Inch for inch and ounce for ounce, Canon's PowerShot S330 Digital Elph packs more power into less space than virtually any other digital camera, stuffing a feature-packed 2-megapixel camera with 3x optical zoom into a diminutive brushed-metal case that slips easily into a purse or pocket.
Resolution
Like last year's S300, the S330 features a 2-megapixel sensor for sharp prints at sizes up to 8 by 10 inches. With cameras of up to 5 megapixels now on the market, some enthusiasts were hoping this would be the year when the Elph made the jump to 3 megapixels, but it appears that Canon still believes 2 megapixels remain the best balance between performance and price for most consumers. We tend to agree. If you regularly print your photos at sizes larger than 8 by 10 inches, you'll probably want a camera with more manual controls than the Elph offers--we recommend Canon's 3-megapixel S30 or 4-megapixel S40.
Optics
A 3x optical zoom lens (35-105mm equivalent) aids in photo composition, and an additional 2.5x digital zoom (7.5x total) further magnifies your image. Remember, however, that digital zoom reduces the sharpness and detail of your image, so it's best used sparingly. Two systems help ensure your pictures will be perfectly focused, even in challenging conditions: a multizone autofocus works even when the subject of your photo isn't in the center of the scene, and in low-light situations (a particular weakness for many digital cameras), a focus-assist lamp sends out a small patterned beam to help the camera accurately determine distance.
More Features
Though it's primarily designed as a point-and-shoot, the S330 includes several advanced features for photographers who want more creative control, including exposure compensation, low-light manual shutter speeds, manual ISO and white balance, stitch assist, plus black-and-white, sepia, vivid, and neutral modes.
A movie mode captures video clips with sound. Depending upon resolution, these clips can last from 2 to 60 seconds. The limited length and resolution of these clips guarantees that this feature won't replace your camcorder, but it's perfect for when you just want to capture a quick movie and e-mail it to a friend or relative. In addition, you can add up to 60 seconds of audio to each still picture you take. A built-in speaker even lets you listen to audio when playing back stills and movies.
Power
The S330 uses a proprietary lithium-ion rechargeable battery, and both the battery and the charger are included. Though the new NB-1LH looks identical to (and is interchangeable with) the NB-1L batteries shipped with previous Elph models, the new battery holds 840 mAh of energy, a 23 percent increase. Because the battery is unique to the Elph cameras and can be nearly impossible to find when on the road, we strongly recommend getting a spare if you're planning to take the camera on extended outings.
Storage and Transfer
Images are stored on standard Type I CompactFlash (CF) cards. Consider the included 8 MB card a "starter" capacity, since its 12-picture limit means you'll need to return to your computer often to transfer images and free up the card for more pictures. A 128 MB card is a great size for this camera, storing around 200 images. To transfer images to your computer, simply attach the included USB cable between your PC and your camera. Your computer should automatically recognize your camera and let you move the pictures to your hard drive.
Printing
Canon has introduced a series of printers designed to work directly with the S330. Using these printers, no computer is required--simply connect the camera to the printer and start printing. The CP-10 produces credit-card-sized prints, and the CP-100 makes 4-by-6-inch prints. Both use continuous-tone technology for results that are indistinguishable from traditional photos. Of course, photos from your Elph can also be printed on any home computer system with an inkjet printer, sent off for online processing, or simply enjoyed on your computer screen.
Size
At just 3.7 by 2.5 by 1.2 inches and 8.6 ounces, the S330 is identical in size to its predecessor. If this sounds too bulky, the S200 Elph is even smaller and has specs that are nearly identical, with the exception of a less powerful 2x optical zoom lens.
Contents
The package includes the S330 camera, NB-1LH battery with CB-2LS charger, AV and USB cables, wrist strap, software suite, and 8 MB memory card.
Product Description:
Canon is once again combining its expertise in camera design and advanced digital imaging technology to create the PowerShot S300 Digital ELPH. The camera's ultra-compact and elegant stainless steel design is based on the extremely popular PowerShot S100, and offers new and improved features including a powerful zoom lens, making it one of the world's smallest and lightest 2.1-megapixel camera with a 3x zoom lens. In addition to its high-resolution, and retractable zoom lens, the S300 offers a number of new and improved features including direct print capabilities from the new Canon Card Photo printer CP-10.A new digital signal processing IC in the PowerShot S300 enables high-speed image processing and rapid data transfer through the cameras' USB interface. The PowerShot S300 takes advantage of this feature by offering a Direct Print mode that enables users to print hard-copy images using Canon's new CP-10 dye sublimation printer. The Canon PowerShot S300 can record movie clips with audio. The video portion of the PowerShot S300 movies can be replayed on the camera's LCD monitor. Full audio-video playback is possible with a connected TV monitor or a compatible PC after downloading. Due to the new digital signal processing IC, the S300's movie clip processing speed is approximately 2.7 times faster that other models in its class.