Canon will release 10 new lens-integrated digital cameras in the next couple of months with new additions at all levels of its current range. Of greatest interest is the new PowerShot S3 IS (RRP $799), which weighs 405 grams and brings a 6-megapixel sensor to the popular image-stabilised, long-zoom range.
![]() February 21, 2006: Canon will release 10 new lens-integrated digital cameras in the next couple of months with new additions at all levels of its current range. Of greatest interest is the new PowerShot S3 IS (RRP $799), which weighs 405 grams and brings a 6-megapixel sensor to the popular image-stabilised, long-zoom range. Like other models in the line-up, the S3 IS [above] has an electronic viewfinder plus a vari-angle LCD monitor. With a 2.0-inch diagonal this display is larger than preceding models and easier to view. A new Widescreen shooting mode (which will also be introduced in all the new cameras except the entry-level models) allows users to take 16:9 aspect ratio shots for displaying on widescreen TV screens. This mode is similar to the ‘P’ mode on APS film cameras in cropping the top and bottom of the image to provide the wide view. Other new functions common to most new models include an extension of the ISO range to cover from ISO 80-800. Photographers now have the ability to include the top ISO settings in the Auto ISO range. The popular My Colours modes are now available in playback mode as well as for capture, allowing photographers to retouch shots after they have been captured and save the edited file separately from the original. All new models include Canon’s ‘DiG!C II’ image processing, which delivers improved picture quality and camera responsiveness. We released details of the new Ixus Wireless camera on October 25 last year. This model is due for release in February and expected to sell for $799. ![]() The Ixus Wireless will be joined by three new Ixus models: the Ixus 800IS [right], which boasts a 4x optical zoom lens (35-140mm equivalent) and is the first Ixus model with optical image stabilisation. This model has the same 2.5-inch LCD as the Ixus 750 and a similar viewfinder. The lens focuses to 45 cm in normal mode and from 2-60cm with Macro. Five shooting modes are provided: Auto, Camera Manual, Digital Macro, Stitch Assist and Movie. Movie clips can be recorded at VGA, QVGA or QQVGA resolution with frame rates of 30 or 15fps. A 60fps setting is provided for QVGA clips. The Ixus 800IS also supports burst capture at 2.1fps. It is expected to sell for around $699. ![]() Two additional 6-megapixel models have been added to the Ixus line-up, the Ixus 65 [right], which has a huge 3.0-inch LCD and no viewfinder and the Ixus 60, which has a 2.5-inch LCD plus viewfinder. Both have 3x optical zoom lenses (35-105mm equivalent) and provide up to 4x digital zoom magnification and both have a standard focusing range from 30 cm to infinity plus macro from 3-50 cm. Burst frame rates are 2.1fps, while movie clips can be recorded at VGA, QVGA or QQVGA resolution with frame rates of 30 or 15fps. A 60fps setting is provided for QVGA clips. All the new Ixus models are powered by Canon’s NB-4L rechargeable lithium-ion batteries. Canon’s A series PowerShots have been supplemented by four new models, most of which are replacements for current models. Top of the range is the A700, which has a 6-megapixel CCD and 6x optical zoom lens (35-210mm equivalent) plus a 2.5-inch LCD. The lens focuses from 55cm to infinity and has a Macro range from 1-55 cm. The A700’s mode dial carries Auto, P, A, S and M settings plus Portrait, Landscape and Night Scene modes and Stitch Assist and Movie settings. Nine additional scene modes are provided, along with eight colour modes. Video capabilities are similar to the Ixus models and the burst rate is 2fps. The A700 is expected to sell for around $579. The new A540 and A530 models will replace the A520 and A510 models and offer a 4x optical zoom lens (35-140mm equivalent) plus 6- and 5-megapixel sensors respectively. The A540 is expected to sell for $479 and has a 2.5-inch LCD, while the A530, which has a 1.8-inch LCD will be priced at $349. Both models can focus to 45 cm in standard mode and down to 5 cm in Macro mode. The A540 model includes aperture- and shutter-priority shooting modes, while the A530 has only Auto, Program AE and Manual settings. Both models include 12 scene pre-sets plus eight colour modes. Burst rate for the A540 is 2.3fps, while the A530 shoots at 2.1fps. Both models can record VGA movie clips but the A530 only at 10fps, while the A540 supports 30fps and 15fps. All the A-series cameras are powered by AA batteries ![]() At the entry level is the fully-automatic A430 [right], which replaces the A410 and has a 4.8 x 3.6 mm, 4-megapixel CCD. This model also sports a 4x optical zoom lens (39-156mm equivalent) plus 3.6x digital zoom. The lens focuses to 47 cm in standard mode and 5-47 cm in macro mode. A special super macro setting allows users to focus down to 1 cm. The A410 has a 1.8-inch LCD and offers 11 pre-set scene modes plus eight colour modes. Video capabilities are similar to the A530, although 30fps frame rates are supported at QVGA resolution. Weighing only 160 grams, the PowerShot A410 will sell for $249. For full details of the new models, visit www.canon.com.au or phone 1800 021 167.
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