Canon Powershot S410 Review

Click to take a QTVR tour of the S410

The PowerShot S410 Digital ELPH is the successor to the popular PowerShot S400, this new model offers all of the advantages of its distinguished predecessor, upgrades a number of existing features and adds the new Print/Share button. Print/Share speeds and simplifies printing to compatible Canon Direct Photo and PictBridge enabled printers and one-touch image transfer to Windows (XP, Me, 2000, and 98) computers for use with image processing programs, uploading to the Internet, or placement in email.

The PowerShot S410's other key attributes are a peak resolution of 2272 x 1704 pixels, a 3x (36-108mm equivalent) all glass, seven-element, Canon zoom lens with a wide AF range from 2 inches (in macro mode) to infinity. The PowerShot S410 also records movies with sound at 15 frames per second for clips of up to three-minutes each at 320 x 240 or 160 x 120 resolution.

The PowerShot S410 also offers simple yet sophisticated shooting features such as Evaluative, Center-weighted or Spot metering for more precise exposure control; shutter speeds ranging from 15 seconds to a fast 1/2000 of a second; a user adjustable exposure compensation feature that allows for and increase or decrease of up to two stops in gradual 1/3 increments, and a Custom White Balance option that is read off of a white or known neutral object. Like the new Powershot S500, the S410 camera utilized Compact Flash type 1 media and features a 10x zoom capability on playback using the camera's 1.5 inch, 118,000 pixel LCD monitor.

An Intelligent Orientation sensor detects whether an image has been recorded horizontally or vertically. During image playback, the sensor detects the proper orientation of each image, and previews them accordingly without the need to rotate the camera for image viewing. It also adjusts AF, AE and white balance accordingly. Similarly, when using the ZoomBrowser EX and ImageBrowser software included with the cameras, vertical and horizontal picture orientation is automatically detected and appropriately displayed.

When powered down, the lens is safely tucked away inside of the highly durable stainless steel body that measures just 3.4 x 2.2 x 1.1 inches. This is truly a "pocket size" camera and at a scant 6.5 ounces. As with all the Canon compacts, it has a light-assisted autofocus that even works in the dark. An advanced TTL AiAF nine-point autofocus system permits the camera to automatically select the primary subject even when off-center.

PowerShot S410 Features

• 4.0 Megapixel CCD imager for up to 2272x1704 pixel images
• 3x optical 36-108mm f/2.8-4.9 zoom, 3.6x digital zoom
• 1.5" color LCD with up to 10x playback zoom
• Ultra-compact and durable stainless steel body (3.4 x 2.2 x 1.1 in.)
• Advanced TTL AiAF nine-point autofocus system
• Program AE automatic and Manual exposure modes
• Movie mode w/sound 320x240 up to 3 minutes long
• 2.5fps Continuous exposure mode
• Evaluative metering on focus point or Spot
• Stitch Assist mode for perfect panoramas
• Exposure compensation: +/-2EV in 1/3-step increments
• White Balance: Auto, 5 presets or Custom
• Photo Effects: Low Sharpening, Vivid Color, 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 sec or longer shutter speeds
• Selectable ISO settings from 50 to 400
• Voice memo (up to 60 secs) can be attached to images
• Intelligent Orientation sensor
• Builtin microphone and speaker
• Lithium rechargable battery and charger included
• Direct print to Canon CP-200/300 and PictBridge printers
• All new Print/Share button
• USB connectivity for PC and Mac
• Optional WP-DC500 Waterproof Case

The PowerShot S410 Digital ELPH will be available April 2004 for an estimated street price of $399. PowerShot S410 Digital ELPH kit includes two dedicated software CDs, a rechargeable lithium ion battery pack and charger, USB and AV cables and a 32MB CompactFlash card, as well as, printed manuals and a Canon USA limited warranty card.

Physical Views

The S410 compared to an average CD disc.

The Casio QV-R40 compared to the S410 Digital ELPH

PowerShot S410 Specifications