Steve's Digicams - Breaking News - Canon 02/12/2004 Press Release

Canon Debuts Three New Digital Trendsetters Including The First Five Megapixel Digital ELPH Camera

New Top Tier PowerShot S500 Digital ELPH Camera Adds High Resolution Sensor as Entire New Elph Line Streamlines Image Printing and Sharing Process

LAS VEGAS (PMA, BOOTH # E11), Feb. 9, 2004 – Whether it is the picture-perfect merger of style and substance or simply an inevitable advance, Canon’s newly enhanced line of ‘go anywhere’ Digital ELPH cameras – including its first high-resolution five megapixel model – continue to capture consumer consciousness and those irreplaceable images that only exist because a diminutive digital camera was conveniently in-pocket, in-purse and on-hand to preserve memorable moments.

"The enduring popularity of our PowerShot Digital ELPH line of cameras is proof that a substantial segment of consumers wants superior quality images in a compact, easy to use, stylish package and they want it at a reasonable price point," said Yukiaki Hashimoto, senior vice president and general manager of the consumer imaging group at Canon U.S.A., Inc, a subsidiary of Canon Inc. (NYSE: CAJ). "These three new Digital ELPH cameras – the PowerShot S500, the PowerShot S410 and the PowerShot SD110 – remain true to those consumer-driven criteria while providing still greater image quality, flexibility and affordability than ever before."

Print/Share Button

In addition to upgrading a number of features over their predecessor models, Canon has introduced the new Print/Share button that speeds and simplifies printing to compatible Canon Direct Photo and PictBridge enabled printers and one-touch image transfer to Windows XP, Me, 2000, and 98 computers for use with image processing programs, uploading to the Internet, or placement in email. Located on the backside of the PowerShot S500, S410, and SD110 Digital ELPH cameras is the new Print/Share button. When the camera is connected to the printer the Print/Share button illuminates to let the user know to press the Print/Share button to begin the printing process.

Indeed the five megapixel PowerShot S500 as well as the PowerShot S410 and PowerShot SD110 Digital ELPH cameras (the latter two models are successors to the popular S400 Digital ELPH and SD100 Digital ELPH cameras respectively) feature new Direct Print options including ID Photo Print that automatically generates passport style prints on 4x6 paper with Canon CP type printers as well as ID prints of various sizes which (selectable on the camera-menu) and even in-camera image cropping using the camera’s monitor. The cameras’ Direct Print capability also includes Movie Print mode that prints thumbnail sequences from movie clip captures (with Canon CP-type printers). While the camera automatically calculates the thumbnail intervals based on the length of the movie clip, sequences of up to 20 thumbnails can be printed to credit card-sized paper and up to 63 on Postcard-size paper.

Beyond the new Print/Share button and Direct Print features, all three models also provide a Direct Transfer setting that permits instant image download to Windows computers (using a USB cable connection). The Direct Transfer mode features five options: Download all images; Download New Images Only; Download Only DPOF (Digital Print Order Format)-selected images (protocol used for batch printing); select images on camera’s LCD monitor and download and download selected image and make it into Windows Wallpaper. Appropriate driver software is provided with the camera for Windows 98, 2000 and ME operating systems; no drivers are needed to operate the Direct Transfer feature using Windows XP.

The DIGIC™ Difference

Image quality –whether it is the peak five megapixel resolution of the S500, the four megapixel resolution of the S410 or the 3.2 megapixel resolution of the SD110 – is enhanced and improved as a result of Canon’s proprietary DIGIC (Digital Imaging Integrated Circuit) chip processor. Introduced in 2003, DIGIC combines the roles of image processing and camera function control into one chip resulting in faster display and write times for each image and lower power consumption, extending battery life. Moreover, because DIGIC technology was designed specifically for use in digital cameras it is also capable of handling JPEG compression and expansion; memory card control; LCD/Video control and processing gain control (control of CCD signal amplification); Auto Exposure’ Auto Focus; Auto White Balance control and most other functions.

PowerShot S500 Digital ELPH

The biggest breakthrough for the slim and trim ELPH line is the increased resolution of the PowerShot S500 Digital ELPH camera. Utilizing the same CCD sensor as is found on the top-rated PowerShot S50 and G5 model digital cameras, this five megapixel model captures JPEG images in SuperFine, Fine and Normal resolution modes and is also the first model in its class to offer 640 x 480 movie recording at ten frames per second for up to 30 seconds per clip. With the PowerShot S500 Digital ELPH, users also have the option of capturing 320 x 240 and 160 x 120 movies with sound at 15 frames per second for up to three minutes per clip.

The PowerShot S500 Digital ELPH features an ultra-compact and fast (f/2.8-4.9) 3x (36-108mm equivalent) optical zoom lens. The lens – with its seven-element design – also offers a wide Autofocus range from as close as two inches (in macro mode) to infinity. Canon has also extended the power and range of this camera’s digital zoom to 4.1x (from a previous high on Digital ELPH Cameras of 3.6x).

For taking pictures on the fly, the S500 Digital ELPH camera offers a continuous burst mode that captures up to 2.2 frames per second at full resolution. The PowerShot S500 Digital ELPH model also has a shutter speed that extends to a fast 1/2000 of a second and features a built in flash with a range of up to 11 feet and automatic, red-eye reduction and slow synch settings. The camera’s sharp, clear and easy to read 1.5-inch LCD monitor even allows users to check the smallest of details thanks to a 10x playback zoom.

The PowerShot S500 Digital Elph camera measures a mere 3.4 x 2.2 x.1.1 inches and weighs only 6.5 ounces (sans battery and CF card). The camera will be available April for an estimated street price of *. PowerShot S500 Digital ELPH kit includes two dedicated software CDs, a rechargeable lithium ion battery pack and charger, USB and AV cables and a 32MB CompactFlash card, as well as, printed manuals and a Canon USA limited warranty card.

PowerShot S410 Digital ELPH

The successor to the enormously popular PowerShot S400 Digital ELPH camera, this new four-megapixel model offers all of the advantages of its distinguished predecessor as well as the array of above-mentioned Direct Print/ Print/Share and Direct Transfer features. Among the PowerShot S410 Digital ELPH camera other key attributes are its peak resolution of 2272 x 1704 pixels, a 3x (36-108mm equivalent) all glass, seven-element, Canon zoom lens with a wide AF range from 2 inches (in macro mode) to infinity. The PowerShot S410 Digital ELPH camera also records movies with sound at 15 frames per second for clips of up to three-minutes each at 320 x 240 or 160 x 120 resolution.

The PowerShot S410 Digital ELPH also features simple yet sophisticated shooting features such as Evaluative, Center-weighted or Spot metering for more precise exposure control; shutter speeds ranging from 15 seconds to a fast 1/2000 of a second; a user adjustable exposure compensation feature that allows for and increase or decrease of up to two stops in gradual 1/3 increments, and a Custom White Balance option that is read off of a white or known neutral object. Like the new Powershot S500 model, the S410 camera utilized Compact Flash type 1 media and features a 10x zoom capability on playback using the camera’s 1.5 inch, 118,000 pixel LCD monitor.

The PowerShot S410 Digital ELPH camera measures a mere 3.4 x 2.2 x.1.1 inches and weighs only 6.5 ounces (body only). The camera will be available April for an estimated street price of *. PowerShot S410 Digital ELPH kit includes two dedicated software CDs, a rechargeable lithium ion battery pack and charger, USB and AV cables and a 32MB CompactFlash card, as well as, printed manuals and a Canon USA limited warranty card.

PowerShot SD110 Digital Elph

The smallest Digital ELPH camera to date with an optical zoom, this new 3.2 megapixel entry maintains all the miniature magic found in its SD100 predecessor including its use of ultra-compact SD memory cards (a feature it shares with only one other Digital ELPH camera, the ultra-small non-optical zoom SD10 Digital ELPH introduced on the fashion runways of New York in Sept., 2003).

Nonetheless, this petite, extremely pocket-sized digital photo powerhouse – measuring 3.3 x 2.2 x 0.9 in./85 x 56 x 23.9mm (excluding protrusions) and weighing a mere 5.8 ounces without battery or SD card -- packs 3.2 million pixels and a superb all-glass Canon 2x (35-70mm equivalent) optical zoom lens (with a cross-section smaller than a dime) and a close focusing capability of 3.9 inches in macro mode. The PowerShot SD110 Digital ELPH camera also features the same level of sophisticated shooting options as the advanced PowerShot cameras and even records high resolution 640 x 480 movies with sound for clips of up to 30 seconds and clips of up to three minutes at lower 320 x 240 and 160 x 120 resolutions.

While it maintains the same classic Digital ELPH shape and stainless steel exterior, this new PowerShot SD110 Digital ELPH camera features an eye-catching new "silver white" finish with a lighter appearance than the SD100 Digital ELPH model it replaces. The PowerShot SD110 Digital Elph camera will be available April for an estimated street price of *. PowerShot SD110 Digital ELPH kit includes two dedicated software CDs, a rechargeable lithium ion battery pack and charger, USB and AV cables and a 16MB SD memory card, as well as, printed manuals and a Canon USA limited warranty card.

PowerShot S500 and SD110 Digital ELPH Coach Edition Gift Sets

Canon is continuing it successful partnership with Coach and is introducing two new Coach Edition Gift Sets This elegant gift set features either the new Canon PowerShot S500 or the new Canon PowerShot SD110 Digital ELPH cameras, custom made Coach black leather carrying case, and Coach Edition metal neck strap, all in a luxury gift box. The sleek leather design and classic Coach workmanship complement the superior optical quality that has become synonymous with Canon. It’s the perfect gift for any occasion. The Digital ELPH Coach Edition Gift Set will be available at select retailers for an estimated street price of and for the S500 and SD110, respectively.

Canon U.S.A., Inc. delivers consumer, business-to-business, and industrial imaging solutions. The Company is listed as one of Fortune's Most Admired Companies in America, and is ranked #39 on the Business Week list of "Top 100 Brands." Its parent company Canon Inc. (NYSE: CAJ) is a top patent-holder of technology, ranking second overall in the U.S. in 2003, with global revenues of .5 billion. Canon U.S.A. employs more than 10,000 people at over 30 locations. For more information, visit www.usa.canon.com.