Canon PowerShot S410

Value (7.0)
At its price of US $399, the Canon PowerShot S410 comes with a large 4 megapixel CCD, 3x optical zoom, and a 1.5-inch LCD, along with its sleek and spartan design. This camera serves as a stepping stone to higher-end models with more manual control. It’s a great size for day trips, and can capture video with simultaneous audio, both advantages for this consumer grade camera.

Comparisons
Olympus Stylus 410 - This camera retails for US $349, putting it slightly below the price level of the Canon PowerShot. It has a 1/2.5-inch 4.23 megapixel CCD, making images of slightly higher quality possible. It has a 3x optical / 4x digital zoom, as well as the standard 1.5-inch LCD screen. Most of this camera’s settings are automatic, and it does have audio and video capabilities, along with Image Presets and Panorama mode, like the PowerShot 410.

Fujifilm FinePix F700 - This camera lists at the same price as the Canon, with a 1/1.7-inch, 6 MP CCD allowing for a higher quality image. It also has a 3x optical zoom, but a slightly smaller 2.2x digital zoom. Video recording is possible, along with audio recording for up to 30 seconds of audio. It also has more manual control options, including manual focus – an important aspect for the manual control user to consider. The LCD is slightly bigger than that of the Canon, rating at 1.8 inches diagonally.

Nikon Coolpix 3700 - This Nikon, like the aforementioned Fuji, retails for the same price of the Canon at US $399.95. (A manufacturer’s mail-in rebate is available online.) The CCD measures 1/2.7 inches, with a total 3.34 MP CCD, smaller than the other comparison cameras. It also has only two image quality settings, and a 3x optical zoom. However, it does have three different movie modes and audio capabilities, along with a 1.5-inch LCD monitor.

Konica Minolta DiMage Z2 This camera has a list price of US $449.00, making it slightly more expensive than the Canon. It comes with an image sensor of 1/2.5 inches and a 4.2 MP CCD, making it comparable in image quality to the Canon PowerShot. This camera has seven separate movie settings, with multiple choices available with regards both to image format and frames per second. It has direct print capability, and four still image formats available. This camera also has a highly impressive 10x optical zoom and a 4x digital zoom, along with a body more reminiscent of a film camera or a higher-end digital camera. The LCD screen measures 1.5 inches, and the whole camera weighs 10.8 ounces, making it much heavier than the other four cameras.

Who It’s For
Point-and-Shooters-- This camera is a good candidate for the point-and-shooter, especially one looking for some manual control without the fear inherent in being given complete control.

Budget Consumers-- With its image quality and price tag of US $399, this may be a camera best suited for the budget consumer who is looking to upgrade in manual control and features, but who doesn’t wish to give up the ability to revert to basic point-and-shoot photography at times.

Gadget Freaks-- This camera has a great look, which I’m aware is an incentive for the gadget consumer. However, the overall layout and design of the camera reveals that this product isn’t exactly overwhelmed with hidden and bonus features. For those, I suggest watching "Labyrinth," starring David Bowie, and paying careful attention to background scenes and dialogue.

Manual Control Freaks-- The fact that some manual control settings exist, but aren’t completely controlled by the user, may aggravate the manual control freak that feels he or she has the ability to choose their own settings with confidence.

Pros / Serious Hobbyists-- There isn’t any real reason to recommend this camera to the pro or serious hobbyist, unless a standard point-and-shoot camera is desired for occasions when you want to deny your profession or obsession.