This camera has been discontinued, but we really liked the features. I am looking into buying another Canon, unless convinced otherwise, and there are too many choices. I am looking to spend about $200-250. Any ideas?
Tags: Camera, Canon, Comparable, Digital, PowerShot, Should, That, What
Categories: Photography Tips
The Canon 1.9MP, A40 is an old model which was released almost 6 years ago. The newer models obviously have updated image quality and features, faster camera performance, and take better movies.
Canon is a great brand that has some excellent models on offer. Getting a camera with IS (image stabilization) makes sense, so I would recommend either…
A570 IS…7MP, 4x optical zoom, image stabilization, aperture & shutter priority modes. It’s a good budget camera. It’s main downside is slow flash recovery times.
A720 IS…8MP, 6x optical zoom, image stabilization, aperture & shutter priority modes.
It’s my pick…because it’s a little better than the A570 IS and has just a little more optical zoom (never use digital zoom, which only results in poor image quality).
And it only costs around $200 or less.
For cost effectiveness and a good power source, you will need to buy rechargeable AA NiMH batteries (high capacity, 2500-2700mAh) and a charger. This will provide 400+ shots per charge. Charge them regularly because their power will drain when not used. To extend battery life, limit the time the LCD is on. Turn it off in-between shots and limit the time you spend reviewing your images. The LCD uses most of your battery power (other than the flash and the zoom).
You will also need to buy a fast SD memory card for fast camera operation and especially when recording high quality movies of (640×480 @ 30fps). Which is so much better than the old A40′s (320×240 @ 20fps) which were limited to 10 sec clips. The A720 IS’s clips are limited to 4GB. That would be around 32 minutes!
Sandisk Ultra II SD or the slightly faster, Extreme III SD (1-2GB minimum) is my recommendation. They are fast, reliable and come with a lifetime warranty (not to mention, are dirt cheap). Don’t forget to Format the card (in the camera’s Menu) before you use it and everytime AFTER you have safely uploaded all images to your computer. Doing this will prevent card errors.
good luck…
get the canon sd 850. that’s the one i got its really really good! try it it costed the same in some pleaces
The PowerShot A40 was a 2 megapixel camera with a 3x zoom.
The comparable Canon these days would be the Canon A570 IS, which has a lot of improvements over your old camera:
* 7mp imager
* 4x zoom
* image stabilization
* face detection focusing
* Uses only 2 AA batteries, not 4.
* Can use larger capacity cards
Canon doesn’t make compact cameras that use compact flash like your old A40. The small ones all use Secure Digital memory (SD memory) and the A570 IS can also use SDHC or secure digital high capacity.
Best of all, the price of cameras has come down. You don’t need to spend $200. You can get the A570 IS in a store for $180 or online at a place like Amazon for $145. That leaves you more money for new SD memory cards, rechargeable batteries, a charger, and a case.
sony i have it it is so so sooooooooooooooo good it can take over 25 pics a day but it’s only for 155 dollers