Canon PowerShot A630

Opinion: Just purchased the A630, and I must admit to being very surprised at the quality of
my initial test images. Essentially this camera will suit the needs of ppl who don't
want to lug their SLR/DSLR or larger format film cameras around - but also don't
want the compromise in features of the current ultra compact class of cameras.
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It's a pity (for my market anyway) this doesn't come with a fast NiMH rechargeable
kit, so I'd recommend purchasing one at the same time. Mine cost me about AU
$58.00. Battery longevity is outstanding with the NiMH-type. I'd also recommend
buying at least one - 1GB SD card - the card that is shipped with the camera -
holds only a couple of images - and is near useless / impractical b/c of this.
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The A630 is a great point and shoot with manual operation - and you won't be
afraid to carry this around where ever you go - so no more missed opportunities b/c
you didn't want the hassle of your regular equipment.
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I've also rated the image quality as 'excellent' - b/c I think it is with correct
exposure and usage - for the price and class. Having said that, this camera doesn't
yield the images of my somewhat antiquated Nikon FE/35mm or my medium format
Mamiya - so I rated it relatively speaking.
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Will add to this review in a few weeks - when I've really put this through it's paces
in all conditions - as I will be carrying this around with me everyday.

Opinion: I was using a A620 for about a month. I've only had the A630 for a couple days.
Mostly a good experience. One BIG letdown is the the new 2.5" lcd. The size is
nice, but canon just pushed the same 115,000 pixels from the A620(2") to fit the
2.5" size.The lcd is too bright, sort of washes out the viewed image. I have to
look at the lcd from an angle, to get it closer to the actual result, although still not
quite what you get when you open on a computer.Images were a much closer
match with the lcd on the A620.A nice feature would be contrast adjustment for
the lcd, but wouldn't happen with a camera in this price range. I went back to
where I bought it and tried another A630, with the same result. The A640 has the
same lcd and the same result.Was actually thinking of returning camera and
getting a A620, but they seem to have dried up quickly.

Opinion: I received my A630 in the mail yesterday and have only spent a few hours with the camera but have been extremely impressed with it so far. My previous digital camera was a Powershot A40 that recently suffered some water damage and stopped working. I had been considering the A620 based on glowing reviews but when the A630 was availabe for the same price I decided to go for it.
The image quality with the A630 is excellent and the array of features/programmable/manual settins is duanting. It is almost overwhelming the number of things you can do with this camera. That might be a downside to some, as it can lead to some confusion, but I think it's great that this camera gives you so much room to explore and grow as a photographer.
The LCD is bright, sharp and clear, although the resolution on the menu systems is a little grainy. Not a big deal as far as I'm concerned. The performance of the camera in general is snappy. It's quick to start up, quick to change settings, recycle the flash, etc.
The zoom is very good and one thing I've been really impressed with is the digital zoom. I'm used to digital zooms being basically useless, but I was shocked at how sharp this feature can be in the A630.
The build/feel of the unit is solid. It's not the smallest or lightest camera but ergonomically designed and easy to use. I personally don't like ultra-compact units as I find the controls very hard to use. The A630 is small, but it still feels like you've got a solid grip when using it.

Like many on this site, I've been waiting for the official reviews to come in on the new A630/A640's. I'm leaving on a trip in the next couple of weeks so I couldn't wait for those so I went ahead and took the plunge. I can say that I'm very happy I did. This camera is availabe for a great price online and offers so much value for the money.
I don't have any images to post yet but might put some up in the future. There are images that have been posted online by others though. I hope this is helpful to others considering buying the A630.

Opinion: This is my 3rd digicam, for the money it's a really good camera. I really recommend it