Despite its entry-level designation in Canon's digital lineup, the2-megapixel A40 is a surprisingly advanced model with excellent picture qualityand more manual features than you'll find on most digital point-and-shoots.

Resolution
With resolutions of up to 5 megapixels now available in other cameras, the2-megapixel chip in the A40 may seem wimpy, but for the camera's intended user,2 million pixels is a great balance between performance and price. Thisresolution means gorgeous full-screen images on your computer (even with a19-inch monitor) and prints that look great at sizes up to 8 by 10 inches. Ifyou're hoping for a camera that captures even detail in each photo, considerCanon's 3-megapixel S30 or 4-megapixel S40.

Optics
A 3x optical zoom lens (35-105mm equivalent) aids in photo composition, and anadditional 2.5x digital zoom (7.5x total) further magnifies your image.Remember, however, that digital zoom reduces the sharpness and detail of yourimage, so it's best used sparingly. Two systems help ensure your pictures willbe perfectly focused, even in challenging conditions: a multizone autofocusworks even when the subject of your photo isn't in the center of the scene, andin low-light situations (a particular weakness of many digital cameras), afocus-assist lamp sends out a small patterned beam to help the camera accuratelydetermine distance.

More Features
Though it's primarily designed as a point-and-shoot, the A40 includes asurprising number of advanced features for photographers who want more creativecontrol, including aperture priority, shutter priority, and full manual modes,exposure compensation, low-light manual shutter speeds, manual ISO and whitebalance, and stitch assist, plus black-and-white, sepia, vivid, and neutralmodes.

A movie mode captures video clips with sound. Depending upon resolution, theseclips can last from 10 to 30 seconds. The limited length and resolution of theseclips guarantees that this feature won't replace your camcorder, but it'sperfect for when you just want to capture a quick movie and e-mail it to afriend or relative.

The A40 is the successor to last year's A20. Physically, the two cameras arenearly identical, but the new model has substantially more manual controls and amovie mode.

Power
The A40 uses four AA batteries, and a set of alkalines is included. We don'trecommend using alkaline batteries in digital cameras unless you have noalternative, since the high power demands of digital cameras drain alkalinebatteries ridiculously quickly. Instead, we prefer lithium batteries foroccasional users, since these last much longer and also stay fresh if yourcamera sits unused for months at a time. If you use the camera more than onceevery couple of weeks, we strongly recommend getting a set of rechargeable NiMHbatteries and a charger. These can be recharged hundreds of times and hold anexcellent charge, but will lose their power in as little as a month of disuse.Many people solve this problem by purchasing a charger with two sets ofbatteries, keeping one set in the camera and the other in the charger at alltimes.

Storage and Transfer
Images are stored on standard Type I CompactFlash cards. Consider the included 8MB card a starter capacity, since its 12-picture limit means you'll need toreturn to your computer often to transfer images and free up the card for morepictures. A 128 MB card is a great size for this camera, storing around 200images. To transfer images to your computer, simply attach the included USBcable between your PC and your camera. Your computer should automaticallyrecognize your camera and let you move the pictures to your hard drive.

Printing
Canon has introduced a series of printers designed to work directly with theA40. Using these printers, no computer is required--simply connect the camera tothe printer and start printing. The CP-10 produces credit-card-sized prints, andthe CP-100 makes 4-by-6-inch prints. Both use continuous-tone technology forresults that are indistinguishable from traditional photos. Of course, photosfrom your camera can also be printed on any home computer system with an inkjetprinter, sent off for online processing, or simply enjoyed on your computerscreen.

Size
Dimensions of 4.3 by 2.8 by 1.5 inches put the A40 in the middle of thecompact-camera pack. The plastic body keeps weight down to 8.8 ounces.

Contents and Recommended Accessories

The package includes the A40 camera, AV and USB cables, wrist strap, printedmanual, software suite, four AA batteries, and an 8 MB memory card.

Everything you need to get started is included in the box, but a few well-chosenaccessories can help you get even more from your camera. We strongly recommendthe addition of a larger memory card (a 128 MB card holds around 200 images), aset of rechargeable batteries, and a carrying case. A broad array of additionalaccessories are available, including a waterproof housing, an adapter forthreaded lenses, and more.