Canon PowerShot A40 (2002–2003)
At 350 grams with a 3x zoom, this chunky little CCD camera showed up when digital photos still felt like magic.
Overview
The Canon PowerShot A40 is a boxy, utilitarian slab of early-2000s digital design. It was built for people who wanted a real camera without the DSLR bulk or price tag. Canon released it in 2002 as part of its push into accessible digital photography. It targeted users stepping away from film point-and-shoots who weren't ready to wrestle with manual settings. At its core is a 1/2.7" CCD sensor with approximately 1.9 to 2.1 million pixels, marketed as a 2-megapixel camera. That was standard for entry-level models at the time. A Dutchthrift review characterizes the images as nostalgic and lo-fi, and good for creative photography.
It runs on AA batteries. That meant no proprietary chargers and no dead trips because of a drained lithium pack. Storage is CompactFlash, which was sturdy and widely supported, though CF cards are harder to source today than SD. The 3x optical zoom lens covers a useful range, though the exact 35mm equivalent isn't documented. The whole package weighs 350 grams. That's substantial for a compact, but the heft gives it a solid feel in the hand. Some sources cite 250g, but the higher figure from DPReview and Imaginated is more consistently reported across technical listings.
Users have noted quirks. One common frustration, reported on JustAnswer, is that the flash can't be disabled. It defaults to on in many shooting modes, which limits creative control. Owners have also confirmed units working after more than a decade of dormancy, when stored properly.
Specifications
| Manufacturer | Canon |
| Model | PowerShot A40 |
| Type | Digital camera |
| Sensor | 1/2.7" CCD, approximately 1.9–2.1 megapixels |
| Resolution | Approximately 2 megapixels |
| Lens | 3x optical zoom |
| Storage | CompactFlash™ card |
| Battery | AA 1.5V |
| Dimensions | 110 x 71 x 38 mm |
| Weight | 350 g |
| ISO Range | 50–400 |
Historical Context
The PowerShot A40 arrived in 2002, when digital photography was still novel and slightly mysterious to the average consumer. It replaced the A20, which had been one of Canon's best-selling entry-level models, and launched alongside the A30 as part of a refreshed lineup aimed at making digital more approachable. Positioned as an affordable step up from basic snapshot cameras, the A40 offered real optical zoom and CF card storage. Canon used it to keep pushing to dominate the compact digital space, leaning on brand trust from its film-era success.
Collectibility & Value
Current market examples list between $30 and $45, with one European retailer showing a sale price of €30.98. It isn't a high-value collectible, but it has niche appeal among people who want early-2000s digital looks or simple, functional hardware for experimental photography. Common issues include lens errors, a frequent failure point in aging digital compacts, and software incompatibility. On modern Windows systems, the A40 often appears as an unrecognized device, with remote shooting features disabled because of outdated drivers. A disassembly and repair video exists on YouTube, so at least some owners are willing to dig into the internals to keep it running.
eBay Listings
As an eBay Partner, we earn from qualifying purchases. This helps support our independent vintage technology research.