Lake Success, N.Y. – Canon introduced Monday a range of camera
models for the 2011 lineup, including a pair of next-generation entry-level EOS
Rebel d-SLRs and several new EOS d-SLR lenses.
Canon also introduced four PowerShot point-and-shoot models: the SX230
HS, Elph 500 HS, Elph 300 HS and Elph 100 HS.
The Canon PowerShot SX230 HS (shipping in March at a $350
suggested retail) features 12.1-megapixel resolution, a Digic 4 image
processor, 14x zoom lens (roughly equivalent to 28-392mm), image stabilization
and a 3-inch LCD. It will record video
in up to 1080p HD resolution, and has a super-slow-motion feature.
Also unveiled were three PowerShot Elph models: the Elph 500 HS,
Elph 300 HS and Elph 100 HS.
The Elph 500 HS
(available in March at a $300 suggested retail) is one of Canon’s new
“high-sensitivity” models replacing the SD3500 IS and SD4000 IS. It features a 12.1-megapixel
CMOS sensor, Digic 4 image processor, 1080p HD video capture and a 3.2-inch
touchscreen LCD. The 4.4x zoom lens
(24-150mm equivalent) opens to a bright f/2.0 aperture.
The Elph 300 HS (March, $250) replaces the SD1400 IS and includes
a 12.1-megapixel CMOS sensor, 1080p HD video capture, a 5x optical zoom lens
(24-120mm equivalent) and a 2.7-inch LCD.
The Elph 100 HS (March, $200) replaces the SD1300 IS and features
a 12.1-megapixel CMOS sensor, Digic 4 image processor, a 4x optical zoom lens
(28-112mm equivalent), 1080p HD video capture and a 3-inch LCD.
The new EOS Rebel d-SLRs include the T3i and T3.
The Rebel T3i (shipping in March at an $800 for the body only and
$900 for a kit with an EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 lens) features an 18-megapixel CMOS
sensor, a 3-inch vari-angle LCD, and 1080p HD video capture at 24p, 25p or 30p
frame rates.
New to the camera is the ability to magnify HD video between 3x
to 10x at FullHD resolution, and to record so-called “Video Snapshot” at two,
four or eight seconds, simultaneous with still image shooting. The camera can
also control Canon Speedlites using a built-in Integrated Speedlite
Transmitter.
The Rebel T3 model (shipping in March at $600) is Canon’s new
entry-level d-SLR. It has a 12.2-megapixel CMOS sensor, Digic 4 processor and
nine-point AF system. It will record
720p HD video.
Supporting its d-SLR lineup, Canon introduced two new entry-level
Speedlites — the 320EX ($250) and 270EX II ($170), both of which are due to
ship in April.
It also added the EF 500mm F/4L IS II USM and an EF 600mm F/4L IS
II USM lenses. They will be available in May and June, respectively.
The Canon EF 500mm F/4L IS II USM ($9,500) and EF 600mm F/4L IS
II USM ($12,000) feature reduced weight and greater durability over previous
equivalent models, and add two fluorite lens elements for improved image
quality.
Also included is a Power Focus function for HD video shooters,
enabling manual rack focusing to be operated smoothly using a playback ring
that is normally used for the focus preset function. Low- and high-speed
focusing are included.
Meanwhile, Canon said it has reached an EF lens-manufacturing
milestone with the production of Canon’s 60-millionth lens — an EF 70-300mm
f/4-5.6L IS USM.
Production of interchangeable EF lenses for Canon EOS-series AF
(autofocus) single-lens reflex cameras began in 1987 at the company’s
Utsunomiya plant, and has expanded to a total of four production facilities,
including Taiwan; Opto (Malaysia) Sdn. Bhd.; and Oita, Japan.
Canon’s current EF lens lineup is
comprised of 65 models ranging from super-wide-angle to super-telephoto zoom models.
