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Canon PowerShot S40 4MP Digital Camera w/ 3x Optical Zoom | List Price: $799.99
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Platform: Windows NT, Macintosh, Windows 98, Windows 2000, Windows NT 3.5, Windows NT 4, Windows NT 5, PowerMac, Windows Me, Windows XP, Windows 2000 Server, Mac OS X, Mac OS 9 and below, Windows
Brand: Canon
Binding: Electronics
Warranty: 1 Year Limited
Features: - 4.1 megapixel sensor creates 2,272 x 1,704 images for prints at 8 x 10 and beyond
- 3x optical (plus 3.6x digital) zoom lens with autofocus
- Included 16 MB CompactFlash card holds 13 images at default resolution; camera is Microdrive compatible
- Uses proprietary NB-2L lithium-ion rechargeable battery (included)
- Connects with Macs and PCs via USB port
If you want to get into digital photography [Posted on 2003-12-31]
...this is a good camera to start with. Especially if you use a Mac because it works great with iPhoto. If youre a beginner like me, you may be overwhelmed by the amount of features the S40 offers, but dont worry. Just put it on automatic and you will be able to take great pictures. It just takes a little practice to get used to the delayed response shutter button. Some of the things I like about it:
1. It takes very nice pictures. Your pictures will look as good as anyones.
2. It has a movie mode that I didnt know existed until recently. Saves the movie (with sound) in AVI format (QuickTime player will play it)
3. Attractive small body (and who doesnt like attractive small bodies?)
4. The LCD display is great for reviewing your pictures
5. It takes gigantic pictures. At 100% they are about 20" tall by 30" wide. You probably wont ever print out anything this large, but this just means you have a lot of detail and resolution wont be a problem. What I dont like as much:
1. Too many manual settings keeps me from experimenting too much. You would have to read the manual if you want to do any shooting besides automatic. And who wants to read a manual?
2. You have to get pretty close to your subject. Taking group pictures from much further than 10'-15' will not turn out very good. If you can get up close you will have great pictures. Dont try to use this camera at a football game from the stands. I just dont think it has enough zoom power. Ive enjoyed using mine for the last year and a half. Like the reviewers before me, I recommend doing the following:
1. Get an extra battery cause you never know when the battery will run out of juice. It will cost $25-$50 depending on what brand you get.
2. Im not sure what size compact flash card comes with the camera, but its probably in the 16MB range which is pretty much useless. Being a 4.0 Megapixel camera, and shooting such a large picture, it eats up memory. Get a couple of 128MB's or even larger if you can and you will have room to take 100 or so pictures.
3. I dont think it comes with Photoshop Elements, but if you can afford it, get it. If you do cropping and getting photos web-ready you will want to have this or the full Photoshop package (you better be very good if you want Santa to bring this) You will like this camera and all your friends will tell you that you take great pictures.
Perfect handheld for the amatuer photographer! [Posted on 2004-01-03]
This is a great camera for anyone looking for advanced features at a compact size. Unlike Canon's "lower-end" models, the S40/45/50 series pack in all the adjustable/tweakable features seen in most "SLR" cameras at a lower cost. This camera is not as compact as some of Canon's and some of the other manufacturer's units. But the additional features offered by these cameras outweight the size/weight penalty. My only complaint with these cameras are their less than desirable lenses. The S40 has a 3x optical zoom (11x digital) and doesn't have the lens power of some of the other Olympus cameras. Then again, if you're looking for that type of lens capability, you're not looking at these cameras and are more apt to looking at the higher-end SLR versions. Overall, these cameras have the Canon photo quality and the construction quality. A great buy!
Beautiful pictures and few drawbacks [Posted on 2005-03-13]
I've had the camera for a few months now and it's my first. I knew almost nothing about how to use a camera like this, and it does have A LOT of customization options. I did use the manual for the first day or so, but playing with it gave me the most knowledge.
Anyway, on to my review.
Pros:
-Beautiful picture quality. Compression isn't spectacular at the highest resolution, but much detail is still represented in the photos.
-Solid, sturdy design that is very pleasing to the eye.
-More options than you'd ever think you'd use, but they are all fantastic. The numerous ways of manually adjusting the picture are probably my favorite thing about the camera.
-Fast battery charging.
-Easy access to memory card and battery.
-Fast LCD response.
Cons (if you notice):
-Sliding lens cover hasn't broken, but it seems delicate.
-Mushy "Set" button mainly used to delete photos (in my experience). You'll get used to it.
-A little heavy.
-Shutter response isn't fast.
-Flash is a little too bright at standard settings, but is a cinch to adjust in most shooting modes.
-Movie mode could be better, but that's not what you're buying this for.
Recommendations:
-Extra memory, of course. The provided 16 MB card will only hold about 10 pictures in fullsize at full compression.
-An extra battery (or two, why not?). Go on eBay and find a knockoff battery. Search "NB-2L"
-A case. Buy one that's protective, and not too tight, because putting the camera in the case could inadvertently open the lens cover.
Overall: I highly recommend this camera, even if you don't know much about photography. If you care about how your pictures turn out, you will enjoy using this camera.
ood stable camera [Posted on 2005-12-17]
I like the fact that the camera uses compact flash. The compact flash cards come in sizes up to 4G so that is nice.
Easy to use.
BE VERY CAREFULL OF THE SLIDING COVER! [Posted on 2006-07-29]
I actually own the SD30 which is the 3.2MP which is our very first DC. I got it for the birth of my daughter and has captured all her milestones but sadly after 3 1/2 years the sliding cover for the lens gave out and the lens is stuck and so the camera would not operate anymore. The cost of having it repaired in a Canon service center in IL is as much as buying a new one so I am just looking to buying a newer model (still a Canon of course) Canon has proven a name in the world of photography by the quality of pictures you to take with their camera.
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