Canon debuts 8MP EOS Digital Rebel, new Digital ELPHs
updated 10:50 am EST, Thu February 17, 2005
New Canon digital cameras
At PMA 2005, today launched three new digital cameras, including its entry-level 8-megapixel digital SLR consumer camera for under $1000, the EOS Digital Rebel XT Camera. Canon showed two PowerShot (A510 and A520) models as well as introduced two new Digital ELPH Cameras (PowerShot SD400 and SD500). Canon's new 8.0 megapixel EOS Digital Rebel XT camera (pictured at right) features its next-generation DIGIC II image processing technology and a wide range of custom and manual controls in a smaller, more compact body than its predecessor. Due in March, the EOS Digital Rebel XT Camera will be available with ($1000) and without ($900) Canon's high-quality EF-S 18-55 mm f/3.5-5.6 II zoom lens. Canon also said that it dropped the on the existing 6.3-megapixel model to $800 (street price with a lens).
"As we have with the Digital Rebel's 35mm film-based cousins, we are expanding the line-up of Digital Rebel SLRs, offering consumers a wider variety of features and price points based on their needs and budgets," said Yukiaki Hashimoto, a senior VP at Canon. "Even though we have increased the resolution, speed, responsiveness and energy efficiency on the new EOS Digital Rebel XT camera, we have decreased its size and weight, making it more comfortable to hold and use. Indeed, it is nearly three ounces lighter and more than a half-inch smaller than the original EOS Digital Rebel model."
Standard accessories in the EOS Rebel camera kits include a battery pack and charger, software, manuals, interface cables, neckstrap and a limited warranty. The EOS Digital Rebel XT camera will be offered in both the stylish brushed silver patina and the sleek Canon matte-black finish.
Inheriting many features from Canon's recently introduced EOS 20D "prosumer" SLR ($1,600), the EOS Digital Rebel XT Camera use of Canon's newly-developed, large single plate, high sensitivity, high resolution color CMOS imaging sensor technology. It can shoot up to 14 consecutive Large/Fine (8.0 megapixel) JPEGs, five RAW files, or four RAW + Large/Fine JPEGs at a rate of up to 3pfs. Comparatively, the original EOS Digital Rebel camera's smaller buffer permits bursts of only four Large/Fine (6.3 megapixel) JPEG or RAW frames at a rate of up to 2.5fps.
Other new features include user-selectable metering and AF modes, flash exposure compensation control, improved E-TTL II evaluative flash metering and as well as custom function control and a monochrome mode. It incorporates nine of the Custom Functions previously found on the EOS 20D model, including a set of programming options for the SET button/Cross keys, control over long exposure noise reduction; flash sync speed in AV mode; AF start from the shutter button or AE lock button; AF assist beam; mirror lockup; E-TTL II metering patterns, and shutter curtain sync.
The camera also features a USB 2.0 high-speed interface, reduces power consumption (and extends battery life) by approximately 35 percent, and uses the same lighter-weight NB-2LH battery pack used by the PowerShot S60 (as opposed to the larger BP-511A battery pack used by the original Digital Rebel model). While the NB-2LH battery and charger are included with the Digital Rebel XT camera, both a new vertical grip (BG-E3) that accepts up to two NB-2LH battery packs or six AA-sized batteries and an AC Adapter Kit (ACK700) for powering from an AC outlet, are available as optional accessories.
New Digital ELPH models
The Canon PowerShot SD400 and SD500 Digital ELPH are stylish compact models that are similar in name and size, but look quite different from each other and offer sensor resolutions of five and seven megapixels respectively. The lower resolution SD400 ($400) couples its imager with a 35 - 105mm equivalent 3x optical zoom lens, 2.0" LCD, optical viewfinder, SD/MMC storage, NTSC/PAL video output, USB 2.0 connectivity, and power from an NB-4L Lithium Ion rechargeable battery.
The PowerShot SD500 ($500) additionally includes a 37 - 111m equivalent lens a higher-capacity NB-3L Lithium Ion rechargeable battery. Both cameras offer a 60fps second movie mode at 320 x 240 pixel resolution (with a limite of one minute per clip) as well as a640 x 480 at 30 fps movie mode. Both cameras will ship in March.
PowerShot models demonstrated
Canon also demoed its previously announced PowerShot A510 and PowerShot A520 digital cameras. Named for their use of AA batteries, Canon's A-series digital cameras feature high image quality and offer comfortably placed controls; the new cameras are smaller and lighter than their predecessors, according to the company. Canon's 3.2 megapixel PowerShot A510 and 4.0 megapixel PowerShot A520 digital cameras feature a 4x optical zoom. The PowerShot A510 digital camera is currently available $200, while the PowerShot A520 digital camera will be in stores this March for $300.
