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Canon PowerShot SD940IS 12.1MP Digital Camera with 4x Wide Angle Optical Image Stabilized Zoom and 2.7-inch LCD (Black) by Canon
Digital Photo Product DetailsManufacturer: Canon Model: SD940IS Black Color: Black Product features: - 12.1-megapixel resolution; 28mm wide-angle lens with 4x optical zoom and Canon's Optical Image Stabilizer
- Capture 720p HD movies; HDMI output connector for easy playback on your HDTV
- Crisp 2.7-inch PureColor System LCD with wide viewing angle
- Improved Smart AUTO intelligently selects from 22 predefined shooting situations
- Capture images to SD/SDHC memory cards (not included)
Accessories:
Digital Cameras Photo Reviews of Canon PowerShot SD940IS 12.1MP Digital Camera with 4x Wide Angle Optical Image Stabilized Zoom and 2.7-inch LCD (Black)Customer Review: be prepared to capture images anywhere, with this convenient point and shoot . . . Summary: 4 Stars
The SD940IS is an easy to use, compact, take it anywhere point and shoot, with a nice set of basic features, that delivers pretty good results in many general use situations. How well the camera meets your needs, depends on how you plan to use it. To that end, these quick observations may be helpful.
Camera Body and Basic Operation:
It's not weatherproof, but the camera has a durable, solid aluminum body. The tiny body measures, 3.5"x2.1"x0.7". The design is low profile, where the control buttons are basically flush with the surrounding surfaces. When powered on, the camera is ready to shoot almost immediately, with the lens extending only 0.8 inches. The SD940 is easy to operate with one hand, with the recycle time between shots (when not using flash or at high ISO), usually a few seconds.
Lens and Autofocus:
At the widest angle (28mm) there can occasionally be some funky distortion in the center part of the image. This aberration usually improves as you zoom in. The focusing area is typically a rectangular window in the center of the display. AF performance is usually pretty fast, and reasonably accurate for well lighted, stationary subjects. The SD940IS is not ideal for shooting on the fly, and generally needs to be held steady to get good results. Getting decent results shooting moving objects, mostly depends on your skill at keeping the subject in the center, and good luck with focus lock. The tiny zoom lever is located at the shutter button, and is usually very responsive and operates more reliably than some past Powershots. Typical for most point and shoots, this camera is not well suited for shooting in low light, as focusing takes a lot longer, the zoom control is less responsive, and saving an image takes longer.
Display and color rendition
There is no viewfinder, framing is via the 2.8 inch LCD display. Most displays are hard to see in direct sunlight, but this one is not too bad. Color rendition indoors is good, but like some Canon Powershots and DSLR's, when shooting in direct sunlight, images are often tinged toward yellow. This appears to be mostly an in-camera phenomena, as the color of images when viewed on the computer, look closer to normal. Seven white balance options are available, but if the color rendition of the display isn't that accurate, making custom adjustments on the fly can be tough.
Controls and Display Menu:
With such a tiny body and relatively large display, there isn't much space for controls, but Canon makes it work utilizing their familiar control system and menu design for Powershots. The camera has four basic operational modes, Auto, Program, Movie, and Review. In Auto mode, you just shoot and let the camera make all the decisions. In Program mode, basic settings like ISO, Shooting Mode, White Balance and flash, are easily accessible via the main menu. The text is quite readable, even for those who need reading glasses.
Battery and Memory Card Capacity:
The camera uses a 3.7 volt, NB-4L type lithium Ion battery, which is a reliable and steady source of power, typically good for several hundred shots per charge. Performance seems to improve, after the battery has been cycled through a few times. Carrying at least one spare battery is recommended. Canon's NB-4L battery is not that expensive, but there are numerous cheaper generic equivalents available on eBay. The memory card slides into the camera, right next to the battery. At the highest image quality of 4000 x 3000 pixels, about 2500 images can be stored on a 8GB card.
Movie Mode:
The SD940IS takes decent quality 720p movies, but the image generally is choppy. The audio track is smooth and continuous, but the video will often skip along. The zoom function is enabled during recording. Movies are saved in Quick Time format, unlike some older Powershots that saved video clips as AVI files.
Value and Conclusion:
Most point and shoot users are looking for a reliable performer, that can produce good results in a variety of situations, with a minimum of adjustment, without breaking the bank. The SD940IS will probably fit the bill for most casual users. While not the newest model, the price has dropped, making this a good value, in a highly competitive area of the market. Those with bigger hands, may want to hold the camera in their hands, and see how the buttons feel, before buying.
Description of Canon PowerShot SD940IS 12.1MP Digital Camera with 4x Wide Angle Optical Image Stabilized Zoom and 2.7-inch LCD (Black)Never leave home without this sleek polished camera; in timeless colors of muted metallics to match any mood. Filled with features such as a 12.1 Megapixel resolution a 28mm Wide-Angle Lens with 4x Optical Zoom and Canonapos;s Optical Image Stabilizer. 720p HD movie shooting capability plus HDMI output connector for easy playback of video and photos on your HDTV. Large crisp 2.7-inch PureColor System LCD with wide viewing angle great for sharing photos and videos with friends. Improved Smart AUTO Mode intelligently selects the proper settings for the camera based on 22 predefined shooting situations. Easy to use with built in hints and tips.
Digital Cameras
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