Lake Success, N.Y. –
introduced three PowerShot digicams Thursdays, two of which employ the
company’s high-sensitivity low-light shooting system.
PowerShot models S95 (available in August at a $400 suggested
retail), SD4500 IS (September, $350) and SX130 IS (August, $250) all of which
offer high-definition video recording and improved Smart Auto mode.
The S95 and SD4500IS both feature Canon’s High Sensitivity (HS) system
for improved low-light shooting, and the S95 adds High Dynamic Range (HDR)
capability.
The HS System in the S95 and SD4500IS models is powered by
Canon’s DIGIC 4 image processor combined with a 10-megapixel High Sensitivity
CCD sensor in the S95 camera and a CMOS sensor in the SD4500 camera.
The system is said to enhance image quality and helps reduce
noise at high ISO levels. It also accentuates details in images with decreased
lighting. When used together, the HS System and the f/2.0 lens in the PowerShot
S95 camera will capture dimly lit scenes without a flash, resulting in a more
natural look, Canon said.
“Image quality consistently remains a top priority at Canon, and
with each generation of PowerShot cameras, we look to build the features and
technology that will best improve a customer’s experience with our cameras,”
stated Yuichi Ishizuka, Canon imaging hroup general manager and executive VP.
“New features, like the Canon HS System for enhanced low-light performance and
high-speed shooting, help consumers capture images in dimly lit settings,
further increasing the beauty of a moment.”
For video, all three new PowerShot models include stereo sound
and a Miniature Effect movie mode. Available as a scene mode for shooting still
photography, the Miniature Effect movie mode creates an illusion where large
objects are shown in miniature proportions, for creative effects.
The S95 features an in-camera HDR scene mode to help shooters capture
detail in a wide range of conditions including dark tones and bright
highlights. With the use of a tripod, one push of the shutter button yields
three sequential images with various exposures, and then combines them into a
single optimized image within the camera. As a result, the image showcases a
better range of depth and detail found in natural settings.
Canon’s Smart Auto feature has 28 shooting scenes to help
automatically adjust to different lighting or movement levels to obtain the
best image possible.
Also included in the SD4500IS camera is a Best Image Selection
option that will shoot five sequential shots and save the best shot based on a
person’s movement and facial expressions. The camera adds a Handheld Night
scene mode to optimize shooting at night without a tripod.
Key features in the S95 include 720p HD video capability and
in-camera HDR scene mode, Hybrid IS macro photography, a 3.8x optical zoom, and
an f/2.0 lens that opens up to 28mm wide with Canon’s Optical Image
Stabilization technology. Also included is a manual control ring on the front
of the camera to access manual control options and RAW shooting capabilities
The SD4500 IS Digital ELPH camera features a 10x optical zoom
with Optical Image Stabilization, Full 1080p HD video capture, Dynamic IS, continuous
Auto mode, Super Slow Motion video mode and high-speed burst mode of up to 8.4
fps.
The SX130 IS features 12x optical zoom lens with Optical Image
Stabilization, a 3-inch LCD screen 720p HD video recording with Miniature
Effect, and four creative modes (miniature, fisheye, poster and super vivid).
The company also introduced its Selphy CP800 ($100 suggested
retail) compact photo printer. It has a new tilt LCD screen and a shuffle
feature that allows selecting images from a memory card, which can be compiled
all on one print.
When using the optional battery pack, users can print 4-inch by
6-inch photos from any location.
Features include Smooth Skin, which produces more natural and
appealing colors; Image Optimizer, which helps correct exposure and adjust the
brightness, contrast and sharpness of images; and Portrait Image Optimize,
which automatically delivers face detection, backlight correction and noise
reduction.
