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Compared to the other 10MP compact cameras on the market the A640 is an easy choice; there is little if any direct competition. What’s interesting is that for many users the A640 is a serious alternative to Canon’s own flagship G7 (which will set you back over $100 more). If you don’t need the extra zoom (where the G7’s image stabilization is useful) or flash hot shoe, you can get near-identical results from each camera, and there are areas where the A640 actually outperforms the G7.

I was very pleased with this latest addition to Canon’s legendary “G” series line. While we miss the Vari-Angle LCD, the new 6x IS lens is a definite plus. The only negative issues we found were the problem with the optical viewfinder and the higher image noise at ISO 800 and 1600. That said, the G7 is a good choice for the beginner, novice, or enthusiast that wants a less bulky alternative to carrying around a dSLR and a bag of lenses. With an MSRP of around US$599 the G7 offers an outstanding value that will be hard to beat this holiday season.

Canon’s A series PowerShots get better with each generation, and - thanks to the inclusion of extensive photographic control and technologies such as DIGIC II and image stabilization has lifted cameras like the A710 IS firmly out of the ‘entry level’ bracket they originally occupied. The A710 IS takes the formula established with the A700 - well-priced, compact camera with big zoom and full photographic control - and adds the one thing that was missing, an effective optical image stabilization system.

While the G7 is unquestionably a superb camera, head and shoulders above anything else at the same size or price, the slower lens, smaller profile and lack of RAW mode will deter many potential buyers from trading in their G6. Instead of the best semi-pro camera on the market, Canon has produced a well specified general purpose camera that will appeal to the more ambitious casual user, rather than as an SLR-alternative for the serious hobbyist.

The Canon PowerShot SD40 Digital ELPH is an awesome pocket-sized digicam. That said, I feel it will make just about any user who wants an ultra-compact model, very happy by offering great image quality, robust performance, ease of use, and let’s not forget the stylish and durable body that comes in four different colors. With an MSRP of about US$399, I feel it offers a good value for a model in this category.

Because of its super long focal length zoom range, the Canon EF 28-300mm f/3.5-5.6 L IS USM Lens has a super long list of uses. The 28-300 L is the best Canon do-everything-with-one-lens lens available… With its huge range of available focal lengths, the Canon EF 28-300mm f/3.5-5.6 L IS USM Lens is going to get pictures for you that you might not otherwise have captured with any other set of shorter focal length range lenses - because of the effort/time required to carry/change lenses. Travel photography is an excellent use for the 28-300 L as you often do not know what will be encountered on a trip to somewhere new to you.