Canon Powershot A610 5MP Digital Camera with 4x Optical Zoom

Canon Powershot A610 5MP Digital Camera with 4x Optical Zoom
by Canon

Canon Powershot A610 5MP Digital Camera with 4x Optical Zoom
List Price: $249.99
Our Price: $41.65
You Save: $208.34 (83%)
Availability: Usually ships in 1-2 business days
Category: Digital Camera
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Customers in the UK, buy this product at amazon.co.uk for British Pounds

Digital Photo Product Details

Manufacturer: Canon
Model: 0635B001
Product features:
  • 5-megapixel CCD captures enough detail for photo-quality 13 x 17-inch prints
  • 2.0-inch vari-angle LCD display; 4x optical zoom
  • Shoot high-quality movies at up to 60 frames per second
  • 20 shooting modes including My Color settings for customization while shooting
  • Powered by 4 AA-size batteries; stores images on SD memory cards (16 MB card included)
Accessories:

Digital Cameras Photo Reviews of Canon Powershot A610 5MP Digital Camera with 4x Optical Zoom

Customer Review: Good Experience w/A610 and Canon Factory Service
Summary: 5 Stars

I purchased my A610 in November 2005 as a replacement for my Canon A60 digital camera. I've owned two Canon digital cameras (S10 and A60) prior to upgrading to the A610. My experience with all three cameras has been very good. For my taste, Canon cameras have achieved a near-perfect balance of features and image quality. My A60 turned out spectacular photos; the A610 is a decent upgrade in features and still turns out perfect photos one after the other. My previous Canon cameras were essentially trouble-free; however, the A610 only lasted five months before experiencing an internal failure that required it to be returned for warranty service. More on that in a bit.

First, the A610 provides great features at an unbeatable price. It includes the full range of auto and manual exposure controls, an excellent movie mode, and a swivel LCD screen that comes in handy more than you'd think. The Canon Digic II processor is superfast in focusing and exposure lock which helps you snap quick photos with little shutter lag. My previous Canons were noticeably slower to lock on and take the picture. The A610 provides you full control over every aspect of picture control (ISO, white balance, flash intensity, just to name a few). While the AUTO setting is the easiest to use for most people, I prefer the "P" setting that allows me to select a few custom settings to tweak the exposures to my preferences. Plus, this camera goes for a couple months on a single set of rechargeable AA batteries. All this in a nicely built metal/plastic body that has a good handgrip but that's not too bulky.

Now about my A610 failure. After five months of routine use (and no mishandling or drops of any kind) the camera suddenly stopped taking pictures. It powered up fine and could playback previous photos on the memory card but it couldn't take new pictures. When in the "shooting" mode, the LCD was blank except for the menu icons. When I snapped a picture, the camera took only black pictures (no image at all). I tried all of the troubleshooting steps but to no avail. At this point I knew that the camera had an internal failure and so I called Canon Factory Service. They were courteous and after a few questions they recommended I return it for warranty repair which would take 7-10 days turnaround. When asked if they would repair my exact camera (I asked twice) I was assured that my serial number camera would be repaired and returned to me. I was suspicious of this since most companies prefer to send you a replacement (or refurbished) unit because it's quicker and cheaper for them to process. Either way, their website includes a simple Repair Request form that you can fill out and print to send along with your camera. All Canon digital cameras go to either Chicago or New Jersey for service; mine was sent to Chicago. I packaged up the camera as instructed (camera only, no memory card, no batteries, no strap) and sent it off.

Within five days I received a notification email and a snail mail letter that confirmed receipt of my camera for repair. Pretty good. In addition, I was able to track my repair status on their website. Within the following three days, the status said my camera was repaired. One day later I received an email with the FedEx airbill number that indicated my camera was on its way to me. Sure enough, the package arrived on time --the whole repair process from my shipment to their return took under two weeks. Very good, in my opinion.

When I opened the box, I found an A610 camera, my original shipping documents, and a repair order that stated that the servicing techinician had recommended a "replacement" instead of a repair for my camera. Sure enough, the A610 sent back to me was a different serial number than my original camera. Just as I suspected would be the case. Well, at least they didn't disappoint but I do wish that Canon Service would have told me that up front instead of leading me to believe that my camera would be repaired. This may not be a problem for most people (since we really just want a working camera) but when it comes time to upgrade, I like to re-sell my old camera along with the original box, manuals, and accessories. Now with my new replacement camera, the serial number on my old box and the replacement camera don't match and so I'll have to explain this. To Canon's credit, the replacement camera they sent me was in perfect condition and appeared brand new (even had the stickers on it) and works perfectly. However, I believe that technically this camera is "refurbished" because Canon marks a small dot next to the serial number on the bottom of the camera. I have seen this before and it flags to Canon Service that this camera is a refurb if it is ever returned in the future (different warranty applies). Overall, the warranty process is what I expected and for all practical purposes, it is the best one could hope for.

Bottom line: Great camera. Should you need service, it's likely that you won't get your original camera back but you'll be sent a replacement "refurb" instead. This is common practice for consumer electronics and in the end, is probably the only way a company that sells millions of cameras can possibly turnaround warranty service in a reasonable amount of time. It is simply too expensive to disassemble, troubleshoot, and repair each and every camera that is returned under warranty (especially when the original camera only cost $200!). That's life in the electronics age where we demand maximum value for the lowest possible price.

For me, Canon stood by their product and returned a perfect working replacement. This makes a great product even better.

Description of Canon Powershot A610 5MP Digital Camera with 4x Optical Zoom

The surprising PowerShot A610 offers many features you'd expect to find only on higher end models. For example, there's a 5.0 Megapixel CCD that lets you print large, richly detailed prints. Just as importantly, this camera is equipped with a complete range of advanced functions that make shooting relaxed and simple - whether you're a novice or a pro. High-performance, feature-rich 5.0 Megapixel digital camera with a long 4x Optical Zoom Large 2.0 inch Vari-Angle LCD screen and optical viewfinder for easy on-camera viewing Steady grip for better handling and Mode Dial for easy access to 20 Shooting Modes, including 8 Special Scene Modes DIGIC II Image Processor for even faster processing speed, crisp vibrant colors and excellent image quality Fully loaded with Movie Mode recording up to 60 fps (320 x 240) and a USB 2.0 Hi-Speed interface for fast downloads Compatible with a complete range of optional accessories, including supplementary lenses and an auxiliary flash unit Print/Share Button for easy direct printing and downloading plus ID Photo Print and Movie Print with Canon CP and SELPHY Photo PrintersWith 5.0 megapixels, the A610 incorporates a host of high-end features normally reserved for G-series PowerShots. The DIGIC II processor drives a fast, responsive performance, and--in combination with the camera's 4x optical zoom lenses--delivers superior image quality. A wide range of manual, automatic, and special scene modes offer flexibility, creative control, and simplicity when required.The camera also features a 2.0-inch vari-angle LCD, My Colors, and a macro mode that allows photographers to get as close as 1 centimeter. VGA movies at 30 frames per second can be created. A complete range of optional accessories, including wide and tele-converters and waterproof case, extends shooting flexibility. (Accessories not included--must be purchased separately.) A comprehen

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