Canon's
PowerShot A40 replaces last year's A20
model. The body styling of the A20 is retained with this new model, but
with a number of enhancements.
However, in terms of capabilities — resolution, zoom power, and
features — the A40 has a strong resemblance to the S330/Digital
IXUS 330. Minus the metal body, and the smaller size, this model could
seriously be considered to be a lower price alternative to the S330.
With
the 2-stage shutter release the only control on the upper part of the
A40, all the other controls are gathered on the back.
Starting on the upper back, the A40 provides an optical viewfinder with
2 small LEDs on its left. The upper one (green) indicates focus and camera
activity; the lower one (orange) serves as a reminder that the macro mode
is engaged.
The
zoom control is located on the right, and as is now the standard practice,
provides a thumbnail display of captured photos, or allows the magnification
of an image shown on the screen in Playback.
The other buttons are distributed on the right, and below, the 1.5 inch
LCD screen.
Turns
on the LCD screen, shows or hides the information overlay of the
screen.
Calls
up a screen overlay for Exposure compensation, White Balance, and
Photo Effects.
Calls
up the menu appropriate to the mode selected with the Mode Dial.
Powers
the A40.
Flash
Modes: Auto, Red-eye reduction Auto, On, Off, Slow Synchro.
Continuous
Mode (approx. 2.5 fps); Self-timer (2, or 10 seconds).
Macro
Mode, Snapshot (a new program), Infinity focus (Landscape).
Left
arrow for menu navigation.
Right
arrow for menu navigation and AF Lock.
Another
addition to the A40 can be found on its Mode Dial. Unlike the A20, the
A40 is able to record movie clips — with sound.
Full
Auto Mode: the camera selects aperture and shutter speed along with
most other settings, automatically.
Program
Mode: the camera selects aperture and shutter speed, but allows
the user access to exposure compensation, white balance along with
most other adjustable settings.
Manual
Mode: the user can select either one of 2 apertures and shutter
speeds over their entire range.
Stitch
Assist Mode: allows taking a series of photos with overlapping edges
so they can be assembled into a panoramic image with the software
(PhotoStitch) included with the A40.
Movie
Mode: records movies in either one of 2 sizes (320 x 240, or 160
x 120) with sound.
Playback
Mode.
As the
layout of the controls on the A40 are basically those of the A20, this
new models brings no noticeable improvements to the ergonomic design of
its predecessor. The A40 is an easy to use camera, but one which could
have benefited with the addition of a multi direction control to facilitate
the navigation of its menu.
