Click to take a QTVR tour of the SD550

The pocket-sized 7.1 Megapixel PowerShot SD550 Digital ELPH and 5.0 Megapixel PowerShot SD450 Digital ELPH cameras, join Canon’s line-up between the SD500 and SD400 models which will continue to be available. The new PowerShot SD550 and 450 Digital ELPH cameras offer consumers a big 2.5-inch LCD screen, while retaining Canon’s famed functionality and optical viewfinder. Additionally, the new cameras feature a new UI display designed to capitalize on the larger screen size.

The PowerShot SD550 and SD450 Digital ELPH cameras have essentially the same body sizes and specifications as the PowerShot SD500 and SD400 Digital ELPHs, but offer consumers a wider range of options. In addition to a large color LCD display, The SD550 and SD450 offers an optical viewfinder so these cameras can be used in all types of lighting conditions.

The SD550 is packed with a high resolution 7.1-megapixel CCD image sensor, a retractable 3x optical zoom lens with macro capabilities as close as four inches, shutter speeds from 15 to 1/2000th of second, a fast 9-point AiAF “Smart” autofocus system, a new and more powerful built-in flash, rechargeable battery and a large 2.5-inch color LCD monitor, all driven by the exclusive DIGIC II processor.

To make sure that everybody gets the picture they want, the SD550 features a wide variety of shooting modes that includes: Auto, Manual, Digital Macro, My Colors, Stitch Assist, Special Scene, and Movie. The Special Scene mode allows users to achieve optimum results in popular picture-taking situations including Underwater, Indoor, Kids and Pets, and Night Snapshot. The SD550 also includes individual settings for Foliage, Snow, Beach, and Fireworks. Optional accessories include a Waterproof Case and the high power flash HF-DC1 that doubles the range of the camera's builtin flash.

The SD550 lets you capture full motion video with sound at 640 x 480 resolution with a 30fps framerate. It also offers a “Fast Frame Rate” of 60 frames per second for a maximum of one-minute (at a resolution of up to 320 x 240 pixels), ideal for analyzing a golf swing or a tennis stroke using one of the supplied slow- motion playback settings. The compact movie mode – designed with e-mail attachments in mind – captures a maximum of three minutes of recording at 15 fps and a resolution of 160 x 120 pixels.

The new Night Display Function automatically brightens the subject in order to make framing a shot in dusk, night or other lowlight situations easier while the cameras’ large 2.5-inch LCD monitor features a backlight that combines lower power consumption with high brightness that improves the visibility of the LCD monitor even in bright surroundings. The monitor also incorporates a “quick bright LCD” function that temporarily boosts the brightness to its maximum level with nothing more than a one- second touch of the display button. Press the button a second time for one second and the monitor returns to its original brightness level.

The proprietary DIGIC II Imaging processor enhances picture definition, vibrancy and quality, while helping increase the speed of the cameras’ startup, autofocus, shutter response and playback as well as the image processing speed. The pace of image transfer is accelerated (when used with a USB 2.0 compatible computer, printer or other peripheral) thanks to its Hi-Speed USB 2.0 port. The SD550 supports direct printing to any PictBridge compliant printer regardless of brand.

Powershot SD550 Features:

• 7 Megapixel CCD sensor for up to 3072x2304 pixel images
• 3x optical 37-111mm f/2.8-4.9 zoom w/digital Macro
• Large 2.5" color LCD with Night Display function
• Ultra-compact and durable stainless steel body (3.4 x 2.2 x 1.04 in.)
• Advanced TTL AiAF 9-point autofocus system with focus-assist lamp
• Program AE automatic and Manual exposure modes
• Continuous 2fps shooting until memory is full
• Movie mode w/sound 30/15fps 640x480/320x240 unlimited length
• Fast Frame Rate Movie recording, 320x240 at 60fps
• Evaluative metering on focus point or Spot
• Exposure compensation: +/-2EV in 1/3-step increments
• White Balance: Auto, 5 presets or Custom
• Photo Effects: Low Sharpening, Vivid Color, Neutral, Sepia and B&W
• My Colors - customize your colors while shooting
• Shutter speeds of 15 seconds to 1/2000 second
• Auto noise reduction with 1.3 sec or longer shutter speeds
• Selectable ISO settings from 50 to 400
• Voice memo (up to 60 secs) can be attached to images
• Built-in microphone and speaker
• Lithium rechargeable battery and charger included
• Direct print and PictBridge Compliant
• High-speed USB 2.0 connectivity for PC and Mac
• Secure Digital (SD) card storage, 32MB supplied

The PowerShot SD550 Digital ELPH will be supplied with a Battery Pack NB-3L (SD550) / Battery Charger CB-2LU (SD550) / Wrist Strap and AV Cable AVC-DC300, Interface Cable IFC-400PCU, as well as a 32MB SD memory card, software, and user manuals. The PowerShot SD550 will be available in September for estimated street price of $499.99.