Canon Goes Waterproof

By TWICE Staff -- TWICE, 2/23/2009

Lake Success, N.Y. — Canon will ship 10 new cameras to dealers in the spring, including a waterproof model.

The company will introduce three new technologies in select 2009 compacts including a “smart auto mode” which selects from 18 predefined shooting situations to match the shooter's environment.

A new “active display” technology lets users scroll through images by physically shaking the camera. Finally, a blink-detection function will warn the user that a photo was captured when a subject's eyes were closed. Most of the 2009 compacts will feature optical image stabilization (IS).

The Powershot SX1 IS will be Canon's first to incorporate a 10-megapixel CMOS sensor. It will be able to shoot 1080p video and offers an HDMI output. Additional features include RAW photo capture, and a 2.8-inch vari-angle LCD. It will ship in April for a suggested $599.

The 12-megapixel SX200 IS sports a 12x optical zoom lens, a 3-inch LCD, smart auto mode and blink detection. It will be sold in black, navy blue and red for $329.

The 12-megapixel D10 will be a waterproof model, capable of being submerged up to 33 feet. It can also endure temperatures down to 14 degrees or a fall of up to 4 feet. It will feature a 3x optical zoom and can be accessorized with custom faceplates and neck straps. It will retail for $329.

The SD970 IS will incorporate Canon's new “active display” interface, a 5x optical zoom, a 3-inch LCD and smart auto mode. It features 720p video recording and will retail for $379.

For $329, the SSD960 IS features a 4x optical zoom lens (28mm), smart auto mode, 720p video recording and a 2.8-inch LCD. It will be available in gold, silver, blue and pink.

The SD780 IS will be the thinnest Canon Elph to date, the company said, and will feature a 12-megapixel sensor, 2.5-inch LCD with an optical viewfinder, and 720p video recording. It will be available in gold, red, silver and black for $279.

The 10-megapixel SD1200 IS, for $229, features a 2.5-inch LCD and optical viewfinder. It will be sold in orange, blue, pink, green and silver.

Canon will also launch three new models in its entry-level A series, including the 12-megapxiel A2100 IS ($249), which features a 6x optical zoom and a 3-inch LCD. The $199 A1100 will also feature a 12-megapixel sensor, a 2.5-inch LCD, mode dial, optical viewfinder and will be available in four colors.

Lastly, the 10-megapixel A480, for $129, will feature a 2.5-inch LCD, face detection, and will be available in silver, black, blue and red.