Canon Powershot TX1 Review

Click to take a QTVR tour of the PowerShot TX1

The new 7.1 megapixel PowerShot TX1 is Canon's first hybrid digicam/tapeless camcorder, and some very powerful features like a formidable 10x optical zoom lens, Optical Image Stabilization (OIS), 1.8-inch Vari-Angle LCD screen, 30 fps High Definition (HD) 720p widescreen (16:9) movie mode, just to name a few. And, it's all packed in a familiar stainless steel body that is about the size of a deck of playing cards.

The TX1's 10x optical zoom lens covers and extensive range (39mm -390mm equivalent), and Canon included its advanced optical image stabilization (OIS) system to help significantly reduce the blurring effects of camera shake that can occur at long zoom settings or during long exposures. Superior to electronic IS systems that simply use software to mask movement, this OIS system actually shifts the lens to compensate for unwanted motion, making it easier to snap great images and smooth movies, when the camera is hand-held or in low-light conditions.

The "brain" of this new PowerShot camera is DIGIC III, the newest iteration of Canon's ultra-efficient (and proprietary) image processor. The new gold standard on all new Canon cameras, the DIGIC III image processor accounts for the camera's higher performance levels including faster start up, autofocus and shutter response times, improved image quality and more efficient power consumption; resulting in extended battery life under typical shooting conditions.

With Canon's new Face Detection AF/AE/FE function, the camera can detect, lock on, and track multiple human faces in a scene. The face detection algorithm automatically prioritizes and selects faces (based on Canon's Intelligent Scene Analysis/iSAPS technology). It will then optimize the focus, exposure and flash to help ensure the best possible results for even easier picture taking moments. The result is flattering portraits and group shots where all of the subjects are in clearer focus and accurately exposed. Compared to previous Canon cameras with Face Detection technology, the PowerShot TX1 digital camera adds several improvements, including the ability to use the function for movies as well as still images, the ability to detect faces that are further away or not aimed directly at the camera, and better control of flash exposure.

Working with the camera's Face Detection technology, Canon's new Red-eye Correction feature helps detect and corrects, during playback mode, that bothersome by-product of flash photography. Images can be corrected manually while viewing photos on the LCD screen to help vanquish red-eye, once and for all. Because most images will no longer require laborious post-processing with a computer, the new in-camera Red-eye Correction feature is ideal for direct printing.

The versatile TX1 helps users to shoot stunning home movies while recording CD quality Stereo Sound, in 44 KHz. Users can also take full advantage of the 10x optical zoom lens and image stabilization while shooting movies, which is a rare feature in most digital cameras. In addition to recording widescreen 720p HD movies at a rate of 30 fps for stunning High Definition clarity, the TX1 digital camera shoots high-quality VGA (640 x 480 pixels) movies at 30 fps (in a traditional 4:3 aspect ratio) and has the option of shooting at 30 fps or 60 fps in the QVGA 320 x 240- pixel setting (also in 4:3 format).

The PowerShot TX1 digital camera comes equipped with 14 shooting modes that will allow users to capture great photos in a variety of different shooting conditions including Automatic, Camera Manual, Super Macro for close-up work, Color Accent, Color Swap, Stitch-Assist, Movie (including HD), and seven Special Scene Modes: Portrait, Night Snapshot, Indoor, Foliage, Snow, Beach and Aquarium.

PowerShot TX1 Features:

• Compact, Stylish and durable stainless steel body
• 7.1-megapixel CCD imager
• 10× optical zoom lens with 39-390mm 35mm equivalent coverage
• Optical Image Stabilizer (IS) System
• Dedicated Movie and Still shutter releases
• DIGIC III image processor for faster start up, autofocus and shutter response times as well as improved image quality and battery life
• True 720p HDTV (1280x720) MPEG-4 movies @ 30fps with stereo audio
• Recording CD quality stereo sound in 44 KHz
• Movies @ 640 x 480 (30 fps/30 fps LP), 320 x 240 (60 fps/30 fps) with stereo audio
• 1.8" Vari-Angle LCD, swivels 285°
• Continuous capture @ approx. 2.2 fps
• Advanced TTL 9-point autofocus system with Macro and Super Macro focus options
• Canon's Face Detection AF/AE/FE technology + Red-eye Correction feature
• Auto, Camera M, Special Scene (7 modes), Color Accent, Color Swap, Super Macro, Stitch Assist, Movie
• Evaluative, Center-weighted and Spot metering options
• White Balance: Automatic, 5 presets or Custom
• ISO speeds: Auto, High ISO Auto, ISO 80 - 1600 equivalent
• Built-in stereo microphones and speaker
• HD Component video output
• SD/SDHC/MMC/MMC Plus memory card storage (32MB MMC Plus card included)
• High-capacity rechargeable Lithium NB-4L battery
• Exif Print, Print Image Matching III and PictBridge Compatible
• USB 2.0 high speed plug-n-play connectivity for PC and Mac

The Canon PowerShot TX1 camera kit has an MSRP of US$499.99 and includes a Lithium-ion rechargeable battery and battery charger, a 32MB MMC plus memory card, USB interface cable, stereo AV cable for audio/video output, and a component video cable for connecting to High Definition TVs.