Sony’s new Stamina series of Cybershot digital cameras set a new standard for speed, battery life and picture quality in the low end of compact cameras. The Sony S40 offers a 4.1-megapixel CCD, 3x optical zoom lens, and 32 megabytes of internal memory. The Carl Zeiss lens complements the high resolution imager for great picture clarity, while 32 MB of internal memory and a Memory Stick media slot provide plenty of storage capacity.

The ImagingResource have just reviewed the Sony S40 and conclude-

“The Sony Cyber-shot DSC-S40 is an easy-to-use offering, with a 4.1-megapixel CCD, 32 megabytes of internal memory, and a nice range of exposure options. The Sony S40 provides an easy to use in full-auto mode, and its seven preprogrammed scene modes help with tricky subjects. The 1.5-inch color LCD monitor is small by modern standards, but the overall design and layout of the Sony S40 is user-friendly and hassle-free. Its biggest strength is its very fast shutter response. While most companies make a low cost model by cutting out features, Sony has managed to make a low cost model that keeps a decent quality movie mode, with audio, and most features found in the company’s $400 cameras are also found here. Notably missing is an AV connector and cable, though I’m sure Sony doesn’t think most potential S40 customers will care much. As we mentioned with the Sony S60 in reference to the S90, it’s only a $30 upgrade from the S40 to the S60, so those looking for just a little more, including a larger screen, might want to look at the S60. Anyone familiar with a modern Sony digicam will be right at home with the S40. As such it’s a great second or third camera for the Sony-loving family with a ready stock of Memory Sticks. Despite the smaller optics and small screen, the S40 delivers surprisingly good images and is feature-rich for the money.”

Sony S40 Features:
* 4.1-megapixel Sony Super HAD CCD imager
* Carl Zeiss 3X optical zoom (32-96mm 35mm equiv)
* 5-Area Multi-Point AF system with AF-assist illuminator
* 1.5-inch color LCD with 77,000 pixels
* 4 Shot Burst mode (4MP/Fine) for fast action or children
* MPEG VX 640×480 movies w/sound at 30fps, length limited only by memory
* Auto, Program, Manual and 7 Scene exposure modes
* Multi-pattern metering with Spot option
* Slow shutter Noise Reduction for cleaner long exposures
* Playback options: Single, 9-image thumbnail, Slideshow, 5x magnification
* Built-in Speedlight with Auto, Red-eye Reduction, Fill flash, Flash cancel and Slow sync.
* High-speed USB 2.0 connectivity
* USB Direct-Print PictBridge compatibility
* Powered by two standard AA type batteries
* 32MB of internal memory plus MemoryStick Pro card slot
Accessories
SanDisk SDMSV-256-A10 256 MB MemoryStick Pro
Sony MSAC-US30 Memory Stick USB Reader/Writer
Sony HVLFSL1B External Slave Flash with Bracket for Compatible Cybershot Digital Cameras
Sony AC-LS5K AC Adapter w/ AA Connecting Cord for Various Cybershot Digital Cameras
Sony LCS-SA/B Soft Carrying Case for DSCS40/S60/S90 Digital Cameras