Announced in August, 2007, the $399 Canon PowerShot A650 IS currently sits atop Canon’s budget A-series line. The 12-megapixel camera improves upon its predecessor, the PowerShot A640 in several ways, including a higher megapixel count, a face detection mode, and optical image stabilization. The A650 IS also features a Digic III image processor, 2.5-inch rotating LCD screen, optical viewfinder, and a 6x optical zoom lens.

While a camera priced at $399 can’t be considered “budget”, the A650 IS packs a ton of features for its price level. As the top camera in Canon’s A-series, the A650 IS provides a feature-laden option for users who are upgrading from simpler point-and-shoot cameras. However, the camera also includes enough cutting-edge features to qualify as a lower-priced version of Canon’s point-and-shoot flagship, the PowerShot G9. The G9, which is aimed at more experienced photographers and DSLR owners, also sports 12 megapixels, a 6x optical zoom, and optical image stabilization, but sells for $100 more than the A650 IS.

In terms of image quality, the A650 IS sports Canon’s traditionally excellent color and white balance accuracy. With 12 megapixels, the camera also provides great resolution, but suffers from high noise levels and poor dynamic range above ISO 100. This is typical of high-megapixel compact cameras; what you gain in resolution, you make up for with lots of noise.

The A650 IS outperforms the step-down PowerShot A720 IS in most image quality categories including resolution and color accuracy, but performs worse in noise levels and dynamic range. Its resolution is also superior to that of the equally priced Sony DSC-H7, but the Sony model has far lower noise levels, better dynamic range, and a better movie mode.

The A650 IS features Canon’s new Face Detection mode, an interesting feature, but often fooled by real faces. The camera also includes optical image stabilization, allowing more leeway in hand-held low light shooting before photos become blurred. The new Digic III image processor increases operating and processing speeds, which is a good thing because the 12-megapixel file sizes are quite large. The fold-out rotating LCD screen is quite impressive and allows protection from bumps and scrapes. It also allows users to shoot self-portraits at arm’s length and over people’s heads.

One major drawback to the A650 IS is its substantial size and weight, especially for a point-and-shoot camera. In a market dominated by thin, lightweight cameras, the A650 IS is the exception. Holding four AA batteries, the camera handles like a well contoured brick; it is very durable, but will add significant weight to a purse or backpack. Despite the size and weight, the buttons on the A650 IS are easy to use and the menu system is fairly straightforward. The camera offers inexperienced users plenty of room to grow with a number of manual controls, including ISO, shutter speed, aperture, and white balance. Also, the 6x zoom allows much more control a standard 3x zoom, but several similarly priced cameras now have much longer zoom lenses, such as the 15x Sony DSC-H7, and the 18x Panasonic Lumix FZ18.

Canon advertises the A650 IS as having “more features for less.” It certainly has a plethora of features, though still comparable to similarly priced ultra-zoom options from competitors such as Sony and Panasonic. Image quality is impressive, especially in terms of color reproduction and resolution, but the high noise levels above ISO 100 make you wonder if having 12 megapixels is really necessary. For a durable family or travel camera with versatile features, the A650 IS a great choice, but lighter-weight options with longer zoom lenses are worth considering as well.