The PowerShot A30 has a 1.2 megapixel CCD, a 3x optical zoom lens and offers features and image quality normally found in more expensive models. Features such as a movie mode; a shutter speed range of 15 seconds to 1/1500 second; manual exposure; spot metering; selectable ISO settings from 50 to 400; built-in flash with 5 modes and magnified playback up to 10x for convenient image review.

The A30 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; Photo Effect mode; 2x-10x enlarged playback function with scrolling; and Direct Print capabilities with Canon's new CP-100 printer as well as the current CP-10.

The A30 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 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.

The A30 is bundled with a comprehensive suite of programs enabling image management, editing, compositing and printing. It 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.

PowerShot A30 Features

• 1.3 Megapixel CCD for images up to 1280 x 960 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 @ 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
• Builtin 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)

The Canon PowerShot A30 and Card Photo Printer CP-100 will be available at authorized retailers in the second quarter of 2002. Suggested retail prices are $249 for the A30 and $249 for the CP-100.

Physical Views

The Canon Powershot team of the A30 and A40 are almost identical. The resolution steps up to 2.0 megapixel in the A40.

The PowerShot A30 and a standard CD for size comparison.

PowerShot A30 Specifications