Canon PowerShot A40 Review
The latest PowerShot is a heavyweight contender for best entry-level digital camera on the market, with fantastic image quality and a host of nifty features
Canon is no stranger to the world of photography, and the PowerShot A40 reflects that pedigree in its solid, if unexciting appearance. With its straightforward compact styling, the A40 will hold few fears for the first-time digital imager – which is helpful, as most experienced users would consider a 2-megapixel CCD very much entry-level technology these days. You might also take offence at its sheer chunkiness – a quarter of a kilo (even before you add four AA cells) seems a lot when other 2- megapixel digital cameras are slipping subtly into pockets these days.
On the starting blocks The conventionally-mounted 3x optical zoom (35-105mm equivalent) is nippy, quiet and ready for action just a second or two after powering up, making this a handy camera for snatching snaps. The main control dial on the back offers just a handful of choices, but they’re a refreshing selection on such a low-priced model.
A quarter of a kilo seems a lot when other 2-megapixel digital cameras are slipping subtly into pockets these days
Alongside the Auto mode (which allows almost no user interaction), there is the Program mode, where
you can set spot focus and metering, flash mode, white balance, adjust sensitivity, and exposure
compensation and digital effects. There’s also an intriguing Manual mode, where you can select the shutter speed from 1/1500 to 15 seconds, and choose between two aperture settings. Unfortunately, the A40 doesn’t suggest the correct exposure, so it’s very much a case of shoot and see.
You’ll probably spend most time in the Program mode, which combines good flexibility with accurate automatic exposure and focusing systems. With the addition of continuous shooting, macro and red-eye plus slow-synch flash modes, there’s plenty here to challenge keen users. A helpful Stitch mode should simplify panoramic images, but only uses half the LCD.
The LCD screen doesn’t overawe – it’s muddy in low light, with colours fading to grey and some noise. Image drag isn’t too bad, though, and it’s much more at home outside, with sunlight causing few problems. Inside, 8Mb of CompactFlash storage is a bare minimum, but you won’t mind that when you see what the A40 can achieve. Pinpoint focusing, rock solid metering and some of the most glorious, rich colours we’ve seen on any digital camera, let alone a 2MP.
