The lightweight and compact 8-megapixel PowerShot A590 IS camera is one of several A series models for 2008. Featuring a versatile 4x (35mm-140mm equivalent) zoom lens, 2.5-inch LCD, Face Detection AF, and various exposure modes, the A590 IS offers a rich feature set for an entry-level PowerShot cameras.

Staking out the upper-middle tier of the PowerShot A-series, the new camera offers users the option of 19 shooting modes, from fully automatic to fully manual operation for greater creative control. The A590 IS camera also features Canon's advanced Optical Image Stabilization (OIS). OIS significantly reduces the effects of camera shake (and the blurry pictures they cause) by actually allowing the lens to shift to compensate for camera movement or shake. Unlike electronic image stabilization systems that essentially mask the movement rather than actually compensating for it, Canon's Optical "lens shift" system preserves the inherent quality of the stabilized image without covering up parts of the image. This OIS technology is even effective when the movement being stabilized is caused by extended telephoto or low-light shooting conditions.

Canon's innovative and exclusive Motion Detection technology consolidates motion information for both the camera and the photographic subject and determines whether the subject has moved and what if any adjustments to focus or exposure needs to be made. It will even detect and assess subject movement between each frame, making it quicker and easier to capture a series of images. Additionally, when paired with Canon's Optical Image Stabilization system - the motion detection system's onboard vibration-detecting gyro senses and compensates for movement due to camera shake, even if the subject remains still.

The "brain" in every new Canon digital camera from the PowerShot A-series to the EOS Pro models is the exclusive DIGIC III imaging processor. This proprietary chip is responsible for the cameras' higher performance levels including faster start up, faster autofocus and quicker shutter response times that leave long lag competitors far behind. What's more, DIGIC III improves both the image quality and the cameras' power consumption, extending the battery life under typical shooting conditions.

Canon Genuine Face Detection Technology automatically detects, tracks, focuses and optimizes the exposure on up to nine forward looking human faces in the frame or can lock onto a specific face in the crowd, ensuring that all (or one) are in focus and properly exposed, with or without flash. While the Face Detection algorithm automatically prioritizes up to nine human faces in a scene, it can also be instructed via the Face Select and Track function to lock on to a single face in the crowd, ensuring that the chosen countenance is finely focused, no matter where it appears in the frame. In addition to focus and exposure control, the new A series cameras now use Face Detection Technology to improve white balance, providing more consistent color accuracy than earlier models.

The camera's zoom range can be expanded even further with the use of any one of three optional converter lenses: a 1.75X tele-converter, a 0.7X wide converter and a 52mm close-up lens for frame-filling macro photography. The converter lenses attach over the camera's zoom lens by means of an optional conversion lens adapter.

As one of Microsoft's Premier Launch Partners, Canon is proud to announce that all PowerShot cameras announced in 2008 are Certified for Windows Vista according to Microsoft standards, without any extra downloads or upgrades. Additionally, all current models are fully compatible with other operating systems including Windows XP and Mac OS X (Versions 10.2 - 10.4).

Powershot A590 IS Features:

• 8.0-megapixel CCD imager for up to poster size prints
• 4x optical 35-140mm f/2.6-5.5 zoom with Canon's Optical Image Stabilization (OIS)
• 2.5" color LCD with up to 10x playback zoom
• DIGIC III imaging processor
• Advanced TTL AiAF 9-point autofocus system
• Face Detection AF/AE/FE technology
• Canon's exclusive Motion Detection technology
• Auto, Manual, Tv, Av, and 12 Pre-programmed creative scene modes for beginners
• Movie mode w/sound, 640x480/320x240 up to 4GB, 160x120 up to 3 minutes
• 1.4fps Continuous "Burst" capture of Large/Fine images
• Evaluative metering on focus point, Center-weighted or Spot options
• Exposure compensation: ±2EV in 1/3-step increments
• White Balance: Auto, 5 presets or Custom
• Orientation sensor that automatically detects vertical or horizontal shooting
• Low-light focus assist illuminator
• Light-guide zoom flash, angle changes with focal length
• Shutter speeds of 15 seconds to 1/2000 second
• Selectable ISO settings from 80 to 1600
• Voice memo (up to 60 secs) can be attached to images
• Built-in microphone and speaker
• Powered by two standard AA type batteries
• Direct print and PictBridge Compatible
• USB 2.0 high speed connectivity for PC and Mac
• SD/SDHC, MMC/MMC+, and HC MMC+ memory cards, 32MB MMC+ card supplied

The Powershot A590 IS with ship beginning in March 2008 with an MSRP of US$179.99. The Digital camera kit includes two standard AA alkaline batteries, a 32MB MMC+ Memory card, a USB interface cable, an AV cable, a wrist strap, and Canon's software suite.