With a 16MP CCD sensor and the DIGIC 4 Image Processor, the PowerShot A1400 Digital Camera from Canon is a tiny point-and-shoot camera that captures clean, well-balanced photos and HD 720p video in high definition. In addition, the PowerShot A1400 Digital Camera is available in black or white.
It is equipped with a 5x optical zoom lens with a focal length equivalent to a 28-140mm focal length in the 35mm format. This flexible autofocus lens can be used for everything from broad angles to telephoto photography.
The most excellent aperture available at the wide-angle end of this lens is f/2.8, which will allow for crisp pictures even in low light.
Canon PowerShot A1400 16.0 MP Digital Camera with 5x Digital Image Stabilized...
- 16.0 Megapixel sensor with DIGIC 4 Image Processor
- 5x Optical Zoom with 28mm Wide-Angle lens
- Smart AUTO with 32 pedefined photo capture settings
- 720p HD Video with dedicated movie button
- ECO mode for economy power consumption
- 16.0 Megapixel sensor with DIGIC 4 Image Processor
- 5x Optical Zoom with 28mm Wide-Angle lens
- Smart AUTO with 32 pedefined photo capture settings
- 720p HD Video with dedicated movie button
- ECO mode for economy power consumption
Aside from that, the ISO sensitivity is up to 6400, and the camera has digital image stabilization, which minimizes the influence of camera shake and aids in producing clean photographs in low light conditions.
With a dedicated movie button, 720p HD video is easy to access and always ready to be played when needed. Along with 720p video at 25 frames per second, the A1400 can shoot 640×480 VGA video at 30 frames per second, significantly improving.
It has an optical viewfinder for creating photographs and a 2.7-inch LCD screen for composing images and seeing them after they have been captured.
The new ECO mode helps you save money on batteries by darkening the LCD when it’s not in use. In addition, there AUTO mode allows the camera to handle all settings depending on 32 predetermined shooting conditions. Scene Modes like the Fisheye Effect and Toy Camera Effect provide additional creative possibilities. Four readily available AA batteries power the A1400.
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Design
The A1400 is slightly more cumbersome than other compacts, although the difference is insignificant. It weighs 6.1 ounces and has dimensions of 2.4 inches by 3.7 inches by 1.2 inches (HWD). On the other hand, the Samsung DV150F is more compact with dimensions of 2.2 by 3.7 by 0.8 inches, whereas the PowerShot has a greater depth because it uses AA batteries as its power source. The focal length range of the 5x zoom lens is 28-140mm at f/2.8-6.9 (in terms of 35mm equivalent).
When zoomed into stronger light, the f/2.8 aperture on the wide end only collects a small amount of usable light because the gap gradually decreases as you zoom in. This limits the utility of the wide end of the zoom range. The absence of optical image stabilization, which is a function that can be found in more expensive cameras that compensates for movement when taking photos without the use of a tripod, makes this problem even worse.
The camera’s optical viewfinder zooms in and out in tandem with the lens, but its image is only a rough estimate of what the camera will record. In addition, because the lens takes in somewhat more information than what is shown in the viewfinder, you should anticipate having to crop the photographs slightly to get them to look like what you are seeing.
Due to the optical property of parallax, you will see a region to the top and right of the image frame while looking through the viewfinder of the camera when taking close-up macro shots, so you should avoid utilizing the optical finder for these kinds of pictures. In addition, the display on the back LCD measures 2.7 inches, less than the 3 inches that can be found on the Olympus VR-340.
It has a resolution of 230k dots, which is not as straightforward as the displays on more costly cameras, which can have 460k or 920k dots, respectively. The menu can make it even brighter than the default setting, which is already quite luminous. When the sun is shining so brightly that even the best LCD screens are difficult to see, the optical viewfinder makes it possible for you to take pictures, even in these conditions.
Because the camera is pre-configured to operate in the Auto mode, which takes care of most settings, the only two flash options available to you in this mode are “no flash” and “automatic flash.”
When Auto mode is disabled, you can access the camera’s Program mode and choose from a wide variety of pre-configured Scene modes. Unfortunately, there is no option to use the manual, shutter priority, or aperture priority modes, which are typically more appealing to more experienced photographers.
Click the “Help” button if you aren’t familiar with much photographic jargon or discover that your photographs aren’t turning out how you’d like them to. The button is shaped like a giant question mark, making it impossible to miss. It opens an online guide that not only explains the many functionalities of the camera but also offers advice on how to take better pictures.
Program mode provides some control when you have reached a more advanced skill level. In this mode, you can change the Metering pattern, ISO, White Balance, Exposure Compensation, Focus Range, and Drive Mode. The Function button is used to bring up an overlay software menu, which is how each of these features may be accessed.
Other control buttons give you the ability to adjust the flash, begin recording video, change what is displayed on the back LCD, and activate Canon’s new Eco mode, which is a function that promises to enhance power management and extend the battery’s life.
The fact that the A1400 operates on AA batteries is either a decisive advantage or a weak point, depending on your appearance. If you use your camera sometimes, you probably won’t mind spending money on a new set of alkaline cells every so often. However, if you use your camera more frequently, you may want to consider using rechargeable batteries instead.
It is almost certain that you will be able to purchase AA batteries in nearly any place, which means that you will not be prevented from shooting photographs even if you forget to charge a battery or if you have located a significant distance from a power outlet. (You should only ensure you bring a few additional sets!)
Canon PowerShot A1400 Specs
Body type | Compact |
---|---|
Max resolution | 4608 x 3456 |
Other resolutions | 4608 x 2592, 3264 x 2448, 1600 x 1200, 640 x 480 |
Image ratio w:h | 4:3, 16:9 |
Effective pixels | 16 megapixels |
Sensor size | 1/2.3″ (6.17 x 4.55 mm) |
Sensor type | CCD |
ISO | Auto 100, 200, 400, 800, 1600 |
White balance presets | 6 |
Custom white balance | Yes (1) |
Image stabilization | No |
Uncompressed format | No |
Focal length (equiv.) | 28–140 mm |
Optical zoom | 5× |
Maximum aperture | F2.8–6.9 |
Autofocus | Contrast Detect (sensor)Multi-areaCenterTrackingSingleContinuousFace Detection. |
Digital zoom | Yes (5x) |
Manual focus | No |
Macro focus range | 3 cm (1.18″) |
Number of focus points | 9 |
Articulated LCD | Fixed |
Screen size | 2.7″ |
Screen dots | 230,000 |
Touch screen | No |
Live view | Yes |
Viewfinder type | Optical (tunnel) |
Minimum shutter speed | 15 sec |
Maximum shutter speed | 1/2000 sec |
Aperture priority | No |
Shutter priority | No |
Manual exposure mode | No |
Subject/scene modes | Yes |
Built-in flash | Yes |
Flash Range | 3.00 m |
External flash | No |
Flash modes | Auto, On, Off, Red-Eye, Slow Sync |
Continuous drive | 0.8 fps |
Self-timer | Yes (2 or 10 sec, Custom) |
Metering modes | MultiCenter-weighted spot |
Exposure compensation | ±2 (at 1/3 EV steps) |
WB Bracketing | No |
Resolutions | 1280 x 720 (25 fps) 640 x 480 (30 fps) |
Format | H.264 |
Videography notes | Miniature Effect (HD (5, 2.5, 1.25 fps) or L (6, 3, 1.5 fps)) |
Microphone | Mono |
Speaker | Mono |
Storage types | SD/SDHC/SDXC |
USB | USB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec) |
HDMI | No |
Remote control | No |
Environmentally sealed | No |
Battery | AA |
Battery description | 2 x AA batteries |
Battery Life (CIPA) | 150 |
Weight (inc. batteries) | 174 g (0.38 lb / 6.14 oz) |
Dimensions | 95 x 62 x 30 mm (3.74 x 2.44 x 1.18″) |
Orientation sensor | Yes |
Timelapse recording | No |
GPS | None |
Conclusion
The A1400 is not a quick camera, but its performance is not significantly worse than other cameras in the same price range. It takes 2.1 seconds to start up and take a picture, has a shutter lag of 0.2 seconds, which is quite acceptable, and can take a picture once every 1.4 seconds when set to continuous drive mode.
The comparable Canon PowerShot A2600 takes a picture every 1.4 seconds, starts up and shoots in 1.7 seconds, records a shutter lag of 0.3 seconds, and is faster to start up and shoot than its competitor.
Imatest was the tool I used to evaluate how crisp the photos captured by the A1400 were. The image has a score of 2,060 lines on the test, which means it is sharper than the minimum requirement of 1,800 lines per picture height. This performance is even more impressive when compared to the 1,755 lines per picture height that the Samsung DV150F achieved.
Imatest checks for noise in images, which is a graininess that is not desired in photographs and can obscure detail. The A1400 utilizes a CCD image sensor, just like most other inexpensive cameras; as a general rule, CCD sensors do not perform as well at higher ISO settings as more expensive CMOS sensors.
A CMOS model like our Editors’ Alternative superzoom Sony Cyber-shot HX30V is a better choice if you’re searching for a tiny camera that performs well in low light; however, it costs around four times as much as the A1400.
It should come as no surprise that the camera can only maintain noise levels below 1.5 percent at its most sensitive setting, ISO 100; increasing the sensitivity to ISO 200 results in noise levels of 1.6 percent. Photos taken at ISO 400 have an average graininess of 1.9 percent but still have a significant quantity of detail.
Because the image quality begins to degrade at an ISO setting of 800, you should avoid increasing the ISO setting to that level and instead use the flash. For example, when we examined the Olympus VR-340, a budget camera with a long zoom lens and a CCD sensor, we found that it kept noise below 1.5 percent to ISO 800; nonetheless, the clarity was poor enough at that setting that we recommended keeping it at ISO 400 or below.
The video is captured in QuickTime format with a 720p25 quality setting. It should come as no surprise that 1080p recording is not an option because cameras that use CCD sensors are typically unable to capture video in that resolution.
The video is grainy, and the camera can only perform a digital zoom while recording. Memory cards of the SD, SDHC, and SDXC standards are all supported.
The Canon PowerShot A1400 is not the camera we’ve found to have the most comprehensive features. However, do not anticipate being able to snap images in low-light conditions without the assistance of the built-in flash on the inexpensive compact camera; it can compete favorably with other models when there is sufficient natural light.
It is compact enough to fit into the pocket of a shirt, it has an excellent optical viewfinder, and the shutter lag is quick enough that you won’t lose any shots because of it. Help mode is a perfect tool for casual photographers, and for slightly more than one hundred dollars, it is not difficult to justify investing.
If you are a professional photographer or have more money, you should consider purchasing a higher-end camera with a longer zoom, such as the Sony HX30V. On the other hand, if you are looking for a cheap camera suitable for beginners, the A1400 is a fantastic option.
It receives our Editor’s Choice award for budget cameras due to its low cost, high image quality when exposed to adequate light, and optical viewfinder.
Canon PowerShot A1400 Price
Canon PowerShot A1400 16.0 MP Digital Camera with 5x Digital Image Stabilized...
- 16.0 Megapixel sensor with DIGIC 4 Image Processor
- 5x Optical Zoom with 28mm Wide-Angle lens
- Smart AUTO with 32 pedefined photo capture settings
- 720p HD Video with dedicated movie button
- ECO mode for economy power consumption
- 16.0 Megapixel sensor with DIGIC 4 Image Processor
- 5x Optical Zoom with 28mm Wide-Angle lens
- Smart AUTO with 32 pedefined photo capture settings
- 720p HD Video with dedicated movie button
- ECO mode for economy power consumption
Canon PowerShot A1400 FAQs
Is Canon PowerShot A1400 a good camera?
The Canon PowerShot A1400 is a simple point-and-shoot camera appropriate for casual photography. Still, it is possible that it is not the best choice for satisfying the requirements of more advanced or specialized photography.
When was the Canon PowerShot A1400 made?
The Canon PowerShot A1400 was first made available to consumers in 2013.
How much is the Canon PowerShot A1400?
The cost of a Canon PowerShot A1400 may change from one merchant to another and even from region to region. Therefore, verifying with local retailers to obtain current pricing information is recommended.
Is a Canon PowerShot A1400 a professional camera?
Although it is not regarded as a professional camera, the Canon PowerShot A1400 is an excellent choice for those just starting in photography or taking photos occasionally.
Is A Canon PowerShot A1400 better than a DSLR?
In general, a DSLR camera, unlike a simple point-and-shoot camera such as the Canon PowerShot A1400, will have more sophisticated functions and produce higher-quality photographs. However, the A1400 might be more transportable and have a more accessible interface depending on the circumstances.
How long does Canon PowerShot A1400 last?
The battery life of the Canon PowerShot A1400 can change depending on how the camera is used. Still, the manufacturer estimates it will last approximately 200 photos or 240 minutes of playback time.
Is Canon PowerShot A1400 good for wildlife photography?
Because of its restricted magnification range and comparatively modest sensor size, the Canon PowerShot A1400 is probably not the best choice for taking photographs of wild animals. Instead, consider investing in a camera with a large sensor and a telescopic lens for improved results when photographing wildlife.
Is the Canon PowerShot A1400 water-resistant?
The Canon PowerShot A1400 is not water-resistant or waterproof.