Canon PowerShot SD4000 IS (IXUS 300 HS / IXY 30S)

portability, performance, zoom, usability, design

78% of the reviews on Amazon.com give this product a positive rating.

Aperture- and shutter-priority modes ; f2.0 lens creates shallow depth-of-field effects ; Compact size with high-end performance ; Very good low-light images ; Excellent image quality in most situations

No full manual exposure controls ; No dedicated mode dial ; Disappointing low-light video ; Accessing settings takes a few button presses ; Autofocus searches in video mode

The PowerShot SD4000 IS is one of the most impressive compact cameras we've tested, offering image quality and lens capabilities we're used to seeing on professional cameras.

Good image quality, particularly at lower ISO settings ; Pleasant image color ; Reasonable levels of detail (it drops at the long end of the zoom or high ISO) ; Straightforward control system ; Handy zoom range with a fairly fast lens ; Fast continuous...

Images don't always stand up to very close scrutiny ; Limited control over flash (so you can't prevent the occasional over-exposure) ; Function menu not as quick to use as previous generations of SD/IXUS

The SD4000 IS is born into a long and well-respected line of compact cameras and does its family proud. It offers flexibility, image quality and a good level of user control while remaining distinctly easy to use. Only the screen (large chunks of which...

Good image quality. Solid controls. High-quality f/2 lens excels in low-light shooting situations. Aperture and Shutter priority shooting modes. SDXC card support.

Strong color fringing. Small, low-resolution LCD.

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Nice compact and stylish body; Superb low-light performance thanks to the HS System and fast F2.0 lens; Typical (good) Digital ELPH performance; High-speed burst mode settings; 3.2fps @ full 10-megapixel resolution or up to 8.3fps @2.5M; Capable Smart...

LCD uses a wide aspect ratio, which creates a smaller view when using the highest 10M still image setting due to standard 4:3 aspect; Metering system produced some strong exposures with some subjects in harsh sunlight; Higher price tag of $349 US ;...

The Canon PowerShot SD4000 IS is a very appealing compact model that boasts pleasing image quality, robust shooting performance, high-quality HD video, and loads of exposure options for all users. This one comes highly recommended from the staff here...

The Canon IXUS 300 HS is an especially fine camera and a valuable addition to the current IXUS series of cameras. The Canon IXUS cameras have actually always been successful, from the first digital IXUS. It is an extensive series of cameras where...

Nice 3.8x lens with maximum aperture of f/2 for shooting in low light ; Aperture and Shutter Priority modes ; Generally sharp images with low corner softness ; Image Stabilizer helps keep images sharp ; Beautiful, compact design with ergonomic bevelled...

f/2.0 aperture only available at 28mm wide setting ; Awkward Function menu interface makes quick changes in settings difficult ; 8.4 fps burst mode reduces image size to 2.5MP ; Super Slow Motion movie function reduces video clips to 320x240 pixels ;...

ISO 200 shots were also good at 11x14 inches.

Brighter than average lens (at wide angle)., Sensible resolution delivers better low-light results., 720p HD movies and slow motion video at 240fps., Great auto along with Aperture and Shutter Priority., Fast continuous shooting at full resolution

Compelling rivals at similar price., Best quality 4:3 mode looks small on wide display., Minimal labelling on rear controls., Some focus-drifting in videos under low light

Both cameras also capture crisp, relatively noise-free images at high ISO levels, although the S90 performs a tad better at its ISO 6400 setting. What's more, both models have a 4X digital zoom that kicks the zoom range up to a simulated 15X at the...

Sharp images; A wide ISO range

Ineffective image stabilization; A slippery grip

The Canon PowerShot SD4000 IS is a well priced compact camera that offers a decent zoom range and shoots attractive photos with low noise and a good level of detail. We also found that the noise level in images stayed pretty low as we jacked the ISO...