Canon Powershot A40 Review

Click to take a QTVR tour of the A40

The PowerShot A40 has a 2.0 megapixel CCD sensor and incorporates a 3x optical zoom lens and offers features and image quality normally found in more expensive models, such as movie mode (with sound); manual exposure; spot metering; selectable ISO settings; built-in flash with 5 modes and magnified playback up to 10x for convenient image review.

The A40 also includes several new features not found on previous mid-range PowerShot camera models including a 3-point AiAF system with single-point center focus and focus lock; a wider shutter speed range of 15 seconds to 1/1500 second; Evaluative and Spot Metering; ISO ranges including 50/100/200/400 and Auto; Movie mode (with sound); Photo Effect mode; 2x-10x enlarged playback function with scrolling; and Direct Print capabilities with Canon's new CP-100 and CP-10 dye-sub printers.

The PowerShot A40 camera is equipped with a 5.4-16.2mm f/2.8-4.8 (equivalent to 35-105mm in 35mm format) 3x zoom lens which is ideal for a wide range of picture- taking situations from landscapes to portraits. The all-glass lens is designed using 9 elements in 7 groups, including one highly-refractive, glass-molded aspherical element. The aspherical element effectively suppresses distortion and provides high resolution.

The A40 is powered by four AA-size batteries which are relatively inexpensive and much more readily available when compared to other batteries, making their replacement more economical and convenient.

The WP-DC200s Waterproof Case is an optional accessory for the PowerShot A40 and A30, with a depth rating of 100 ft. for scuba diving. The WP-DC200s is also an excellent choice for photographing outdoor sports such as snow skiing, water skiing, and whitewater rafting. Other A40/A30 accessories include Wide Converter WC-DC52, 52mm Close-up Lens 250D, the new Tele-Converter TC-DC52, and Lens Conversion Adapter LA-DC52B which is used to mount these supplementary lenses to the cameras with a sturdy bayonet fitting.

Bundled with a comprehensive suite of programs enabling image management, editing, compositing and printing, the PowerShot A40 is compatible with a wide range of both Mac and PC computers, including support for Windows XP and Mac OS X. Each camera comes with Apple QuickTime 5.0, Canon RemoteCapture 2.2, and PhotoStitch 3.1 for both Macintosh and Windows, as well as Canon ZoomBrowser EX 3.2, PhotoRecord 1.2 and WIA and TWAIN drivers for Windows, plus ImageBrowser 2.2 and a Photoshop-compatible plug-in for the Mac.

The Canon PowerShot A40 camera and Card Photo Printer CP-100 will be available at authorized retailers in the second quarter of 2002 with these suggested retail prices:

PowerShot A40 $ 299
Waterproof Case WP-DC200s $240
Tele-Converter TC-DC52 $129
Wide Converter WC-DC52 $ 99
Lens Conversion Adapter LA-DC52B $20

PowerShot A40 Features

• 2.1 Megapixel CCD for images up to 1600 x 1200 pixels.
• 3x (35-105mm) F2.8 optical zoom lens, 2x digital zoom
• 1.5-inch TFT color LCD, approx. 120,000 pixels
• 3-point AiAF system with single-point center focus and focus lock
• Low-light focus assist illuminator
• Exposure modes: Auto, Program, Manual, Stitch Assist, Movie
• Motion video w/audio @ 20fps, 320x240 10 secs or 160x120 30 secs
• White balance options: Auto, daylight, cloudy, tungsten, fluorescent, fluorescent H
• Shutter speeds from 15 seconds to 1/1500 second
• Evaluative and Spot Metering
• ISO settings: 50, 100, 200, 400 and Auto (50-150)
• Photo Effects: Vivid, Neutral, Low Sharpening, Sepia, B&W
• built in flash with Auto, Red-eye reduction auto, Forced on, Red-eye on, forced off and slow-synchro
• 2x-10x enlarged playback function with scrolling
• Direct Print to the CP-100 and CP-10 printers
• CompactFlash Type I storage
• USB connectivity
• NTSC or PAL video output
• Powered by standard AA type batteries
• Optional wide angle, telephoto and closeup lenses
• Small (4.3 x 2.8 x 1.5 in.) and lightweight (8.8 oz)

Physical Views

The Canon Powershot team of the A30 and A40 are almost identical. The resolution steps down to 1.2 megapixel in the A30.

The compact PowerShot A40 and a standard CD for size comparison.

PowerShot A40 Specifications