Despite its entry-level designation in Canon's digital lineup, the 2-megapixel A40 is a surprisingly advanced model with excellent picture quality and more manual features than you'll find on most digital point-and-shoots.
Resolution
With resolutions of up to 5 megapixels now available in other cameras, the 2-megapixel chip in the A40 may seem wimpy, but for the camera's intended user, 2 million pixels is a great balance between performance and price. This resolution means gorgeous full-screen images on your computer (even with a 19-inch monitor) and prints that look great at sizes up to 8 by 10 inches. If you're hoping for a camera that captures even detail in each photo, consider 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 of 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 A40 includes a surprising number of advanced features for photographers who want more creative control, including aperture priority, shutter priority, and full manual modes, exposure compensation, low-light manual shutter speeds, manual ISO and white balance, and 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 10 to 30 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.
The A40 is the successor to last year's A20. Physically, the two cameras are nearly identical, but the new model has substantially more manual controls and a movie mode.
Power
The A40 uses four AA batteries, and a set of alkalines is included. We don't recommend using alkaline batteries in digital cameras unless you have no alternative, since the high power demands of digital cameras drain alkaline batteries ridiculously quickly. Instead, we prefer lithium batteries for occasional users, since these last much longer and also stay fresh if your camera sits unused for months at a time. If you use the camera more than once every couple of weeks, we strongly recommend getting a set of rechargeable NiMH batteries and a charger. These can be recharged hundreds of times and hold an excellent charge, but will lose their power in as little as a month of disuse. Many people solve this problem by purchasing a charger with two sets of batteries, keeping one set in the camera and the other in the charger at all times.
Storage and Transfer
Images are stored on standard Type I CompactFlash 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 A40. 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 camera 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
Dimensions of 4.3 by 2.8 by 1.5 inches put the A40 in the middle of the compact-camera pack. The plastic body keeps weight down to 8.8 ounces.
Contents and Recommended Accessories
The package includes the A40 camera, AV and USB cables, wrist strap, printed manual, software suite, four AA batteries, and an 8 MB memory card.
Everything you need to get started is included in the box, but a few well-chosen accessories can help you get even more from your camera. We strongly recommend the addition of a larger memory card (a 128 MB card holds around 200 images), a set of rechargeable batteries, and a carrying case. A broad array of additional accessories are available, including a waterproof housing, an adapter for threaded lenses, and more.
From the Manufacturer
The new PowerShot A40 offers added value to consumers with functions and features previously found only in higher-priced digital cameras. This new camera has a wealth of features designed to make digital photography easy and satisfying for all users. The PowerShot A40 has a 2.0 megapixel CCD sensor and a 3x optical zoom lens.
Exceptional Zoom and Focus
The brilliance of Canon lenses and the versatility of a 3x optical zoom let you frame the world in front of you any way you want it. Your options range from the equivalent of 35-105mm. Auto Exposure selects the optimum settings for all lighting conditions, and the Canon autofocus system gives you a selection of 3-point AiAF or 1-point Center Focus.
Advanced Shooting Functions
The way you see your world is the way your Powershot A40 shows it to everyone else. Use it like a point-and-shoot camera for casual snapshots, like a 35mm camera with full manual control mode for formal portraits or landscapes. You're not even limited to still images. You can actually shoot 30-second movies with audio with the A40.
Plug it in. Print it out
One simple connection via the USB connector lets you quickly download your images from your A40 straight into your computer. With the Canon Direct Photo Printer CP-100 or the Card Photo Printer CP-10 you don't even have to use your computer. Print out an image in sizes from postcard or wallet directly from the camera.
Superb Image Quality
The PowerShot A40 uses advanced technology that you'd expect in professional use digital cameras. The High resolution CCDs (2.0megapixels) is equipped with primary color filters for superbly natural color reproduction and improved signal processing for low noise.