The 12-megapixel Canon PowerShot A650 IS bridge camera features a 6x zoom and a vari-angle 2.5in LCD screen.
Canon PowerShot A650 IS Review
Trickle-Down Effect
The compact/bridge market is ever expanding as larger sensors and high-end technology work their way down from top-end DSLRs to enthusiast models such as the A650 IS.
Impressive Feature Set
The 12MP sensor is certainly high-end, and Canon bolsters the spec of the camera further by incorporating a 6x optical zoom and DIGIC III image processor with a 9-point AiAF, and complemented by a 2.5in variangle LCD.
As with many other models with a similar specification the A650 IS is by no means small, with extra weight added thanks to the four AA batteries it takes to power it.
Image Quality
Image capture is a pleasure. The vari-angle LCD screen combined with the excellent image stabiliser means that shooting from any angle is effortless and produces good results, with images comprised of vibrant colours, warm textures and limited noise and fringing.
Verdict
A feature-laden high-end ‘compact’ that is a pleasure to use despite being over-sized.
Details
Memory Card:SD, SDHC
Flash Modes:4
White Balance:TTL Auto, Daylight, Cloudy, Tungsten, Fluorescent, Fluorescent H, Custom
ISO Range:80-1600
Metering System:Evaluative (linked to Face Detection AF frame), Centre-weighted average, Spot (centre or linked to Face Detection AF or FlexiZone AF frame)
Shutter Speeds:1/60 - 1/2000 sec, 15 - 1/2000secs total range
Exposure Modes:Auto, Program AE, Shutter priority AE, Aperture priority AE, Manual, Custom + 15 scene modes
File Formats:JPEG
LCD:2.5in
Lens:35-210mm
Sensor:12mp
Connectivity:USB 2.0
Power:4 x AA
Dimensions:112.1 x 67.8 x 56.2mm
Weight:300g
Other:-
Sample Photos:View sample shots of the Canon PowerShot A650 IS