Canon PowerShot A400

Manual Control Options
When the Canon PowerShot A400 is placed in standard still image capture mode, and the Func Menu is open, it is possible to shift the camera from Auto to Manual mode via the bar located on the bottom of the LCD screen. Once set, the user can choose from the following options: image size, image quality, effects, ISO speed, white balance, and exposure. It is possible to engage all of the dual features on the four-way controller, allowing the user to select flash settings, Macro/Infinity shots, Continuous Shooting modes, and Light Metering options. Zoom is, not surprisingly, controllable when the camera is in manual mode.

Focus
Auto (7.5)
When the Canon PowerShot A400 is shooting with Auto focus, the user may choose to use the AF Lock. Auto focus lock is suggested for most shooting situations, and is engaged when the shutter is pressed partially. This is acknowledged when the camera beeps twice. The user can then return to the original shot format and capture the image, and the subject of the AF Lock will remain the focal point in the image. In the Rec Menu, entered through the Menu button, the user can scroll down and select the AiAF focus feature, allowing between a focus setting of either the center point, or a larger nine-frame overall focus selection option. The nine-frame AF is an addition to the line and provides a wider range for focusing calculations.

Manual (0.0)
There is no manual focus setting for the Canon PowerShot A400, with the user having to rely on AF and AF Lock for all images.

Metering (7.5)
There are three different light metering settings available to the user of the Canon PowerShot A400. Evaluative metering is the default setting, and can be changed when the camera is in manual shooting mode. Evaluative metering is standard for most shooting conditions, including backlit situations and is capable of handling the more complex lighting situations that may be encountered. The second mode is Center Weighted, which allows the entire frame to be metered but with more consideration given to the subject situated in the center of the screen. The third and final setting available is Spot AE Point, which meters the area in the spot AE point located in the center of the scene, and is best used only when the subject is either surrounded by strong lighting, or is backlit.

Exposure (7.0)
Exposure settings, unlike ISO settings, are available in several shooting modes for the Canon PowerShot A400. Exposure can be accessed in Manual Standard image capture, Scene Mode, or Movie mode, but not in Auto Mode. When highlighted in the left side bar of the Function Menu, the user can choose an exposure setting between -2 to +2 in 1/3-stop increments.

White Balance (6.5)
The White Balance settings are reached through entering the Function Menu and scrolling up/down the left side bar until the White Balance section is highlighted. Once this subsection is highlighted the user can engage the left/right arrows to select from the following settings: Auto, Day Light, Cloudy, Tungsten, Fluorescent, Fluorescent H, and Evaluate. It is possible to alter White Balance in both Manual Still Mode and Movie Mode.

ISO (8.0)
The ISO settings are available only in Manual Mode, unlike some of the other controls. Once the Function Menu is entered, the user can scan the left side bar up and down via the four-way controller until the ISO subsection is highlighted. The user can then select from the following settings for the Canon PowerShot A400: Auto, 50, 100, 200, and 400. The higher the ISO rating is, the greater likelihood there will be for noise or grain to appear on the captured image; thus, the proper mix of illumination and noise will dictate the necessary ISO setting. This makes it desirable to have a wider range of ISO ratings available. ISO 400 is typically the highest setting available on point-and-shoot cameras, however, the ISO 50 rating available is a great benefit and will ensure clear, low noise images in direct light.

Shutter Speed (0.0)
Shutter speeds for the Canon PowerShot A400 are between 1 and 1/1500 sec. The shutter speeds are automatically set by the camera, implementing a noise reduction operation when shutter speeds slow below 1/6 of a second.

Aperture (0.0)
There is no manual control of aperture settings; however, the camera will alter the size of the aperture with a maximum opening of f/3.8.