Canon PowerShot S410 Review

Among the features of the Canon PowerShot S410 Digital Elph Camera are its maximum resolution of 2272 x 1704 pixels, a three-times zoom lens made entirely of glass with seven elements, and an autofocus range ranging from two inches (in macro mode) to infinity.

Besides still images, the PowerShot S410 Digital Elph camera can also record movies with sound at 15 frames per second for segments lasting up to three minutes each in either 320240 or 160120 resolutions.

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Canon PowerShot S410 4MP Digital Elph with 3x Optical Zoom

Last update was on: January 19, 2024 1:37 pm

The PowerShot S410 Digital Elph has a 3x optical zoom lens that is ultra-compact and quick (f/2.8-4.9). In addition, the lens has a seven-element construction and has a broad Autofocus range that may be as near as two inches (in macro mode) or as far out as infinity.

Canon has also improved the strength and range of the digital zoom on this camera, increasing it to 3.6x.

More: Best Memory Cards for Canon PowerShot S410

Essential Qualities

  • 4.0-megapixel CCD.
  • Optical viewfinder with a real-time picture.
  • the monitor has a 1.5-inch color TFT LCD display.
  • Glass, 3x, 7.4-22.2mm lens, equal to a 35-105mm lens on a 35mm camera.
  • Maximum 4.1x digital zoom.
  • Control of the exposure is handled automatically, and there is an option called Long Shutter for taking longer exposures.
  • Shutter speeds range from 1/2000 of a second to 15 seconds.
  • The maximum aperture can range from f/2.8 to f/4.9, depending on where you are in the lens zoom range.
  • built-in flash with support for five different modes.
  • Storage on a CompactFlash Type I memory card, with a 32 MB card provided.
  • Power is provided by either an AC converter that may be purchased separately or a rechargeable lithium-ion battery pack that comes with its own charger.
  • Included for use on both Windows and Mac operating systems are the ArcSoft Camera Suite 1.3, Canon Digital Camera software, and USB drivers.

The S410 Digital Elph camera has a continuous burst mode that allows you to take up to 2.2 frames per second at the full definition, which is ideal for snapping images on the go.

Also included are automatic red-eye reduction, slow synch settings, built-in flash with a range of up to 11 feet, and a shutter speed that reaches a fast 1/2000 of a second.

The camera’s bright, clear, and easy-to-read 1.5-inch LCD panel even allows users to inspect the tiniest of details owing to a 10x playback zoom, allowing them to see even the most minor details.

Special Features

  • Movie mode, complete with sound.
  • Both the Standard and High-Speed Continuous Shooting modes are available.
  • Panorama mode with support for stitching.
  • Both infinity and macro focus options are available.
  • Configurations for “My Camera” that can be altered.
  • A self-timer that can be set for either two or ten seconds delays the release of the shutter.
  • You may record captions using the Sound Memo feature.
  • Exposure metering options include spot, center-weighted, and evaluative.
  • White balance (color) adjustment with seven different settings, one of which is the Custom setting.
  • The Photo Effects menu contains color-adjusting options.
  • Adjustable ISO setting.
  • DPOF compatibility refers to the Digital Print Order Format.
  • Cable for connecting to a computer via a USB port (driver software included).
  • A/V cable for use in establishing a connection to a television set.

CCD with a resolution of 4.0 Megapixels

CCD sensors with excellent resolution are built into Canon’s PowerShot S500 and S410 digital cameras, which record great information. So even your most enormous prints will have the clarity and depth of detail you expect and deserve.

Zoom ratios of 3x optical, 3.6x digital, and 11x combined.

Both cameras are equipped with a high-resolution 3x optical zoom lens, allowing them to capture crisp images in a range of shooting conditions easily. A digital zoom that is flawlessly integrated puts you right in the middle of the action.

The DIGIC Imaging Processor and iSAPS Technology are the most advanced technologies available.

Cameras equipped with Canon’s unique DIGIC Imaging Processor alter how you capture digital photographs by allowing the camera to process images more quickly while increasing the precision of focusing. DIGIC also has the additional benefit of reducing the impact of noise in your photographs.

Canon’s iSAPS Technology is a scene-recognition technology developed specifically for digital cameras. Using an internal database containing hundreds of different photographs, iSAPS works in conjunction with the fast DIGIC Imaging Processor to increase the speed and precision of focus, exposure, and white balance.

Button for Printing and Sharing

Direct printing from a Canon Card Photo or Direct Photo Printer has never been easier than it is now, thanks to a new dedicated Print & Share button located directly on the camera.

The printer has a comprehensive set of printing options, including ID Photo Print in 28 different sizes and a Movie Print function* that allows you to print several stills from a recorded movie on a single paper page. PictBridge will also enable you to print directly from any PictBridge-compatible printer.

AiAF Auto Focus System with nine points of adjustment

No matter where your subject appears in the frame, the 9-point AiAF focus system guarantees that your issue is in sharp, rapid focus on every photo.

Orientation Sensor with Intelligent Orientation

When you examine images on an LCD screen or your computer, an Intelligent Orientation Sensor automatically turns them to the correct orientation.

Design

The PowerShot S410 is virtually indistinguishable from its predecessors, the PowerShot S400 and S330, and it maintains the compact form factor that has helped make the ELPH line such a success. The camera’s small size makes it ideal for discretely stowing away in a pocket or handbag without the risk of causing any harm to the device. However, I strongly advise using a cover to protect the camera from scratches and accidental activation.

A retractable lens is a clever feature that keeps the camera front entirely flat when turned off, highlighting the pocket-friendly form of the camera. Additionally, an automatic lens cover ensures you do not need to worry about smearing or losing the lens cap.

The S410 has the exact dimensions as the S400, which are 3.4 inches by 2.2 inches by 1.1 inches (87 millimeters by 57 millimeters by 28 millimeters), and the same weight, which is a modest 6.5 ounces (185 grams) without the battery or media.

The front of the S410 has a distinctive ELPH design, with the viewfinder and flash located directly above the lens, which is somewhat off-center and angled toward the right. Next to the optical viewfinder is a light emitter that serves various purposes. These include helping with focusing, reducing the appearance of red eyes, and providing a countdown for the self-timer.

When the camera is turned on, the telescopic lens swiftly slides into position and then retracts entirely within the camera so that it may keep its flat profile. The only finger grip offered is a little notch that extends from the eyelet of the wrist strap; however, the wrist strap that is included should provide a more secure feeling overall.

You’ll find the Shutter button, the Zoom lever, and the Power button at the top of the camera. All three of them protrude somewhat from the surface. There is also a speaker for playback and a tiny microphone to capture sound to accompany the movies.

The connector for the wrist strap can be found on the right side of the camera (when viewed from the back), and the CompactFlash slot can be found on the same side. The space is protected by a plastic lid that locks into place. The actual location of the card slot’s release lever is on the camera’s rear panel.

The plugs for the USB and A/V outputs, shielded by a rubber cover, are located on the side of the camera that faces away from the viewfinder.

All of the remaining controls are located on the back panel of the camera, as well as the optical and LCD viewfinders. When shooting with one hand, a slight thumb grip is provided by a little ridge that runs down the right side of the camera. The finger grip on the front of the camera is strengthened (for small to medium hands, those with larger hands may have a little difficulty negotiating the controls, which are a little close together).

The buttons for the LCD monitor’s Set, Menu, Display, and Function menus are arranged along the bottom edge of the screen, and just to the right of these buttons is a pad with four directional arrows. In addition, the door to the CompactFlash slot may be opened using the sliding switch on the right side, and the Mode switch allows access to the Record and Playback modes.

The dial for the Exposure Mode may be found just above the LCD panel. Two LED lamps located next to the viewfinder display the camera’s status. These lamps show when the focus has been adjusted, or the flash has been ultimately charged.

The battery box and the metal tripod mount are housed in the S410’s lovely, flat bottom panel, another standout feature of this camera. Because the weight of the camera, which is placed off-center on the tripod head, might cause the mount threads to become too stressed, I like it when the tripod mount is not positioned so far off to the side of the camera.

It’s possible that this won’t be an issue, given how compact the S410 is and how well the tripod socket is designed (kudos for that!). However, because the tripod socket is located so near the edge of the camera, there is a possibility that the camera will not rest level on some tripod heads.

(Once again, this is a relatively unimportant issue given that you can typically tilt the tripod to position the camera in any way you see fit.) A little rubber flap is located in the middle of the entrance to the battery compartment, and the cover for the battery compartment locks by sliding open and then outward.

This flap conceals a hole in the battery compartment lid that was made to permit access to the connection jack included within the “dummy battery” used in the AC adapter kit.

(Just like the AC adapter design of many other Canon digital cameras, the S410 inserts inside the battery compartment like a fake battery and offers a connector for the cord of the AC power converter.)

Image Quality

The remarks that are offered here are a summary of only my most important results, as required by my usual testing policy. Check out the “pictures” page of the S410 Digital ELPH for a comprehensive analysis of each sample photograph.

Are you having trouble deciding which camera to buy? Your perception should serve as the final arbiter! Images from the S410 may be compared with those from other cameras that you might consider purchasing using our Comparometer(tm). The evidence can be seen in the photographs, so let your eyes judge which option most appeals to you.

I recommend allowing your own eyes to judge how well the camera worked, as is the case with all of the product testing that Imaging Resource does. Examine the photographs on the pictures page to get an idea of how the images captured by the S410 compared to those charged by other cameras you might be considering purchasing.

Under a wide range of lighting conditions, the color is rated excellent to very good. The color reproduction of Canon’s Digital ELPH cameras has never failed to impress me, and the S410 is not an exception to that rule. Throughout my testing, the camera did an excellent job with color, delivering rich and realistic colors regardless of the source of light. Both the Auto and Manual white balance settings gave nice color, but the Manual location was the one I used most of the time since I found it to be the most accurate.

The color of the subject’s skin was captured accurately, and the camera did an excellent job with the challenging blue flower arrangement in both the outdoor and interior shots. Even though the photo of the musicians threw the camera’s white balance system off somewhat, the Manual mode still delivered the best and most compelling images. On the Davebox target, colors were vivid and precise; nevertheless, the additive primaries appeared somewhat oversaturated. I was astonished by how much better the flash photographs taken with the S410 appeared under the intense incandescent lighting used for my Indoor Portrait test. There was a much-reduced amount of color cast that was caused by the room lighting that was present in the final images. All in all, an outstanding job.

Exposure: The exposure was accurate, but the contrast was a little too strong in the bright lighting. The S410 dealt with most of the test conditions I put it under, requiring about the same amount of exposure adjustment as usual for the high-key, brutally lit outdoor portrait. The intense lighting in that photo resulted in very high contrast, although the highlights lost some of their detail: Not an unusual occurrence, there was a more significant loss of detail than I would have preferred to observe; despite this, the S410 appeared to perform somewhat better to my eye than the S500 did.

The difference was very imperceptible, but it appeared that the S410 showed more shadow detail than the S390 did for the same amount of highlight loss, which suggests that the S410’s dynamic range is somewhat superior. The camera did an excellent job of separating the various tone differences of the Q60 target on the Davebox. It also did an excellent job of capturing the information in the shadows. The camera required an average amount of positive exposure compensation to get sufficiently light indoor exposure, which was +1.0 EV for the indoor portrait mode without the flash.

High resolution with 1,100 lines of “strong detail,” resulting in a solution of “high sharpness.” The S410 did quite well on the resolution test chart designed for a “laboratory.” However, it started displaying artifacts in the test patterns at resolutions as low as 800 lines per image height in horizontal and vertical directions. I found “strong detail” in a line count of 1,100 to 1,150.

(In all honesty, it’s a bit difficult to say how high the resolution is on the S410 since, although there is what seems to be important information visible well beyond the 1,150 line point, there is also extremely heavy aliasing.) My conservative nature tells me to call it quits when the aliasing gets as strong as the primary detail, but some reviewers might be inclined to say that there are more than 1,300 lines of resolution here. However, some reviewers might be inclined to say that there are more than 1,300 lines of explanation here. The target patterns’ ” extinction ” did not occur until around 1,450 lines into the analysis.

Noise in the image is visible even at ISO 50. However, it won’t likely annoy most users until ISO 400. Image noise is becoming more noticeable than in prior generations of cameras due to increasing CCD resolutions leading to smaller pixel sizes. As a result, even at an ISO setting as low as 50, the S410 produces photographs with a level of discernible image noise while being very modest. However, the images at ISO 50 and 100 will probably be satisfactory for the majority of users, while ISO 200 and 400 will provide results that are just somewhat unacceptable. In addition, as you might anticipate, given that the S410’s pixels are slightly more extensive than those of its higher-resolution brother, the S500, the S410 exhibits a little lower noise level.

Closeups: Excellent macro performance. The S410 performed exceptionally well in the macro photography category, capturing an area of just 2.18 × 1.63 inches (55 x 41 millimeters). The resolution is excellent, and the dollar bill, coins, and brooch all have impressive detail. However, due to the close shooting range, the information on the cash and pin was less distinct. There is also some softness in each of the four corners of the frame, but this is very usual for macro images taken with a digital camera.

The flash on the S410 could be controlled rather effectively for the macro-region, but because of its location on the camera, a black shadow was cast in the lower right corner of the frame. (To get the best closeup macro images with the S410, use external illumination.)

Night Shots perform excellently even in low light, with perfect color balance and low noise. At each of the four ISO levels, the S410 performed an outstanding job, producing crisp, bright, and useable images down to the limit of my test, which was 1/16 foot-candle (0.67 lux) in brightness. In addition, the quality of the color remained consistent for the entirety of the show, even at the lowest possible light levels.

I found the noise very low in most instances, and even at ISO 400, it was lower than I had anticipated. This surprised me, given that the S410 has noise slightly higher than average when taken in daylight. The Canon PowerShot S410 has a powerful autofocus assist illuminator that lets the camera maintain focus even when there is no available light. (At least on issues that are somewhat close by.)

The precision of the Viewfinder: While the LCD provides excellent accuracy, the accuracy of the optical viewfinder is somewhat limited. The frame accuracy displayed in the optical viewfinder of the S410 is pretty high, coming in at around 82 percent while shooting at a wide angle and approximately 77 percent when shooting at a telephoto. However, the LCD monitor performed far better, displaying the frame’s accuracy of around 98 percent at both the wide-angle and telephoto settings. Because I prefer LCD monitors to have a precision that is as near to one hundred percent as is humanly feasible, the LCD monitor on the S410 is virtually flawless in this respect; on the other hand, its optical viewfinder could most definitely use some assistance.

Optical Distortion: The geometric distortion is around average, and there may be some issues with coma or flare. I observed roughly 0.7 percent barrel distortion when using the S410 at its widest angle setting, indicating that the camera’s optical distortion is about average. I recorded 0.09 percent barrel distortion at the telephoto end, far better than the wide-angle end. However, there are some issues with coma and flare in the corners of the frame caused by the lens of the S410.

Additionally, a significant amount of softness is visible, particularly along the left side. However, chromatic aberration does not appear to be very severe because only a moderate amount of color is visible on the margins of the target parts. This indicates that the color is not very intense. (On the resolution target, you can see this distortion as a soft colored fringe surrounding the items located on the outside limits of the field of vision.)

Battery Life

Although the battery life is satisfactory for such a small device, it is advisable to get an additional battery just in case. The battery life of the S410 is above average for a model of this size, with a worst-case run duration of around 94 minutes on a fully charged battery. This puts it in the category of tiny models. Additionally, although I did not test how long it took for the storm to go down with the LCD turned off, it appears to be at least several hours. Nevertheless, my time-tested recommendation that you acquire a second battery at the same time as the camera is still relevant.

Canon PowerShot S410 (Digital IXUS 430) Specs

Body typeUltracompact
Max resolution2272 x 1704
Other resolutions1600 x 1200, 1024 x 768, 640 x 480
Image ratio w:h4:3
Effective pixels4 megapixels
Sensor photo detectors4 megapixels
Sensor size1/1.8″ (7.144 x 5.358 mm)
Sensor typeCCD
ISOAuto, 50, 100, 200, 400
White balance presets5
Custom white balanceYes
Image stabilizationNo
Uncompressed formatNo
JPEG quality levelsSuper-Fine, Fine, Normal
Focal length (equiv.)36–108 mm
Optical zoom
Maximum apertureF2.8–4.9
AutofocusContrast Detect (sensor)Multi-area single Live View
Digital zoomYes (3.6 x)
Manual focusNo
Macro focus range5 cm (1.97″)
Number of focus points9
Screen size1.5″
Screen dots118,000
Touch screenNo
Live viewNo
Viewfinder typeOptical (tunnel)
Minimum shutter speed15 sec
Maximum shutter speed1/2000 sec
Aperture priorityNo
Shutter priorityNo
Built-in flashYes
Flash Range3.50 m
External flashNo
Flash modesAuto, On, Off, Manual (Red Eye On/Off)
Continuous drive2.5 fps
Self-timerYes (2 or 10 sec)
Exposure compensation±2 (at 1/3 EV steps)
Resolutions320 x 240, 15 fps, max 3 mins
Storage typesCompact Flash (Type I)
Storage included32 MB CompactFlash
USBUSB 1.0 (1.5 Mbit/sec)
HDMINo
Remote controlNo
Environmentally sealedNo
BatteryBattery Pack
Battery descriptionLithium-Ion NB-1LH Battery & charger
Weight (inc. batteries)215 g (0.47 lb / 7.58 oz)
Dimensions87 x 57 x 28 mm (3.43 x 2.24 x 1.1″)
Orientation sensorYes
Timelapse recordingNo

Conclusion

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  • Features
  • Photos

Canon PowerShot S410 4MP Digital Elph with 3x Optical Zoom

Last update was on: January 19, 2024 1:37 pm

The ELPH series has always pleased me with the quality of its photographs and the variety of its features, and the 4.0-megapixel S410 continues that trend. In addition, the compact size of the camera makes it an ideal travel companion, and the type of capabilities gives it an advantage over the many point-and-shoot-style digital cameras now available on the market.

Even while the actual exposure management is still automated, the shooting range of the camera may be expanded thanks to the ability to alter the ISO and the white balance and access longer shutter times. In addition, the high-resolution CCD creates images with excellent clarity and colors that are true to life.

There are two minor ergonomic issues with the S410 and the previous S400, and the S500, which is the S410’s higher-resolution sister. These issues are as follows: To begin, the mode dial moves between its positions a little bit too readily, which means it can change positions even when the user did not intend to do so.

The second issue is that removing the CF card is a bit of a hassle. Although none of these features is likely to prevent most customers from seriously considering purchasing this high-quality camera, I would be negligent if I failed to point them out. During my testing, I found that the lens of the S500 tended to be relatively soft in the corners and that the camera’s photographs had a little noticeable noise, even at its lowest ISO settings.

I doubt that the majority of consumers will find the S410’s image noise to be an issue at ISO settings of 200 and below, as I explained in my detailed analysis of the camera’s images (and its noise levels are slightly lower than those of the S500, to boot). Still, I feel compelled to mention it so that readers especially sensitive to image noise can examine the sample pictures more closely and form their own opinions.

Nevertheless, the S410 is a worthwhile addition to the Digital ELPH range, and it has earned a spot on my list of Dave’s Picks because of its overall quality.

Canon PowerShot S410 Price

Canon PowerShot S410 FAQs

When did the Canon PowerShot S410 come out?

In 2004, Canon introduced the PowerShot S410 to the market.

Is a Canon PowerShot S410 a professional camera?

The Canon PowerShot S410 is not a professional camera but a consumer-grade model. Instead, it’s a simple point-and-shoot camera perfect for taking photos in your spare time.

How old is the Canon PowerShot S410?

The Canon PowerShot S410 will be approximately 18 years old in 2022.

Is a Canon PowerShot S410 camera a DSLR?

Contrary to popular belief, the Canon PowerShot S410 is not a DSLR camera. Instead, it is a straightforward point-and-shoot camera that does not support lens swapping.

Which Canon PowerShot S410 camera is best for everyday photography?

The Canon PowerShot S410 is a camera that functions best for informal photography, such as taking pictures at gatherings with the family or while traveling. However, it has a sensor with a resolution of 4 megapixels and a lens with an optical magnification of 3 times, so it is appropriate for general photographic uses.

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