I have had the Canon PowerShot A620 since the summer of 2006. I like it more and more as I learn all of the options available. I was intent on finding a good camera and it was hard researching everything available. I wanted to get a good camera for the money spent and I feel I found it.
For me it was very important first of all to find a good camera with video in one product. I reviewed about 30-35 cameras through some very informative Russian web sites ( lucky me, I know russian). Some which were very professional and seemed to have the information I was seeking. A simple question to ask yourself is “What do I expect from my camera?” What is important to you? Is it weight, size, quality of the pictures? Do you want to take pictures of moving objects or under water? Is the camera easy to use?
Before I went to buy my camera, I looked at the comparison chart of several models. Then held the camera and checked it out in the store. Then do a cost comparison from several stores and purchase where the price is the best. As an example, when I looked at XXXXX store for the cost- it was around $443, yet I purchased mine for approximately $253. Be sure to factor in if there are shipping charges. I was very happy to get this camera for the this price.
The Canon PowerShot A620 has 7.1 megapixels. There are more pixilated cameras out there, but think twice – is that a primary feature you are looking for? The camera features a two inch variable angle LCD screen that can be turned and twisted in a variety of ways, making photo taking a breeze, especially with self portraits. I love it for many other reasons. It gives you the ability to turn the view screen from the sun so that you can see clearly what is on display. This is also helpful in that there is less chance to break a display when you don’t use it – you just flip it and go. Not everyone puts the camera in a pouch when it is not in use. In the past I have broken the display when putting it in the back seat pocket on the motorcycle.
The Canon PowerShot A620 also uses Canon’s DIGIC II Image Processor, leading to the ultimate in image quality. With a versatile 4x zoom lens, full manual and automatic modes, and very easy movie mode. There is nothing this little camera isn’t good for.
The camera as designed for right handed and can be operated with one hand. It is not the lightest camera and considered as a medium weight of 235 grams. but it is compact enough if you go for a long trip.
The 4 alkaline batteries what come in the package are not rechargeable! Another option would be to use rechargeable batteries with a recharger, which only costs around $14.99 per year or two, instead of buying those 4 AAa all the time. Check it here
I found that camera does not have fast or slow shutter modes, but for the price that did not have much concern for me.
After I bought a new computer I decided not to install the canon software (though you might like what comes in the package – CD-ROM featuring Canon Digital Camera Solution, ArcSoft PhotoStudio ((similar to Adobe Photoshop)), drivers if needed) It seemed a waste of time since the computer already could see the camera, all drivers come with it. Just plug the USB cord in the computer and camera a wa-la! In a few seconds I was asked if I would like to download the pictures. Having a nice high speed processor does make a difference when you need to download five 2GB movies or pictures. The 30-40 seconds does not even give you time to get coffee started!
The camera also has a direct print option. If you are out of digital space on the SD memory card, you can go in any photo place and print out the pictures immediately. The print guide books are a wonderful took and is included in the package. Plus the USB cable is included.
I’d like to mention a couple things concerning the memory SD card. 32MB card is only big enough for about 10 fine (3072×2304 pixels) pictures, where if you use a resolution of 640×480 then you will be able to take 115 pictures. Eventually you may want to purchase a 2GB SD card. SD cards come in single or multi packages. If you want to take videos you will need at least a 4-16GB SD cards.
Functions I like in this camera are:
ISO speed from 50, 100, 200, 400 option. This is important if you want to get a detailed picture
It has a choice of 22 languages and can be changed in the menu
Built in flash
Nice manual
Very good average exposure accuracy
Records video of up to 1GB in size and up to 60 frames per second. There are four movie modes, standard, Fast Frame (60 fps for up to a minute each), Compact and My Colors
Very good battery life – up to 29 hours
I feel this camera is good for both beginners and advance users. I hope this page was helpful in letting you make a more informed decision on a camera purchase.