Missing feature on Canon A630

[joebarnesnz]

I just purchased the Canon A630, one of the main reasons I chose this camera was the fast frame rate feature, as mentioned in the dcresource review of the camera
There's also a "Fast Frame Rate" mode available, which lets you record up to 1 minute of 320 x 240 video at a whopping 60 frames/second. This is great for videos of fast moving subjects.. This feature was also stated in the specifications of the camera on the canon website. When I received the camera there was no mention of this feature in the either the Basic or Advanced user guide, I couldn't find it on the camera. I called Canon themselves, the guy that helped me wasn't sure, at first he looked at the same website I had and said that the camera did have this function but he had to do further research. When he got back to me I was told this camera did not have the feature and it was "mis-stated" :confused: :confused: :confused: on the website, as it was on another couple of camera's.Has anyone come across this before? any help or advice would be greatly appreciated.

Joe

[David Metsky]

I'm pretty sure it's there, it's just a matter of finding it on the menus. I'll check how I get to it on my SD300 tonight when I get home. I believe you set the movie size to 320x240 and it gives you 15, 30, and 60 fps options.

-dave-

[joebarnesnz]

I have changed the resolution to the 320x240 and it still only gives me the 30fps and 15fps options,

[David Metsky]

Ah, there is a high frame mode that isn't normal movie mode.

In my camera you go into movie mode, then select "fast frame rate" by hitting function set. That allows you to select normal move mode, fast frame, or postcard sized. In normal movie mode, you can't select 60 fps.

-dave-

[joebarnesnz]

sorry to be a pain, where exactly is "My Camera"? are you sure that is the case with the A630, I'd be be stoked if it was as it would save me a lot of hassel as the canon guy I talked to said I would actually have to get the A710is to get the fast frame feature.

[tim11]

I think David meant go to movie mode then....

If what you say is true and Canon makes mistake with the specs listing then of course you are entitled to exchange or full refund; since it is one of the features most appealing to you.

[David Metsky]

"My camera" is my camera, my SD300. Here's what I do on it, I'm sure it's slightly different on yours:

- Turn on camera
- Switch lever to movie function
- Hit "Set/Func" button (this give you the main movie menu)
- Select Fast Frame Movie (Three choices: regular movie, fast frame movie, postcard movie)

If you are seeing 15/30 fps choices you are in regular movie mode and need to get out of that and into fast frame movie mode. I'm not sure how you do that in the 630 (or if it is really missing) but that's how you do it on the SD300. I suspect most of the movie modes are the same with the Digic-II processors, so I'm highly confident that it's there.

This review (http://www.dpreview.com/reviews/canona620/page8.asp) has details on how to get there on an A620. I imagine the A630 is very similar.

-dave-

[FLiPMaRC]

I couldn't find an online manual for the A630, but here's one for the A620

http://web.canon.jp/Imaging/psa620/205-e.html#09

[joebarnesnz]

Having followed all instructions I have concluded Canon have infact lied, although their man objected to such a term when I was talking to him. The options available in the movie mode are Standard, Compact, Colour Accent and Colour Swap, but no fast Frame Rate. I'm now looking a moving on to the A710is, Any thoughts, until then perhaps the mention of this function should be removed from the review?

[bascom]

I just purchased the Canon A630, one of the main reasons I chose this camera was the fast frame rate feature, as mentioned in the dcresource review of the camera . This feature was also stated in the specifications of the camera on the canon website.
What is the URL of the Canon site where you saw it say the A630 has fast frame rate? I've checked the Canon site and see no mention of it for the A630 or A640:
http://www.usa.canon.com/consumer/controller?act=ModelTechSpecsAct&fcategoryid=145&modelid=14108

The A620 and A710 specs says it does have fast frame rate: 320 x 240 (1 min. at 60 fps)
A620: http://www.usa.canon.com/consumer/controller?act=ModelTechSpecsAct&fcategoryid=145&modelid=12072
A710: http://www.usa.canon.com/consumer/controller?act=ModelTechSpecsAct&fcategoryid=145&modelid=14117

Looks to me like the A630/A640 don't have fast frame and it's a mistake in the A630/A640 reviews here. Canon didn't lie. But I don't understand why this is so important to you. Fast frame resolution is only 320x240. If you want good videos, shouldn't you get a camcorder instead? The A630/A640 take very good photos.

[David Metsky]

To be fair, nearly all the reviews mention the fast frame rate for the A630. I suspect that Canon spotted the error and fixed up their website. Most reviews probably just copied the feature set originally sent out by Canon.

It's a shame that it's not there, but I haven't found it to be a very useful feature. I much prefer to shoot at 640x480 30fps.

-dave-

[joebarnesnz]

This is the Aus Website

http://www.canon.co.nz/products/visual/cameras/digital_compact_cameras/powershota630_specs.html

With the increased frame rate it is over twice as fast as most camcorders, the abilty to slow down the replay, even with the decreased resolution, makes replays far more valuable for things like golf swings. If the was a camcorder that combined a fast frame rate and better resolution I would love it, but at the moment I thought this was the best all round option as I want a good still camera as well.

Joe

[tim11]

Joe,
That's New Zealand website.
BTW. I believe that for camcorders on Pal system the frame rate is 25fps. NTSC: 30fps.

[bascom]

Must be a mistake in the NZ website. That's too bad you can't get the fast frame you want in the A630/A640. Can you find an A610 or A620?