Photo gallery: Canon Digital IXUS 40This 4-megapixel ultraslim shooter is Canon's strongest entry into the fashion cam space yet. A segment long held by the likes of Casio, Konica Minolta and Pentax, the major Japanese companies have in recent times moved strongly into this niche space. However, unlike its competitors which have gone with a folded lens (Sony Cyber-shot T series and Konica Minolta Dimage X series) or sliding lens (Casio Exilim EX-Z series and most of the Pentax OptioS series) design, Canon has stuck with its straight collapsible mount lens system, claiming better image quality.
Design and Features
The IXUS 40 is noticeably slimmer than its predecessors, the IXUS II and IXUS IIs. The company attributes its newfound low-cal looks to newer lens technology. Both the IXUS 30 and 40 sport two UA (Ultra-high Refractive Index Glass Moulded (GMo) Aspherical lens) elements which have allowed the manufacturer to reduce the footprint of its lens system. As such, these newfangled shooters are not only slimmer than the 2x optical IXUS II series, but also increase the focal range up to the nominal 3x of most of its other IXUS offerings.
In terms of design, this IXUS bears a strong resemblance to the Digital IXUS 400, 430 and 500 makes, featuring the firm's hardy Cerabrite coating and immaculate finish. Even when compared with the classy Exilim, the IXUS comes out ahead. A case in point, the plastic connector protecting the various ports is chromed to match the rest of the exterior. Additionally, armed with a 2-inch screen and a sticker price of AU$629, it's obvious the new IXUS model has its sights set on Casio's venerable EX-Z40.
The layout of controls is expectedly cramped to the right of the unit, but buttons are raised sufficiently and tactile feel is good. Canon has clearly done its homework with regard to diminutive shooters. The larger push-pull zoom control and shutter in combination with the recessed power button avoid the earlier pitfalls which plagued the Exilim series. It'll take a fool to mistake the power button for the shutter.
There's also a novel clock feature that's found on the new range of IXUS cameras. In combination with the unit's orientation sensor, the digits of the clock automatically change bearings while the background lights switch colour. We can't think of a practical use for this other than to strike a conversation among the ladies.
Performance
In our tests, we found the IXUS 40's achievements to be fairly good. The unit powered up quickly in just over a second with the startup sound and image disabled. For shot-to-shot intervals without flash, the camera could capture images at just over 2fps for eight frames if refocusing is not required. With the flash enabled, the interval increased to 2 seconds between shots for the flash to recharge.
The zoom mechanism was reasonably hushed. However, we'd have preferred if there were more discrete steps; the IXUS 40 has only six such gradations in place. On the other hand, the autofocusing (AF) system was reasonably peppy, taking about a second for all situations -- although the AF may not have managed a lock. Like most cameras, low-contrast scenes proved to be the AF's downfall. On the upside, with the focus-assist beam, the IXUS 40 did fairly well with low-light conditions.
Image quality
For image quality, the IXUS delivered mostly detailed and sharp photos. The colours captured were pleasing and metering was generally spot on. Typical of most consumer-class digicams, the camera also exhibited slight purple fringing as well as some clipping of highlights. The slim shooter allows sensitivity settings of up to ISO 400. While image noise in the shadow regions was generally acceptable at that level for 4 x 6 inch prints, we'd recommend a noise filtration program for larger copies.
The automatic white balance preset did well in a variety of lighting conditions. Strangely enough, the flash exposures indoors tended to yield a warm cast.
As a point-and-shoot, the IXUS 40 will probably give you a more enjoyable experience over a direct competitor like the Exilim EX-Z40. On the other hand, if you prefer a little more control over your shots, the EX-Z40's different focus options may be more your cup of tea. Either way, the fashionable cameras are delivering serious performances.
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