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PowerShot SD940 IS

Your camera says a lot about you - and according to Canon's new PowerShot SD940 IS, you're into hot design and cool technology. Emerging from your jeans pocket or purse like a sleek little jewel, the PowerShot SD940 IS makes a statement before you even take a picture. And the new menu ensures easy access to all its advanced Canon technology, where 12.1 Megapixels, improved Smart AUTO Mode and 720p HD movies are just the beginning.
Average Customer Rating:
4.091 out of 5
4.1
 out of 
5
16 out of 22(73%)customers would recommend this product to a friend.
Customer Reviews for PowerShot SD940 IS
Review 1 for PowerShot SD940 IS
Overall Rating
4 out of 5
4 out of 5
Features
4 out of 5
4 out of 5
Performance
4 out of 5
4 out of 5
Price/Value
4 out of 5
4 out of 5
Quality
4 out of 5
4 out of 5
Satisfaction
4 out of 5
4 out of 5
Nickname: Kim S.
Used this product for: 1 to 3 months
Expertise Level: Hobbyist/Enthusiast
Product replacement: Yes
Great little camera
Date: March 7, 2010
Pros: Good Low-Light Performance, Nice features/settings, excellent image quality, durable, Bright LCD, Lightweight/Portable, Simple controls/menu, easy to use
Cons: Short battery life
My first digital camera was a Canon SD600 and I wanted to upgrde to a higer megapixel version. After some online research, I found this model and am so glad I bought it! Great shots, indoor and out, as well as the bonus of HD video. The only con is the video drains the battery quickly so I found the need to buy an extra to keep just in case. It's not that big of a deal to me, but it may be to some. Other than that, it's quite impressive for such a compact, lightweight camera. LOVE IT!
Review 2 for PowerShot SD940 IS
Overall Rating
2 out of 5
2 out of 5
Features
4 out of 5
4 out of 5
Performance
4 out of 5
4 out of 5
Price/Value
3 out of 5
3 out of 5
Quality
1 out of 5
1 out of 5
Satisfaction
1 out of 5
1 out of 5
Nickname: rumble
Used this product for: 3 to 6 months
Expertise Level: Hobbyist/Enthusiast
I hope Canon is reading this
Date: March 5, 2010
Pros: Nice features/settings
Cons: Poor Low-Light Performance
This is my 3rd Canon SD camera. The previous 2 cameras had their deficiencies but not staying out of focus.
With everything in factory setting mode, I take a picture in-doors at an object 2 feet away. I zoom in and take another picture. I then zoom out to the original setting and it's blurry. It does not focus even when I press the shutter button half way. It can only be fixed when I turn the power off and on.
I will be sending it in to have it fixed since it's still under warranty. I suspect it's a firmware issue that Canon needs to address. Otherwise, do not buy this product.
5 of 5 people found this review helpful.
Review 3 for PowerShot SD940 IS
Overall Rating
4 out of 5
4 out of 5
Features
4 out of 5
4 out of 5
Performance
5 out of 5
5 out of 5
Price/Value
4 out of 5
4 out of 5
Quality
5 out of 5
5 out of 5
Satisfaction
5 out of 5
5 out of 5
Nickname: KinderBenzer
Location: Chicago suburbs
Used this product for: 3 to 6 months
Expertise Level: Casual User
Product replacement: Yes
Sweet little camera
Date: March 4, 2010
Pros: good battery life, Good Low-Light Performance, excellent image quality, durable, Lightweight/Portable, Simple controls/menu, easy to use
Cons: memory stick not included
A very compact and sturdy 12.1 meg camera that is easy to use, gives large and clear photographs. Image stabilization is almost a necessity given the cameras small size, and works well. Don't depend on it to fix heavy shaking, but for the normal user, is good to have. Photographs turn out very well, better than my first or second units from other makers. Canon delivers a good LCD screen that is actually usable in the daytime outdoors. I'm very happy with this camera and would recommend it without reservation.
Review 4 for PowerShot SD940 IS
Overall Rating
5 out of 5
5 out of 5
Features
5 out of 5
5 out of 5
Performance
5 out of 5
5 out of 5
Price/Value
5 out of 5
5 out of 5
Quality
5 out of 5
5 out of 5
Satisfaction
5 out of 5
5 out of 5
Nickname: Cheeks
Location: Chicago, IL
Used this product for: 3 to 6 months
Expertise Level: Hobbyist/Enthusiast
Product replacement: Yes
I LOVE MY CANON!
Date: March 4, 2010
Pros: Nice features/settings, excellent image quality, Bright LCD, Lightweight/Portable, Simple controls/menu, easy to use
Cons: bigger screen
I purchased the SD940IS to replace an old canon camera i had but a family member lost it! (Never let anyone borrow your canon!) I didn't think it would live up to my old precious camera, but it's even better. It has HD video which is great. When i upload my pictures onto my computer, the images are so bright and clear! Its easy to use, its slim and light weight! All my friends love my camera! Their always amazed at how the camera recognizes all the faces that are in the shot! I recommened Canon to anyone who is willing to spend a little extra money on such a great camera!
Review 5 for PowerShot SD940 IS
Overall Rating
2 out of 5
2 out of 5
Features
3 out of 5
3 out of 5
Performance
2 out of 5
2 out of 5
Price/Value
2 out of 5
2 out of 5
Quality
4 out of 5
4 out of 5
Satisfaction
2 out of 5
2 out of 5
Nickname: Fargo
Location: Midwest
Used this product for: 1 to 3 months
Expertise Level: Advanced Amateur
Product replacement: Yes
Disappointing Image Quality
Date: February 26, 2010
Pros: Lightweight/Portable
Cons: Poor image quality, Poor Low-Light Performance
I am a loyal Canon customer for several decades and have owned several point & shoot Canon digital cameras in recent years, most recently the SD870. I purchased the SD940 to replace the SD870 after three years, expecting another outstanding Canon in a smaller package. The F2.8 lens and 28mm wide angle are the same as the SD870, but the image quality is decidedly inferior. At first, I thought that the indoor testing I had done might be the cause for soft images, but I took a number of full-sun outdoor landscape photos that were blurry as well. I don't know why a camera with these specs and cost with the Canon name would have poorer image quality than a three-year old camera with fewer megapixels. I wanted to love this camera, but I can't accept downgraded image quality and am looking for something else.
3 of 3 people found this review helpful.
Review 6 for PowerShot SD940 IS
Overall Rating
3 out of 5
3 out of 5
Features
3 out of 5
3 out of 5
Performance
2 out of 5
2 out of 5
Price/Value
4 out of 5
4 out of 5
Quality
4 out of 5
4 out of 5
Satisfaction
2 out of 5
2 out of 5
Nickname: Anonymous
Good camera...In good lighting
Date: February 20, 2010
Pros: good battery life, Nice features/settings, Bright LCD, Lightweight/Portable, Simple controls/menu, easy to use
Cons: Poor Low-Light Performance
This camera takes great pictures, but only when there is good lighting. Otherwise, the pictures are blurry and have bad coloring. When in good light though, the pictures look amazing. Win/lose situation. you should think about where you will be taking the majority of the pictures and if that will be in good lighting, i say go for it. Otherwise, i would keep looking. Also, the camera doesnt give you many manual options, but if you are looking for something with EVERYTHING preset beside the real basics, this would be good.
Review 7 for PowerShot SD940 IS
Overall Rating
3 out of 5
3 out of 5
Features
4 out of 5
4 out of 5
Performance
3 out of 5
3 out of 5
Price/Value
3 out of 5
3 out of 5
Quality
3 out of 5
3 out of 5
Satisfaction
3 out of 5
3 out of 5
Nickname: swan
Location: New York, NY
Used this product for: 1 to 3 months
Expertise Level: Hobbyist/Enthusiast
Product replacement: Yes
Average
Date: February 14, 2010
Pros: good battery life, Bright LCD, Simple controls/menu, easy to use
Cons: Poor image quality, Poor Low-Light Performance
I bought the SD940IS because I thought it was time to replace my old 5-megapixel SD400 with only a 2" LCD screen (which I loved and was really happy with and therefore decided to buy another Canon). Since this is a 12-megapixel camera, I expected to see a big improvement in the photo quality with nice clear, crisp pictures. However, I was disspointed that the quality was not that different from my old SD400. In fact I felt that the 'smart AUTO mode' is more difficult to use and I had a really hard time focusing my shots especially at parties and weddings where lights are dim and people are in motion. I already read the users manual on focusing my shots, I would repeatly try pressing the shutter half-way down to refocus but it takes a while. The 'smart auto' doesn't always get it right and would think I'm taking a digital macro shot many times when I am not- so basically I would get a blur until I try to re-focus again and again.
I have had this camera for about 2 months now and already the camera lens got stuck once. I had to keep turning it on and off and finally the lens retracted back to normal, though it only happened once luckily.
Overall the camera is ok. The desgin looks great, but the buttons are flat. It works and it takes nice pictures in general but I guess I keep comparing to a 5-megapixel so I just expected more.
4 of 5 people found this review helpful.
Review 8 for PowerShot SD940 IS
Overall Rating
5 out of 5
5 out of 5
Features
5 out of 5
5 out of 5
Performance
5 out of 5
5 out of 5
Price/Value
5 out of 5
5 out of 5
Quality
5 out of 5
5 out of 5
Satisfaction
5 out of 5
5 out of 5
Nickname: LE Studios
Location: Houston, TX
Used this product for: 1 to 3 months
Expertise Level: Professional or Expert
Product replacement: No
Camera is worth it preferred over SD980 IS
Date: January 24, 2010
Pros: good battery life, Good Low-Light Performance, Nice features/settings, excellent image quality, durable, Bright LCD, Lightweight/Portable, Simple controls/menu, easy to use
I had this camera since November. It is definitely proved to be a solid investment. First I was really shocked of the low light of picture quality where most camera I used in the past couldn't do this right. Second, was the excellent picture quality of the 720p HD @ 30 FPS. This feature was one of the main reason reason why I chose this camera. It hasn't disappoint me at all. Third, was fast startup meaning from the time you push the power button it takes ONLY 2 seconds! Fourth was the battery life when shooting 12MP photos and 720p HD Videos, this battery can do a lot on a single charge before you get to low battery. Basically if you do a graduation or party recording HD Videos and shooting 12MP Photos you can go all night and maybe the whole weekend before you need to recharge. I was overall impressed, I'm looking forward to buying Canon DSLR later this year. Also I print the photos with the MX860 that was even more impressive on the photos prints from this camera.
10 of 10 people found this review helpful.
Review 9 for PowerShot SD940 IS
Overall Rating
4 out of 5
4 out of 5
Features
4 out of 5
4 out of 5
Performance
3 out of 5
3 out of 5
Price/Value
3 out of 5
3 out of 5
Quality
4 out of 5
4 out of 5
Satisfaction
3 out of 5
3 out of 5
Nickname: Tom
Location: Oregon City, Oregon
Used this product for: Less than 1 month
Expertise Level: Hobbyist/Enthusiast
Product replacement: Yes
Good camera even with a disagreeable feature.
Date: January 20, 2010
Pros: Good Low-Light Performance, excellent image quality, durable, Bright LCD, Lightweight/Portable
Cons: Complicated controls/menu
I just bought this camera, the first thing I notice was the screen is awesome and it takes noticeably longer for the camera to get ready to take the next picture.
All my other cameras had the zoom control on the back of the camera where my thumb rest; I have to relearn how to hold this camera because the zoom control is on the front of the camera, yeah it looks like it’s on top, but to operate the zoom I have to hook my finger up and over the top of the camera. It is difficult to use finesse while trying to control the zoom. I tend to have jerky zoom. I find the zoom controls disagreeable.
Don’t use the lanyard that comes with this camera, it has a big bulky plastic piece that mars the paint on the camera when it rest in its case. I now have a new camera that looks like I’ve owned it awhile. Use your old lanyard.
The mode selector switch gets easily knock down to Program of Movie mode while in the camera case or while I'm pulling the camera out of the case.
This camera has two “on” buttons, the low profile “on” button that turns it on, and the “Preview” button that turns on just the picture preview.
For a point and shoot, I don’t need a lot of zoom; the 4x is a noticeable change from my old 3x. Maybe I should have upgraded sooner.
The menu is a little complex for me, but all I’m looking for is a point and shoot with a few features that let me control the exposure, like sunset or night shots. It does take great pictures and it’s compact. Even with the annoying zoom and slow reset, I like this camera. I like it enough I will give it to my wife while I continue to shop for one that suits my needs.
2 of 3 people found this review helpful.
Review 10 for PowerShot SD940 IS
Overall Rating
5 out of 5
5 out of 5
Features
4 out of 5
4 out of 5
Performance
4 out of 5
4 out of 5
Price/Value
4 out of 5
4 out of 5
Quality
5 out of 5
5 out of 5
Satisfaction
4 out of 5
4 out of 5
Nickname: Shutterbug
Location: Colorado
Used this product for: Less than 1 month
Expertise Level: Advanced Amateur
Product replacement: No
So far I love it
Date: January 17, 2010
Pros: Bright LCD, Lightweight/Portable, Simple controls/menu, easy to use
Cons: Missing features/settings, needs better instruction book
I just got this camera and so far I really like it. The size is perfect to fit in a pocket or purse. I find the menu easy to use and is laid out in a logical way. My husband really wanted zoom in movie mode & we were quite surprised and happy to find this camera will zoom in movie mode. I was surprised to find there is not a landscape mode, which is a mode I use often with my other digital camera. I wish it had a better instruction book, I can't seem to figure out how to use the color swap setting.
I look forward to using it! Love the brown color.
Review 11 for PowerShot SD940 IS
Overall Rating
3 out of 5
3 out of 5
Features
3 out of 5
3 out of 5
Performance
3 out of 5
3 out of 5
Price/Value
1 out of 5
1 out of 5
Quality
3 out of 5
3 out of 5
Satisfaction
2 out of 5
2 out of 5
Nickname: Leo
Not so good
Date: January 13, 2010
Pros: Lightweight/Portable
Cons: Poor image quality, Difficult to use, Short battery life
Images to yellow an the buttons very little an hard to operate the camera.
1 of 23 people found this review helpful.
Review 12 for PowerShot SD940 IS
Overall Rating
4 out of 5
4 out of 5
Features
4 out of 5
4 out of 5
Performance
4 out of 5
4 out of 5
Price/Value
5 out of 5
5 out of 5
Quality
4 out of 5
4 out of 5
Satisfaction
4 out of 5
4 out of 5
Nickname: rumble
Used this product for: Less than 1 month
Expertise Level: Casual User
Product replacement: Yes
Did not exceed my expectation
Date: January 2, 2010
Pros: Lightweight/Portable
Cons: Poor Low-Light Performance
Did a comparison with my old SD550 and found SD940 color quality to be more yellowish at low light condition. SD550 produced more natural pinkish facial tone while SD940 produced more yellowish tone which makes the person appear sick. Quite disappointed. Thought I could replace my old camera but I will most likely keep it for a while as a result of the comparison. The image quality on SD940 is definitely sharper due to IS.
3 of 3 people found this review helpful.
Review 13 for PowerShot SD940 IS
Overall Rating
4 out of 5
4 out of 5
Features
5 out of 5
5 out of 5
Performance
4 out of 5
4 out of 5
Price/Value
4 out of 5
4 out of 5
Quality
4 out of 5
4 out of 5
Satisfaction
4 out of 5
4 out of 5
Nickname: Lola
Location: Kansas City
Used this product for: Less than 1 month
Expertise Level: Casual User
Product replacement: Yes
Great camera with one flaw...
Date: December 27, 2009
Pros: Nice features/settings, Bright LCD, Lightweight/Portable, easy to use
Cons: white "floaters" in some pictures
I purchased this camera a week ago. So far I MOSTLY love it! It takes great, clear pictures, has many features and it's small. Color (brown) is lovely. The one thing I'm not sure about is I've noticed when I take pictures sometimes I get "floaters" or little white spots in the pictures. I'm starting to think it has to do with the lighting. It's annoying and I'm not sure what to do to get rid of it. Not all pictures have this. I'm working on figuring out what I'm doing wrong or what's wrong with the camera. Another MINOR "flaw" is the zoom is more of a dial to the left/right instead of a button you push left or right (which is what I was used to on my previous cameras). Takes some getting used to, but still, I would reccomend this camera. After I figure out the floater issue, this camera will get 5 stars!
6 of 6 people found this review helpful.
Review 14 for PowerShot SD940 IS
Overall Rating
4 out of 5
4 out of 5
Features
3 out of 5
3 out of 5
Performance
4 out of 5
4 out of 5
Price/Value
2 out of 5
2 out of 5
Quality
4 out of 5
4 out of 5
Satisfaction
4 out of 5
4 out of 5
Nickname: Landon
Very Small and Strong
Date: December 11, 2009
Pros: excellent image quality, Bright LCD, Lightweight/Portable, Simple controls/menu, easy to use
Cons: Missing features/settings
I was very pleased with the camera but the screen is ez to scratch and I dropped it in water (that is what happened to may last camera but it did not turn on again) and now the lens has a spot on it but the camera still works. I really like how small it is and that it feels very strong. I wish it had a few more pro features like shutter speed and aperture. A great all around camera!
11 of 28 people found this review helpful.
Review 15 for PowerShot SD940 IS
Overall Rating
5 out of 5
5 out of 5
Features
5 out of 5
5 out of 5
Performance
5 out of 5
5 out of 5
Price/Value
5 out of 5
5 out of 5
Quality
5 out of 5
5 out of 5
Satisfaction
5 out of 5
5 out of 5
Nickname: JC
Location: New York, NY & San Francisco, CA
Used this product for: 1 to 3 months
Expertise Level: Hobbyist/Enthusiast
Product replacement: Yes
Excellent Camera!
Date: December 6, 2009
Pros: good battery life, Good Low-Light Performance, Nice features/settings, excellent image quality, durable, Bright LCD, Lightweight/Portable, Simple controls/menu, easy to use
This camera has almost everything that you need - from different shades of colors to long distance zooming, even picture stitch assist. The picture quality and the video is beyond my expectations. The pictures come out extremely clear, even at 16x zoom!
The best part of my experience with this camera is what you snap at night without the flash is what you actually see, not like the other cameras where its either really bright in one spot with the flash or really dark without the flash (of course some light is required in order for a picture to be taken).
35 of 37 people found this review helpful.
Review 16 for PowerShot SD940 IS
Overall Rating
5 out of 5
5 out of 5
Features
4 out of 5
4 out of 5
Performance
4 out of 5
4 out of 5
Price/Value
4 out of 5
4 out of 5
Quality
5 out of 5
5 out of 5
Satisfaction
5 out of 5
5 out of 5
Nickname: CliffordS
Location: NYC
Used this product for: Less than 1 month
Expertise Level: Professional or Expert
Product replacement: No
Exactly what I was looking for!
Date: November 2, 2009
Pros: easy to use, Nice features/settings, excellent image quality, Lightweight/Portable, good battery life
As a pro photographer I was looking for a pocket camera. except when i'm working, carrying my DSLR, lenses and equipment is something I don't do. Yet, I feel the need for one. I chose the DS940 because, for me, the quality and size fits my needs. The size is perfect; fits in my cell phone case. The sd940 is sharp and the image quality is better than I expected from such a small camera. Although the auto setting works excellently, I enjoy shooting in the "P" mode because it offers additional controls. I am not an equipment junkie I think this camera will be with me for a long, long time.
119 of 122 people found this review helpful.
Review 17 for PowerShot SD940 IS
Overall Rating
5 out of 5
5 out of 5
Features
5 out of 5
5 out of 5
Performance
5 out of 5
5 out of 5
Price/Value
4 out of 5
4 out of 5
Quality
5 out of 5
5 out of 5
Satisfaction
5 out of 5
5 out of 5
Nickname: Traveler
Location: Syracuse, NY
Used this product for: Less than 1 month
Expertise Level: Casual User
Product replacement: Yes
Meets All Expectations
Date: October 28, 2009
Pros: easy to use, Simple controls/menu, Nice features/settings, Bright LCD, excellent image quality, Lightweight/Portable, good battery life, durable, ultra compact
Cons: no detailed paper instruction booklet.
An amateur, this replaces my SD450 which I have used since 12/5 with no problems. I wanted an upgrade in terms of technology, especially image stabilization, 4x zoom and more megapixels as I make DVD's which I show on our HDTV. The camera set-up is quite similar to the 450 so it was easy to adjust to the 940. I have had the 940 for two weeks now and am very pleased! I do not miss the viewfinder as I found that with the 450, which has a viewfinder, the image is not a "full version" of what you will get in a photo. I wear glasses and maybe that is a factor?
I like the option of taking pictures in 35mm or letterbox format.
Note that the camera comes with a 4"x6" "Get Started" booklet of 31 pages. To access more info you will be supplied with a CD for the complete guide which is 158 pages. A tedious job, I printed the remaining info. I like to have the info on hand. Unfortunately, in my opinion, it looks as if the CD replacement for the booklet is common practice.
I added a lanyard to the small handstrap and keep it around my neck when the camera is in use. An impact such as dropping may destroy a digital camera.
43 of 45 people found this review helpful.
Review 18 for PowerShot SD940 IS
Overall Rating
5 out of 5
5 out of 5
Features
5 out of 5
5 out of 5
Performance
5 out of 5
5 out of 5
Price/Value
4 out of 5
4 out of 5
Quality
5 out of 5
5 out of 5
Satisfaction
5 out of 5
5 out of 5
Nickname: JH
Location: NJ
Used this product for: Less than 1 month
Expertise Level: Casual User
Product replacement: Yes
Best Canon I've owned so far
Date: October 26, 2009
Pros: easy to use, Simple controls/menu, Nice features/settings, Bright LCD, excellent image quality, Lightweight/Portable
Cons: Poor Low-Light Performance
I love canon cameras and the last one I had lasted over 3 years and it still in great condition but I wanted a new one. The one I had was only a 5mp and phones have better cameras, It was time for an upgrade and this one is great. The controls are awesome and the menu lets you know what each setting will do. You do not have to look at a setting then look it up in the manual. The only down side is it is tough to find the setting for indoor use that always looks good. But I am still getting used to the functions.
10 of 10 people found this review helpful.
Review 19 for PowerShot SD940 IS
Overall Rating
5 out of 5
5 out of 5
Features
4 out of 5
4 out of 5
Performance
5 out of 5
5 out of 5
Price/Value
4 out of 5
4 out of 5
Quality
5 out of 5
5 out of 5
Satisfaction
4 out of 5
4 out of 5
Nickname: Anonymous
Amazing
Date: October 13, 2009
Pros: Nice features/settings, Bright LCD, excellent image quality, Lightweight/Portable, good battery life, durable
Cons: Difficult to use, Missing features/settings
Amazing. Though the camera is pinch heavy, that's totally fine when it comes to how thin it is. Amazing image quality, quick start up, and beautiful camera design. Really wish it had the color accent/color swap, but I can live without it when it comes to the image quality. Doesn't take my usual san disk pro duo, so that's a little frustrating. Controls and menu can be a little confusing at times, but after awhile of using it, not bad. Other than a few things, this is an amazing camera!
10 of 20 people found this review helpful.
Review 20 for PowerShot SD940 IS
Overall Rating
3 out of 5
3 out of 5
Features
2 out of 5
2 out of 5
Performance
2 out of 5
2 out of 5
Price/Value
2 out of 5
2 out of 5
Quality
4 out of 5
4 out of 5
Satisfaction
2 out of 5
2 out of 5
Nickname: Bill from Watertown
Location: Watertown MA
Used this product for: Less than 1 month
Expertise Level: Casual User
Product replacement: Yes
Beware this camera! .MOV file madness
Date: September 20, 2009
Cons: Difficult to use, Complicated controls/menu, Missing features/settings
Beware Beware!
This camera records and can import movies only in .MOV format. I have been struggling with media converters, codec downloads and the avalanche of Canon software loaded to my computer for weeks. Yet the .mov movies still play badly. Even on a MAC!
Expect to spend hours with this problem - even if it's to send everything thru as converter.
I only hope someone will tell me what I am missing, or doing wrong - and how they have solved or avoided this problem...
53 of 149 people found this review helpful.
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