Canon PowerShot S40 4MP Digital Camera w/ 3x Optical Zoom

by Canon

Product Details

Product Manual [7.00mb PDF]

• Product Dimensions: 1.7 x 2.3 x 4.4 inches ; 11.4 ounces
• Shipping Weight: 3 pounds
• Shipping: This item is also available for shipping to select countries outside the U.S.
• ASIN: B00005QFZG
• Average Customer Review: 4.6 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (74 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #15,417 in Camera & Photo (See Top 100 in Camera & Photo)
• Discontinued by manufacturer: Yes
• Date first available at Amazon.com: October 25, 2001

Product Description

Amazon.com Product Description

Canon's S30 and S40 cameras fill a gap in the company's digital lineup. Nestled between the ultra-tiny Elph models and the feature-packed PowerShot G and Pro models, the S30 and S40 combine most of the portability of the former with nearly every advanced feature of the latter.

With the exception of their CCD sensors (the S30 is a 3-megapixel model, while the S40 is 4-megapixel), the cameras are essentially identical. Each features a brushed aluminum body with a sliding clamshell lens cover, a 3x optical zoom Canon lens, and a 1.8-inch LCD on the back of the camera for previewing and reviewing shots.

For beginners, the cameras are point-and-shoot simple. Just twist the dial to Auto and start snapping pictures. For more experienced photographers, both models include aperture priority, shutter priority, and full manual modes, plus manual focus, exposure compensation, slow-sync flash, spot metering, and adjustable ISO (from 50 to 400 on the S40, and 50 to 800 on the S30).

Movie mode lets you capture video clips with sound. At 320 x 240 or 160 x 120 pixels, the movies aren't camcorder quality, but they're fun and convenient, and they're perfect as e-mail attachments. The cameras also include an unusual voice-memo feature, which lets you record up to 60 seconds of audio with each image.

To provide maximum battery life in the smallest possible space, the cameras use a proprietary lithium-ion battery (both the battery and a charger are included). The battery charges quickly and holds a reasonably long charge, but if you're planning to use the camera for extended outings, a spare battery is a good idea. A larger-capacity memory card is also advisable if you want to shoot more than a dozen photos at a time or really take advantage of the movie mode. The cameras use Type I or Type II CompactFlash cards, including the Microdrive. To print your photos at home, the S30 and S40 connect directly to Canon's CP-10 and S820D printers for easy printing--you don't even need a computer.

If you're looking for a camera with the sleek, compact style of a point-and-shoot with the extensive manual controls of an advanced amateur camera, the S30 and S40 are both great choices.

From the Manufacturer

Introducing the new PowerShot S40: a sophisticated collaboration of modern design and state-of-the-art digital technology that delivers astonishing resolution and brilliance.

Superior image quality with high resolution CCD

The PowerShot S40 is equipped with a 1/1.8-inch 4 megapixel CCD - the highest pixel count of any camera in its class. So what does this mean in practical terms? The camera can create postcard-size images so densely detailed, the pixelation is invisible to the human eye. Now you can enjoy all the exciting options digital technology gives you, and get rich, radiant, film-like image quality.

Genuine 3x optical zoom lens and up to 11x digital zoom

From close-up snaps to panoramic vistas, the S40's speedy, responsive zoom is right there to make your vision happen. A built-in digital tele-converter takes the 3x optical zoom lens (equivalent to 35 to 105mm in a 35mm camera) smoothly all the way up to 11x. Legendary Canon optics ensure a clear, brilliant shot every time.

Movie mode with sound and voice memo

Fun capabilities like Movie Mode and Voice Memo makes the PowerShot S40 portable entertainment. Shoot vibrant, sound-and-motion digital movies - 30 seconds long at the highest resolution or 2 minutes at the lower resolution. And now when you view your still images in replay mode, you can record up to one minute of commentary that will attach to the image - making photographic memories even more memorable.

Direct printing with CP-10 and new S820D Bubble Jet Printer

The S40 is fully compatible with Canon's Direct Print System - just connect a cable from your camera to one of these printers - no computer necessary. In seconds, the Card Photo Printer CP-10 creates richly colored, high-resolution 300 x 300 dpi prints in a fun credit card size. Bordered, borderless and sticker options are perfect for sharing and easy to store. The highly advanced new S820D Bubble Jet printer prints direct two ways - with a cable connection to the PowerShot S40 or from a memory card. It can print 8 x 10 images in under 2 minutes and 4 x 6 images in under 1 minute at a resolution up to 2,400 x 1,200 dpi. Advanced MicroFine Droplet Technology creates long-lasting, gorgeously radiant images that print edge-to-edge at lightning speed. Using Direct Print Mode on the S40, you can easily crop and resize images, even add the date if you choose.

Customizable features with My Camera function

Make your new PowerShot S40 all your own by choosing the look of the start-up screen and the sounds it makes for start-up, shutter, self-timer and more with the new My Camera function. A Solution CD is supplied for lots of fun options, and you can even use your own digitally recorded sounds - your pet, a friend's voice or your favorite music.

A full range of convenient accessories

The PowerShot S40 is equipped with the new, smaller, highly powerful NB-2L 7.4V/570-mA Li-Ion battery. Recharge for 80 minutes of shooting with the new CB-2LT battery charger. The new AC Adapter Kit ACK 700 let you plug the camera into any household outlet.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

591 of 595 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Compact, Sturdy, and Takes Beautiful Pictures, March 1, 2002

By 

TOL (Long Island, NY) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Canon PowerShot S40 4MP Digital Camera w/ 3x Optical Zoom (Electronics)

(...) After looking at the Digital Elphs and the A-series cameras, I stumbled upon the S40. This camera has it all. Four mega-pixels, a sturdy metal body, complete control over almost every aspect of your shot, and all in a compact size to boot. The feature-set is based on the popular Canon G2, which is a professional grade digital camera, so you know it uses a fully field-tested, high-quality internal design.

I mostly use this camera in auto mode, in which it takes absolutely beautiful pictures. They are clear, beautifully saturated, and capture motion extremely well. Indoor and outdoor pictures are equally impressive, and I found the metering to be very intelligent. That is, highlights, shadows, and exposure levels are all handled very well.

The camera offers an amazing amount of control with 12 user-selectable modes in addition to the auto mode. (...) But, suffice it to say that anyone seeking a high-level of control over their settings will not be dissapointed by the S40.

A Little Advice:

1. If you are looking to spend a little less money and do not need a 4 mega-pixel camera, a 3 mega-pixel version is available in the S30.

2. If you are looking for a point-and-shoot camera only, you do not need to spend this kind of money. Look toward the Canon A-Series cameras instead. These are plastic and lack the high-level of user control, but they are also much easier on the wallet.

3. Although this is a very compact camera, it is not the smallest that Canon makes. If you want the ultimate in portability, look at their Digital Elph line.

4. The proprietary battery that comes with the S40 is extremely powerful and has an impressive life. The charger is also very compact and very fast. However, I highly recommend buying a spare battery from Canon's website (for about $70).

5. Do not waste your money on the leather case for the S40 that Canon sells on their website. It is far too small for the camera and the lens cover slides open whenever you try to put the camera in it. I am not a big fan of sliding lens covers in the first place, and the leather case does nothing to win me over. Go buy yourself a generic camera case that fits the camera properly.

6. The included 16 MB CompactFlash card is embarrassing. Go buy a 128 MB card (at minimum). And while you're at it, pick up a USB card reader. They are under $(...) and are far more convenient than using the direct camera hook-up (although the S40 software and connection is quite convenient compared to many other digital cameras).

7. Be careful when removing the label from the lens cover. You can actually pull the cover right off if you're not careful. PEEL SLOWLY!

Conclusion:
Overall, this is a beautifully designed, well-built camera from an excellent company. As you can see by my review, Canon has won me over. In summary, the S40 matches the excellent picture quality of the finest Nikon and Kodak cameras available. The difference is, Canon does not skimp on the build of the camera by using cheap plastic parts. This, in my opinion, puts the S40 above the rest in this category.

Well Done Canon!

62 of 62 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Quick test - nearly flawless, November 9, 2001

By 

Heike Bruegmann (San Francisco, CA United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Canon PowerShot S40 4MP Digital Camera w/ 3x Optical Zoom (Electronics)

I have had the camera for only a week now, but already taken it on a trip to California's lost coast. Not only did the battery pack last over the whole 4 days and 70 pictures, but its features will be very intuitive to any SLR user such as me. I found especially helpful the zoom feature in replay mode that lets you pinpoint just how sharp the picture really is. The only things I will be missing is a shoe for external flash and the possibility to use regular batteries. Although the pack charges very quickly.

87 of 90 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Nice camera from Canon., November 26, 2001

By 

Matt "mattfl1" (FL United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Canon PowerShot S40 4MP Digital Camera w/ 3x Optical Zoom (Electronics)

I'm a Canon guy and like most of what they put out, and this is no exception. It's a very sleek little package. Four megapixels, 3x zoom, auto and manual modes, a fairly long lasting rechargable battery, all in a tiny metal body. I prefer this over the newer Nikon consumer digicams (the 775 and the 885) because the body is built better, the resolution is higher, and the Canon has manual modes. I only gave this camera four stars because of a couple reasons:

a. It's visibly less sharp than other cameras in this resolution range. Not a lot less, but enough to notice. The color is great, but the pictures aren't quite as sharp as the ones the S40's big brother (the G2) produces.

b. The macro mode (or should I say lack thereof) isn't very good. I find it odd that Canon hasn't worked on improving this in their newer model cameras; pretty much all of the Nikons have *excellent* macro modes.

Other than that, it's a sweet little package. I like the fact that the play-mode button is no longer part of the control dial. You no longer have to move the camera out of whatever record mode you're currently in to get into the play mode. The play-mode is controlled by a little standalone switch on the back of the camera. Slide it across once, you go into play mode, slide it across again, you go into record mode. Another positive is the long lasting lithium-ion battery (which has a quick charge time and does not require draining before recharging).

Highly recommended for most users. If you think you'll be making a lot of large sized prints with the camera (i.e. bigger than 8x10), you might check out the G2 instead.