Canon PowerShot S45 4MP Digital Camera w/ 3x Optical Zoom

Average customer rating:

A Good first time digital camera

We tested the durability

For snapshooters only!

Poor Quality

Good camera - except for red eye

Canon PowerShot S45 4MP Digital Camera w/ 3x Optical Zoom

Manufacturer: Canon
ProductGroup: Photography
Binding: Electronics

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4 to 4.9 Megapixels | Digital Cameras | Camera & Photo | Categories | Electronics
Under 4x Optical Zoom | Digital Cameras | Camera & Photo | Categories | Electronics
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Accessories:

Canon NB-2LH Rechargeable Battery Pack for Digital Rebel XT/XTi, PowerShot S30/40/45/50/60/70/80, G7 & G9 Digital Cameras

Targus Digital MI-NB2LH Lithium-Ion Replacement for Canon NB-2LH Rechargeable Battery

SimpleTech STI-CF/256 256 MB CompactFlash Card

SimpleTech STI-CF/512 512MB CompactFlash Card

Canon CBC-NB2 Car Battery Adapter for NB-2L or BP-2F12 Batteries.

Product Features:

4-megapixel sensor captures 2,272 x 1,704 images for photo-quality prints up to 11 x 14 inches

3x optical (plus 3.6x digital) zoom lens with autofocus

Included 32 MB CompactFlash card holds approximately 27 images at default resolution; camera is Microdrive compatible

Connects with Macs and PCs via USB port

Uses proprietary NB-2L lithium-ion rechargeable battery (included)

ASIN: B00007F8UQ
Release Date: 2002-12-14

Amazon.com Review

Following up on their S40, Canon's Powershot S45 offers the same aesthetically pleasing metallic chassis with the powerful innards to go along with it. With a 4 megapixel CCD, images taken with the S45 were deeply detailed and could be easily printed out at 8 by 11 and larger without any loss of resolution.

Although the 3x optical zoom is average for mid-range cameras and above, it still let us get in a bit closer to our subjects when snapping shots. Improving on the S40, the S45 now captures video clips--complete with audio--of up to three minutes in length (although you'll probably want a larger storage card than the 32 MB CF card the S45 ships with). There are also easy-to-use video playback and editing controls on the camera itself.

A unique design, the metal lens cover of the S45 serves as the on/off switch--slide it open and the camera turns on, slide it closed and it powers down, with the lens folding out or back into the frame of the body respectively. You can't put any accessory lenses onto the S45 because of this design, but you'll also never try to take any pictures with the lens cap on.

The rechargeable batteries lasted for well over 200 shots before needing to be plugged in. And that's with the LCD on--Canon promises a life of over 500 without the LCD. Speaking of, the bright and large 1.8-inch LCD took up nearly half of the back of the S45 and followed the lens quickly while using it for framing shots.

While it weighs a solid 11 ounces, the 4.4-inch by 2.3-inch by 1.7-inch camera is compact enough to slide into a pocket, making it easier to take on day trips than bulkier Powershot models. --J. Curtis

Pros:

Enhanced movie mode
Compact design
Well priced

Cons:

No accessory lenses
Average optical zoom

Amazon.com Product Description

Nestled between the ultratiny Elph models and the feature-packed PowerShot G models, the Canons PowerShot S45 combines most of the portability of the former with nearly every advanced feature of the latter. The PowerShot S45 offers such improvements over the S40 as a nine-point artificial intelligence autofocus (AiAF), easier access to controls with a function button, an intelligent orientation sensor, and enhanced movie mode. The S45 features a 4-megapixel CCD sensor and a 3x optical zoom lens.

Optics and Resolution
The PowerShot S45 has a 4-megapixel sensor with a maximum resolution of 2,272 x 1,704 pixels, which is enough detail for photos from 4 by 6 inches to 20 by 30 inches (poster size). It also features a 3x optical zoom and 3.6x digital zoom for a total 11x zoom.

The S45's new DIGIC image processor is a groundbreaking innovation that speeds operation, ensures pinpoint autofocus accuracy, and takes image quality to a whole new level. The system is integrated with a complex scene-analysis system called iSAPS technology, which brings a highly natural, lifelike quality to digital images.

For beginners, the camera is point-and-shoot simple. Just twist the dial to auto and start snapping pictures. The PowerShot S45 offers a myriad of setting options, including three light-metering modes, white balance presets with two positions for custom settings, exposure and focus bracketing, manual focus and autofocus lock, aperture and shutter-speed priority, and adjustable ISO-equivalent sensitivity.

Storage and Transfer
Images are stored on CompactFlash memory cards, and the memory slot is compatible with CompactFlash Type II cards as well as Microdrives. The included 32 MB card holds approximately 27 images at the large or fine settings.

Movie Mode
Shoot up to three minutes of MPEG video (with sound), which includes editing controls and VCR-like playback. Let the camera take over in automatic mode, or get creative in manual. The movies aren't camcorder quality, but they're fun and convenient, and they're perfect as e-mail attachments.

More Features

Shot presets include portrait, landscape, night scene, and stitch assist, and you can save your own custom settings.
Five flash modes let you turn the flash and auto red-eye reduction on or off in any combination.
The intelligent-orientation sensor displays your images in proper rotations during playback on the LCD screen and your computer screen.
To print your photos at home, the PowerShot S45 connects directly to Canon's Bubble Jet direct printers S830D and S530D, and card-photo printer CP-100.

Power, Size, and Contents
The camera is powered by a proprietary rechargeable lithium battery pack NB-2L (included). It measures 4.4 by 2.3 by 1.7 inches and weighs 11.1 ounces. This package includes the PowerShot S45 digital camera, battery and battery charger, USB and AV cables, wrist strap, and ArcSoft Camera Suite CD-ROM and USB drivers for Windows and Mac.

Product Description

Coupled to a 4.0-megapixel CCD is Canon's high-performance DIGIC processor to ensure enhanced color reproduction, fast continuous shooting and a long battery life. Every image is captured through a crisp 3x optical zoom lens combined with a digital zoom for 11x combined optical and digital zoom. This results in high-resolution prints of up to A3. An Intelligent Orientation Sensor recognizes how you're holding the camera when you take a shot, as well as more accurate metering this also rotates the image on the LCD screen so the picture is always the right way round.Flexizone AF/AE lets you move your auto focus point around when composing. Focus bracketing, especially useful in close-ups, takes three shots of a subject, changing focus between the three; ideal for macro shots. With a metallic body, the PowerShot S45 has a beautifully balanced, compact, ergonomic design. The camera's 12 shooting modes are organized into three Zones (Creative Image Zone, Programmed Image Control (PIC) Zone and Auto Image Zone). They allow more photographic control so that you can achieve just the result you're looking for. A dedicated range of accessories helps you make the most of every photographic opportunity. For instant prints you can simply connect to a Direct Print-compatible printer, select your image and print - no PC required. PowerShot S45 is compatible with the complete range of Canon card photo printers and Bubble Jet Direct printers.

Customer Reviews:

A Good first time digital camera.......2007-03-12

This has been a great 1st camera - easy to use but the biggest complaint is that no matter what setting you use - it is not good at removing red eye. The other feature it lacks is that you cannot print the date on the photo, that has to be done by a printer with that option. If you don't want to have to edit every photo and have the date stamped on it, this is not the camera for you. Otherwise, it takes nice clear shot and it's great to travel with as it has a good zoom. I have had it 3 years and no mechanical problems at all even though it has been dropped a couple times.

We tested the durability.......2005-03-29

We are a clutzy family and this camera has been dropped multiple times onto concrete or asphalt pavement. The camera is covered in dents and scratches. The shutter cover barely slides closed because it's so bent, but THE CAMERA STILL WORKS PERFECTLY. We've had it for about 2 years. Of course I wouldn't guarantee the same luck to others. Best wishes!

For snapshooters only!.......2004-07-27

I use this camera mainly to shoot small art objects, since I'm an art dealer.

On average the quality of photos you can take with this camera is pretty good considering the price. It has a good array of advanced options as well, like RAW format, that later you can convert to a 11MB TIFF file (on average, for 8 bits) or a 22MB TIFF (on average, for 16 bits). Tiff's are uncompressed files, and are the best option if you want to use Photoshop to manipulate your shots.

Very well built metallic case. I drop it from 4 feet twice and not even a dent occurred. Well done Canon!

The custom option in the shooting menu is also very welcome. You can store all your shooting parameter, like aperture, speed, colour balance, bracketing options, ISO and etc. Very handy!

In good light conditions the quality of photos is excellent for a 4 Mpixels camera. Both colour balance and sharpness are excellent. Better stick to ISO 50 or 100 or you will get above average noise though.

So far so good. But ...

Below average flash. If you use it outdoors as a fill in flash be prepared to get your main subject washed out and overexposed. If you use it indoors, on a birthday party for instance, the flash is not powerful enough even for small ambients. Be prepared to get underexposed photos with excess noise when you blow them up. But I have to be fair, if you take snapshots only, you would not notice it probably.

And now about the software that comes bundled with the camera. Remember that in digital photography the software to manipulate your shots is almost as important as the camera itself. And that's the point were the S45 fails to my requirements.

The File Viewer Utility does what it should do, but will present to you an interface that would be outdated when Windows 3.1 was the king. Zoom Browser has a better interface but is a jack of all trades and master of none sort of software, not integrated at all with the rest of the bunch. But I could live with both and still rate this camera well.

But then there is Remote Capture, which was one of the reasons I bought this camera. As I take pictures of small art objects, light control is top priority and the possibility of connecting the camera to a computer using this software and get a bigger image with all the control options of the camera was really appealing. Forget it! Remote Capture is a prehistoric, poorly designed, not properly tested and buggy piece of software. I do not understand how a company with the reputation like Canon supplies this sort of software with one of their products. I am sure it is only damaging the confidence the customers have in the brand.

Remote Capture is ridiculous. You can not save your shooting preferences, so every time you connect the camera you are back to the auto everything default. When you connect the camera, Remote Capture takes total control control, bypassing the camera controls, but without presenting the information that you usually get on the camera's LCD. There is no on-line information of speed, aperture, the focusing area marks, the auto-focus options, nothing! To know if a photo will come out in focus is a lottery. You can only trust in your visual perception from what you see on your monitor.

There are so many limitations that I would need too much space to describe. So I will only mention one more: Remote Capture freezes very easily (and I am using XP-Pro!), mainly if you use it in conjunction with a photo manipulation software, like Photoshop or PhotoImpact.

Final conclusion: This camera is adequate and a good value for money if you are a casual snapshooter. For this purpose I would rate it as 4 stars camera. But for semi-professional use I can only rate it 3 stars at the most.

Poor Quality.......2004-06-29

My S45 has broke twice in the 6 months I have had it. I am very disapionted. I've always bought Canon but will look somewhere else next time! Very poor quality.

Good camera - except for red eye.......2004-05-16

Happy with the features, functions, and performance of the camera in all except one area. The red eye reduction function is useless. I'm aware of the physical reasons behind red eye, and undertand it can never be completely eliminated. But most of the photos I've taken of friends and family are absolutely terrible when it comes to red eye. I had a compact Pentax zoom 35mm before this, and the red eye reduction with that camera was outstanding. Cannot undertand how many outstanding reviews I read about this camera with any mention of it's weakness in this area. If you ever plan on photographing someone's face, look for another camera.

Product Description

LTO Ultrium 1 cleaning tapes are equipped with a computer memory chip (just like the data tape). The chip stores various information and it has an embedded code that is recognized by the compatible drive's firmware. Once the cleaning cartridge is used to capacity (50 times in the case of a Type H cleaning tape), the drive will no longer accept the cleaning tape and will eject the tape, prohibiting further use. This is very different than other tape formats that will continue to cycle the over-used cleaning tape, regardless of the number of times it has been used.Fujifilm offers you this LTO Ultrium 1 cleaning cartridge for HP tape drives.

Product Description

The Maxtor OneTouch drive - simply smarter storage with push-button backup. Just press the button and your files are backed up in one simple step. With capacities up to 300GB, you have ample room to store your photos, music, videos, files and more in one convenient location. Use it to access your most important files faster and more easily. Available in a new anodized aluminum case.

Customer Reviews:

This drive will not last.......2006-02-19

I bought one of these and used it as extra storage for about 6 months before it died. Maxtor shipped me a replacement that has lasted about 3 months. Now it too has died. Don't trust your data to Maxtor. Their products are awful.

External Drives and Maxtor.......2006-02-10

This drive has been running nearly non stop since the day I bought it fall 2004. Only once has it ever acted up because of heat failing to dissipate quickly enough. This is a big problem with many external drives, and is not really an issue particularly associated with Maxtor or Onetouch drives. In general, as I experienced PC builder I would highly recommended installing another internal drive and check to make sure you case is well ventilated. If this is not possible an external drive is best connected through either a firewire port or a USB2.0 slot. Anything else would be quite slow. As far as reliability statistics for various hard drives I would recommend also researching your product at http://www.storagereview.com/

Just what i needed.......2005-01-07

I bought this HD a while ago and haven't got the chance to try it out till now.
I have so many stuffs in my PC that everytime I reinstall it, I lose some documents, photos, videos even mp3s; now that I opened it I'm moving all my stuffs from one of my 80GB HD to it, now I can't erase them accidentally.
This is great, I recomend it to everyone who had trouble backing up or losing stuffs in their HD.
Stop buying tons of CD-Rs to back up and then just throw them away (I used to do that too), GO OUT THERE AND GET ONE NOW, ASAP!!!
Maxtor is one of my favorite brands in computer hardware so I recomend it eyes shut.

Great backup system.......2005-01-01

I have been using Maxtor external HD for about 2 years. This is the second one which I bought recently because I loved the one I have been using at work. The setup was quick and easy. Once you setup Retrospect and schedule it to run, you can just forget about it. The first time it run it usually takes a long time depending on your HD space. After that, it will be quicker. I suggest you schedule it to run late at night or early morning when you are a sleep. That way you will never be interrupted.

Maxtor one touch.......2004-12-14

Drive was very easy to install, no problem at all. I thought it was the 2Mb cache version but it was delivered as an 8 Mb.

I have not quite learned to use the Retrospect software, which was one of the reasons I bought the unit. The instructions for Retrospect are minimal, on line instructions are 200+ pages, probably won't print it. For now I will use Acronis which I have. Unfortunately, that software will not let me use the one touch feature, but with this software, backup can be scheduled.

Average customer rating:
Midland 23-110 Dual Multifunction Meter

Manufacturer: Midland
ProductGroup: CE

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Product Features:

Allows you to monitor a variety of functions.

Reads power output in two ranges. (0- 10 and 0-100 watts).

Dual meters read forward and reverse power simultaneously to constantly monitor your antenna system.

Operates from 1.5 to 150 MHz.

SO 239 connectors.

ASIN: B0002D6K2C

Product Description

Panasonic constantly improves its popular PanaBlack televisions. The glass in Panasonic's signature PanaBlack picture tube is darker than conventional tubes to help combat the picture-degrading effects of ambient light. The company's high-end model, the CT-25G5, is equipped with A/V input jacks for connecting to outside sources and has Stereo/SAP reception with DBX noise reduction for a clear, crisp sound. A/V input jacks link your outside sources directly to audio and video circuits in the TV set, bypassing the tuner. This direct connection allows for optimum picture reproduction. Panasonic TVs really do sound as good as they look. The CT-25G5 is equipped with a built-in stereo decoder that can receive both TV stereo and Separate Audio Program (SAP) broadcasts where available. The DBX noise reduction system helps give you clear, crisp sound with appropriate stereo separation. Artificial intelligence sound control automatically adjusts the volume level to prevent wide variations in sound between different TV stations and types of programming. Other features include stereo headphone jack, Trilingual Menu System, Clock, Sleep and On/Off Timer, Auto Programmable Channel Scan, channel labeling and Game Guard system. The Easicon Remote Control is also included.

Average customer rating:
Madge Netwrks OC-3221 GO CARD TR PCMCIA ( 3221 3010 )

Manufacturer: Madge Networks, Inc.
ProductGroup: CE
Binding: Electronics

PCMCIA Network Cards | Notebook Adapters | Wired Networks | Networking & Online Communication | Computer Add-Ons | Computers & Add-Ons | Categories | Electronics
ASIN: B00006HPYL

Product Description

The Token-Ring GoCard from Madge combines market-leading parallel-tasking performance with Plug and Play ease of installation to provide a competitively priced, mobile, LAN connectivity tool. An industry-standard Type-II PC Card, the GoCard features groundbreaking PowerMACH driver technology that boosts productivity by providing superior throughput from the LAN to the computer's memory. For portable computers and desktop systems equipped with a PC Card slot, the Token-Ring GoCard is a versatile, easy-to-use tool that represents excellent value for money for the rapidly growing market of notebook users.

Average customer rating:
Lnm40-da 40ppm Lsr 32MB Ps Enet Duplex Std Ps 1500sht Input Nicp

Manufacturer: Genicom
ProductGroup: CE
Binding: Electronics

Monochrome | Laser | Printers | Office Electronics | Categories | Electronics
Office Electronics | Refurbished & Used | Special Features | Electronics Features | Electronics
Laser | Printers | Refurbished & Used | Special Features | Electronics Features | Electronics
Test Printer Node | Custom Stores | Specialty Stores | Electronics Features | Electronics
Accessories:

Belkin F2A046-10 IEEE 1284 A-B Parallel Printer Cable (10-FT)

Acoustic Research Spikemaster SM-BG8 8 Outlet Block, Standard Protection Surge Protector (White)

APC BE350U 350VA Back-ups Es

Office Depot(R) Extra Bright Multipurpose Paper, 8 1/2 x 11, 20 Lb., 104 Brightness

ASIN: B000067TWM

Product Description

The LNM40 laser printer delivers up to 40 pages per minute at true 1200 x 1200 dpi resolution. This is made possible by GENICOM's powerful new Intelliprint controller architecture coupled with a high-performance MIPS R5000 166 MHz RISC processor and GENICOM-developed custom ASIC. GENICOM has embedded True Adobe PostScript 3 into the Intelliprint controller architecture ... providing superior quality in text, graphics, and image representation. The standard LNM40 gives you sophisticated paper handling with two 500-sheet input trays and a 50-sheet bypass feeder, accommodating a variety of stocks and sizes - from postcard to 11 x 17 inch paper. Optional paper handling devices include a finisher/stapler, mailbox, duplexer, and high-capacity 2, 500-sheet input feeder that becomes a stand for the printer. This new printer is compatible with the most common networking protocols and server platforms, including Microsoft LAN manager, Novell NetWare, Telnet, IPX/SPX, NetBios, EtherTalk, TCP/IP, SNMP V3/4, and Printer MIB. Fast Ethernet 10/100BaseT is also standard on this printer.

Average customer rating:
Lancast SFP PLUGGABLE OPTICS-CWDM 80KM 1510 NM ( O411-80-51 )

Manufacturer: Lancast Inc.
ProductGroup: CE
Binding: Electronics

Networking Kits | Wireless | Networking & Online Communication | Computer Add-Ons | Computers & Add-Ons | Categories | Electronics
ASIN: B00020G750

Product Description

Metrobility Optical Systems is an innovative, next generation optical networking company focusing on delivering optical access and connectivity to create a more efficient, more reliable, and more manageable network infrastructure. Metrobility is first to harness the power of Ethernet and fiber optics to deliver superior carrier-class network connectivity solutions to bring WAN manageable capabilities - optical remote management, connectivity, and access - to the metropolitan area network.

Product Description

Package of 15 CD/DVD Cleaning Cloths

Customer Reviews:

Use On All Your Discs..........2004-05-22

We spend alot of money keeping ourselves entertained with little discs. CDs, DVDs, CD-ROM, PlayStation...so it makes sense that we want to keep all these discs working at top performance.The "Maxell CD Cleaning Cloths" are a safe(lint-free and non-abrasive), easy and econimcal way to keep them dirt and smudge free,insuring a better quality playback.One gentle wipe of your disc may help to eliminate mistracks or sound distortion.

The price is right for such a little item that does such a big job. I consider them essential. When offered by Amazon(I see they are only available from outside sellers at this time), they're a great buy as you can throw them in your cart whenever you need just that little extra to put you into the free shipping range.

And... Don't forget about the CD and DVD players themselves...cleaning the lenses occassionally also helps to improve perfomance. I use and recommend the Memorex CD/DVD Laser Lens Cleaner. It does a good job, is reusable,performs optimazation tests(that checks your system), and is a very reasonable price as well.

And don't forget... always clean your CDs in an outward motion starting from the center(never circular).

Go For It....Laurie

Product Description

High quality, yet affordable cables for guitar and musical instrument use. Designed to withstand the rigors of on road touring and everyday use. Heavy-duty 1/4" metal phone plugs are attached to a super flexible PVC-jacketed cable. Cable features a 20-gauge stranded center conductor and spiral wound copper shield. 1/4" male to 1/4" male. 3 year manufacturer's warranty.

Electronics:

Electronics

Electronics