The PowerShot S400 Digital Elph is the world's smallest 4 megapixel digital camera with a 3x optical zoom (36-108mm in 35mm equivalent) lens and a 9-point AiAF autofocus system that makes focusing quick and easy, even with off-center subjects. The camera also features a stainless steel body with a new super hard Cerabrite finish to guard against scratching; an improved Movie Mode that captures motion video clips up to 3 minutes in length with sound; and Direct Print capabilities with Canon's Card Photo Printer CP-100 or letter-size S820D, S830D, and S530D photo printers to make prints without the need of a computer.

Canon's proprietary image processor, called DIGIC, was developed specifically for use with its line of digital cameras and combines the jobs of image processing and camera function control into one chip. It handles nearly every digital camera function including JPEG compression/expansion; memory card control; LCD/Video control and processing; gain control (control of CCD signal amplification); Auto Exposure; Auto Focus; Auto White Balance control and most other functions of the camera. The result is a camera that offers faster and more powerful AF than ever before, faster image processing, longer battery life, and the ability to record 3-minute movie clips with sound.

Over the past 68 years, Canon has accumulated a vast amount of photographic data and know-how and used it to create some of the most innovative camera products in the marketplace. Now, using that same data and know-how, Canon has developed an exclusive technology called iSAPS (Intelligent Scene Analysis based on Photographic Space) that can predict certain camera settings such as focusing distance, exposure and optimum white balance based on zoom focal length, overall light level and tonal distribution data. Canon refers to this collective data as "Photographic Space." By incorporating iSAPS technology into its PowerShot line, the cameras can analyze a scene just before the image is made and in doing so, increase the speed and precision of the camera's autofocus, auto exposure and auto white balance.

An Intelligent Orientation sensor detects whether an image has been recorded horizontally or vertically. During image playback, the sensor detects the proper orientation of each image, and previews them accordingly without the need to rotate the camera for image viewing. It also adjusts AF, AE and white balance accordingly. Similarly, when using the ZoomBrowser EX and ImageBrowser software included with the cameras, vertical and horizontal picture orientation is automatically detected and appropriately displayed.

When powered down, the lens is safely tucked away inside of the highly durable stainless steel body that measures just 3.4 x 2.2 x 1.1 inches. This is truly a "pocket size" camera and at a scant 6.5 ounces, it's the lightest Digital ELPH yet. As with all the Canon compacts, it has a light-assisted autofocus that even works in the dark. An advanced TTL AiAF nine-point autofocus system permits the camera to automatically select the primary subject even when off-center.

The Powershot S400 can also record movies with sound in QVGA (320 x 240 pixels) and Q2VGA (160 x 120 pixels) at 15 frames per second. Up to 3 minutes of continuous recording is possible in either resolution. In addition, the Powershot S400 features a built-in speaker for audio playback, as well as a Voice Memo feature that allows users to add up to 60 seconds of sound annotation to any captured image on the camera's CF card.

Powershot S400 Features

• 4.0 Megapixel CCD imager for up to 2272x1704 pixel images
• 3x optical 36-108mm f/2.8-4.9 zoom, 3.6x digital zoom
• 1.5" color LCD with up to 10x playback zoom
• Ultra-compact and durable stainless steel body (3.4 x 2.2 x 1.1 in.)
• Advanced TTL AiAF nine-point autofocus system
• Program AE automatic and Manual exposure modes
• Movie mode w/sound 320x240 up to 3 minutes long
• 2.5fps Continuous exposure mode
• Evaluative metering on focus point or Spot
• Stitch Assist mode for perfect panoramas
• Exposure compensation: +/-2EV in 1/3-step increments
• White Balance: Auto, 5 presets or Custom
• Photo Effects: Low Sharpening, Vivid Color, Neutral, Sepia and B&W
• Low-light focus assist illuminator
• Shutter speeds of 15 seconds to 1/2000 second
• Auto noise reduction with 1.3 sec or longer shutter speeds
• Selectable ISO settings from 50 to 400
• Voice memo (up to 60 secs) can be attached to images
• Intelligent Orientation sensor
• Builtin microphone and speaker
• Lithium rechargable battery and charger included
• Direct print to CP-100 and other Canon printers
• USB connectivity for PC and Mac
• Optional WP-DC500 Waterproof Case

Physical Views

The S400 compared to an average CD disc.

The Powershot A70 and the S400 Digital ELPH

Powershot S400 Specifications