain is visible, above 400 it's worthy only if you care to have a memory. The tilting viewer was one fundamental requirement for me and is especially useful when you want to take pictures from an original point of view or for self pictures. |
Best of Canon's A-series
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| Review Date: January 21, 2010 |
| Reviewer: BrianS, California |
In my opinion the Canon A650 was the pinnacle of Canon's A series. While later models have larger LCDs they are not articulated. Now, you have to buy the new G11 to get an articulating LCD. The A650 doesn't offer DSLR versatility, it's as close as you will get on a P&S camera. With an extended 6X lens and a remarkably steady IS this camera is about fun as it gets. Compared with my old A620, the A650 is a little larger and heavier -- for the jacket pocket only. While the image quality is very good it didn't deliver the high contrast images of the A620 -- but this seems true of most cameras of increased resolution. It's all plastic, but it's really hard to find anything very bad about it. If you find the A620 used (since they are discontinued) at a decent price, buy it.
The vendor (dennissg) I got mine from was excellent, with quick shipping, including fresh high quality batteries, and all the books and cords. The camera was like new, for only $325. If you can find one of these exceptional cameras at a good price I highly recommend it. |
Great camera with some drawbacks
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| Review Date: January 2, 2010 |
| Reviewer: LAMBxROAST, USA |
This camera, though now discontinued, sat upon the top of the A-series line when it was released. Many great features set this camera apart from the pack, though the camera itself isn't without a few downsides as well. Several of the good things about this camera include image quality, ease of use, and good zoom length with IS. However, the A650 is not without downsides either. The bulk of the camera, less than great battery life, and poor high-ISO performance are all potential drawbacks of this camera.
The image quality of this camera is, in my opinion, its best characteristic. Although at high ISO, noise gets to be a problem, for the most part the image quality of the A650 is impeccable. Few point and shoots, if any, can match the level of clarity that this camera offers. Low light performance isn't too shabby either, though with a zoom in low light, the aperture won't go low enough to get any respectable results without using the built-in flash, which I would advise against. If you are looking for the one thing that makes this camera great, image quality is it.
The controls on this camera are fairly simple. Some nice features include a dedicated ISO shortcut button, exposure compensation, and of course, the tilt-and-swivel screen. The screen allows photos from above ones head, down low, sides, self-portraits, or virtually any other position a photographer can thing of. The trade off is a smaller screen than you might normally find on a point-and-shoot, and this isn't helped by a crappy optical viewfinder. But on the whole, the tilt-and-swivel more than makes up for the reduced dimensions of the 2.5" screen.
For a point and shoot, it's nice to see some useful zoom length, optically speaking. A lot of point and shoots like to inflate their zoom range with digital zoom, but the A650 legitimately has a 6x optical zoom. This means all 12.1 megapixels can be utilized at 6x zoom and that is certainly a nice feature. Coupled with this is the image stabilization. For lower shutter speeds, the IS can compensate for up to three stops of camera shake. This is an incredibly useful feature especially at longer zooms, where the image is more prone to blur.
Plainly put, for a point and shoot, this camera is big. Weighing in at almost a half-pound without batteries, this camera, while no dSLR, is not the sprightliest chicken on the farm. It won't do well in a small pocket, though it may fit into jacket pockets and the like. This is a trade-off for the good lens quality and faster recycle times.
The battery life on this camera is another of my complaints. To begin with, it takes 4 AA batteries to get this thing running (however, they are AA, which is nice because you don't have to deal with some proprietary battery and charger), which doesn't help with weight at all. Then, the batteries will drain fairly quickly over the course of a day if you are doing a decent amount of shooting. If you don't use the LCD, there is great potential for battery conservation, but you will then have to compose with the optical viewfinder, which is honestly a joke.
While one might expect poor high ISO performance in terms of much increased noise in most cameras, this camera, while hitting 1600 ISO, gets into very noticeable noise levels anywhere past 400 ISO. This is all right if you intend to do mostly daytime or tripod shooting, but if you are interested in low-light, handheld, and zoomed shots, even the built-in IS probably won't save your photograph. This is almost to be expected in a point and shoot, but nonetheless disappointing.
In conclusion, the Canon A650 is a worthy camera to be used as a primary camera. Great image quality and nice controls place it a step ahead of the competition. However, as a compact supplement for a dSLR or for someone desiring a light, portable camera, one might want to want to look elsewhere as its bulk disqualifies the A650 from the compact range. |
Great camera if you do not mind the bulk over picture quality!
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| Review Date: September 20, 2009 |
| Reviewer: Sum Buddy, India |
One of the best Canon camera's in its versatility, yet having a reasonable price. Too bad Canon took it off the shelves during its infancy - still wondering 'why'!
To have a 12.1MP resolution, with Digic-III processing, fantastic Canon optics and a swivel screen - at a very reasonable price tag is like a dream come true. It offers capabilities to adjust shutter speed, aperture and focus in the manual mode. Surprisingly can zoom in the video mode (though captures some step-like sound noise from the mechanism, probably due to the sensitive microphone included).
RAW is not supported, but apart from that no reason to complain. Image quality & versatility is, in one word - stunning! Gives some so called non-Canon SLR's a run for their price tag.
4-AA batteries looks a bit power hungry, but I do not complain when I look at the picture quality. I would rather take good pictures in less quantities, rather than lots of pictures of obscure quality!
Wonder why Canon stopped this model? Is it because it was perceived as a threat - that may cannibalize their low end SLR & movie-cameras?
Anybody who knows about that - please let me know too :)
I came to know Canon had some issues about a particular batch of A650's in the US market and had to do a partial product recall, but the ones elsewhere had no such problems. So why was it stopped?
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Nice!!
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| Review Date: September 4, 2009 |
| Reviewer: JC, california |
I had purchased a used camera from Ben and had some problems with it so I sent it back and received another one.Ben was great with taking care of the situation. He provided extra items for the camera at no cost and paid for all the shipping. I appreciate his integrity at how he handles his customers. I will admit that before purchasing the camera I checked out the reviews and they hold up. Good Job Ben!! It has been a pleasure.
JC |
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