Ask measure photographer, substitute they able or amateur, to instance the blessing compound of camera manufacturers that they authority hold of, besides apart of them will likely be Canon. In the digital arena, Canon's continued their history of innovation with a broad line of products ranging from entry-level models all the way to no-holds-barred digital SLRs for professional photographers. In the consumer arena, their products are distinguished by superb design, sharp lenses, and excellent color.

In both the film besides digital worlds, Canon has eventually be avowed for their high-style, not big "ELPH" cameras. Long a admitted epithet because APS film cameras, two caducity ago (2000), Canon brought the ELPH size further styling to the digital world with the original S100. The S200 that's the subject of this review is now the second unit I've reviewed in the third generation of that design. (My most recent Digital ELPH review was the S200's "big" brother, the PowerShot S330.) The S200 is very similar to the S110 of last year, with the same 2x zoom lens and 2 mega pixel sensor, but with a number of new features and a greatly improved user interface. The S200's color is also somewhat improved over last year's model, as Canon's engineers continue to refine their color management algorithms. The net effect is a evolutionary upgrade to an already successful camera design, an ultra-compact dig cam with excellent image quality in a  truly tiny package.

Basic Qualities

• 2.1-megapixel CCD.
• Real-image optical viewfinder.
• 1.5-inch color TFT LCD monitor.
• Glass, 2x, 5.4-10.8mm lens, equivalent to a 35-70mm lens on a 35mm camera.
• Maximum 2.5x digital zoom.
• Automatic exposure control with Long Shutter mode.
• Shutter speeds from 1/1,500 to 15 seconds.
• Maximum aperture of f/2.7 to f/4.0, depending on lens zoom position.
• Built-in flash with five modes.
• Compact Flash Type I memory card storage, 8MB card included.
• Power supplied by a rechargeable lithium-ion battery pack (charger included) or optional AC adapter.
• Arc Soft Camera Suite 1.1, Canon Digital Camera software, and USB drivers included for both Windows and Mac platforms.

Special Qualities

• Movie mode with sound.
• Continuous Shooting mode.
• Stitch-Assist panorama mode.
• Infinity and Macro focus modes.
• Two- or 10-second Self-Timer for delayed shutter release.
• Spot and Evaluative exposure metering.
• White balance (color) adjustment with seven modes, including a Custom setting.
• Photo Effect menu for color adjustment.
• Adjustable ISO setting from 50 to 400 equivalents.
• DPOF (Digital Print Order Format) compatibility.
• USB cable for connection to a computer (driver software included).
• A/V cable for connection to a television set.