13. Main Characteristics

Viewfinder, Focusing, And Optics

Like all cameras with a powerful zoom, aiming must be done through the lens. That means the screen has to be used, which is perfectly natural with a swivel-lens design, and especially nice with the S4, with its large (2.5") screen. Unlike more "technical" cameras, the S4's screen shows only practical information, such as proper focus and blur warnings. Autofocus operation is simple, with center-area focusing (indicated on the screen), at least in full-auto mode. It's a little different in scene mode, as we'll see later. Naturally, there's LED lighting for focusing in very dark situations.

The 10x optical zoom is obviously one of the main attractions of the S4. Its maximum aperture is not very wide, at f/3.5, but is constant throughout the range of focal lengths, which means that this zoom is brighter than on most compacts in telephoto position. It has a Macro function that lets you focus as close as 1.6" (4 cm) in the wide angle setting.