PMA 2002: 09:00 EST: Canon has today announced the new PowerShot A30 and A40. The A30 and A40 update and replace last years A10 and A20. Both cameras feature a 3x optical zoom lens, the A30 has a 1.2 megapixel CCD sensor, the A40 has a 2.0 megapixel CCD sensor. Both cameras take Compact Flash Type I cards and require four AA batteries. We liked last years A20 as one of the best entry-level digital cameras, the A40 looks to be well placed this year but will face stiffer competition from other manufacturers.

Press release (Canon Europe):

Canon PowerShot A30 and PowerShot A40 - Digital photography for everyone

Amstelveen, 22 February 2002 - Canon today announce the launch of the PowerShot A30 and PowerShot A40, two new entry-level zoom digital cameras. With amazing quality, a wide range of features and an incredible price point, the PowerShot A30 and A40 offer affordable digital photography for everyone.

Ideal for families switching to digital photography, the PowerShot A30 and A40 offer great features and value for money. With exceptional photo quality and the convenience of being directly connectable to Canon's direct printers CP-100 and CP-10 these cameras are the ideal choice for first time digital camera users.

"Canon is dedicated to continually enhancing our products for the consumer.' Says Mr Komatsuzaki, Executive Vice President, Canon Consumer Imaging.' By investing in research and development we can confidently offer our customers the best technology at excellent price points'

Both the PowerShot A30 and A40 feature high quality 3x optical zoom lenses covering the range 35-105mm (35mm equivalent) with a bright maximum aperture of f2.8. With a 1.2M pixel CCD sensor for capturing even the finest details the PowerShot A30 images are great for email and use on the Internet while the PowerShot A40 has a high resolution 2.0M pixel CCD sensor that is great for top quality 10x15cm printouts.

Packed full of features both cameras can be simply connected to Canon's line of direct print printers and are even capable of capturing movie clips. Perfect pictures are always assured with Canon's advanced photo know-how.

It is now possible to instantly share pictures with friends and family by connecting the camera to a standard TV set for viewing of both photo's and short movie clips.

Canons direct printers CP-100 and CP-10 are the easiest and fastest way to get superb photo prints from Canon digital cameras. By simply connecting the digital camera to a direct printer by means of a dedicated cable and selecting an image, a perfect print can be delivered and passed around in just over 80 seconds.

Going digital means easy connectivity between the camera and the PC's USB port for a new way to enjoy a whole world of digital imaging. Canon's software suite for PC/Mac includes the user-friendly Canon ZoomBrowser EX, PhotoStitch and PhotoRecord. In addition, the PowerShot A40 is supplied with ArcSoft's PhotoImpression and VideoImpression editing packages.

Understanding the need to be able to use the digital camera everywhere Canon offers a full range of dedicated accessories. Whether 30m under water, at the beach or skiing at altitude Canon's waterproof case allows for great photo's everywhere.

PowerShot A30 and A40 are supporting Exif Print.

Canon PowerShot A30 and A40 specifications

	Canon PowerShot A30	Canon PowerShot A40
Sensor	1/2.7" 1.3 million pixel CCD	1/2.7" 2.1 million pixel CCD
Colour filter array	Primary (GRGB)	Primary (GRGB)
Effective pixels	1.2 million	2.0 million
Image sizes	1280 x 960, 1024 x 768, 640 x 480	1600 x 1200, 1024 x 768, 640 x 480
Lens	35 - 105 mm equiv., F2.8 - F4.8
Digital zoom	2x	2.5x
Focusing	3-point AiAF / Single centre point AF
Focus range	Normal: 76 cm - Infinity Macro: 16 cm - 76 cm Snapshot: 1.5 - 2.5 m Infinity: 5 m - Infinity
Exposure	Auto / Manual
Exposure compensation	+/-2.0 EV in 0.3 EV steps
Metering	Evaluative (linked to AF point), Manual
White balance	Auto, Daylight, Cloudy, Tungsten, Fluorescent, Fluorescent High
Shutter speed	15 - 1/1500 sec (noise reduction for 1.3 sec or slower)
ISO	Auto (ISO 50 - 150) ISO 50, 100, 200, 400
Viewfinder	Optical
LCD	1.5" TFT
Flash range	Wide: 0.76 - 4.2 m Tele: 0.76 - 2.5 m
Flash modes	On, Off, Auto, Red eye reduction on, Red eye reduction auto, Slow sync
File format	EXIF 2.2 (Exif Print)
Movie clips	20 fps: 320 x 240 (max 10 sec), 160 x 120 (max 30 sec), no audio	20 fps: 320 x 240 (max 10 sec), 160 x 120 (max 30 sec), with audio
Continuous shooting	2.5 fps
Stitch Assist mode	Yes
Photo effects	Vivid, Neutral, Low Sharpening, Sepia, Black & White
Direct Printing	Yes, Canon CP-10 / CP-100
Self Timer	2 or 10 secs
Connections	USB (1.1)
Storage	Compact Flash Type I
Power	4 x AA batteries (NiMH recommended)
Dimensions	110 x 71 x 38 mm (4.3 x 2.8 x 1.5 in)
Weight	250 g (8.8 oz) - no battery