Digital Camera News

August 19, 2007

Image Stabilized Canon A650 IS and A720 IS Announced

Take a look at the PowerShot A650 IS Take a look at the PowerShot A720 IS

August 20, 2007 – All six Canon PowerShot cameras announced today sport Optical Image Stabilization - Canon even included the blur reduction technology on its entry-level cameras, the PowerShot A650 IS and the PowerShot A720 IS. These new A-series point-and-shoots include higher megapixel counts and updated Digic III processors with the new Genuine Face Detection system. The 12.1-megapixel A650 IS will retail for $399, while the A720 IS is priced $249 when the cameras ship next month.

The 12.1-megapixel A650 IS follows the 10-megapixel A640 introduced this time last year. The PowerShot A650 IS is fitted with a 6x optical zoom lens with a focal length of 35-210mm in 35mm format, versus the previous 6x optical zoom with a shorter range of 35-140mm. The newer camera showcases optical image stabilization. Canon’s optical image stabilization system uses lens shifting technology to reduce camera shake and prevent blurry photos. The mechanical image stabilization is paired with digital stabilization called Auto ISO Shift that boosts sensitivity and allows users to shoot in low-light environments.

The Canon camera also includes a 2.5-inch Vari-Angle flip out, rotating LCD screen similar to that of the older model. The A650 IS, however, has a greater monitor resolution - 173,000 pixels compared to the 115,000 pixel maximum on the A640. With its pivoting capabilities, the camera’s LCD screen enables users to shoot at high or low angles. 

Also announced today is the A720 IS. The 8-megapixel A720 IS touts an increased megapixel count, up from the 7.1-megapixel A710 IS. Both the predecessor and successor models are fitted with a 6x optical zoom lens with a 35-210mm focal length and optical image stabilization to reduce blur. The A720 IS also shares monitor specifications with its camera sibling with a 2.5-inch, 115,000 pixel resolution LCD screen.

While some specifications remained the same with the two new A-series cameras, the PowerShot A650 IS and A720 IS up the ante with a Digic III image processor that promises faster start-up time, as well as quicker auto focus and shutter response. The Digic III, included on all of Canon’s point-and-shoots announced today, brings with it third generation face detection, which can detect up to a reported 35 faces. Canon’s new Genuine Face Detection uses a new algorithm that allows users to choose which face to focus on, thereby positioning the face for automatic focus and exposure, according to Canon representatives. The upgraded system also includes Red-eye Correction that enables users to manually or automatically remove red-eye.

For underwater photography, the new A-series PowersShots are compatible with optional underwater housing, the WP-DC18 for the A650 IS and the WP-DC16 for the A720 IS. The underwater accessories allow up to 130 feet of underwater submergence, according to a company press release.

The Canon PowerShot A650 IS and PowerShot A720 IS accept double AA batteries and are compatible with SD, SDHC, and MMC memory.

Camera Model	A710 IS	A720 IS	A640	A650 IS
Announcement Date	August 2006	August 2007	August 2006	August 2007
Introductory Price	$399	$249	$399	$399
Sensor	7.1 MP	8 MP	10 MP	12.1 MP
Lens	6x optical zoom IS, 35-210mm	6x optical zoom IS, 35-210mm	4x optical zoom, 35-140mm	6x optical zoom IS, 35-210mm
Monitor	2.5-inch, 115,000 pixel	2.5-inch, 115,000 pixel	2.5-inch, 115,000 pixel Vari-Angle	2.5-inch, 173,000 pixel Vari-Angle
Key Features	Digic II	Digic III (with Genuine Face Detection)	Digic II	Digic III (with Genuine Face Detection)
News Link	Canon Adds Three to A-Series	Image Stabilized Canon A650 IS and A720 IS Announced	Canon Adds Three to A-Series	Image Stabilized Canon A650 IS and A720 IS Announced
Review Link	Canon PowerShot A710 IS First Impressions Review	- -	Canon PowerShot A640 Digital Camera Review	- -

Spec Sheet

- Canon PowerShot A720 IS - Canon PowerShot A650 IS