Super Snapper (Canon Powershot A40)

Member Name: samjc1

Product:	Canon Powershot A40
Date:	21/05/06 (47 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Great quality pictures for only 2 .0 mp

Disadvantages: No battery power indicator, rather dated now

This is a great little camera. I have been using it for over two years now, so while it is positively prehistoric in megapixel terms, it still holds its own against newer offerings. It would be an excellent ebay purchase for a beginner. (My son is waiting for me to upgrade so he can get his mits on it full time!) They are retailing for around £40-£50 at the moment.

The canon lens is excellent and gives 3.0x zoom, enhanced to 7.0x digital zoom. This is very much a snapper of a camera, so paparazzi style long-shots are not possible. ( Even so, every year I try to take a picture of the Red Arrows with it!)

Like most cameras, it comes with several modes but in reality you mostly use "auto" which will take a good picture of pretty much anything within range.

Occasionally I also use the panoramic option which allows you to take several overlapping shots and then stitch tem together on the computer with some supplied software. This works fairly well and probably would be even better if you used the tripod they recommend. It is certainly a nice way to get a panorama of a beach or a great view.

The video mode will record short video clips (30 seconds with a 256mb cf card) which play back on a pc at a reasonable quality. No good if you are shooting your first feature film, but perfect for capturing "happy birthday to you...".

There are settings for macro (close up), portrait and landscape photos, which optimise the picture. I have to admit to forgetting they are there and rarely using them. I still take quite good pictures (I like to think).

The integral flash can be switched off, or can be used in redeye reduction as well as standard mode.

My only major moan about this camera is there is no battery power indicator, so you don't know your battery is low until the camera suddenly tells you nanoseconds before it switches itself off. It takes 4 AA batteries and I use rechargeables, always keeping a spare set in my bag.

The lcd display is small by current standards, but plenty good enough to compose pictures and play them back. The camera has a nice solid feel and is easy to hold.

All in all, this camera is easy to use and takes good shots, my 6 year old has no problems using it, in fact some of his pictures are better than mine!

Summary: Great eBay purchase for a beginner!

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