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Canon PowerShot S10 Canon packs 2 megapixels and a 2x optical zoom into the smallest digicam yet! Select a topic Reference: Datasheet PowerShot S10 Sample Images --------------------------------- 1. Intro and Highlights 2. Executive Overview 3. Design 4. Viewfinder 5. Optics 6. Exposure & Flash 7. Shutter Lag & Cycle Time Tests 8. Operation & User Interface 9. Camera Modes & Menus 10. Image Storage & Interface 11. Video, Power, Software 12. Test Results & Conclusion --------------------------------- Print-Friendly Review Version Additional Resources and Other Links Reader Comments on PowerShot S10 --------------------------------- Digital Camera Comparometer (TM) --------------------------------- <-- Digital Cameras (Home) <-- Digital Camera Reviews Index <<Viewfinder :(Previous) | (Next): Exposure & Flash>> Page 5:Optics Review First Posted: 12/5/1999

Optics
The S10's 6.3 to 12.6mm, F/2.8 to F/4.0, 2x zoom lens (equivalent to a 35 to 70mm lens on a 35mm camera) seems a little limited, with most competing models providing a 3x ratio. But the lens is of good quality, as evidenced by the resolution, which is at the top of the current (October 1999) two megapixel marketplace with about 700 lines per picture height, in both vertical and horizontal directions. Focus ranges from 18 inches (46cm) to infinity and the zoom action is fairly smooth, although it's not as sensitive as we'd like it to be.

Optical distortion on the S10 is fairly low, with the lens showing 0.5 percent barrel distortion at wide angle and 0.3 percent (almost undetectable) at the telephoto setting. Chromatic aberration is almost non-existent, estimated at less than half a pixel at all focal length settings. (This distortion is visible as a very slight colored fringe around objects at the edges of the field of view on the resolution target).

The S10 has a bright autofocus assist light that comes on in dim lighting situations. This really helps when focusing in dark conditions, but it will also give you away if you're trying for candids. Unfortunately, the assist light also takes a big gulp of the battery power, albeit for a very short time. (We really don't dislike the AF light though, since focusing is a digicam bugaboo and we'd like to see more digicams with this feature.)