Canon PowerShot SD630 Digital ELPH / IXUS 65 Digital Camera

Full Review

We had previously bought the Canon iXUS 40, and we indeed very impressed with the quality of photos, zoom capability and durability of the camera that we decided to, when looking for a newer Digital camera with higher megapixels, once again choose Canon. There are currently a small range of camera’s in this range (around 6-7 megapixels), including a smaller 7 megapixel camera (in a choice of colours, but with lower zoom capabilities) and the recently replaced iXUS 60, of which the iXUS 65 has superseded. Virtually the only noticeable difference between the old and new model is the much larger view screen on the iXUS 65. This single benefit seems to warrant an increase in price of about $AUD100.

Even though there is a significant price difference, just because of the larger screen, I seem to think it is well worth it. Having been used to the older iXUS 40, upgrading to a much larger screen felt unusual at first, but once using it after a while, I was shocked when I picked up the 40 again and almost squinted at the writing on the screen. Once you go big, you’ll never turn back! This does mean, however, that the physical size of the camera is larger (not necessarily thicker or wider, just a little taller). Also, due to the screens size, there is suddenly no traditional viewfinder anymore. What’s the deal with that? The only way you can see what you’re taking is through the massive screen, and being massive, probably uses up lots more battery than usual. So turning off the screen to preserve battery life is not an option anymore. Is this the way of the future?

They are, however, roughly the same weight and are made of stainless steel with bits of plastic here and there. The battery and SD card covering is plastic and feel rather flimsy so be careful with that! It does feel much more solid to hold than the Sony digital cameras.

Both feature a 6.5 megapixel lens, which makes the average photo at maximum resolution and size about 2.5 megabytes each. This means a relatively high storage capacity SD card is needed (I recommend a 2GB card, which fits about 700 photos at maximum resolution).

Video taking has also improved, where I was able to take the baby lions at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas with remarkable clarity, despite through the glass with glare; something digital cameras usually are not famous for.

For some reason, taking a few shots in relatively quick succession is a problem for this camera. On the iXUS 40, it was very responsive and whenever I clicked the shutter, it would take it in less than half a second. With the 65, it somehow tries to think sometimes, and I would click and click and click and it would just think and think and think (making all sorts of shutter noises and never gets the shot). This is particularly noticeable during the night time. When it eventually does take the shot, the even has usually already passed.

I like the fact that the camera battery is common with the older iXUS 40, so we can interchange batteries, and charge them using the same chargers. All USB and charging cables, and expandable memory media is all the same; so virtually it is just the camera that has changed. Included in the box is a small lanyard-type string, handy to attach to the camera and a 16mb SD card to get you started. That card, however only fits about 4 photos on it.

In Australia, prices for the camera are about $AUD450, while the older model iXUS 60 are on run-out sale mode for around $AUD360 at more selected places with stock left – this may have decreased due to post-Christmas sales. 450 is a pretty high asking price for digital cameras nowadays, with comparable Sony cameras at cheaper prices, as well as Pentax, Olympus and Ricoh. But I do believe that Canon lenses are superior as well as quality and build finish. Both iXUS 40 and 65 are Made in Japan. Some other Canon models are made in China or South East Asian countries.