Canon Lowers Price On Entry-Level Digicams

by Staff On Jan 28 2007 - 8:00am

Canon will stake out aggressive new pricing in its 2008 digital cameras, bringing to market its first model for $129 and its first digital camera with manual controls for $179.

The company's PMA offering will consist of four new cameras, all shipping at the end of February/early March.

All the new models will incorporate the third iteration of Canon's DIGIC processor. The new DIGIC III technology allows the cameras to offer improved face-detection functionality and better low-light capability, said Chuck Westfall, Canon customer relations director.

A new motion-detection mode, available in the camera's high ISO setting, tracks a subject's movement and adjusts the camera's sensitivity accordingly to reduce motion blur. All the new models are capable of a maximum ISO of 1,600.

The cameras will also include the fourth generation of Canon's face-detection technology with a new AF point zoom feature. When the camera is pointed at the subject and the shutter button is depressed halfway, the camera will highlight a face in the frame and magnify it digitally, allowing consumers to closely examine the expression of the subject before shooting.

Automatic red-eye correction will also be added to all the new models.

The 8-megapixel SD1100 IS Digital Elph, for an estimated $249, replaces the SD1000. It features a 3x optical zoom image stabilized lens, a 2.5-inch LCD screen and will be available in blue, brown, silver, gold or pink.

The Powershot A590 IS also offers a 3x optical zoom lens with image stabilization, 8-megapixel resolution, manual controls, a 4x optical zoom and a 2.5-inch LCD display. It is compatible with Canon's supplemental lenses. It will retail for $179.

The A580, for $149, shares the same features but loses the manual control and compatibility with accessory lenses.

Finally, the A470, for $129, will be Canon's least-expensive opening price point camera to date. It will offer 7-megapixel resolution, a 3.4x optical zoom lens, a 2.5-inch LCD screen and a choice of colors: red, gold, gray and blue.