The first Technical Report of the year 2002 showcases two advanced and stylish digital cameras with high-resolution 3x zoom lenses (equivalent to 35 – 105 mm in 35mm film format), the PowerShot S40 featuring a CCD with 4 million effective pixels and the PowerShot S30 with 3.2 million effective pixels.
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| Photo 1 PowerShot S40 | Photo 2 PowerShot S30 |
Concept of development
The PowerShot S40 (see Photo 1) was introduced last October, followed by the PowerShot S30 (Photo 2) released last December in Japan. These new models were developed based on the following concept:
To develop stylish and compact digital cameras achieving "Joy of Photography," "Value of Ownership," and "Fun to use"
Feature 1: High image quality
CCD sensors with 4 million effective pixels (PowerShot S40) / 3.2 million effective pixels (PowerShot S30)
The PowerShot S40 uses a 1/1.8" CCD with 4 million effective pixels, offering a high-quality image of up to 2,272 x 1,704 pixels, giving eminently usable image quality not only in A4-size (254 x 203 mm) prints but also in A3-size (297 x 420 mm) prints. The PowerShot S30 employs a 1/1.8" CCD with 3.2 million effective pixels.
High-resolution, retractable 3x zoom lens
A high-resolution 7.1-21.3 mm 3x zoom lens (equivalent to 35-105 mm in 35mm film format), with a maximum aperture of f/2.8 (wide angle) - f/4.9 (telephoto) is used on both the PowerShot S40 and S30. The lens consists of 7 elements in 5 groups. Two high-refraction molded glass aspherical lenses and a cemented doublet lens are optimally arranged to achieve good aberration compensation, giving a high-resolution image throughout the entire range.
The closest shooting distance is 10 cm at wide-angle (110 x 80 mm image field) from the front of the lens barrel in macro mode.
Primary color filter and New digital signal processing IC for high-quality image processing
The PowerShot S40/S30 has a primary color CCD on-chip filter for superior color reproduction, and incorporates the "New digital signal processing IC," in which signal processing runs with Canon’s unique algorithm optimized for the primary color filter, eliminating false colors as well as improving image resolution.
Wide range of sensitivity (ISO equivalent speed) settings
Sensitivity is selected from a range of settings [Auto/50/100/200/400/800 (800 in the PowerShot S30 only)], just like choosing a film for a 35mm camera.
Precision white balance with six preset positions and manual
Very faithful color reproduction is realized by dividing the screen into hundreds of thousands of blocks; evaluating color based on the white balance data collected from each area; and computing the RGB values precisely with Canon’s proprietary technique.
Preset white balance has 6 modes: Daylight, Cloudy, Tungsten, Fluorescent, Flash, and the new Fluorescent H mode for daylight fluorescent lighting. It is also possible to customize the white balance by having the camera evaluate a white card.
RAW mode to maintain maximum image quality
The PowerShot S40/S30 is equipped with a RAW mode, which stores image data as captured without any signal processing. Later when processing the image, the user can adjust the image quality parameters to obtain the desired image. The file size of a RAW-format image is only about a quarter the size of a TIFF-format file.
Feature 2: Advanced functions and comfortable operation
Manual setting functions to meet the user’s needs
As with the up-scale PowerShot G2, the PowerShot S40/S30 is fully equipped with manual shooting functions, such as manual focus, manual exposure control, and manual white balance.
Manual focusing, in particular, has been made much easier to use by displaying a distance guide in the MF indicator on the LCD monitor, and by enlarging the center of the image (or the area around the selected AF frame) while manual focus function is being used.
Slow shutter speeds of up to 15 seconds extend the shooting range beyond the Auto mode’s range.
Thirteen shooting modes
AF system with three selectable focusing points
The PowerShot S40/S30 AF system employs 3-point AiAF. The camera adjusts focus precisely depending on shooting conditions. It is also possible to select any one of the three AF ranging points (center, left or right), enabling the user to easily focus on an off-center subject.
Shutter speeds from 15 to 1/1,500 seconds (with noise reduction)
The PowerShot S40/S30 has a shutter speed range of 15 to 1/1,500 seconds. Noise reduction is automatic for long exposures to ensure clear photography even in dim light.
Three light metering modes
The PowerShot S40/S30 has three light metering modes:
(1) Evaluation metering
(2) Center-weighted averaging metering
(3) Spot metering
In the evaluation metering mode, the entire image is divided into blocks. Based on the state of exposure of each block, the camera evaluates complex lighting factors, such as brightness, background, and back or front lighting, to calculate the optimum exposure. The center-weighted averaging metering method measures light over the entire image, with emphasis on the center, weighting the sensitivity according to proximity to the center of the image. Spot metering measures the area within the selected AF frame. When the spot metering is selected, either the center or one of the outer AF frames can be used.
High-speed continuous shooting
In addition to the existing continuous shooting mode, the PowerShot S40/S30 also offers the new "high speed" mode. In this mode, the total number of images that can be shot continuously is less than with the "normal" mode, but the speed is faster. The PowerShot S40 can take 2.5 images/second, and the PowerShot S30 can take 3 images/second. In Large/Fine mode, the PowerShot S40 can take five pictures and the PowerShot S30 can take nine shots in high-speed mode. In “normal mode” and Small/Fine mode, as many as 64 pictures can be shot with either camera.
Digital zoom with continuous variation of view angle
The PowerShot S40/S30 incorporates the digital zoom system, which provides continuous zoom up to approximately 11x (PowerShot S40) and 10x (PowerShot S30) in combination with the optical zoom.
Movie recording in QVGA / Q
VGA formatsThe PowerShot S40/S30 can shoot 15 frames/second movies with audio in QVGA (320 x 240 pixels) or Q
VGA (160 x 120 pixels) format. The maximum recording duration is approximately 60 seconds with the supplied CompactFlash (CF) card (16MB).Histogram display of playback image
The PowerShot S40/S30 displays the histogram of the image when the shutter button is kept pressed after shooting. This function allows the user to check the distribution of brightness in the images and the overall exposure of each photo.
If the image includes any washed-out areas, the histogram flashes as a warning.
Comfortable operation with multicontroller
The multicontroller is used in the PowerShot S40/S30 instead of the conventional cursor buttons. Selection of display, image shown on the screen, or menu selection can be carried out simply by moving the multicontroller up and down, left and right, or by pressing its center.
One-touch switching between shooting and playback with Power/Replay lever
Instant switching between shooting and playback can be accomplished by opening and closing the lens cover or by sliding the Power/Replay lever (see Fig. 2). This enables the user to go back and forth between shooting and playback easily.
AE lock / FE lock
AEB (Auto Exposure Bracketing) shooting
Built-in flash with five different types of control
Real-image optical zoom viewfinder
Compatible with large-capacity CompactFlash (CF) card (Type II)
Magnified playback
Compatible with the USB Interface
Switching between worldwide video systems (NTSC/PAL)
Feature 3: Stylish new design and "My Camera" settings
Stylish design with 2:1 aspect ratio
With dimensions of 112 x 58 x 42 mm, the PowerShot S40 is one of the world’s smallest 4-megapixel class digital cameras with a 3x optical zoom lens (the PowerShot S30 is the same size).
The PowerShot S40/S30 adopts a stylish design of a metallic aluminum exterior with a 2:1 aspect ratio. The colors of the exterior also give these models a fresh new look: the PowerShot S40 comes in Graphite gray and the PowerShot S30 in Lavender silver.
"My Camera" settings
The PowerShot S40/S30 features a new concept: the "My Camera" function. This function allows the user to customize various settings such as start-up screen, start-up, shutter, self-timer and operation sounds.
By utilizing the bundled Canon Digital Camera Solution Disk, the "Canon Image Gateway (CIG)" on the Web, or the user’s own personal contents, it is possible to personalize the camera.
Feature 4: Digital communication
The PowerShot S40/S30’s direct print mode enables the user to print out high-quality credit card sized images by simply connecting the camera to the Card Photo Printer CP-10 with an interface cable. When connected, the camera controls the printer.
It is also possible to make direct prints with the F890PD Bubble Jet printer that is now on sale. The F890PD offers five different paper sizes from the card size to A4, as well as the image-edit settings such as Bordered, Borderless, and Trimming.
Access to "Canon Image Gateway (CIG)" on the Web
Canon has opened its new Web site entitled "Canon Image Gateway (CIG)," which provides the registered user with the versatile services, including online album service (see Fig. 4), online printing service, download service of My Camera contents.
Comprehensive package of application programs
Several software programs to manipulate images using PC come with the PowerShot S40/S30, such as ZoomBrowser EX/ImageBrowser EX for image import and management, retouching, automatic image layout, automatic attaching of images to e-mails, PhotoStitch for creating panoramic pictures and RemoteCapture for shutter release control from PC and image transfer.
This issue of the Technical Report introduces the PowerShot S40/S30. Table 1 compares the major specifications between the PowerShot S40/S30, while Figure 5 shows the names of exterior parts.
The recommended retail price in Japan for the kit displayed in Photo 3 is 99,800 yen for the PowerShot S40, and 89,800 yen for the PowerShot S30 (both before tax).
(From upper left) PowerShot S40/S30 / Application software and driver / CF card (16MB) / Compact power adapter / Battery pack / Wrist strap / AV cable / Interface cable
Fig.5 Nomenclature
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Table 1 Comparison of major specifications between PowerShot S40/S30
| PowerShot S40 | PowerShot S30 | ||
| Image sensor | 4.13 megapixel (total) 1/1.8" CCD (effective pixels: approx. 4 megapixel) |
3.34 megapixel (total) 1/1.8" CCD (effective pixels: approx. 3.2 megapixel) |
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| Filter array | Primary color filter |  |
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| Lens | 7.1(W) - 21.3(T) mm (35mm film equivalent: 35-105 mm) f/2.8(W) - 4.9(T) |
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| Optical zoom | 3x | |
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| Digital zoom | 3.6x | 3.2x | |
| Optical viewfinder | Real-image optical zoom viewfinder | |
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| LCD monitor | 1.8", low-temperature polycrystalline silicon TFT color | |
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| Autofocus method | TTL 3 point AiAF (Focus Lock and Manual focus are available) | |
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| Focusing range (normal) | 80 cm - infinity | |
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| Focusing range (macro) (from lens barrel tip) | W | 10 - 80 cm | |
| T | 30 - 80 cm | |
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| Shutter type | Mechanical + Electronic | |
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| Shutter speeds | 15 - 1/1,500 sec. | |
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| Light metering method | Evaluative / Center-weighted averaging / Spot | |
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| Exposure control method | Program AE / Shutter-priority AE / Aperture-priority AE / Manual | |
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| Exposure compensation | ±2.0 EV (in 1/3-stop increments) |
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| Sensitivity | Auto, ISO 50 - 400 equivalent | Auto, ISO 50 - 800 equivalent | |
| Flash range | W | 35 cm - 4.8 m | |
| T | 35 cm - 3 m | |
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| White balance | TTL auto / Pre-set (6 positions) / Custom | |
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| Shooting modes | Auto / Creative zone / Image zone / Stitch Assist / Movie | |
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| Continuous shooting mode | High speed / Normal | |
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| Number of recording pixels (Movies) | 320 x 240 pixels / 160 x 12 pixels (15 frames/sec.) |
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| Storage media | CompactFlash (CF) card (Type I and II) |
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| File format | DCF (DPOF-compliant) | |
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| Image recording format | (SF / F / N) x (L / M1 / M2 / S) +RAW (13 combinations) |
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| Number of recording pixels (Still images) | L | 2,272 x 1,704 | 2,048 x 1,536 |
| M1 | 1,600 x 1,200 | |
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| M2 | 1,024 x 768 | |
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| S | 640 x 480 | |
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| Direct print |  |
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| Interfaces | USB / Video/Audio Output | |
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| Power sources | Rechargeable Lithium-ion battery (NB-2L) / AC adapter |
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| Dimensions (W x H x D) | 112 x 58 x 42 mm | |
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| Weight (camera only) | Approx. 260 g | |
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