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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 <<Image Storage & Interface :(Previous) | (Next): Test Results & Conclusion>> Page 11:Video, Power, Software Review First Posted: 12/5/1999

Video Out

An NTSC video cable comes packaged with the S10, allowing you to connect the camera to your television set for image playback or use as a viewfinder. All modes except Stitch Assist are available and the LCD monitor remains blank while connected to a TV. We assume that European models come with the appropriate cables for the PAL system.

Power

The S10 utilizes either a 2CR5 lithium battery or an optional nickel-hydride NB-5H battery pack as well as a CR2016 lithium battery for the internal date and time backup. The camera ships with a 2CR5 lithium cell in the box, but the (optional) battery pack and charger should absolutely be considered required equipment, as the lithium batteries are grossly too expensive to consider for routine use. (Given their exceptional shelf life though, they make an excellent backup power source!) Actually, our standard recommendation of at least two rechargeable batteries (so one can be recharging while the other is in use) holds in the case of the S10 as well. The power supply kit accessory also serves as the AC adapter for the camera. Canon estimates that the NB-5H, under normal shooting conditions, should provide approximately 55 shots with the LCD monitor on, around 230 with it off or about 50 minutes of image playback time. We don't measure playback time or number of pictures captured directly, but our own impression was that these numbers seemed slightly optimistic, although not as much so as some we've seen for other cameras.

Here's how the S10's actual power consumption measured up:

Operating Mode	Power Drain
Capture Mode, w/LCD	870 mA
Capture Mode, no LCD	120 mA
Capture, half-pressed shutter w/LCD	1090 mA
Capture, half-pressed w/o LCD	770 mA
Memory Write (transient)	960 mA
Flash Recharge (transient)	1200 mA
Image Playback	530 mA
AF assist light	1400 mA(!)
"Sleep" Mode	~1 mA

These power consumption numbers are a bit high relative to those we've measured for some competing cameras, but one factor might be that we measured these values directly at the battery pack (using the AC adapter cord), rather than via an external power connection (always at a higher voltage than the batteries), as we do for most cameras. Still, our impression was that the S10's battery life was a bit on the short side, so we strongly recommend buying and bringing along a second battery.

Included Software

Learn what the manual left out - How to *use* your camera. Camera manuals are (sometimes) fine for knowing which button does what, but where do you go to learn how and when to use the various features? Dennis Curtin's "Shortcourses" books and CDs are the answer. (Cheap for what you get, too.) Order the Shortcourses manual for the camera reviewed in this article.

When you're ready to download captured images to your computer, the S10 can accommodate both PC and Mac users with the appropriate serial and USB cables packaged with the camera. We heartily thank Canon for the inclusion of the USB cable, which saves iMac users from having to procure a separate adapter. The included software CD contains PowerShot Browser 1.0, PhotoStitch 3.0, a PowerShot Plug-in Module 3.0 and Adobe PhotoDeluxe, compatible with Windows 95, 98 or NT 4.0 and Macintosh OS 7.5.3 or higher. The PowerShot Browser simply downloads captured images from the camera. PhotoStitch supports any panorama shots taken, automatically 'stitching' them together. And finally, Adobe PhotoDeluxe gives you the ability to correct and manipulate images with a variety of filters and tools. PhotoDeluxe also assists with creating novelties like greeting cards and calendars, either for printing or use on the Internet.