Canon has released details of a new entry-level compact digicam and an add-on slave flash unit for digital cameras that lack an accessory shoe.

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January 21, 2005: Canon has released details of a new entry-level compact digicam and an add-on slave flash unit for digital cameras that lack an accessory shoe.
The new PowerShot A510, which will sell for $399, features a 3.2-megapixel.CCD sensor and Canon 4x optical zoom lens. Ideal for family snapshooters, it is easy to use and includes 20 pre-set shooting modes, efficient autofocusing and a Print/Share button that allows users to make prints by simply connecting the camera to a PictBridge-enabled printer. CP Movie Print allows direct printing of a series of still images from a recorded movie. ID prints can also be produced.
Canon’s intuitive DiG!C processor combines camera controls and image signal processing for better pictures and an on-board IO (Intelligent Orientation) sensor detects vertical/horizontal shooting to ensure correct AF, AE/AWB weighting and replay orientation so portrait shots can be viewed the right way up. Close-up shots can be captured to within 5 cm of the lens and users can select from evaluative, centre-weighted average and spot (centre-point) metering for optimum exposure settings. In-camera photo effects include Vivid Colour, Neutral Colour, Low Sharpen, Sepia, and Black & White and up to three minutes of QVGA movie clips can be recorded with sound. The A510 is due to ship on 1 March.
The new HF-DC1 accessory flash unit, which has a guide number of 18 (ISO 100/m), has been designed to work as a slave flash with Canon’s PowerShot A, S and G series cameras, as well as the PowerShot Digital Ixus and Pro models. It attaches to the camera via a bracket, which screws into the tripod socket and synchronises with the camera’s built-in flash to provide additional light, when required. The flash output will cover an angel of view equivalent to a 28mm lens and its output can be adjusted through three levels. The HF-DC1 is powered by a CR123A lithium battery, which supports up to 250 flashes at full power. It weights only 65 grams. Pricing and a release date have yet to be finalised for this product. Check the Canon website at www.canon.com.au.