Canons 4-megapixel Digital Ixus 40 has a compact stainless steel body that is less than 20mm thick and a retracting 3x zoom lens. This UA lens includes an ultra-high refractive index glass moulded aspherical lens element that reduces overall length and minimises optical aberrations. The mode dial is replaced by a slider that switches from playback, to movie, to still capture, and is much less likely to be dislodged. The Ixus 40 boasts the latest DiG!C II imaging processor, which wakes the camera in less than a second, allows it to focus quickly and supports some improved shooting facilities. The default movie setting is 640 x 480 pixels at 30fps and theres a new QVGA mode that records at 60fps.

Test shots were sharp and colour accurate and the white balance control was an above-average performer. The flash performed well for close subjects but required ISO 400 to light up an average room. Low light shots at ISO 100 were clean and noise-free but noise was evident at ISO 400. Capture lag averaged 0.6 seconds, reducing to 0.2 seconds with pre-focusing. Movie quality was excellent overall.