Sleek aesthetics, ultra-compact dimensions, and immaculate elegance are all hallmarks of Canon’s popular IXY (rhymes with Dixie) DIGITAL series, and the IXY DIGITAL 200a carries on the tradition.
Essential Attributes
- 2.1-megapixel CCD.
- Optical viewfinder that displays the real image.
- a color TFT LCD monitor with a 1.5-inch display.
- Glass, 2x, 5.4-10.8mm lens, equal to a 35-70mm lens on a 35mm camera.
- Maximum 2.5x digital zoom.
- Control of the exposure automatically using the Long Shutter mode.
- speeds ranging from 1/1,500 to 15 seconds for the shutter.
- The maximum aperture ranges from f/2.7 to f/4.0, depending on where the zoom ring is set on the lens.
- Integrated flash with a total of five different modes.
- Memory card storage of the CompactFlash Type I kind is supplied (8 MB card).
- Power is provided either by a rechargeable lithium-ion battery pack (the charger is included) or by an AC adapter, which may be purchased separately.
- ArcSoft Camera Suite 1.1, software for Canon digital cameras, and USB drivers are all included, and they are compatible with both Windows and Mac operating systems.
The IXY DIGITAL 200a incorporates cutting-edge optical technology to produce images of exceptional quality and clarity. The 200a is equipped with a 1/2.7-inch CCD sensor with 2 million effective pixels of resolution, an RGB primary color filter, and Canon’s proprietary high-speed Imaging Engine digital signal-processing IC, which allows it to produce images with a high signal-to-noise ratio, high definition, and accurate color reproduction.
The IXY DIGITAL 200a achieves an even thinner body than previous IXY DIGITAL versions that were produced.
With the Intelligent Orientation Sensor, Canon’s IXY DIGITAL 200a is the first camera in the IXY DIGITAL or PowerShot compact digital lineup to automatically detect the camera’s orientation while also ensuring optimal Auto-Focus, Auto-Exposure, and Auto-White Balance performance. Canon’s Intelligent Orientation Sensor is found in all IXY DIGITAL and PowerShot compact digital lineups.
Special Features
- Movie mode that includes sound.
- Mode for taking pictures continuously.
- Panorama mode with stitching assistance.
- Focusing modes include infinity and macro.
- Self-Timer options of two or ten seconds for delaying the release of the shutter.
- Metering techniques include both spot and evaluative exposure.
- Adjustment of the white balance (color), with seven different settings and a Custom option available.
- Adjusting the colors may be done using the Photo Effects menu.
- ISO setting that may be adjusted anywhere from 50 to 400 equivalents.
- compatible with the DPOF format (Digital Print Order Format).
- A USB cable that may be used to connect to a computer (driver software included).
- A video and audio cable that may be connected to a television set.
A number of high-end features are also included, including five popular Photo Effects, which allow for greater creativity at the touch of a button; Intelligent AE, which ensures optimal exposure performance; five white balance presets; noise reduction; a wide shutter speed range of 15 seconds to 1/1500 second; and a histogram display, which allows the user to check the overall exposure for each photo on the LCD screen.
Aside from that, the IXY DIGITAL 200a makes use of innovative ultra-high-density mounting technology, which results in a slimmer camera body. Additionally, the “Camera Direct Print” function, when used in conjunction with compact digital picture printers, will give the user a great deal of pleasure.
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Design
The PowerShot S200 Digital ELPH is the newest addition to the ELPH family and is even more compact than the previous model, the S330. The lower body size of the S200 makes it considerably more convenient for traveling, in part because it is equipped with a zoom lens that has a shorter ratio. The compact size and tough construction should let it to withstand hard usage, and the fact that it is so small makes it easy to carry in pockets or handbags.
When the camera is switched off, the lens may be retracted into the case, where it is protected from fingerprints and smudges by an automated lens cover that is incorporated into the case itself. This ingenious design element also keeps the front of the case totally flat. The S200 has a very compact size, measuring only 3.4 inches by 2.2 inches by 1.1 inches (87 millimeters by 57 millimeters by 26.7 millimeters), and it weighs only 6.4 ounces (180 grams) without the battery or the CompactFlash card.
The viewfinder, flash, and focus-assist illuminator windows are just above the lens on the front panel of the S200, which has the same unique design as the rest of the ELPH range. The lens is somewhat off-center toward the right side of the panel. When the camera is turned on, the telescopic lens swiftly slides into position and then completely retracts when the camera is turned off. This allows the lens to have a flat profile when it is not being used.
The focus-assist light is a powerful LED that has a bluish-white color and shines brightly. It assists the camera in focusing in dim lighting and appears to be a very efficient option. (The S200 focused quite nicely for me in complete darkness as long as the subject had some contrasting components in it for the camera to focus on.)
Because it is so tiny and round, the Canon logo plate on the front of the S330’s casing does not provide much hold for your fingertips, therefore there is not much for your fingers to grasp there. As a precaution against losing the camera, you should almost likely utilize the wrist strap that comes with it. Under the flash, there is a teeny tiny hole that serves as the microphone. This is done so that sound may be recorded together with video data.
On top of the camera is where you’ll find the Shutter button, the zoom control, and the Power button. They don’t stick out more than necessary, which contributes to the S200’s overall elegant look.
The connector for the wrist strap can be found on the right side of the camera (when viewed from the rear panel), and the slot for the CompactFlash card can be found on the same side. The slot is hidden safely behind a plastic door that locks.
The ports for the USB and A/V outputs are located on the side of the camera opposite the lens. These connectors are secured by a tight rubber cover. Even if the presence of a rubber flap covering these ports is preferable to their being left uncovered, I have to admit that I’m not a fan of rubber covers like this one being found on cameras.
Once I opened the flap on the S200, I discovered that it was a bit difficult to get it firmly inserted, and I get the impression that all such flaps are a little lacking in substance to begin with. – It concerns me that they could become detached over time.
On the back panel of the camera are located all of the remaining controls, as well as both the optical and LCD viewfinders. When shooting with one hand, there is no true hold on the front of the camera; however, there is a little indentation and some raised bumps on the right side that give a slight thumb grip. This helps to compensate for the absence of a grip on the front of the camera.
My hands are very large, so holding the S200 with one hand was a little difficult for me. I needed to hold it uncomfortably near to the edge in order for my index finger to press the shutter button correctly. There is a four-way arrow pad located just to the right of the LCD monitor’s set, menu, display, and exposure compensation / white balance/photo effect buttons. These buttons are arranged in a row just below the LCD monitor.
The primary mode of operation may be selected using the mode switch located in the upper right corner (Playback, Movie, or Record). The door to the CompactFlash slot may be opened using a sliding latch on the right side. The S200 manages to put a respectable amount of controls on the camera’s exterior despite its little size.
The presence of a large number of external control buttons is something that I look for in a camera. These buttons allow you to make routine adjustments to the camera’s settings without having to use the LCD menu system, which speeds up operation. The S200 is able to give a sufficient number of controls without excessively cluttering the body of the camera with them.
The condition of the camera is shown by two LED lamps that are located next to the optical viewfinder. These lamps light up to show when the focus is set when the camera is writing to the memory card, and when the flash is ready to fire.
The battery compartment and the metal tripod mount are both housed within the S200’s lovely, flat bottom panel. This panel also features the S200. Because it puts additional strain on the socket, which is less of a concern with a camera as light as the S200, but also because it often results in the camera not sitting flat on the tripod head, I don’t like to see the tripod mount positioned this far over to the side of the camera. This is true in part because it places extra strain on the socket, but also because it often results in the camera not sitting flat on the tripod head.
Both of these problems are likely to be of little consequence to most people who use an S200, however, because I believe that the majority of people who purchase this camera will use it handheld rather than on a tripod. The cover of the battery compartment, which can only be accessed by sliding it open and then pushing it outside, may then be seen.
The “dummy battery” that is used with the AC adapter kit has a hole on the back that allows access to a connector jack. This hole is covered by a little rubber flap that is located in the middle of the compartment door.
Image Quality
Color: Throughout my tests, I found that the S200 generated extremely excellent color, whether I was using it outside or in the studio with artificial illumination. When I was shooting in the studio, I often used the Manual and Auto white balance settings, but when I was shooting outside, I discovered that the Daylight option produced the most realistic results.
The setting for the white balance called “Incandescent” worked very well under the typical (incandescent) illumination seen in rooms, achieving high levels of color accuracy and saturation. (Under these circumstances, it performed far better than the norm.)
The S200 also provided decent color on the test targets in the studio lighting, and it was not deceived by the significant amount of blue that was present in the Musician’s poster. The blue flowers in the Outdoor and Indoor photos were practically spot on, with only the barest hint of a purple hue to distinguish them. Both the inside and the outside of the building had nice skin tones.
Exposure: The S200 performed a fantastic job in this situation, doing a good job of exposing the challenging outside portraiture as well as the house photo. The camera properly exposed the outside home photo despite the strong lighting, and it created decent mid-tone values in the harsh lighting of the outdoor portrait without blowing out the highlights. Additionally, the camera produced a solid dynamic range and produced good mid-tone values. The S200 was also able to capture the subtle tone fluctuations of the pastels of the Q60 target in the Davebox, which is a challenging region for the majority of digital cameras.
Image sharpness was generally rather satisfactory, thanks to the S200’s 2.0-megapixel CCD and lens, which produced images with a high level of detail and definition. In some instances, the images appeared a little bit soft, but the clarity of the details was good.
(Canon tends to utilize rather conservative sharpening algorithms, which results in a slightly softer appearance in the photographs captured by their cameras. However, Canon does a fantastic job of maintaining fine information.)
At the wide-angle lens option, the amount of optical distortion was noticeably lower than the norm, and chromatic aberration in the image’s four corners was also noticeably less pronounced than it often is. The macro test image reveals the corner softness most clearly, which was the distortion that was the most severe.
When it came to close-ups, the S200 worked admirably, capturing an area that was at least 4.06 by 3.04 inches (103 x 77 millimeters). (This falls somewhere in the middle of average and slightly above average.) Even though all four corners were a little bit rounded, the detail on the coins, brooch, and dollar note was rather good.
Both the color and the exposure were nicely done. The flash on the camera had problems turning down at the closest focusing distances, which resulted in a bright area in the middle of the frame and a significant amount of light loss in the frame’s four corners.
Night Shots: The S200’s maximum shutter duration of 15 seconds provides with exceptionally good low-light photography skills, making it a great camera for taking pictures at night. (Not to mention the fact that it has an AF-assist illuminator LED, which enables it to photograph in complete darkness with a variety of objects.) The Canon PowerShot S200 was capable of capturing photos that were bright and crisp even when the light levels were as low as 1/16 foot-candle (0.067 lux).
The camera’s noise reduction technology performed an excellent job of getting rid of “hot pixel” picture noise, and the image quality overall was satisfying (though random noise is moderately high at the ISO 400 setting). The S200 should thus have no trouble handling shooting conditions after dark, with levels of illumination that are far lower than the typical level seen on city streets. The color was also fairly beautiful, but with a tiny bluish cast.
Battery Capacity
Battery Life Because Canon did not include a power adapter with the S200, I was unable to carry out the customary in-depth power testing that I normally do. However, similar to the majority of other subcompact cameras, the S200 has a rather limited battery life.
If the LCD is turned on while the camera is in capture mode, the camera appears to have a battery life of around one hour in its most power-hungry mode. If you plan on shooting a lot of pictures for a long period of time, it is in your best interest to always have an extra battery on hand, keep the first one charged, and get a second one to go with the camera.
Canon PowerShot S200 Specs
| Body type | Compact |
|---|---|
| Max resolution | 3648 x 2736 |
| Image ratio w:h | 1:1, 4:3, 3:2, 16:9 |
| Effective pixels | 10 megapixels |
| Sensor size | 1/1.7″ (7.44 x 5.58 mm) |
| Sensor type | CCD |
| Processor | Digic 5 |
| ISO | Auto, 80-6400 |
| White balance presets | 7 |
| Custom white balance | Yes (2) |
| Image stabilization | Optical |
| Uncompressed format | No |
| JPEG quality levels | Fine, Normal |
| Focal length (Equiv.) | 24–120 mm |
| Optical zoom | 5× |
| Maximum aperture | F2–5.9 |
| Autofocus | Contrast Detect (sensor)Multi-areaCenterSelective single-pointTrackingSingleContinuousTouchFace DetectionLive View |
| Digital zoom | Yes (4x) |
| Manual focus | Yes |
| Macro focus range | 3 cm (1.18″) |
| Number of focus points | 9 |
| Articulated LCD | Fixed |
| Screen size | 3″ |
| Screen dots | 461,000 |
| Touch screen | No |
| Screen type | TFT PureColor II G Touch screen LCD |
| Live view | Yes |
| Viewfinder type | None |
| Minimum shutter speed | 15 sec |
| Maximum shutter speed | 1/2000 sec |
| Aperture priority | Yes |
| Shutter priority | Yes |
| Manual exposure mode | Yes |
| Subject/scene modes | Yes |
| Built-in flash | Yes |
| Flash Range | 7.00 m |
| External flash | No |
| Flash modes | Auto, On, Off, Red-Eye, Slow Sync, Second Curtain |
| Continuous drive | 1.9 fps |
| Self-timer | Yes (2 or 10 sec, custom) |
| Metering modes | MultiCenter-weightedSpot |
| Exposure compensation | ±2 (at 1/3 EV steps) |
| Resolutions | 1280 x 720 (24 fps), 640 x 480 (30 fps) |
| Format | H.264 |
| Videography notes | Miniature effect: HD (4.8, 2.4, 1.2 fps), L (6, 3, 1.5 fps) |
| Microphone | Stereo |
| Speaker | Mono |
| Storage types | SD/SDHC/SDXC |
| USB | USB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec) |
| HDMI | Yes (Mini) |
| Wireless | Built-In |
| Wireless notes | Wi-Fi (802.11b/g/n) |
| Remote control | No |
| Environmentally sealed | No |
| Battery | Battery Pack |
| Battery description | NB-6LH lithium-ion battery and charger |
| Battery Life (CIPA) | 200 |
| Weight (inc. batteries) | 181 g (0.40 lb / 6.38 oz) |
| Dimensions | 100 x 59 x 26 mm (3.94 x 2.32 x 1.02″) |
| Orientation sensor | Yes |
| Timelapse recording | No |
| GPS | Optional |
| GPS notes | via mobile (linked to a compatible smartphone) |
Conclusion
The PowerShot S200 is a cheaper version of the S110, utilizing a 10.1-megapixel CCD instead of a 12MP CMOS sensor. It does, however, retain the same F2.0-5.9, 24-120mm lens as the S110 with lens-shift image stabilization. The S200 also features a 3″ LCD with 461k dots, manual exposure controls, and built-in Wi-Fi. Keeping with the ‘step down’ theme from the S110, the S200 only records 720p video and lacks Raw support. The S200 is available in black and white.
Canon PowerShot S200 Price
Canon PowerShot S200 FAQs
What is the price of Canon PowerShot S200 digital Elph?
The Canon PowerShot S200 was initially introduced in 2013, but it has been out of production for several years.
If you are able to locate it for purchase, it will most likely be a used or refurbished edition, and the price will range from low to high contingent on the camera’s overall condition.
Is a Canon PowerShot S200 a professional camera?
The Canon PowerShot S200 is not a professional camera, as it is a consumer-grade model. It’s a simple point-and-shoot camera that’s perfect for taking photos in your spare time.
Is A Canon PowerShot S200 better than a DSLR?
The Canon PowerShot S200 is not in any way superior to a DSLR camera. Professional photographers will find that DSLR cameras, with their bigger picture sensors, interchangeable lenses, and other more sophisticated features, are more adapted to their needs.
Is Canon PowerShot S200 good for wildlife photography?
The Canon PowerShot S200 does not lend itself particularly well to the photographing of wildlife due to the camera’s restricted zoom range and relatively modest image sensor size. It is more suitable for informal photography, such as taking pictures at events with the family or while traveling.
How do I take good pictures with my Canon PowerShot S200?
Lighting, perspective, and camera settings are three important aspects to think about when you want to take excellent photographs with your Canon PowerShot S200. Make an effort to locate an area with sufficient natural light, and place your subject within an arrangement that appeals to the eye.
To accomplish the impact you want, you will need to play around with the various settings on your camera, such as the exposure compensation, the white balance, and the aperture.
Which Canon PowerShot S200 camera is best for wedding photography?
Because of its restricted zoom range and compact image sensor, the Canon PowerShot S200 is not the ideal camera for wedding photographs. When photographing a wedding, it is best to use a digital single-lens reflex (DSLR) or mirrorless camera because of its sophisticated features and ability to accept interchangeable lenses.