Canon debuts new high-end PowerShot cameras
updated 12:45 pm EST, Mon February 9, 2004
Canon PowerShot cameras
Canon today introduced the PowerShot S1 IS digital camera, which captures full 640x480 high-res movies at up to 30 frames per second for up an hour of full motion video using a 1GB Compact Flash Card. It features a 3.2 megapixel CCD, an image stabilized 10x zoom lens (38-380mm equivalent), and a full array of exposure control settings including ProgramAE, Shutter-priority, Aperture-priority, Manual Mode and full-auto P.I.C. modes. Canon also debuted its PowerShot Pro1 digital camera, an 8 megapixel camera which offers the top-tier shooting options previously found only with digital SLRs.
The eight megapixel, 2/3" size CCD imaging sensor in the provides the highest resolution - 3264 x 2448 pixels - of any PowerShot camera to date and is capable of generating file sizes of approximately 23MB using an L-series lens with 14 elements. The camera's L-series 28-200mm equivalent f/2.4-3.5 7x zoom lens is among the fastest in its class and utilizes an Ultrasonic Motor for high-speed zooming operation (which can be activated at the twist of a ring on the lens).
The PowerShot Pro1 offers an array of other features similar to those found on EOS digital SLRs including a mode dial with settings of P, Tv, Av, M, as well as a pair of user-adjustable Custom modes and fully automatic modes for Portraits, Landscapes, Night Scenes, Stitch Assist (panoramas) and Movies. The shutter speeds range from 15 seconds to 1/4000 and both RAW or JPEG recording formats in both sRGB or Adobe RGB color spaces are available.
Canon PowerShot Pro1 kit is due in April for $1000; it includes two dedicated software CDs, a rechargeable lithium ion battery pack and charger, a wireless remote controller, a lens hood and 58mm filter adapter, a neckstrap, USB and AV cables and a 64MB CompactFlash card.
PowerShot S1 due in April for $500
Canon's PowerShot S1 IS is powered by four easily accessible AA batteries and accepts either Alkaline (disposable) batteries or rechargeable Nickel-Metal Hydride (Ni-MH) batteries. Alkaline batteries are rated for approximately 120 shots before they need to be replaced, while Canon Alkaline NiMH provide peak performance and approximately 550 shots on a single charge. Due in stores April for $500, the Canon PowerShot S1 IS digital camera kit includes two dedicated software CDs, four AA Alkaline batteries, a neckstrap, a lens cap, USB and AV cables and a 32MB CompactFlash card.
