There's no HDMI jack for hooking up to an HDTV, though. "If you're looking for the latest whizz-bang features that compact cameras have to offer, the A4000 IS is probably not for you," says Donegan at DigitalCameraInfo.com.

8x zoom; Good photo; video quality; Very compact; Metal body; not plastic

Laggy shot-to-shot delays; Can't use optical zoom while shooting video

My Canon PowerShot A4000 IS review shows a beginner-level camera that has some high-end specifications, along with some tough-to-use features.

If you think it's about time you finally moved into the digital camera market but you don't want to drop your whole salary on the purchase then the Canon PowerShot A4000 IS is a top notch replacement for your old film camera or upgrade from your mobile phone.

In February this year, Canon launched a range of compact cameras catering to the needs of different audiences. One of the cameras that had been launched was from their A series of compact point and shoot cameras, called the PowerShot A4000 IS.

The Canon PowerShot A4000 IS is an entry-level model with an 8x optical zoom lens in a body slim enough to fit into a pocket.

Canon's PowerShot A4000 IS crams an 8x optical zoom and image stabilisation into its small body. But can this budget point-and-shoot compact deliver where it counts? The PowerShot A4000 is a fairly no frills compact. It's aimed squarely at those who want the camera to take control.

Close-up macro; budget price point; centre focus works well; includes AF-point zoom in to confirm focus

Misfocusing in auto mode; face detection can go haywire; slow focus and shot-to-shot times; competition offer more extensive features

The Canon Powershot A4000 IS is a compact camera with an 8x optical zoom lens and a slim metal body available in a number of colours.

8x optical zoom lens; Compact metal body; Excellent macro mode; Excellent colour

Optical zoom not available on videos; Lacks panoramic mode; Low resolution screen

The Canon PowerShot A4000 IS replaces the A3300 as the new top-of-the-range model in the affordable PowerShot range of digital cameras. Featuring a 16 megapixel image sensor, new 8x optical zoom lens complete with image stabilizer and a 3 inch LCD screen, the A4000 IS sports a slim and lightweight...

Camera manufacturers have started to come to their senses and called a truce on the megapixel race – something that has been fairly disastrously for compact cameras' image quality. However, a new battlefront is being drawn over zoom ranges.

Well packaged and despatched very quickly.