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Canon PowerShot SD630 Review

Because Canon does not sacrifice image quality in its tiny cameras, these are constantly among the most appealing options. This consistent attention to photographic detail

Paul

Because Canon does not sacrifice image quality in its tiny cameras, these are constantly among the most appealing options.

This consistent attention to photographic detail continues with the new PowerShot SD630 Digital ELPH, which features several minor upgrades yet is significantly beneficial. In particular, the SD630 addresses lowlight photography, which is now one of the most contentious topics with digital cameras.

The Canon SD630 has adjustable ISO settings that go up to 800, an exceptionally high sensitivity rating previously only available on higher-end and professional cameras. Photographers can take pictures without a flash, even in low light.

Suppose you are less inclined to fiddle around with ISO while taking pictures. In that case, there is also a new High ISO Auto setting (in addition to the regular ISO Auto setting), which automatically sets exposure using the higher (400 and 800) ISO levels. Again, this setting is available in addition to the regular ISO Auto setting.

$160.00
in stock
7 used from $160.00
as of March 18, 2024 10:30 am
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Last updated on March 18, 2024 10:30 am

On the rear of the camera, next to the multi-controller, a separate button labeled “ISO” allows direct access to these settings. Although enhancing lowlight performance has the potential to usher in a new era for customers, the SD630 takes a more conservative approach in other aspects.

Canon PowerShot SD630 DIGIC System

It is almost too easy to take Canon’s DIGIC processors, now known as DIGIC II, for granted because they have become so well-acknowledged as the standard bearers of speed. However, if you have ever used a camera produced by a rival with a less powerful CPU, you will immediately be able to see the difference.

The Canon SD450, the model that came before the Canon SD630 and employed DIGIC II, has speed figures nearly the same as the current model, which powers up in 1.3 seconds (time to first shot).

If you prefocus the SD630, the shutter lag is relatively small, reaching about 0.074 a second. The SD630 surpasses most cameras in its class shot for shot, clocking around 1.62 seconds for hefty/fine JPEGs and clearing the buffer promptly after each image.

In Continuous shooting mode, the SD630 can fire off a little more than two frames per second, which is typical for this class. However, because the buffer is cleared promptly, you are ready to start again much more quickly than you would be with most of the competition’s models.

The Digital ELPH series and their DIGIC II processors, working in concert with Canon’s nine-point AiAF focusing system, have consistently been an excellent antidote to sluggish snappers. This is particularly relevant given that consumers’ complaints about slowness are the most common regarding digital cameras.

Canon PowerShot SD630 Lowlight Performance

Most digital camera evaluations award tiny digital cameras excellent marks for their performance in outside daylight conditions but give them far lower marks for their performance in low light. The amount of “noise” that emerges in the photographs is where most entry-level digital cameras suffer when it comes to flashless shooting at high ISO. Some individuals have compared this “noise” to the “film graininess” seen in conventional photography.

I believe that comparing it to grain is very generous. For some reason, I’ve always considered digital noise similar to the annoying white fuzz that might appear on your television screen when switching stations. The accomplishment of modern digital single-lens reflex cameras made by Canon is that they can shoot at high ISOs with a relatively minimal amount of noise.

It would appear that Canon has been able to extend its expertise in low-noise and high-ISO photography to a non-professional audience with these new ELPHs, which is fantastic news for consumers. Most people are astonished when they see the results of taking pictures without using a flash in low light since they have become accustomed to using one.

You have good natural skin tones and detail of the space behind your subject, unlike blown-up features and backdrops that are entirely blacked out. Even while there is a more significant likelihood of blur when you photograph without a flash — even at the SD630’s rapid ISO 800 level — if your subject is relatively motionless, the photos with the Canon SD630 seem sharp. This is the case as long as the issue is not moving.

In addition to having the ability to choose an ISO setting between 80, 100, 200, 400, and 800, you also have the choice between two automated modes: ISO AUTO and ISO HI. After conducting some research, it has been determined that the AUTO and HI settings produce comparable results when the lighting conditions are expected; however, when the lighting conditions are dim, the HI setting will automatically increase the ISO to 800.

Canon claims the only other distinction between the two settings is that the HI ISO option will nearly always result in a faster shutter speed than the ISO Auto setting. This is the sole difference between the two settings. If you want to maximize the SD630’s lowlight capabilities, I recommend always using the HI ISO option. The advantages of doing so are far more significant.

On the other hand, you should go with Auto ISO to prevent the increased noise level. Because Canon has included a separate ISO button on the camera’s multi-selector, gaining access to these settings is simple.

Canon PowerShot SD630 Modes

Because the scene modes are buried within a few different menus, cameras in the ELPH series are not ideal for switching between scene modes quickly.

In addition to its Auto and Manual exposure mode options, the SD630 provides a variety of pre-set scene modes, such as Digital Macro, Portrait, Night Snapshot, Kids & Pets, Indoor, Foliage, Snow, Beach, Fireworks, Underwater, Color Accent, and Color Swap. These scene modes can be accessed through the camera’s menu.

However, to access the different scene modes, you will first need to use the Function key, then navigate your way down to the shooting modes option, slide to the right until you reach “Kids & Pets,” and finally press the Menu button to access the remaining scene modes. The Canon SD630’s relatively basic user interface, consisting of a few knobs and buttons, has certain drawbacks.

Canon’s My Color Modes help change settings to mimic various picture styles, such as sepia, black and white, or “positive film,” which makes reds, greens, and blues more intense. These settings and a host of other lighter, darker, and more vivid color settings are available. However, I’ve found using the unusual Color Accent and Color Swap feature somewhat frustrating, as the results are mixed.

You can select a particular color using the LCD’s Color Accent feature, and that color will maintain its hue even while the rest of the scene is converted to black and white. In addition, you can change the colors of objects inside a location by using the Color Swap tool. For example, you could turn a green pullover become a red apple.

The Canon SD630 also features four movie modes, each of which may record sound, and it is capable of capturing video at a maximum resolution of 640 by 480 pixels at 30 frames per second. In addition, their option enables you to film with Color Accent or Color Swap, so if the My Colors modes are your thing, you can use that.

The SD630 can shoot still photos in a widescreen 16:9 format, which means they can be seen and played back on widescreen televisions. This is another particular feature that should be mentioned.

It would appear that this was carried over from Canon’s digital camcorders, which now include modes that are 16:9. It is not entirely clear why Canon chose to implement a 16:9 widescreen aspect ratio for its still photographs on the SD630 but did not do so for its motion pictures.

Canon PowerShot SD630 Exposure Control

The navigation system is not overly complicated and has not seen significant modifications from earlier ELPH versions.

Do not be fooled by the M setting, which gives you limited control over things like exposure compensation, white balance, and various photo effects but not proper control over aperture or shutter speed.

Manual control is still somewhat limited, and you should also not be fooled by the M setting, which gives you manual control.

You should check out Canon’s A-Series cameras if you want more manual features. These cameras provide excellent creative choices but are less compact or elegant than the ELPH models.

Canon PowerShot SD630 Specs

Sensor• 1/2.5 ” Type CCD
• 6.0 million effective pixels
Image sizes• 2816 x 2112
• 2816 x 1584
• 2272 x 1704
• 1600 x 1200
• 640 x 480
Movie clips• 640 x 480 @ 30 / 15fps
• 320 x 240 @ 60 / 30 / 15fps
• 160 x 120 @ 15fps
• WAVE audio
File formats• Still: JPEG (Exif 2.2)
• Movie: AVI (Motion JPEG compression)
Lens• 35-105mm equiv
• F2.8-4.9
• 3x optical zoom
Digital zoomup to 4x
Focus• TTL
• 9-point AiAF
• 1-point AF (Fixed Center)
AF area modes• Normal
• Macro
• Infinity
AF assist lampYes
Focus distanceMacro: 3cm
Metering• Evaluative
• Center-weighted average
• Spot
ISO sensitivity• Auto
• High ISO Auto
• ISO 80
• ISO 100
• ISO 200
• ISO 400
• ISO 800
Exposure compensation• +/- 2EV
• 1/3 stop increments
Shutter speed15-1/1500 sec
ApertureF2.8-4.9
Modes• Auto
• Manual
• Digital Macro
• Portrait
• Night Snapshot
• Stitch Assist
• Movie
• Scene
Scene modes• Foliage
• Snow
• Beach
• Fireworks
• Underwater
• Indoor
• Kids & Pets
• Color Accent
• Color Swap
White balance• TTL
• Auto
• Daylight
• Cloudy
• Tungsten
• Fluorescent
• Fluorescent H
• Custom
Self-timer• two or 10sec
• Custom
Continuous shootingapprox. 2.1fps (until the card is full)
Image parametersMy Colors (Off, Vivid, Neutral, Sepia, B&W, Lighter skin tone, Darker skin tone, Positive film, Custom color)
Flash• Auto
• Manual Flash On/Off
• Slow synch
• Flash Exposure Lock
• Red-eye reduction
• Range: 50cm-3.5m (wide) / 2.0m (tele)
ViewfinderReal-Image zoomNo
LCD monitor• 2.5-inch P-Si TFT
• 173,000 pixels
• Adjustable Brightness
• 3.0-inch P-Si TFT
• 173,000 pixels
• Adjustable Brightness
Connectivity• USB 2.0 Hi-Speed
• AV out
Print compliance• PictBridge
• Canon SELPHY Compact Photo Printers and PIXMA Printers supporting PictBridge (ID Photo Print, Movie Print supported on SELPHY CP printers only)
Storage• 16MB card supplied
• SD / MMC compatible
Power• Rechargeable Lithium-ion battery NB-4L
• Optional AC adapter
Weight (no batt)140 g145 g
Dimensions86 x 53.5 x 21.7 mm90.3 x 56.8 x 20.2 mm

Price

$160.00
in stock
7 used from $160.00
as of March 18, 2024 10:30 am
Amazon.com
Last updated on March 18, 2024 10:30 am

Canon PowerShot SD630 FAQs

When did the Canon PowerShot SD630 come out?

The Canon PowerShot SD630 is a high-end compact digital camera introduced in 2005. It is geared toward intermediate and experienced hobbyist photographers. It is not a camera that professionals would use.

What is the price of the Canon PowerShot SD630 camera?

There is a possibility that the price of a Canon PowerShot SD630 will change depending on the location of the camera and its current condition. However, because it is an earlier edition, there is a possibility that it can be purchased pre-owned.

You can find more pricing information by visiting online marketplaces or physical photographic stores. Keep in mind, however, that because it is an earlier edition, there is a possibility that it will not be easily accessible for brand-new purchases.

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