s100 - s400 manual controls?

DanyaL

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I've been getting a lot of mixed information and opinions about the manual capabilities of these cameras. Can anyone point out what kind of manual properties these models posess. I'm aware that they don't have full shutter or aperture priorities but have heard that they have some shutter functions or something. Can anyone tell me a bit about the manual controls of these cameras?
--
Dan Lay
 
I've been getting a lot of mixed information and opinions about the
manual capabilities of these cameras. Can anyone point out what
kind of manual properties these models posess. I'm aware that they
don't have full shutter or aperture priorities but have heard that
they have some shutter functions or something. Can anyone tell me
a bit about the manual controls of these cameras?
--
Dan Lay
The S100 is the first ELPH/IXUS in the Canon's digital line, so it doesn't have a lot in the way of manual options. The S400 is the latest version of this line and has long shutter priority and a limited Manual mode.
 
DanyaL,
They've got detailed reviews both at
http://www.steves-digicams.com/2003_reviews/s400.html
and
http://www.dcresource.com/reviews/canon/powershot_s400-review/index.shtml .

I've only had one a couple of hours and the short answer is - if you're looking for manual controls buy something like the S45. It takes great shots and doesn't compromise much in the area of manual and adjustable controls. The S400 and it's family are pretty much P&S cameras. You can change the ISO and can do some things like time exposures, but nothing like aperature/shutter/manual controls. Also only JPG and canned WB settings, no custom functions.
Still, the S400 takes stunning photo's in my opinion. Here are a couple:

http://www.pbase.com/bokah/s400
Regards,
Steve
I've been getting a lot of mixed information and opinions about the
manual capabilities of these cameras. Can anyone point out what
kind of manual properties these models posess. I'm aware that they
don't have full shutter or aperture priorities but have heard that
they have some shutter functions or something. Can anyone tell me
a bit about the manual controls of these cameras?
--
Dan Lay
 
Thanks Adam,
Does the S230 have the long shutter mode aswell?
I've been getting a lot of mixed information and opinions about the
manual capabilities of these cameras. Can anyone point out what
kind of manual properties these models posess. I'm aware that they
don't have full shutter or aperture priorities but have heard that
they have some shutter functions or something. Can anyone tell me
a bit about the manual controls of these cameras?
--
Dan Lay
The S100 is the first ELPH/IXUS in the Canon's digital line, so it
doesn't have a lot in the way of manual options. The S400 is the
latest version of this line and has long shutter priority and a
limited Manual mode.
--
Dan Lay
 
Thanks for the Steve's review. The picture of the A70 beside the S400 was a good comparison of the size difference. I don't think they're too different. And the A70 has all the manual functions I could want. I might go with the A70 after all. It seems like a highly pocketable take everywhere camera(Does anyone agree?). Although I have the G3 it's just too big for me to take everywhere.
I've only had one a couple of hours and the short answer is - if
you're looking for manual controls buy something like the S45. It
takes great shots and doesn't compromise much in the area of manual
and adjustable controls. The S400 and it's family are pretty much
P&S cameras. You can change the ISO and can do some things like
time exposures, but nothing like aperature/shutter/manual controls.
Also only JPG and canned WB settings, no custom functions.
Still, the S400 takes stunning photo's in my opinion. Here are a
couple:

http://www.pbase.com/bokah/s400
Regards,
Steve
I've been getting a lot of mixed information and opinions about the
manual capabilities of these cameras. Can anyone point out what
kind of manual properties these models posess. I'm aware that they
don't have full shutter or aperture priorities but have heard that
they have some shutter functions or something. Can anyone tell me
a bit about the manual controls of these cameras?
--
Dan Lay
--
Dan Lay
 
I've only had one a couple of hours and the short answer is - if
you're looking for manual controls buy something like the S45. It
takes great shots and doesn't compromise much in the area of manual
and adjustable controls. The S400 and it's family are pretty much
P&S cameras. You can change the ISO and can do some things like
time exposures, but nothing like aperature/shutter/manual controls.
Also only JPG and canned WB settings, no custom functions.
Still, the S400 takes stunning photo's in my opinion. Here are a
couple:

http://www.pbase.com/bokah/s400
Regards,
Steve
I've been getting a lot of mixed information and opinions about the
manual capabilities of these cameras. Can anyone point out what
kind of manual properties these models posess. I'm aware that they
don't have full shutter or aperture priorities but have heard that
they have some shutter functions or something. Can anyone tell me
a bit about the manual controls of these cameras?
--
Dan Lay
--
Dan Lay
I think the a70 is smaller than the a40 and agree that in that pic you talk of on Steves site the a70 looks almost as small as s400/s230. I don't think it is though. Quite a bit bulkier the way the grip and lens protrude, etc...

Have a look at the a70 review on Steves site. Note the pic there showing an a40 next to an a70. If you're anywhere in the US I know I just saw an a40 at walmart still for you to gain a little perspective on the size.

I just went through the same decision process and ended up getting the s400. This camera was actually for my Dad and after much talk and discussion we decided he really probably wouldn't use the manual controls anyway.

I'm still unsure if I made the right decision between s400 and s45.. as that would have the features should he change his mind.

In the end I went s400 based on the excellent red eye results I've seen so far, better ergonomics, smaller size, and some negative reports I'd seen about the lcd on the s series.

I'm looking for more info for/against the red eye ability of the s400 to settle my mind though.

I know it can be dealt with in software.. I just think it's a royal pain in the a#%!

-savagemike
 
I ordered the A70 after all for about $300 U.S.(I think it was a good deal.) I know it's a bit more bulky than the s400 but I just can't picture myself using a camera that doesn't having manual shutter and apperture controls. Also the A70 has lens capabilities. I think a little extra size is fine sinse I'm getting lots more control.
I've only had one a couple of hours and the short answer is - if
you're looking for manual controls buy something like the S45. It
takes great shots and doesn't compromise much in the area of manual
and adjustable controls. The S400 and it's family are pretty much
P&S cameras. You can change the ISO and can do some things like
time exposures, but nothing like aperature/shutter/manual controls.
Also only JPG and canned WB settings, no custom functions.
Still, the S400 takes stunning photo's in my opinion. Here are a
couple:

http://www.pbase.com/bokah/s400
Regards,
Steve
I've been getting a lot of mixed information and opinions about the
manual capabilities of these cameras. Can anyone point out what
kind of manual properties these models posess. I'm aware that they
don't have full shutter or aperture priorities but have heard that
they have some shutter functions or something. Can anyone tell me
a bit about the manual controls of these cameras?
--
Dan Lay
--
Dan Lay
I think the a70 is smaller than the a40 and agree that in that pic
you talk of on Steves site the a70 looks almost as small as
s400/s230. I don't think it is though. Quite a bit bulkier the
way the grip and lens protrude, etc...
Have a look at the a70 review on Steves site. Note the pic there
showing an a40 next to an a70. If you're anywhere in the US I know
I just saw an a40 at walmart still for you to gain a little
perspective on the size.
I just went through the same decision process and ended up getting
the s400. This camera was actually for my Dad and after much talk
and discussion we decided he really probably wouldn't use the
manual controls anyway.
I'm still unsure if I made the right decision between s400 and
s45.. as that would have the features should he change his mind.
In the end I went s400 based on the excellent red eye results I've
seen so far, better ergonomics, smaller size, and some negative
reports I'd seen about the lcd on the s series.
I'm looking for more info for/against the red eye ability of the
s400 to settle my mind though.
I know it can be dealt with in software.. I just think it's a royal
pain in the a#%!

-savagemike
--
Dan Lay
 
I have a powershot S100. The S100 has adjustable WB, 4 settings and auto. It has various flashmodes (on, off, red eye, auto, etc). It also have a B&W and Panorama shot modes. It is basically a full auto camera in most regards.
I've been getting a lot of mixed information and opinions about the
manual capabilities of these cameras. Can anyone point out what
kind of manual properties these models posess. I'm aware that they
don't have full shutter or aperture priorities but have heard that
they have some shutter functions or something. Can anyone tell me
a bit about the manual controls of these cameras?
--
Dan Lay
--

http://www.pbase.com/wzictrace
Kanon Powershot S100.
 
Yeah but basically I was wondering what kind of apperture and shutter controls the s100- s400 models pocess.
I have a powershot S100. The S100 has adjustable WB, 4 settings
and auto. It has various flashmodes (on, off, red eye, auto, etc).
It also have a B&W and Panorama shot modes. It is basically a full
auto camera in most regards.

--

http://www.pbase.com/wzictrace
Kanon Powershot S100.
--
Dan Lay
 
The A70 is still large enough to create excuses why you won't take it with you.
The S400 provides no such excuse (unless you own a Sony U20 too).
 
Bill,

The A70 advantage is AA batteries. I would be more happy with EVF instead of optical but who said the camera should be the way we want ((( may be in the future. I would never buy a camera with proprietary battery and memory card.
Leo
The A70 is still large enough to create excuses why you won't take
it with you.
The S400 provides no such excuse (unless you own a Sony U20 too).
 
Yeah but I'd choose the A70 over the S400 because the A70 has manual controls. That's the biggy for me. of course I'd love to have a camera as small as the s400, but I need manual! I really hope Canon makes as S500 with manual functions.
(Oops, sorry I think I posted twice.)
The A70 is still large enough to create excuses why you won't take
it with you.
The S400 provides no such excuse (unless you own a Sony U20 too).
--
Dan Lay
--
Dan Lay
 
Danyal:

Regarding the photo in Steve's digicam comparing the size of the S400 to the A70. keep in mind that this photo is not good for showing the thickness of the two digicams. The S400 is thinner and will fit in a pocket easier. It is also much lighter.

If you already have an G3, I think it would be a waste to buy the A70. You should supplement the G3 with a true pocket sized camera which would be the S400 or one of the other small digicams from the other vendors.

Bob
I've only had one a couple of hours and the short answer is - if
you're looking for manual controls buy something like the S45. It
takes great shots and doesn't compromise much in the area of manual
and adjustable controls. The S400 and it's family are pretty much
P&S cameras. You can change the ISO and can do some things like
time exposures, but nothing like aperature/shutter/manual controls.
Also only JPG and canned WB settings, no custom functions.
Still, the S400 takes stunning photo's in my opinion. Here are a
couple:

http://www.pbase.com/bokah/s400
Regards,
Steve
I've been getting a lot of mixed information and opinions about the
manual capabilities of these cameras. Can anyone point out what
kind of manual properties these models posess. I'm aware that they
don't have full shutter or aperture priorities but have heard that
they have some shutter functions or something. Can anyone tell me
a bit about the manual controls of these cameras?
--
Dan Lay
--
Dan Lay
 
Thanks for the comments, went to a local store today to see what the S400 feels like in my big hands, and it felt very comfortable.

Will order online though as it's £95 cheaper than in the stores.

Neil
 
Neil,
Let us kow your experience.
Thanks
Leo
Thanks for the comments, went to a local store today to see what
the S400 feels like in my big hands, and it felt very comfortable.

Will order online though as it's £95 cheaper than in the stores.

Neil
 

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