Canon PowerShot S400 4MP Digital Camera w/ 3x Optical Zoom

The camera is very small indeed--smaller than earlier PowerShot models, and is easily pocket sized. There is what at first might seem a bewildering array of buttons around the casing, but in fact these provide excellent one-button-press access to most of the most used features, such as the 3x optical zoom which goes up to 11x when combined with digital zoom features, the macro mode, settings for the flash and self timer. For more advanced features like changing the shutter speed, which it is great to be able to do on a digital camera; you do need to delve into the LED a little further, though.

Images are stored on CompactFlash card--the largest image can be a couple of MB in size so you'll need to think big when it comes to CF card size with this camera. The battery is removable, and a spare to carry in the pocket might be a good idea.

Canon supplies a range of desktop software for viewing, editing and making use of your digital images. As with previous PowerShot cameras, one of the tools works with the Stitch Assist mode on the camera itself in the production of panorama shots. Digital cameras get more advanced all the time, but we dare to say that the PowerShot S400 is probably the best pocket sized digital camera we've seen. --Sandra Vogel, Amazon.co.uk

Amazon.com Product Description
The newest Digital Elph in the Canon's PowerShot line, the compact S400--the successor to the popular S200, S230, and S330 models--is both elegant and powerful. It features a 4-megapixel sensor, 3x optical zoom, an improved 3.6x digital zoom, and movie mode for videos of up to three minutes. A stainless steel shell protects the camera, while a new finish--Super Hard Cerabrite--mixes metals and ceramics to produce a tough cool-toned exterior that is visually stunning.

Optics and Resolution
Featuring a 4.0-megapixel CCD sensor, the PowerShot S400 delivers a wide range of detail and color (with images up to 2,272 x 1,704 pixels) and prints beyond 11 by 14 inches. Canon's high-quality 3x optical zoom lens (36-108mm, f/2.8-4.9) allows you to close in on the action, while the 3.6x digital zoom allows for a combined 10.8x zoom letting you capture intimate details that might have been missed with another camera.

The PowerShot S400 also features Canon's nine-point AiAF (Artificial intelligence Auto Focus) system for focusing accuracy, shutter speeds of 15 to 1/2,000 second, and fast sequence shooting at a rate of 2.5 frames per second (fps).

Movie Mode
Shoot up to three minutes of MPEG video at resolutions up to 320 x 240 pixels with sound, editing controls, and VCR-like playback. The movies aren't camcorder quality, but they're fun and convenient, and they're perfect as e-mail attachments. The camera can also attach voice memos or sound files of up to 60 seconds to each image.

More Features
You can select from evaluative, center-weighted, and spot-metering modes depending on the subject matter, and can even choose to set shutter speeds and apertures manually. An ISO range of 50 to 400 ensures practical shutter speeds in a wide variety of lighting situations, while a multifunctional, built-in flash offers a maximum reach of 3.5 meters in Auto ISO mode.

Canon's DIGIC (DIGital Imaging Core) processor ensures excellent color rendition and white balance for every shot, as well as super-fast auto focusing, noise-free imaging, and advanced flash exposure performance.

• 1.5-inch TFT (transreflective) LCD monitor.
• Built-in flash with auto, on, off, manual, slow-synch, and red-eye reduction modes.
• Shot modes include manual, auto, and stitch assist.
• White balance modes include daylight, cloudy, tungsten, fluorescent, and more.
• Histogram display for checking exposure and contrast levels in images stored on the memory card.
• Built-in orientation sensor automatically rotates portrait pictures, and these images remain rotated when downloaded, saving time during in-computer image processing.

Storage and Transfer
Images and video are stored on CompactFlash memory cards (Type I only) and the included 32 MB card holds approximately 27 images at the Large/Fine setting. Files can be downloaded to either a Mac or PC via USB connectivity, which means it can be connected to any USB-based Windows 98/Me/2000/XP and Mac OS 8.6 or later computer without installing any software.

Printing
Canon has introduced a series of printers designed to work directly with its lineup of digital cameras. Using these printers, no computer is required--simply connect the camera to the printer and start printing. Printers include Canon's bubble jet direct printers S830D and S530D, and card photo printer CP-100. Of course, photos from your camera can also be printed on any home computer system with an inkjet printer, sent off for online processing, or simply enjoyed on your computer screen.

Power, Size, and Contents
The camera is powered by a rechargeable lithium-ion battery NB-1LH (included). It measures 3.4 by 2.2 by 1.1 inches and weighs 6.5 ounces (without battery). This package includes the PowerShot S400 digital camera, 32 MB CompactFlash card, battery and battery charger (CB-2LS), USB and AV cables, wrist strap, and ArcSoft Camera Suite CD-ROM and USB drivers for Windows and Mac.