Canon PowerShot S40 - User Manual

Questions and Answers

C
Christopher SteinJul 26, 2025
What to do if my Canon PowerShot S40 Digital Camera will not record?
- D
  Daniel RangelJul 26, 2025
  If your Canon Digital Camera won't record, first ensure that it is in Shooting mode and not in replaying or computer/printer mode. Also, if the orange indicator is flashing, it means the flash is charging; wait until it stops flashing. Check if the CF card is full, and if so, insert a new one or download the images to a computer and erase them from the CF card. Finally, the CF card may not be formatted correctly, so try formatting it. If reformatting doesn't work, the CF card logic circuits may be damaged and you should contact Canon Customer Support.
B
Barbara CastilloJul 31, 2025
Why is my Canon PowerShot S40 Digital Camera image blurred or out of focus?
- J
  Jason WelchJul 31, 2025
  If images from your Canon Digital Camera are blurred or out of focus, make sure you're holding the camera steady, especially when pressing the shutter button. If the camera shake warning appears, use a tripod. Also, ensure that nothing is blocking the AF auxiliary light emitter. Finally, check that your subject is within the focal range: keep at least 80 cm (2.7 ft.) between the camera lens and the subject, or use the macro mode for close-ups between 10 and 80 cm (3.9 in. and 2.7 ft.) at maximum wide angle and 30 and 80 cm (12 in. and 2.7 ft.) at maximum telephoto.
H
hunter10Aug 4, 2025
Why is my Canon PowerShot S40 Digital Camera battery pack not charging?
- R
  Robin MontgomeryAug 4, 2025
  If the battery pack for your Canon Digital Camera will not charge, it may be due to the battery life being exceeded, in which case you should replace it with a new one. Also, check for poor contact between the battery charger and battery; clean the battery terminals with a clean dry cloth and ensure the charger plug is firmly inserted into the electrical outlet.
M
Michelle AguilarAug 8, 2025
How to fix a Canon Digital Camera that will not operate?
- K
  Karen MccoyAug 8, 2025
  If your Canon Digital Camera will not operate, first ensure that the power is turned on. Check that the CF card slot/battery cover is securely closed. Make sure the battery has sufficient voltage by fully charging it or using a household power source. If problems persist, try wiping the terminals with a clean, dry cloth, as poor contact between the camera and battery terminals can prevent operation.
I
imorenoAug 12, 2025
Why is the subject in my Canon PowerShot S40 image too dark?
- T
  Troy Novak IIAug 12, 2025
  If the subject in your recorded image from Canon Digital Camera appears too dark, it might be due to insufficient light. Try setting the flash to on. If the subject is dark compared to the background, adjust the exposure compensation to a positive (+) setting. Alternatively, use the AE lock or spot metering function.
N
Nathan MackAug 16, 2025
What to do if the lens will not retract on my Canon PowerShot S40 Digital Camera?
- F
  fitzgeraldjenniferAug 16, 2025
  If the lens on your Canon Digital Camera won't retract, first check if the CF card slot/battery cover was opened with the camera on; if so, close the cover and turn off the camera. If the cover was opened while the camera was recording, close the CF card slot/battery cover, then close the lens cover. Note that the lens will not retract in replaying mode; close the lens cover to retract it.
J
Justin GarzaAug 20, 2025
Why does the battery pack drain so quickly on my Canon Digital Camera?
- M
  Mrs. Sarah Wilson DVMAug 21, 2025
  If the battery pack in your Canon Digital Camera is being consumed quickly, it may be that the battery pack capacity has reduced because of disuse for one year or more after being fully charged, or the battery life has exceeded. In either case, replace the battery pack with a new one.

Summary

Flowchart and Reference Guides

Shooting with the Camera

Guide to basic camera operations and shooting techniques.

Precaution

Charging the Date;Time Battery

Read this First

Quick Start

Basic steps to get the camera operational quickly.

Components Guide

Overview of the camera's physical parts and controls.

Preparing the Camera

Essential steps for setting up the camera before use.

Basic Functions

Fundamental operations for using the camera.

Shooting - Selecting Particular Effects

Changing the Resolution and Compression

Adjusting image resolution and compression levels.

Manually Setting the Shutter Speed and Aperture

Manually adjusting shutter speed and aperture for creative control.

Adjusting the Exposure Compensation

Setting the White Balance

Replaying

Viewing Images Singly (Single Image Replay)

Erasing

Erasing Images Singly

Formatting a CF Card

Print Settings (DPOF Print Settings)

Printing with a Direct Print Compatible Printer (Optional)

Appendices

Troubleshooting

Solutions for common camera problems and errors.

Canon PowerShot S40 Specifications

General

Camera Type	Compact
Effective Megapixels	4.0 MP
Max Resolution	2272 x 1704
Image Ratio	4:3
Sensor Size	1/1.8"
Sensor Type	CCD
ISO	50, 100, 200, 400
Focal Length (equiv.)	35-105mm
Optical Zoom	3x
Maximum Aperture	f/2.8-4.9
Screen Dots	118, 000
Max Shutter Speed	1/2000 sec
Min Shutter Speed	15 sec
Max Video Resolution	320 x 240
Weight (inc. batteries)	300 g
Continuous Shooting	2.5 fps
Interface	USB
Screen Size	1.8 inch
Battery Type	NB-2L Lithium-Ion
Lens	3x zoom lens
LCD Monitor	TFT
Exposure Compensation	±2 EV in 1/3 EV steps
White Balance	Auto, Daylight, Cloudy, Tungsten, Fluorescent
Flash Modes	Auto, On, Off, Red-eye
Shooting Modes	Auto, Program AE
Movie Mode	Yes
Storage Media	CompactFlash
File Formats	JPEG, AVI
Power Source	NB-2L Lithium-Ion battery, AC adapter (optional)