Canon USA Powershot S400 Digital Camera

WHAT'S HOT: Although Canon's PowerShot S400 is no longer the smallest model on the block, it still holds its own as the granddaddy of pocket-size cameras. The Digital Elph feels very solid--if a little heavy--and sports an elegant stainless steel body. It's easy to hold with one hand while taking pictures. We also like the straightforward control buttons on the back.

It costs about $100 more than the small Pentax model we also reviewed this month, but it has better features. In addition to offering a higher, 4-megapixel resolution (2272-by-1704-pixel images), it includes a 32MB CompactFlash card, whereas the Pentax comes with limited internal storage and a slot for removable media but no memory card.

The S400 features a 3X optical zoom lens (equivalent to a range of 36mm to 108mm in a 35mm film camera) and a nine-point autofocus system that makes focusing speedy even with off-center subjects. Canon improved the Elph's movie-mode function: The camera now records up to 3 minutes of video with sound.

The camera can also automatically rotate an image so that it's at the proper angle when you download it to a PC. However, this feature works only with the included Canon digital camera software; it won't work if you transfer images via a memory card reader.

The S400 provides impressive image quality, delivering bright, crisp snapshots in our lab tests. Colors were vibrant and details were relatively sharp. However, our indoor still life tended to be a little dark in spots.

WHAT'S NOT: Though it's probably for the sake of point-and-shoot simplicity, the S400 lacks full manual control. Unlike some models in its price range, the S400 doesn't offer such features as aperture- and shutter-priority modes (though cameras that offer those features are usually much larger). It does have limited white balance and exposure adjustments, however. The S400's rechargeable lithium ion battery did not last long in our tests, holding out for only 214 shots, or about 1.25 hours.

WHAT ELSE: The camera sports a mode dial on the back for controlling such functions as video capture and panorama assist. Canon bundles software that helps you stitch together the photos you've taken using the latter mode.

UPSHOT: The S400 is a premium choice for style-conscious shutterbugs who want a terrific point-and-shoot and little to no manual control.