Lake Success, N.Y. — Canon added a pair of PowerShots to its digital camera lineup today.
Both new models, the S5 IS and SD850 IS Elph, share several features including optical image stabilization, 2.5-inch LCDs, in-camera red-eye fix and the DIGIC III processor. They also offer face-detection technology capable of identifying and focusing on up to nine faces in a scene. Face detection also helps users correct red eye in playback mode.
A new “auto ISO shift” mode will also be found in both cameras for bumping up their light sensitivity when shooting in low-light environments.
The 8-megapixel S5 IS sports a 12x optical zoom lens (36mm-432mm, 35mm equivalent) with an ultrasonic motor drive typically found on Canon’s digital SLR lenses for quieter zooming. It also offers a viewfinder, 22 shooting modes including manual and a vari-angle LCD with two-levels of brightness control.
The S5 can activate face detection in movie mode and features “MovieSnap” for simultaneously shooting still images while recording video. It offers a total of four movie modes. It ships in July for an estimated $499.
The 8-megapxiel SD850 IS sports a 4x optical zoom lens, an optical viewfinder, 18 shooting modes and Canon’s “PureColor” LCD that features coatings to reduce glare and prevent scratches and fingerprints. A new “creative light effect” mode can be used in night shooting to transform bright spots in the background of an image into hearts or stars.
For video shooting, the SD850 offers six modes including a new time lapse setting. It will ship in June for an estimated $399.
