The Canon PowerShot A650 IS debuted in the fall of 2007. This has been the primary non-SLR camera at our house since it’s debut. This is primarily my wife’s camera but I’ve had plenty of opportunity to use this great little camera. I really enjoy this camera, so while very late and moot to many - here is my take on this little camera.
The A650 IS for the most part is an A-series version of the G-series camera, and to the best of my knowledge is the last time Canon basically did so. The A650 IS shares it’s lens with the G7 and G9 PowerShots, and shares the same 1/1.8" 12.1 MP CCD with the G9 camera.
The analogy I find useful is that the A650 IS is comparable to the G9 in the same way the original Digital Rebel (300D) was comparable to the Eos 10D. The A650 IS is a software feature and build level lower then the G9, but not by much. The front half of the silver shell is metal. The grip and back are plastic.
The A650 IS lacks a flash hot shoe, a few custom settings, and the ability to shoot RAW. However, like how the Digital Rebel could accept the EF-S lenses the A650 IS has an articulated LCD screen, something that has not returned to the G-series until the current G11 model. Like the G9 ISO3200 is an option via the SCN modes, but only as an MJPEG.
Handling of the A650 IS is pretty good. It has a hefty feel in-hand, made all the more balanced if you use 4x rechargeable AA NiHM batteries. But even using 2500mAh type they only last about a week to several days. For the biggest performance life I recommend AA Lithium batteries. I can get months of use from Lithiums in the A650 IS. I often will use the AA Lithiums from my 580EX II in the A650 IS after the AAs are showing some performance drop in the flash gun, the A650 will function for a long time on flash cycled AAs.
The AA power source has pro’s and con’s but however you feel, I enjoy the option for our vacation camera. I rarely ever worry about a dead battery with the availability of AAs so prevalent on the road.
The button layout is superb, I can easily set the mode dial for shooting priority, and set ISO and exposure compensation off the back panel in seconds. Even the flash is easy to adjust. I especially love the choice of AF modes and Tv/Av Safety shift features - just as found on my Eos DSLRs. I actually have the C mode on the A650 IS set to Tv 1/125 with Safety shift On and Auto ISO - I find this to be a very good go to setup for me.
I have actually enjoyed using the little A650 IS so much I have begun my own quest for a great Pocket camera I could take with me when I leave the house for travel alone. I usually need to leave the A650 IS at home as my wife uses the A650 for snap shots or small videos of our young daughter through out the day.
The problem is the world of Canon PowerShots has changed a great deal since 2007 and it hasn’t changed much at all. I’ve looked at buying a new G-series for myself several times. But the feature set of the A650 IS has kept me from pulling the trigger, it’s such a great little camera that if I add yet another PowerShot to our stable I’d like the camera to be even more special. Perhaps the new S90 and G11 will change that for me, but until I get to spend more time with either the A650 IS will be my non-SLR of choice. The camera is no longer sold new by Canon; however, if you are looking for a top-line A series I would suggest you look no further then to find one of these used.
If you do buy one used be sure to check for the service notice. Some early A650 IS models had a light leak on the case, ours did. And Canon will repair the case free of charge. The service center for PowerShot models is in IL, so I was lucky enough to walk ours in for service.
IT LIVES AGAIN!
