Canon PowerShot A620 Digital Camera [7.1MP, 4 x Optical Zoom]

Pros:
- it has a good solid feel to it, not too heavy, and with a decent right-hand grip which compacts don't have. It may not be a pocket-sized compact, but it's not exactly a dead-weight either. A good mid-size.
- a 4x optical zoom, conveniently located around the shutter release button.
- very good focussing, and the facility to do your own spot focus. The focussing is faster than many cameras I've seen.
- shutter and aperture priority modes for those who like to experiment, along with a perfectly adequate point and shoot auto mode.
- it has a view finder, albeit just for centering shots. You can't expect the full viewfinder functionality of a DSLR in such a small camera, but it makes a difference to those of us used to looking through a viewfinder, even if you can't see how well focussed it is through it.
- it takes high-speed SD memory, which is necessary for fast photo and video writing.
- the video mode is also very impressive, and you can use the zoom whilst videoing.
- it has a good selection of semi-auto picture modes, including night-time shots, self-timer, and continuous shutter modes. All very easy to set up.
- takes no time to get itself into a ready state.
- picture access is very fast, especially with a high-speed SD card.
- the swivel screen is a huge bonus for when you can't take pictures at head height. It is very clear in poor light and in bright light.

Cons:
- the supplied 32meg SD card is woefully inadequate, although it does get you started.
- the Adapter plug cover is very flimsy, and is difficult to shut with the wrist-strap on. For a solid camera, this is a bit surprising.
- the supplied alkaline batteries will quickly get used up, so invest in a set of 2300 mah batteries with a fast charger.
- as usual, there is no case supplied so you'll have to cough up yet more money.
- the red-eye reduction isn't all that good, but most software can get rid of that.

There is a very comprehensive review on this camera (and others in its range) on www.dcresource.com which helped me decide on the A620. I am extremely pleased with this purchase and would recommend it to anyone who wants a versatile, quality camera without having to splash out on a larger and more expensive DSLR.

Nearer 5 stars than 4 for this, so 5 it is.

If you want full control and top quality photos, buy a D-SLR: you will get far better quality photos.

However, if you want a bit of both worlds: a relatively small 'budget' camera that can fit in a large pocket which snaps picture that look great out of the camera (many more 'pro' cameras need significant amounts of post processing in Photoshop to sharpen and enhance colours) AND which lets you take control of the camera; then this is definitely for you.

Pros:
Full control when you want it, excellent snaps when you don't.
Quick processor makes camera feel very fast.
AA batteries (buy 2500mAh for HUGE battery life) and can run on normal 'consumer' batteries if they ever run out.
Excellent photos right out of the camera.
Manual focus.
4x zoom
Software that comes with it is well rounded.
Good movie mode for occassional video.
Has panorama stitch mode.

Minuses:
Quite chunky and heavy (mainly due to 4xAA batteries)
Manual poor (ubt when aren't they).
Zoom only has 7 or so steps.

Lovely camera you can throw in a bag, take great snaps, but when you see something interesting you can take a bit more time to compose the perfect photo. I've had mine for several months now and am liking it more and more. Maybe one day I'll buy a DSLR, but I would still keep this camera.

PS. Takes particularly great portrait shots.