Canon PowerShot A640 Review

Canon PowerShot A640 10 megapixel digital camera has been described as "bursting with creative options". This sounds a bit optimistic, but it's actually true. Canon has put together a great digital camera for photo enthusiasts, and it won't even leave you with an empty wallet.

Professionals and photography teachers alike use Canon PowerShot A640 as their "walking around" camera for everyday use. The quality of the pictures is undeniable, especially when printing. Canon PowerShot A640 receives high marks for its 11x14 printed photos, with users often calling the quality of the pictures "incredible". If you do a lot of photo printing, this could be the digital camera for you.

As mentioned before, Canon PowerShot A640 is a 10 megapixel digital camera. It has 4x optical and digital zoom capabilities. The camera's minimum focal length is 7.3mm, with a maximum focal length of 29.2mm. The minimum shutter speed is 15 seconds, with a maximum of 1/2500 of a second. Images are produced in JPEG format.

Canon PowerShot A640 has automatic and manual focus modes, as well as programmed, automatic, manual, aperture priority, and shutter priority exposure settings. This guarantees great shots in any level of light. And with a 2.5 inch LCD and real-image zoom, photographers can preview their shots in great detail.

Like many of its peers, Canon PowerShot A640 has a frame video mode and self-timer for those who want to include themselves in their pictures. The camera has 32MB onboard memory and is compatible with SDHC Memory Card, MultiMediaCard, and SD memory cards. It comes with a wrist strap along with A/V and USB cables. At 8 ounces in weight and 2.6 in x 4.3 in x 1.9 in (HxWxD), the PowerShot A640 is about average in size.

What do PowerShot A640 owners think about their cameras? By and large, they are thrilled with their purchase. Some do point out that certain extra features are available, but only at an additional cost. For example, the A640 has no image stabilization, no information in the viewfinder, and no RAW setting. To get these extra features, customers have to spend extra money – approximately $200 more.

Some users complain that their photos lose quality when taken in low light situations. Wide angles and close-ups are subject to barrel distortion in any light. Others share their unhappiness about seemingly small things, such as the wrist strap being too near the USB port, or the battery cover seeming a little flimsy. One should note, however, that there have been no reports of customers needing to replace their A640 due to any defects or physical damage.

Canon PowerShot A640 is about on par with similar cameras in its price range, but it stands apart because of the high recommendations it has earned from people who know digital cameras well. The A640 sells for approximately $629.00.

Canon Digital Rebel XTi Review

The Digital Rebel XTi, the newer version of the Digital Rebel XT, resembles its predecessor in many ways.  It offers a 10.1-megapixel sensor, bigger eye-friendly LCD screen, and many new features. Small body molding changes in the XTi arguably makes a difference in the ergonomics of the camera; depending on your hand size, you may find the XTi comfortable or unbalanced and cramped.

Two of the most salient changes from the XT are readily apparent on the back of the unit:  the LCD screen is a larger 2.5 inches, and the dedicated status LCD is missing; instead the XTi uses the main LCD as the status display. The camera automatically activates or deactivates the LCD screen as your eye moves to or away from the viewfinder. In addition, the newer version shows flash exposure lock and white balancing in its viewfinder's status bar.

The critical shooting functions are easily accessible through the four-way buttons and LCD screen on the back of the camera. Program shift, exposure compensation, exposure lock, drive mode, and focus-point selection all have dedicated buttons.

The menus are simpler and easier to navigate than with the XT.  Additionally, the Picture Styles feature has been added, offering predefined image parameter sets for shooting in specific situations. For example, the Portrait style provides settings appropriate for reproducing skin tones.

Several features from the previous two versions of the Digital Rebel have been added or enhanced. The Auto Rotate During Playback mode allows users to magnify and pan around the image that appears immediately after shooting.  Users can view the histogram display in luminance (brightness), RGB or monochrome.  And users have new long-exposure noise-reduction options. 

The XTi has a 10.1-megapixel sensor, upgraded from the XT's 8-megapixel. 

The Xti features a triple self-cleaning sensor system.  First, the sensor has an antistatic, dust-repelling coating.  Second, a clear element in front of the sensor vibrates ultrasonically when the camera is turned on or off, to shake off dust.  Third, users can create "dust referencea" shot that permits the digital removal of dust spots during later editing.

Users have versatile lens options, as this camera will accept all Canon EF and EF-S line lenses, which include everything from ultra-wide-angle to super-telephoto functions.  The unit is also compatible with EX-Series Speedlite flashes.

This camera tends to retail in the $500 to $800 range.

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Features and Specifications include….

Camera Type:  SLR/professional

Image Sensor:  CMOS

Dimensions:  3.71" high x 4.98" wide x 2.56" deep

Weight:  1.12 lbs

Exposure Speed:  3 frames per second

Shutter Speed:  30 – 1/4000 second

White Balance:  Auto, Manual, Daylight / Sunny (Preset), Cloudy (Preset), Fluorescent (Preset), Tungsten (Preset), Shade (Preset), Flash (Preset), Color Temperature Adjust

Flash Type:  Built-in and External

Flash Functions:  Flash Off, Auto Flash, Red-eye Reduction, Manual

ISO Speeds:  Auto, 100, 200, 400, 800, 1600

Image Resolutions:  3888 x 2592, 2816 x 1880, 1936 x 1288

Microphone:  no built-in microphone

Self-Timer:  10 seconds

Interface:  USB 2.0

Video Interface:  video out

Focus Type:  auto and manual

Lenses:  Interchangeable

Power Type:  NB-2LH

Power Duration:  360 Images

Memory Type:  CompactFlash Card, Types I and II

LCD Screen Resolution:  230,000 pixels

Viewfinder:  Optical (Through the lens)

Users generally give this camera good reviews.  Users who are transitioning from point-and-shoot cameras give the XTi especially good reviews, citing the great picture quality and ease of use.  Some users lament the lack of an inborn anti-shake feature, and although lenses are available with this feature, they are high-priced.  Prospective purchasers, especially those transitioning from point-and-shoot cameras, should be aware that fully realizing the potential of this and similar cameras does require purchasing multiple lenses, the selection of which is not especially easy or cheap.  That having been said, there is little buyer-remorse for those who do wish to invest in this camera and the lenses suitable to their photographic goals.

20 Photography Tips

1. Gather photography information as much as you can.

To begin with your career in photography at the right path, you need to gather more information

about it first. Gathering information would provide you guidance on the right steps that you need

to take. Researching can be done through the internet, talking to professional photographers, as

well as reading some books about the subject.

2. Purchase the digital camera that you want.

Even if you are still at the starting point of your photography career, it is best to purchase the type of digital camera that you really want. You should purchase something that can provide you with the kind of pictures that you want. By using a camera that provides quality photos, you would become more motivated in taking more pictures with it, even if you are still trying to learn

about it.

3. Invest in a tripod.

Having a tripod can provide you with lots of benefits, as far as taking pictures is concerned. It is one of the things that you need to invest on, in order to have quality landscape shots. Aside from that, it would also help you in taking glorious pictures of sunset or sunrise.

4. Time your shots well.

Timing your shots well is one of the keys in taking beautiful pictures. This is actually one of the reasons why some professional photographers would suggest beginners in the field, to make use of filmed cameras at the start. This is because, using such types of cameras can help a person develop a good habit in timing and choosing his shots, due to the fact that the film limits it.

5. Don't hesitate to try new angles.

There is always a tendency for a beginner to stick on taking pictures of his subject head on. If you are doing that, you may be preventing yourself in finding the best angles. Thus, it is a good idea to try out different angles first. Try to be taking the picture from the top or from below. By doing that, you can have different perspectives of the scene.

6. Always look for candid shots.

Looking for candid shots can actually provide you with more opportunities of taking the bestshots. When you check out different photos, you will find that some of the best ones are those that are taken without the subjects looking at the camera. Capture scenes where people are doing their usual things, and you will see how natural it would become.

100 Photography Tips

7. Make use of UV filters on the front of your camera lenses.

UV filters can provide your camera with the protection that it needs, in order to stay in top

condition. Place the filters in front of your camera lenses, so that your lenses would be protected

from scrapes or knocks. With that, you can be assured that your lenses last longer.

8. Buy different lenses and swap with a fellow photography enthusiast to save money.

Camera lenses are quite expensive these days; and, having a good number of them would offer

you more when it comes to taking pictures. However, if you want to save on cost, then find a

friend who has the same brand of camera that you have. Aside from that, have an agreement with

him in purchasing different lenses, so that you can simply swap lenses whenever you need to.

9. Use a remote if you still get blurred shots even with the use of a tripod.

Even with the use of a tripod, there is still a possibility that you would get blurred shots. This can

be due to the way you press the shutter button, in taking the pictures. To get around that, all you

actually need to have is a remote. Aside from that, you can also make use of your camera's delay

timer.

10. Make use of your mobile phone's camera if you are trying to scope for beautiful landscape

shots. So you won't forget them.

Scoping for great landscape shots can become a fun activity, especially if you won't keep on

forgetting those that you want to visit later on. To prevent that from keep on happening, you can

always make use of your mobile phone's camera for it. By doing that, you would be able to

remember where you want to shoot your landscape scene next, by simply checking your phone.

11. How to make sure that your lenses would not knock against each other while being put inside

your bag. Camera lenses do not come very cheap these days, which is why you need to take care of them properly. To make sure that they won't destroy each other while being put inside the bag though, you can use your hiking socks for them. All you have to do is to cut the shocks into its proper sizes. Just make sure that the socks are cleaned so that your lens would not get dirt on it.

12. Provide yourself some time to look through the photographs that you have taken a

while ago. Checking out your work after a few weeks that you have taken them, can provide you a new feeling for the photos. Aside from that, it would also give you the opportunity to see what you did right, and what you did wrong. More importantly, even if you did really well with them, you can always use them as your guide to make improvements.

13. How to take pictures of fast moving or unpredictable subjects.

There are times when you want to capture an image or images of subjects that are erratic or moving fast. An example of this would be your pet dog playing around the garden. To make sure that you can capture a decent picture, simply make use of your camera's continuous shooting mode. With that, it would take a number of shots in just a second, which would give you the chance to catch a good shot.

14. What you can do to become a wedding photographer.

If you want to become a wedding photographer, you want to start it right, so that you can get more clients. Staring out right in photography means gathering more information about it. However, you should also practice more; and, one of the best ways to do that is to volunteer as one of the photographers for your friend's or relative's wedding celebration.

15. How to make sure that you are buying the right kind of lens, especially if it expensive.

Lenses are available in different models these days. Some are big, while some are small. Keep in mind that such camera accessories are quite pricey. To make sure that you would be purchasing the right kind though, you can always rent certain types of lens for a few days first, so that you can check out their many functions and advantages, which should help you make the right purchase.

16. Create a homemade light box if you are trying to take pictures of your products.

If you are trying to sell certain products online and you want to take pictures of them, you should have a good light box for it, so that your pictures would really look good. A homemade light box can be made with a cardboard box and a tracing paper. With your homemade light box, you can take quality pictures of the products, which would help in selling them faster.

17. Lower down your camera.

In most cases, you would usually take a picture standing up. Try lowering it down for certain types of shots, so that you can also explore different angles. Checking out different perspectives would provide you with more options on how you want to go about in taking a picture of your subject. Aside from that, lowering down your camera is one of the best things to do when your subject is small.

18. Make your hobby pay you for all your hard work.

To gain more motivation in taking beautiful pictures, one of the best things that you can do with them is to sell them on stock photography websites. These sites can expose your pictures to people who are looking for the best images for their marketing efforts. In other words, if companies find that your pictures are in good quality, and they are applicable to their products, then they would purchase it.

19. Use plastic LCD screen protectors.

You need to protect your camera's LCD screen at all times, since it is where you would check the images you captured. To achieve that, you can simply make use of LCD screen protectors for them. They can ensure that your LCD would be free from scratches and dirt. Thus, with them, you can maintain the quality of your digital camera for a longer period of time.

20. Manipulate light.

Capturing light for the picture that you are taking is considered by some as an art. To manipulate light, you need to consider the different sources of it, such as the sun, flashes, and lamps. You have to know that these different sources may also need different tools, in order to take advantage of them, such as the reflectors, diffusers, and snoots.

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