Canon PowerShot A650IS - Expert Reviews

Review summary: This is 12 megapixel camera with image stabilisation and a 6x zoom lens (35-210mm film equivalent). There is face detection, which works about 10 per cent of the time. The swivelling LCD is a boon for low level, waist level and self portrait shots. The op

Pros: The flash is particularly good, with fine colour balance and pleasant diffusion. Red eye is not a problem. The movie mode is surprisingly useable, although the sound quality won't win any academy awards. The camera is responsive with little noticeable shu

Cons: Even at low ISO speeds image noise is a problem. 12 megapixel sensors in compact cameras are ridiculous. It is hard to know which is more objectionable, the noise (grain) or the attempts at noise reduction that blur fine detail.

Verdict: Once again we are dealing with what is basically a good camera, as far as design and build are concerned, with excellent features, like the optical viewfinder and the articulated LCD, which is let down by the image sensor. However, allowing for the pixel

Review summary: It features an ISO range of 80 - 1600 (with up to 3200 expandable). The camera measures 4.41 x 2.67 x 2.21 in. (112.1 x 67.8 x 56.2mm) and

Pros: Brilliantly sharp pictures, ISO sensitivities usable up to ISO 800, 6x optical zoom, full manual features

Cons: Heavy and chunky, some chromatic aberration issues

Verdict: It may be big, but if you're looking for a high-end advanced camera with all the bells and whistles that captures brilliant pictures the Canon PowerShot A650 IS is a great choice.

Review summary: The DIGIC processor behind this compact is tried and tested, and quite fantastic at its job.

Pros: Superb picture; Easy to grip; Feature rich; Simple controls and menu layout; 12.1-megapixel capture

Cons: No Raw

Verdict: The little extras are there; you get the tripod screw hole, Face Detection, Image Stabilizer and, if you spend the money, a broad range of tele-convertors and other accessories including a waterproof enclosure. We think this would make a great family came