Canon PowerShot S30 - Expert Reviews

Review summary: This review has been updated after using the production model cameras. Product photos have been re-shot where necessary, and all sample images are from the new cameras.All product photos from here on will be of the S40 model.What happens when you take the

Pros: Excellent photo qualitySmall metallic body is easy to pocketMany manual controlsSupport for CompactFlash Type II cards and MicrodriveRAW mode - uncompressed images, much smaller than TiffsLots of info about your photos in playback mode

Cons: Proprietary batteryNo optical zoom in movie modeA bit priceyNot a fan of the four-way switch (minor issue)

Verdict: While the PowerShot S30 and S40 are what I call "putting the same camera in a different case with a new name", it's not a bad thing here. That's because they're based on the excellent PowerShot G2, and they've arrived with most of the G2 features intact.

Review summary: The Canon PowerShot S30 packs a broad range of features into a stylish, compact, easy-to-use package that will appeal to photo enthusiasts and novices alike.

Pros: Stylish design with easily accessible controls; wide assortment of shooting modes; excellent image quality; almost no shutter lag.

Cons: Incompatible with accessory lenses and external flash units; optical viewfinder tight and not very clear; combined battery/media compartment inaccessible when using a tripod.

Review summary: Clear, bright and detailed images from this excellent device.

Cons: Canon 0800 616417

Verdict: Extremely easy to use, but with a good range of options for the more creative, the S30 provides clear, bright and detailed images.