Canon’s newest Digital Elph in their PowerShot product line, the S400, is petite, graceful, and powerful. Possibly the smallest 4-megapixel digital camera in the world, it combines a 3X optical zoom with 3.6X digital zoom for an impressive total of 11X zooming power. It features a smooth, attractive, two-tone stainless steel exterior with a scratch-resistant Cerabrite finish, measures just 3.4 x 2.2 x 1.1 inches, and at just 6.5 ounces, it’s the lightest Digital Elph yet.
The S400 was part of an aggressive market blitz by Canon, who introduced five new PowerShot cameras in March (including its first 5-megapixel digicam, the 12X zooming S50). Each of these PowerShots offer enhanced features that could only be produced by an innovative market leader like Canon. This includes their proprietary dedicated processor, DIGIC, which combines the jobs of image processing and camera function control into one chip. This results in a camera capable of faster image processing, longer battery life, better colour balance and contrast, low noise, and the ability to record three-minute movie clips with audio, at 15 frames per second.
All the PowerShots are built with Canon’s high-quality glass optics featuring image stabilizers and ultrasonic motors, among other things. They’ve also developed an exclusive technology called iSAPS (Intelligent Scene Analysis based on Photographic Space) that can rapidly and precisely predict certain camera settings such as focusing distance, exposure and optimum white balance based on zoom focal length, overall light level and tonal distribution data.
All the PowerShots also include Canon’s advanced 9-point AiAF autofocus system that allows you to choose the primary subject even when it’s off-centre (there is no manual focus, however). The Intelligent Orientation Sensor makes sure the shots are automatically displayed correctly on the screen. It has Direct Print capabilities that allow you to make photo prints without the use of a computer. The Voice Memo feature allows you to add up to one minute of sound annotation to any image on the CF card.
The user-friendly mode dial makes the S400 much more intuitive than earlier Elph models, with improved boot-up, shutter lag and writing speeds. The small battery size means you’ll probably have to purchase some backup power, but the S400’s NB-1LH rechargeable will last for about 160-180 exposures. It retails in Canada for about $699.99.
Other features:
- 4.0 megapixel CCD imager for up to 2272 x 1704 pixel images
- 1.5-inch colour LCD with up to 10X playback zoom
- 2.5 fps continuous exposure mode
- Stitch Assist mode for panoramic shots
- White balance: auto, 5 presets or custom
- Photo effects: Low Sharpening, Vivid Colour, Neutral, Sepia and B&W
- Low-light focus assist illuminator
- Shutter speeds of 15 seconds to 1/2000 second
- Auto noise reduction with 1.3 second or longer shutter speeds
- Selectable ISO settings from 50 to 400
- Optional WP-DC500 waterproof case
