Design & Features

The new SD940 IS is available in four colors, including black, silver, blue and bronze.  Unlike the model it is replacing (SD780), it is not available in some of the rather absurd colors like red or gold.  Black is obviously the most appealing and the model that will be review here.

SD780 vs. SD940

Before I show you its impressive design, I would like to briefly cover the differences between the model it is replacing.  While the SD780 is an impressive camera, the SD940 is a worthy upgrade on many levels.  First off, the SD940 eliminates the optical viewfinder altogether for a larger, quality LCD screen.  I'll take this over a viewfinder any day on a point & shoot camera.  Second, the SD940 manages to sport a 4x optical lens as opposed to the standard 3x lens found in practically all other ELPH models Canon has released.  Third, the menu/interface has been revamped and is quite different than the one found on the SD780.  After some research, and coming from one who has had the opportunity to play with the SD780, it is much improved and preferred.  Finally, there are many other improvements, some in the area of its HD capture capabilities.  For example, unlike the SD780, this new little beast has no problem zooming while capturing 720p video.

The Canon ELPH Series has always been the most aesthetically pleasing on the market and there honestly is no competition.  Like their SD780, this new model certainly is no exception and you really have to see one up close to appreciate how much technology is packed into such a compact body.  The camera is made entirely of extremely lightweight aluminum and anodized in black, like the specific model featured here.  You'll find the tiny flash on the front, as well as its TTL autofocus lens with an impressive 4x optical zoom.  Unlike their SD780, Canon cleverly chose to get rid of the optical viewfinder altogether and pack an impressive 2.7" Purecolor II TFT display on this little beast.  After owning several ELPH series cameras over the years, I will say it is, by far, the best model in this product line.  Next to its display are all the camera controls and just above them is a cover that will not only reveal the USB interface port, but a mini HDMI port that I will elaborate on later in this review.

On the top you'll find the power button and the zoom control/shutter button.  Note that this camera is so small that all control buttons are super tiny and may be a problem for those with big hands.  On the bottom you'll find the battery/memory card compartment and a standard tripod mount.

Yeah...It's REALLY Small

It is really hard to depict in pictures just how small this camera really is and you will only appreciate its impressive design when you see it in person.  However, I took a few shots next to the older Powershot SD750 and the excellent Powershot SX1 IS for a decent comparison.

Next:  Performance