| Canon has today announced the new PowerShot
A30 and A40. The A30 and A40 update and replace last years
A10 and A20. Both cameras feature a 3x optical zoom lens,
the A30 has a 1.2 megapixel CCD sensor, the A40 has a 2.0
megapixel CCD sensor. Both cameras take Compact Flash Type
I cards and require four AA batteries. We liked last years
A20 as one of the best entry-level digital cameras, the
A40 looks to be well placed this year but will face stiffer
competition from other manufacturers.
Press release (Canon Europe):
Canon PowerShot A30 and PowerShot A40 - Digital photography
for everyone
Amstelveen, 22 February 2002 - Canon today announce the
launch of the PowerShot A30 and PowerShot A40, two new entry-level
zoom digital cameras. With amazing quality, a wide range
of features and an incredible price point, the PowerShot
A30 and A40 offer affordable digital photography for everyone.
Ideal for families switching to digital photography, the
PowerShot A30 and A40 offer great features and value for
money. With exceptional photo quality and the convenience
of being directly connectable to Canon's direct printers
CP-100 and CP-10 these cameras are the ideal choice for
first time digital camera users.
"Canon is dedicated to continually enhancing our products
for the consumer.' Says Mr Komatsuzaki, Executive Vice President,
Canon Consumer Imaging.' By investing in research and development
we can confidently offer our customers the best technology
at excellent price points'
Both the PowerShot A30 and A40 feature high quality 3x
optical zoom lenses covering the range 35-105mm (35mm equivalent)
with a bright maximum aperture of f2.8. With a 1.2M pixel
CCD sensor for capturing even the finest details the PowerShot
A30 images are great for email and use on the Internet while
the PowerShot A40 has a high resolution 2.0M pixel CCD sensor
that is great for top quality 10x15cm printouts.
Packed full of features both cameras can be simply connected
to Canon's line of direct print printers and are even capable
of capturing movie clips. Perfect pictures are always assured
with Canon's advanced photo know-how.
It is now possible to instantly share pictures with friends
and family by connecting the camera to a standard TV set
for viewing of both photo's and short movie clips.
Canons direct printers CP-100 and CP-10 are the easiest
and fastest way to get superb photo prints from Canon digital
cameras. By simply connecting the digital camera to a direct
printer by means of a dedicated cable and selecting an image,
a perfect print can be delivered and passed around in just
over 80 seconds.
Going digital means easy connectivity between the camera
and the PC's USB port for a new way to enjoy a whole world
of digital imaging. Canon's software suite for PC/Mac includes
the user-friendly Canon ZoomBrowser EX, PhotoStitch and
PhotoRecord. In addition, the PowerShot A40 is supplied
with ArcSoft's PhotoImpression and VideoImpression editing
packages.
Understanding the need to be able to use the digital camera
everywhere Canon offers a full range of dedicated accessories.
Whether 30m under water, at the beach or skiing at altitude
Canon's waterproof case allows for great photo's everywhere.
PowerShot A30 and A40 are supporting Exif Print.
Canon PowerShot A30 and A40 specifications
| |
Canon
PowerShot A30 |
Canon
PowerShot A40 |
| |
|
| Sensor |
1/2.7"
1.3 million pixel CCD |
1/2.7"
2.1 million pixel CCD |
| Colour filter array |
Primary
(GRGB) |
Primary
(GRGB) |
| Effective pixels |
1.2 million |
2.0 million |
| Image sizes |
1280 x
960, 1024 x 768, 640 x 480 |
1600 x
1200, 1024 x 768, 640 x 480 |
| Lens |
35 - 105
mm equiv., F2.8 - F4.8 |
|
| Digital zoom |
2x |
2.5x |
| Focusing |
3-point
AiAF / Single centre point AF |
|
| Focus range |
Normal:
76 cm - Infinity
Macro: 16 cm - 76 cm
Snapshot: 1.5 - 2.5 m
Infinity: 5 m - Infinity |
| Exposure |
Auto /
Manual |
| Exposure compensation |
+/-2.0
EV in 0.3 EV steps |
| Metering |
Evaluative
(linked to AF point), Manual |
| White balance |
Auto, Daylight,
Cloudy, Tungsten, Fluorescent, Fluorescent High |
| Shutter speed |
15 - 1/1500
sec (noise reduction for 1.3 sec or slower) |
| ISO |
Auto (ISO
50 - 150)
ISO 50, 100, 200, 400 |
| Viewfinder |
Optical |
| LCD |
1.5" TFT |
| Flash range |
Wide: 0.76
- 4.2 m
Tele: 0.76 - 2.5 m |
| Flash modes |
On, Off,
Auto, Red eye reduction on, Red eye reduction auto,
Slow sync |
| File format |
EXIF 2.2
(Exif Print) |
| Movie clips |
20 fps:
320 x 240 (max 10 sec), 160 x 120 (max 30 sec), no
audio |
20 fps:
320 x 240 (max 10 sec), 160 x 120 (max 30 sec), with
audio |
| Continuous shooting |
2.5 fps |
| Stitch Assist mode |
Yes |
| Photo effects |
Vivid,
Neutral, Low Sharpening, Sepia, Black & White |
| Direct Printing |
Yes, Canon
CP-10 / CP-100 |
| Self Timer |
2 or 10
secs |
| Connections |
USB (1.1) |
| Storage |
Compact
Flash Type I |
| Power |
4 x AA
batteries (NiMH recommended) |
| Dimensions |
110 x 71
x 38 mm (4.3 x 2.8 x 1.5 in) |
| Weight |
250 g (8.8
oz) - no battery |
 |
|
